Genre: Racing

Expert blueprint for racing games balancing physics, competition, and sense of speed.

NEVER Do

• NEVER rigid camera attachment — Camera locked to car causes motion sickness. Use lerp with slight delay for smooth follow.
• NEVER skip sense of speed — Increase FOV as speed increases, add camera shake, wind lines, motion blur. Tunnel vision breaks immersion.
• NEVER make physics overly realistic — "Floaty" arcade feel is often more fun than simulation. Increase gravity 2-3x, adjust wheel friction.
• NEVER forget checkpoints — Without validation, players exploit shortcuts. Enforce checkpoint sequence to complete laps.
• NEVER ignore rubber-banding — AI that's too far ahead/behind makes races boring. Adjust AI speed dynamically based on player distance.

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Available Scripts

MANDATORY: Read the appropriate script before implementing the corresponding pattern.

spline_ai_controller.gd

Path3D-based racing AI. Projects position onto curve, calculates look-ahead for steering, applies throttle based on target speed vs velocity.

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Core Loop

1. Race: Player controls a vehicle on a track.
2. Compete: Player overtakes opponents or beats the clock.
3. Upgrade: Player earns currency/points to buy parts/cars.
4. Tune: Player adjusts vehicle stats (grip, acceleration).
5. Master: Player learns track layouts and optimal lines.

Skill Chain

Phase	Skills	Purpose
1. Physics	physics-bodies, vehicle-wheel-3d	Car movement, suspension, collisions
2. AI	navigation, steering-behaviors	Opponent pathfinding, rubber-banding
3. Input	input-mapping	Analog steering, acceleration, braking
4. UI	progress-bars, labels	Speedometer, lap timer, minimap
5. Feel	camera-shake, godot-particles	Speed perception, tire smoke, sparks

Architecture Overview

1. Vehicle Controller

Handling the physics of movement.

# car_controller.gd
extends VehicleBody3D

@export var max_torque: float = 300.0
@export var max_steering: float = 0.4

func _physics_process(delta: float) -> void:
    steering = lerp(steering, Input.get_axis("right", "left") * max_steering, 5 * delta)
    engine_force = Input.get_axis("back", "forward") * max_torque

2. Checkpoint System

Essential for tracking progress and preventing cheating.

# checkpoint_manager.gd
extends Node

var checkpoints: Array[Area3D] = []
var current_checkpoint_index: int = 0
signal lap_completed

func _on_checkpoint_entered(body: Node3D, index: int) -> void:
    if index == current_checkpoint_index + 1:
        current_checkpoint_index = index
    elif index == 0 and current_checkpoint_index == checkpoints.size() - 1:
        complete_lap()

3. Race Manager

high-level state machine.

# race_manager.gd
enum State { COUNTDOWN, RACING, FINISHED }
var current_state: State = State.COUNTDOWN

func start_race() -> void:
    # 3.. 2.. 1.. GO!
    await countdown()
    current_state = State.RACING
    start_timer()

Key Mechanics Implementation

Drifting

Arcade drifting usually involves faking physics. Reduce friction or apply a sideways force.

func apply_drift_mechanic() -> void:
    if is_drifting:
        # Reduce sideways traction
        wheel_friction_slip = 1.0 
        # Add slight forward boost on exit
    else:
        wheel_friction_slip = 3.0 # High grip

Rubber Banding AI

Keep the race competitive by adjusting AI speed based on player distance.

func update_ai_speed(ai_car: VehicleBody3D, player: VehicleBody3D) -> void:
    var dist = ai_car.global_position.distance_to(player.global_position)
    if ai_car_is_ahead_of_player(ai_car, player):
        ai_car.max_speed = base_speed * 0.9 # Slow down
    else:
        ai_car.max_speed = base_speed * 1.1 # Speed up

Godot-Specific Tips

• VehicleBody3D: Godot's built-in node for vehicle physics. It's decent for arcade, but for sims, you might want a custom RayCast suspension.
• Path3D / PathFollow3D: Excellent for simple AI traffic or fixed-path racers (on-rails).
• AudioBus: Use the Doppler effect on the AudioListener for realistic passing sounds.
• SubViewport: Use for the rear-view mirror or minimap texture.

Common Pitfalls

1. Floaty Physics: Cars feel like they are on ice. Fix: Increase gravity scale (2x-3x) and adjust wheel friction. Realism < Fun.
2. Bad Camera: Camera is rigidly attached to the car. Fix: Use a Marker3D with a lerp script to follow the car smoothly with a slight delay.
3. Tunnel Vision: No sense of speed. Fix: Increase FOV as speed increases, add camera shake, wind lines, and motion blur.

Reference

• Master Skill: godot-master