Input Handling

Handle keyboard, mouse, gamepad, and touch input with proper buffering and accessibility support.

Available Scripts

advanced_input_buffer.gd

Frame-perfect input buffering system for responsive jumps, dashes, and combo chains.

safe_runtime_rebind.gd

Dynamic input rebinding with conflict detection, persistence, and multi-device support.

analog_deadzone_manager.gd

Radial deadzone management for analog sticks to eliminate drift while maintaining natural follow-through.

multi_touch_gestures.gd

Handling touch, drags, and pinch-to-zoom gestures for mobile and touchscreen compatibility.

input_echo_filter.gd

Filtering echo events to distinguish between hold-to-navigate (UI) and one-time gameplay actions.

mouse_capture_manager.gd

Robust mouse capture and sensitivity scaling logic for FPS and mouse-intensive systems.

hold_toggle_accessibility.gd

Software-side support for user-defined 'Hold' vs 'Toggle' accessibility preferences.

glyph_prompt_manager.gd

Real-time switching between Keyboard and Gamepad UI prompts based on the last active device.

action_state_machine.gd

Tracking the lifecycle of an action ('Just Pressed', 'Held', 'Released') for complex state logic.

unhandled_input_priority.gd

Demonstrating the correct use of _unhandled_input to prevent gameplay logic from leaking into UI.

MANDATORY - For Responsive Controls: Read input_buffer.gd before implementing jump/dash mechanics.

NEVER Do in Input Handling

NEVER poll input in _process() for gameplay actions — Use _physics_process() or _unhandled_input(). _process() is frame-rate dependent, causing dropped inputs at low FPS [22].
NEVER use hardcoded key checks (e.g., KEY_W) — Always use InputMap actions. Hardcoded keys prevent rebinding and break compatibility with non-QWERTY layouts [23].
NEVER ignore analog stick deadzones — Drifting sticks at 0.05 magnitude will cause unintended movement. Implement a radial deadzone (not axial) in code or settings [24].
NEVER assume a single input device — Players may switch between Keyboard and Controller mid-session. Use Input.joy_connection_changed to update UI prompts dynamically [25].
NEVER use _input() for gameplay actions — _input() fires for ALL events (including UI). Use _unhandled_input() so gameplay logic doesn't trigger while clicking menus [26].
NEVER omit input buffering in fast-paced games — If a player presses jump 50ms before landing, the input is lost without a buffer. Implement a 100-150ms buffer for a "tight" feel [27].
NEVER use Input.is_action_pressed() for one-time triggers — It returns true every frame the key is held. Use _just_pressed for jumps, attacks, and toggles to avoid logic spam.
NEVER implement manual 'Hold vs Toggle' logic in multiple places — Centralize it in a setting or input wrapper to ensure accessibility consistency across the whole game.
NEVER forget to handle InputEvent.is_echo() in UI navigation — Echo events (keyboard repeat) should move menus but rarely should they trigger "Confirm" or "Back" actions.
NEVER capture the mouse without a 'Release' shortcut — If your game crashes or blocks ui_cancel, the user is trapped. Always provide a fallback escape for mouse capture.

InputMap Actions

Setup: Project Settings → Input Map → Add action

# Check if action pressed this frame
if Input.is_action_just_pressed("jump"):
    jump()

# Check if action held
if Input.is_action_pressed("fire"):
    shoot()

# Check if action released
if Input.is_action_just_released("jump"):
    release_jump()

# Get axis (-1 to 1)
var direction := Input.get_axis("move_left", "move_right")

# Get vector
var input_vector := Input.get_vector("left", "right", "up", "down")

InputEvent Processing

func _input(event: InputEvent) -> void:
    if event is InputEventKey:
        if event.keycode == KEY_ESCAPE and event.pressed:
            pause_game()
    
    if event is InputEventMouseButton:
        if event.button_index == MOUSE_BUTTON_LEFT and event.pressed:
            click_position = event.position

Gamepad Support

# Detect controller connection
func _ready() -> void:
    Input.joy_connection_changed.connect(_on_joy_connection_changed)

func _on_joy_connection_changed(device: int, connected: bool) -> void:
    if connected:
        print("Controller ", device, " connected")

Reference

Godot Docs: InputEvent

Master Skill: godot-master

godot-input-handling