Genre: Horror

Expert blueprint for horror games balancing tension, atmosphere, and player agency.

NEVER Do

• NEVER maintain constant tension — Players get numb. Enforce “Relief” periods (safe rooms, calm music) between scares for sawtooth pacing.
• NEVER make AI instantly detect player — Instant detection feels unfair. Give AI 1-3s reaction time or “suspicion meter” before full aggro.
• NEVER make environments too dark — Darkness should obscure details, not navigation. Use rim lighting or weak flashlight.
• NEVER rely on jump scares alone — Jump scares lose effectiveness after 2-3 uses. Build dread through atmosphere and anticipation.
• NEVER give players too much power — Unlimited ammo/healing breaks horror. Scarcity creates tension (limited battery, health, ammo).

Available Scripts

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

predator_stalking_ai.gd

AI that stalks player while avoiding line-of-sight. Checks player view cone via dot product, retreats perpendicular when detected, maintains stalking distance.

Core Loop

1. Explore: Player navigates a threatening environment.
2. Sense: Player hears/sees signs of danger.
3. React: Player hides, runs, or fights (disempowered combat).
4. Survive: Player reaches safety or solves a puzzle.
5. Relief: Brief moment of calm before tension builds again.

Skill Chain

Architecture Overview

1. The Director System (Macro AI)

Controls the pacing of the game to prevent constant exhaustion.

# director.gd
extends Node

enum TensionState { BUILDUP, PEAK, RELIEF, QUIET }
var current_tension: float = 0.0
var player_stress_level: float = 0.0

func _process(delta: float) -> void:
    match current_tension_state:
        TensionState.BUILDUP:
            current_tension += 0.5 * delta
            if current_tension > 75.0:
                 trigger_event()
        TensionState.RELIEF:
            current_tension -= 2.0 * delta

func trigger_event() -> void:
    # Hints the Monster AI to check a room NEAR the player, not ON the player
    monster_ai.investigate_area(player.global_position + Vector3(randf(), 0, randf()) * 10)

2. Sensory Perception (Micro AI)

The monster’s actual senses.

# sensory_component.gd
extends Area3D

signal sound_heard(position: Vector3, volume: float)
signal player_spotted(position: Vector3)

func check_vision(target: Node3D) -> bool:
    var space_state = get_world_3d().direct_space_state
    var query = PhysicsRayQueryParameters3D.create(global_position, target.global_position)
    var result = space_state.intersect_ray(query)
    
    if result and result.collider == target:
        return true
    return false

3. Sanity / Stress System

Distorting the world based on fear.

# sanity_manager.gd
func update_sanity(amount: float) -> void:
    current_sanity = clamp(current_sanity + amount, 0.0, 100.0)
    # Effect: Camera Shake
    camera_shake_intensity = (100.0 - current_sanity) * 0.01
    # Effect: Audio Distortion
    audio_bus.get_effect(0).drive = (100.0 - current_sanity) * 0.05

Key Mechanics Implementation

Pacing (The Sawtooth Wave)

Horror needs peaks and valleys.

1. Safety: Save room.
2. Unease: Strange noise, lights flicker.
3. Dread: Monster is known to be close.
4. Terror: Chase sequence / Combat.
5. Relief: Escape to Safety.

The “Dual Brain” AI

• Director (All-knowing): Cheats to keep the alien relevant (teleports it closer if far away, guides it to player’s general area).
• Alien (Senses only): Honest AI. Must actually see/hear the player to attack.

Godot-Specific Tips

• Volumetric Fog: Use WorldEnvironment -> VolumetricFog for instant atmosphere. Animate density for dynamic dread.
• Light Occluder 2D: For 2D horror, shadow casting is essential.
• AudioBus: Use Reverb and LowPassFilter on the Master bus, controlled by scripts, to simulate “muffled” hearing when scared or hiding.
• AnimationTree: Use blend spaces to smooth transitions between “Sneak”, “Walk”, and “Run” animations.

Common Pitfalls

1. Constant Tension: Player gets numb. Fix: Enforce “Relief” periods where nothing happens.
2. Frustrating AI: AI sees player instantly. Fix: Give AI a “reaction time” or “suspicion meter” before full aggro.
3. Too Dark: Player can’t see anything. Fix: Darkness should obscure details, not navigation. Use rim lighting or a weak flashlight.

Reference

• Master Skill: godot-master