What will I learn in the Souls-like controller tutorial?

You'll learn to build a complete 3D character controller with state machines, dodge rolling, lock-on targeting, combat animations, and camera systems—similar to Dark Souls or Elden Ring.

What version of Godot is used for the Souls-like tutorial?

This tutorial uses Godot 4.x and covers 3D game development concepts specific to the Godot 4 engine.

Is the Souls-like controller course beginner-friendly?

This is an intermediate-level course. You should be comfortable with GDScript basics and have some experience with Godot's node system before starting.

How long is the 3D Souls-like controller course?

The course includes 18 lessons and takes approximately 4-5 hours to complete when following along with the tutorials.

How do I make a Souls-like controller in Godot 4?

Build a Souls-like controller in Godot 4: 1) Use CharacterBody3D with weighted movement (acceleration/deceleration) for that deliberate feel. 2) Create a spring-arm camera rig with smooth rotation. 3) Implement a dodge roll with i-frames using a state machine. 4) Add lock-on targeting with strafe movement. 5) Use AnimationTree for smooth animation blending. The key is the 'weighty' movement that makes player choices feel meaningful.

Souls-like weight comes from: acceleration curves instead of instant movement, turning speed limits, animation-driven movement during attacks/rolls, and input delays during recovery. The player commits to actions rather than instantly changing direction.

Premium Quest

First 3 lessons free • No account needed

3D SOULS-LIKE CONTROLLER

Master third-person movement in Godot 4 with a state machine architecture that scales from walking to combat combos.

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Build professional third-person movement in Godot 4 with a state machine architecture that scales from walking to combat combos.

Scalable state machine architecture

Full combat system with combos

Professional third-person camera

~6 hours total19 chaptersGodot 4.3+

Live State Machine Preview

Idle

Walk

Run

Jump

Fall

Attack

Land

Final Result: What you'll build in this quest

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4 Phases to Mastery

Phase 1: I Built Something!

3 lessons

Phase 2: It Looks Professional

3 lessons

Phase 3: More Moves!

5 lessons

Phase 4: Combat!

8 lessons

Skills You'll Unlock

State Machine Architecture

Third-Person Camera

Input Buffering

Combat Combos

Animation Control

Physics Mastery

Quest Chapters

19 chapters in 4 phases

I Built Something!

Get a working state machine in under 45 minutes

State-based walking character

First Steps

5 min

Set up a CharacterBody3D with gravity and WASD movement in 5 minutes.

Win:Character moves and jumps!

State Machine Foundation

20 min

Build State.gd and StateMachine.gd, then see your character walk using states.

Win:State-based walking works!

Animation Setup

15 min

Import animations and set up AnimationTree for your character.

Win:Animations ready!

It Looks Professional

Add animations, camera, and polish

Animated third-person character

Idle State

20 min

Create IdleState with proper transitions. Watch your character come alive!

Win:Animated idle!

Walk State

15 min

Add walking with smooth animations and direction.

Win:Animated walking!

Camera Controller

15 min

Build an orbiting camera rig that follows your player smoothly.

Win:Orbiting camera!

More Moves!

Sprint, jump, and responsive controls

Complete movement system

Input Controller Part 1

20 min

Centralize inputs for cleaner code and better architecture.

Win:Clean input system!

Input Controller Part 2

15 min

Add input buffering for responsive, professional controls.

Win:Buffered inputs!

Run State

15 min

Add sprinting with smooth acceleration. Feel the speed!

Win:Sprint system!

Jump & Fall States

25 min

Proper jumping with gravity, air control, and landing detection.

Win:Vertical movement!

Landing State

15 min

Handle landing impact and recovery. Smoother state transitions.

Win:Polished landings!

Combat!

Attacks, combos, and damage

Full Souls-like combat

Basic Attack State

20 min

Your first attack! Play animation, lock movement, deal damage.

Win:First attack!

Attack Input Buffering

15 min

Queue attacks so combos feel consistent and deliberate.

Win:Buffered attacks!

3-Hit Combo System

20 min

Chain attacks into a satisfying 3-hit combo.

Win:Combat combos!

Dodge State

15 min

Add invincibility frames and quick repositioning.

Win:Dodge roll!

Hit Detection & Damage

15 min

Hitboxes, hurtboxes, and a damage pipeline.

Win:Damage system!

Hit Small State

12 min

Small hits that interrupt without breaking flow.

Win:Hit feedback!

Hit Big State

12 min

Heavy hit-stun and knockback for big impacts.

Win:Knockback!

Death State

15 min

Handle player death with animation, input lockout, and respawn.

Win:Death & respawn!

Is This Quest For You?

Perfect for you if:

You know basic GDScript (variables, functions, if statements)
You want to build Souls-like or action RPG movement
You're tired of spaghetti if-else code that breaks when you add features
You want to understand the WHY, not just copy-paste

Not for you if:

You've never opened Godot before (start with basics first)
You want a 5-minute copy/paste snippet
You need 2D or first-person movement (this is third-person 3D)
You expect someone to code it for you

Common Questions

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Ready to Master Third-Person Movement?

Join developers who've already built their Souls-like controller. All 19 chapters available now.

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All 19 chapters

State machine included

Combat system ready

Master third-person combat in Godot 4