godot-nodes-scenes

---
name: godot-nodes-scenes
description: >
license: Apache-2.0
---

# Godot Nodes & Scenes (4.x)

Compose games from nodes and scenes, instance them at runtime, and access the tree
without crashing on freed or missing nodes. Targets **Godot 4.7**.

## When to use

- Use when structuring `.tscn` scenes, choosing how to break a feature into nodes,
  instancing a `PackedScene` (bullets, enemies, UI), or setting up autoload singletons.
- Use when debugging `get_node()` / `$Path` returning `null`, or "Attempt to call on a
  previously freed instance".

**When _not_ to use:** GDScript language/syntax → `godot-gdscript`; signal-based
decoupling → `godot-signals-groups`; physics bodies/collisions → `godot-physics`.

## Core workflow

1. **Model with composition.** A scene is a tree of nodes saved as `.tscn`. Build small,
   single-purpose scenes (Player, Bullet, Enemy) and compose larger scenes from them.
   Favor adding child nodes over deep inheritance.
2. **Make a scene reusable** by giving its root a script and exposing `@export` config.
   Save it; it becomes a `PackedScene` you can instance many times.
3. **Instance at runtime** with `preload`/`load` → `scene.instantiate()` →
   `add_child(instance)`. Set position/state _after_ adding (or before, both work).
4. **Access nodes safely.** Use `@onready var x = $Path` for fixed children; use unique
   names (`%Name`) for nodes deep in the tree; never assume a node still exists.
5. **Use autoloads for global state/services** (game state, audio, scene switching) —
   registered in Project Settings > Globals (Autoload), accessible by name everywhere.
6. **Free nodes with `queue_free()`** and guard later access with `is_instance_valid()`.

## Patterns

### 1. Instance a scene at runtime

```gdscript
extends Node2D

const BULLET := preload("res://bullet.tscn")   # preload: loaded at compile time

func shoot(at: Vector2, dir: Vector2) -> void:
    var bullet := BULLET.instantiate()         # create an instance of the scene
    bullet.global_position = at
    bullet.direction = dir                      # set exported/public state
    add_child(bullet)                           # now it's in the tree and runs
```

### 2. Safe node access: $, get_node_or_null, and unique names

```gdscript
@onready var label: Label = $UI/Label            # $ is sugar for get_node("UI/Label")
@onready var health_bar: ProgressBar = %HealthBar # % = scene-unique name (rename-proof)

func update() -> void:
    var optional := get_node_or_null("Maybe/Missing")  # returns null instead of erroring
    if optional:
        optional.queue_free()
```

### 3. An autoload singleton (global game state)

```gdscript
# game_state.gd — add in Project Settings > Globals > Autoload as "GameState".
extends Node

var score := 0
signal score_changed(value: int)

func add_score(points: int) -> void:
    score += points
    score_changed.emit(score)         # any scene can: GameState.score_changed.connect(...)
```

### 4. Change the running scene

```gdscript
func go_to_level_2() -> void:
    # Swaps the current scene for another. Frees the old scene tree.
    get_tree().change_scene_to_file("res://levels/level_2.tscn")
    # Or, with a preloaded PackedScene:
    # get_tree().change_scene_to_packed(LEVEL_2)
```

## Pitfalls

- **`$Path` / `get_node()` return `null` or error** when the path is wrong or the node
  isn't in the tree yet. Use `@onready`, verify the path matches the scene, or use
  `get_node_or_null()` for optional nodes.
- **Renaming a node breaks `$Path`.** Use **unique names** (`%Name`, set via right-click
  > Access as Unique Name) so deep references survive renames and reparenting.
- **`free()` mid-frame can crash** other code still using the node. Prefer
  `queue_free()` (deletes at end of frame) and check `is_instance_valid(node)`.
- **Setting child state before `add_child()`** is fine, but `_ready()` on the child only
  runs _after_ it enters the tree — don't expect its `@onready` vars before that.
- **Autoload order matters**: autoloads are added before the main scene, in list order.
  An autoload can't depend on the main scene existing yet.
- **`instance()` was renamed** to `instantiate()` in Godot 4. `preload` runs at parse
  time (path must be constant); `load` runs at runtime (path can be a variable).
- **`change_scene_to_file()` is deferred**, not immediate — Godot swaps and frees the old
  scene at the end of the current frame. Any code after the call still runs against the _old_
  tree, and `get_tree().current_scene` isn't the new scene until next frame. Don't read the new
  scene's nodes on the same line; do it from the new scene's `_ready()`.

## References

- For scene inheritance, `owner`/ownership when saving scenes from code, groups vs
  unique names, and node-path edge cases, read `references/tree-and-instancing.md`.

## Related skills

- `godot-gdscript` — language, lifecycle, and `@onready`.
- `godot-signals-groups` — decouple instanced scenes from their spawner.
- `godot-resources` — share data between instances without duplicating it.
- `save-systems` — persist scene/game state across runs.