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How to start working in Construct 3

  • Writer: Filmushkin HD
    Filmushkin HD
  • Apr 4
  • 3 min read

A Warm Hello to All! Today we're diving into the wonderful world of Construct 3 - the most accessible game engine that lets you create games without writing code. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced developer looking for a visual alternative, this guide will show you exactly how to start working in Construct 3 and create your first game!



Construct 3
Construct 3

 

Why Choose Construct 3?

Before we jump in, let's understand why Construct 3 is so popular:✔ 100% web-based - works in any browser✔ No coding required - visual event system✔ Instant preview - see changes in real-time✔ HTML5 export - publish anywhere✔ Active community - 250,000+ developers

 

Getting Started: First Steps in Construct 3

1. Creating Your Account

  1. Go to construct.net

  2. Click "Try Now" (free version available)

  3. Choose a plan:

    • Free: Basic features, watermark

    • Personal ($9.99/month): Full features

    • Business ($99/year): Commercial use

Pro Tip: Start with the free version to test the engine!

2. Understanding the Interface

When you first open Construct 3, you'll see:

  1. Project Bar (left) - contains your game elements

  2. Layout View (center) - where you design levels

  3. Properties Panel (right) - adjust object settings

  4. Event Sheet (bottom) - game logic without code

 

Creating Your First Game: Platformer Example

Let's make a simple platformer in 7 easy steps:

Step 1: New Project

  1. Click "New Project"

  2. Choose "Platformer" template

  3. Name your project (e.g., "MyFirstGame")

Step 2: Adding a Player Character

  1. Right-click in Project Bar → "Add Object"

  2. Choose "Sprite"

  3. Draw or import your character

  4. Set "Solid" and "Platform" behaviors

Step 3: Building Your Level

  1. Add "Tilemap" object

  2. Paint platforms using the tile editor

  3. Set collision boundaries

Step 4: Adding Controls

  1. Open "Event Sheet"

  2. Add event: "Keyboard → Is Key Down" (Arrow keys)

  3. Add action: "Set Player Velocity"

Step 5: Adding Collectibles

  1. Create "Coin" sprite

  2. Add event: "Player collides with Coin"

  3. Add actions: "Destroy Coin" + "Add to Score"

Step 6: Testing Your Game

  1. Click "Play" (top toolbar)

  2. Test controls and collisions

  3. Adjust physics if needed

Step 7: Exporting

  1. Click "Export" → "HTML5"

  2. Choose export options

  3. Download ZIP and upload to web!

 

Advanced Features to Explore

Once you've mastered basics, try these powerful tools:

  1. Behaviors System - pre-made physics, pathfinding, etc.

  2. Effects - add shaders and visual filters

  3. Plugins - extend functionality (300+ available)

  4. Multiplayer - create online games

  5. Mobile Export - build APK/iOS packages

 

Optimization Tips for Better Performance

  1. Use sprite atlases - combine images

  2. Limit particle effects - they're performance-heavy

  3. Recycle objects - don't create/destroy constantly

  4. Compress audio - use .ogg format

  5. Test on mobile - check touch controls

 

Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Making projects too complex at first❌ Ignoring the event hierarchy❌ Not using behaviors properly❌ Forgetting to test frequently❌ Skipping the official tutorials

 

Learning Resources

  1. Official Tutorials (construct.net/en/tutorials)

  2. YouTube Channels - Scirra, ConstructGamer

  3. Community Forum - 50,000+ active members

  4. Game Templates - learn from ready projects

 

From Hobby to Career

Many successful games started in Construct 3:

  • "Don't Look Back" - 2M+ downloads

  • "Evo Explores" - featured by Apple

  • "Hyper Dash" - top .io game

You can:✔ Sell games on portals✔ Earn from ads✔ Offer development services✔ Create educational games

 

Final Checklist for Beginners

☑ Complete the basic tutorial☑ Make 3 simple test games☑ Join the Construct community☑ Experiment with different genres☑ Share your first creation online

 

FAQ

Q: Can I make 3D games in Construct 3?A: Only basic pseudo-3D effects - it's primarily a 2D engine.

Q: Is my game ownership protected?A: Yes, you own 100% of your creations.

Q: What computer specs do I need?A: Any modern PC/Mac with Chrome/Firefox will work.

 

 Now It's Your Turn! Construct 3 removes all barriers between your ideas and actual games. What will you create first? Share your progress in the comments!

 Found this guide helpful? Share with other aspiring developers! Let's grow the game dev community together. Happy creating!

 
 
 

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