Learning Objectives

By the end of this tutorial, you will be able to: - Download and install the correct version of Godot 4 for your operating system. - Launch the Godot Project Manager and create a new project. - Identify the standard (non-.NET) build and explain when you’d need the .NET/C# build instead.

Overview

This short setup tutorial gets your development environment ready. Godot 4 ships as a single, small executable with no separate installer required, which makes it easy to run on lab machines and personal computers alike. You’ll create a project folder, open the editor for the first time, and confirm everything works before Lab 1. You’ll also set up an itch.io account now so publishing later is frictionless.

Steps

  1. Go to the Godot website and download the Godot 4 Standard build for your OS.
  2. Unzip and run the executable (no admin install required).
  3. In the Project Manager, create a new project with the Compatibility or Forward+ renderer and note the project folder location.
  4. Open the project and confirm the editor loads with an empty 2D scene.
  5. Create a free itch.io account. You can browse assets (lots of free options) or view hosted games for inspiration.

Deliverable / Completion Check

A new, empty Godot project that opens in the editor without errors, and a created itch.io account. Submit a screenshot of the open editor.