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Godot 4 Shaders

Craft Stunning Visuals

GameDev.tv Team and Kaan Alpar

Ever wondered how to make visuals that keep players’ eyes glued to the screen? The secret sauce is Shaders and we’re here to help you pour it all over your game.

We'll take you from "What’s a shader?" to "Check out this cool visual effect I made. " in no time.

Jumpstart your journey with programming in Godot’s own shading language, moving swiftly from the basics to the cooler, more complex spells of the shader world. (GDScript, who? It’s time to meet the cooler cousin. )

Read more

Ever wondered how to make visuals that keep players’ eyes glued to the screen? The secret sauce is Shaders and we’re here to help you pour it all over your game.

We'll take you from "What’s a shader?" to "Check out this cool visual effect I made. " in no time.

Jumpstart your journey with programming in Godot’s own shading language, moving swiftly from the basics to the cooler, more complex spells of the shader world. (GDScript, who? It’s time to meet the cooler cousin. )

Discover the magic behind fragment and vertex shaders in both 2D and 3D, and get hands-on with techniques that'll make your game scenes pop like never before.

And yes, we're diving deep into creating that mesmerising 3D water shader – because your games deserve to look spectacular.

This course is perfect if you’re familiar with Godot basics but itching to elevate your games from great to "Whoa, how did you do that?. "

Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in the game development arena for a while, if you dream of crafting visuals that tell a story beyond words, welcome aboard.

Feeling confused by shaders or making the switch from another engine? We've got you.

Dreaming of creating stunning visual effects or eager to understand and master shaders? Consider it done.

With just a sprinkle of Godot basics and a dash of enthusiasm, you're set to create something visually unforgettable.

You’ll get full lifetime access for a single one-off fee. The creators are qualified and experienced with modelling and coding, so are able to explain complex concepts clearly, as well as entertain along the way.

And you’ll get access to the Q&A where our Instructors, Teaching Assistants and Community are ready to help answer your questions and cheer on your success.

Join us and watch as your games transform with every line of code you write. Enrol now, your future games will thank you – and so will your players.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Dive into godot’s shading language to craft eye-popping visuals.
  • Start simple with shader basics, then cast complex visual spells.
  • Animate mind-blowing 2d and 3d effects using vertex and fragment shaders.
  • Conjure the ultimate 3d water effects that dazzle and delight.
  • Turn game scenes from flat to phat with advanced shader techniques.
  • Transform ordinary game visuals into extraordinary experiences.
  • Decode the mystique of shaders with hands-on practice and examples.
  • Elevate your games to art with visuals that tell a story beyond words.

Syllabus

Introduction & Setup

In this video (objectives)…

An overview of the course and its goals. Level of skill required to take the course.

Read more

In this video (objectives)…

Learn about Godot version that will be used and create the project.

In this video (objectives)…

We introduce the ways that you can get help, support and contribute to the community.

In this video (objectives)…

Any time we change our project during a lecture we will commit that change to a public source control repository for students to access. In this video, we show you how to access that content.

Shaders 101

In this video (objectives)…

Talking about the topics we are going to cover in this section.

In this video (objectives)…


Let’s learn what shaders are and also learn a little bit about how the GPU works.

In this video (objectives)…

Let’s dive into Godot and create our first shader!

In this video (objectives)…

Shading language data types.

In this video (objectives)…

Learning about built-in vector data types.

In this video (objectives)…

Swizzling allows you to get the values from a vector in any order you like.

In this video (objectives)…

We learn how to do flow control operations like the if statement and loops.

In this video (objectives)…

We learn the function syntax of the shading language.

In this video (objectives)…

Introducing the shader documentation.

In this video (objectives)…

Manipulating vertices with the built-in VERTEX variable.

In this video (objectives)…

Learning to animate vertices using the TIME variable.

In this video (objectives)…

Using the sin and cos functions to create more interesting animations.

In this video (objectives)…

Controlling the color output of the fragment shader.

In this video (objectives)…

Sampling a texture using the UV coordinates.

In this video (objectives)…

Uniforms are used to pass data into the shader from outside.

In this video (objectives)…

Passing parameters to uniforms from GDScript.

In this video (objectives)…

Wrapping up the shaders 101 section with some final thoughts.

Common Techniques

In this video (objectives)…

Download and open the section project.

In this video (objectives)…

Creating a scrolling background effect with a vertex shader.

In this video (objectives)…

Creating a flash or hurt effect using a fragment shader.

In this video (objectives)…

Learning how to transform colors into grayscale.

In this video (objectives)…

Mapping the colors of a gradient to a grayscale image.

In this video (objectives)…

Learning how to read the screen texture.

In this video (objectives)…

Creating a dissolve effect using a noise texture.

In this video (objectives)…

Using the alpha values of a texture as a mask.

In this video (objectives)…

Learning the texture scrolling technique.

In this video (objectives)…

Creating a full-screen distortion effect.

In this video (objectives)…

Wrapping up the 2D shaders section with some final thoughts.

Spatial Shaders

In this video (objectives)…

We learn how to use the MeshInstance3D node.

In this video (objectives)…

Learning how to set the color and alpha in a spatial shader.

In this video (objectives)…

Learning how to use textures in 3D.

In this video (objectives)…

Learning about the built-in PBR system of Godot.

In this video (objectives)…

Render modes allow you to customize the built-in functionality of shaders.

In this video (objectives)…

StandardMaterial3D is used for simple shading without writing a shader.

In this video (objectives)…

Learning how to manipulate vertices, this time in 3D.

In this video (objectives)…

We learn how to use the normal map built-in variable.

In this video (objectives)…

Scrolling two normals maps to create a water like effect.

In this video (objectives)…

Wrapping up the spatial shaders section with some final thoughts.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Provides hands-on experience with fragment and vertex shaders in both 2D and 3D, which are essential for creating visually appealing games
Teaches Godot's shading language, which allows for the creation of custom visual effects and enhances the overall aesthetic of games
Begins with shader basics and progresses to more complex visual effects, which allows learners to gradually build their skills and knowledge
Explores techniques for creating a 3D water shader, which is a common and visually impressive effect in many games
Requires familiarity with Godot basics, which may necessitate additional learning for those new to the Godot game engine
Uses Godot 4, so learners should ensure they are using the correct version of the engine to follow along with the course

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Save Godot 4 Shaders: Craft Stunning Visuals to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Godot 4 Shaders: Craft Stunning Visuals with these activities:
Review Godot Basics
Reinforce your understanding of Godot's fundamental concepts before diving into shaders. A solid foundation will make learning shaders much smoother.
Show steps
  • Review Godot's scene structure and node system.
  • Practice creating and manipulating basic game objects.
  • Familiarize yourself with GDScript syntax and common functions.
Read 'Godot Engine Game Development Projects'
Gain a broader understanding of game development in Godot to better contextualize shader usage. Seeing shaders in action within complete projects will enhance your learning.
View Godot 4 Game Development Projects: Build five... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Select a project from the book that interests you.
  • Follow the project instructions, paying attention to how shaders are integrated.
  • Experiment with modifying the shaders used in the project.
Shader Coding Challenges
Sharpen your shader coding skills through targeted practice. Regular coding challenges will reinforce your understanding of shader syntax and techniques.
Browse courses on Shaders
Show steps
  • Find online shader coding challenge resources (e.g., ShaderToy, Shadertune).
  • Attempt a challenge that focuses on a specific shader technique (e.g., noise generation, color manipulation).
  • Analyze the solutions provided by others to learn new approaches.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Shader Showcase Reel
Solidify your knowledge by creating a showcase reel of your best shader effects. This will force you to apply what you've learned in a creative and practical way.
Browse courses on Shaders
Show steps
  • Choose 3-5 shader effects you've created during the course.
  • Record short video clips demonstrating each effect.
  • Edit the clips together into a cohesive showcase reel with music and titles.
  • Share your reel online (e.g., YouTube, Vimeo) and solicit feedback.
Contribute to a Godot Shader Library
Deepen your understanding by contributing to an open-source Godot shader library. This will expose you to different coding styles and real-world shader applications.
Browse courses on Shaders
Show steps
  • Find an open-source Godot shader library on platforms like GitHub or GitLab.
  • Identify a shader effect you can improve or a new shader you can contribute.
  • Submit a pull request with your changes, following the library's contribution guidelines.
Read 'Real-Time Rendering'
Gain a deeper theoretical understanding of real-time rendering to enhance your shader creation abilities. This book provides the mathematical and algorithmic foundations for advanced shader techniques.
View Real-Time Rendering, Fourth Edition on Amazon
Show steps
  • Focus on chapters related to shading, lighting, and texturing.
  • Try to implement some of the algorithms described in the book using Godot shaders.
  • Compare your implementations with existing shader examples to identify areas for improvement.
Develop a Custom Water Shader
Challenge yourself by creating a custom water shader from scratch. This project will require you to apply all the concepts learned in the course and push your creative boundaries.
Show steps
  • Research different water rendering techniques (e.g., Gerstner waves, FFT-based simulation).
  • Implement a basic water surface using vertex displacement and normal mapping.
  • Add realistic lighting and reflections using environment maps or screen-space reflections.
  • Incorporate interactive elements, such as ripples caused by player movement.

Career center

Learners who complete Godot 4 Shaders: Craft Stunning Visuals will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Game Developer
A Game Developer creates video games across various platforms, and a key part of this process involves crafting the visual elements that engage players. This course on Godot shaders directly applies to the visual aspect of a game, teaching you how to make eye-catching effects. By learning to manipulate vertex and fragment shaders, animate 2D and 3D effects, and create impressive visuals like 3D water, you will be well-prepared to enhance the look and feel of your games. This course helps build a foundation for a career in game development. You will be able to elevate your work from good to great, all while working in Godot.
See salaries and explore the career path for Game Developer
Graphics Programmer
A Graphics Programmer specializes in creating and implementing the visual aspects of games and other software, using various programming tools. This course provides a strong foundation in shader programming using Godot's shading language. You will learn to create a wide array of visual effects, from basic manipulations of vertices and fragments to complex animations and 3D water simulations. Such experience will prove invaluable in a graphics programmer role since it gives you hands on experience with industry relevant tools and techniques. This course may be useful for those looking to build a foundation in the field of graphics programming.
See salaries and explore the career path for Graphics Programmer
Indie Game Developer
An Indie Game Developer is typically an entrepreneur, making their own video games. This course in Godot shaders is very useful to those who want to improve the quality of their video game. Those who know and understand shaders, and can manipulate them, have a great advantage over those who don't. This course will teach you how to do exactly that. You will learn to create a wide array of visual effects, from the most basic to the most complex. This course can help make your independent games stand out. This course may be useful for those interested in creating their own studio.
See salaries and explore the career path for Indie Game Developer
Technical Artist
A Technical Artist bridges the gap between artists and programmers, ensuring that the artistic vision of a game can be technically realized. This course helps build a strong foundation in the technical aspects of visual creation using shaders. The hands on work with fragment and vertex shaders in 2D and 3D, along with techniques for creating water effects, will teach you to bring the kind of artistry to games that is only possible with technical know-how. A Technical Artist, who knows shaders, is highly valuable to many video game studios. This course may be particularly useful for those looking to enter the game industry.
See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Artist
Game Designer
A Game Designer conceptualizes and creates the rules and systems that define a game. The game's visual appeal is a crucial component of its overall design, and this course provides the skills to enhance the visual side of a project. Knowing how shaders work, and being able to manipulate them, gives a game designer a better handle on how to create the appropriate aesthetic for their games. You will learn how to animate 2D and 3D effects and create unique visuals such as 3D water effects. A better understanding of such techniques ultimately helps build a better designed game. This course may be useful for those looking to enhance their game development knowledge.
See salaries and explore the career path for Game Designer
Visual Effects Artist
A Visual Effects Artist specializes in creating special effects for games and other media. This course will prove very valuable to those interested in this career. You will learn the fundaments of shaders and how to use them to create stunning visual effects including 3D water. You will be able to animate 2D and 3D effects using vertex and fragment shaders. This course may be useful for those looking to build a foundation for a career in visual effects.
See salaries and explore the career path for Visual Effects Artist
Simulation Developer
A Simulation Developer creates software that simulates real-world or fantastical environments for training, research, or entertainment purposes. This course may prove useful for simulation developers, as it covers shader programming. The ability to create stunning visual effects, like 3D water, is desirable for many simulated environments. Furthermore, the techniques taught in the course, which include manipulation of vertices and fragment shaders, can help create more realistic simulation environments. This course may be useful those looking to enter or advance in the field of simulation.
See salaries and explore the career path for Simulation Developer
Software Developer
A Software Developer is responsible for creating and maintaining software applications. This course can help build a foundation in graphics programming which is increasingly relevant in many fields of software development. You will learn to write shader code, manipulate vertices and fragments and create complex animations and effects, including 3D water effects. These skills can be valuable in areas of software development that require more sophisticated graphics or animations. This course may be useful for software developers wishing to expand their skill set in graphics.
See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer
Augmented Reality Developer
An Augmented Reality Developer creates applications that overlay digital content onto the real world. This course may be useful for an augmented reality developer, as it covers the fundamentals of shader programming. As AR applications may need performant graphics, a shader program is an ideal tool. You will learn how to manipulate vertices and fragments, and how to animate. You will also learn how to create a wide array of visual effects. This course may be useful for those looking to enhance their skills in the field of augmented reality development.
See salaries and explore the career path for Augmented Reality Developer
Virtual Reality Developer
A Virtual Reality Developer creates immersive digital experiences. This course provides a solid foundation in the shader programming skills needed for VR development. The ability to create stunning visuals, like 3D water, is a valuable skill for VR. As a virtual reality developer, you will be able to use techniques covered in this course to build high quality, performant graphics. This course may be useful for those looking to enter the field of virtual reality and build a foundation in visual design.
See salaries and explore the career path for Virtual Reality Developer
Interactive Media Developer
An Interactive Media Developer creates engaging and interactive digital experiences for various platforms, such as games, websites, and installations. This course introduces techniques that can help make these experiences stand out from the crowd. The skills in manipulating vertex and fragment shaders, and creating complex animations and effects, including 3D water shaders, can be valuable for interactive media developers who want to create rich and impressive visual experiences. This course may be useful for those looking to enter the field of interactive media.
See salaries and explore the career path for Interactive Media Developer
Motion Graphics Designer
A Motion Graphics Designer creates animated graphics for various media. Although this course is based on the Godot engine, the shader programming techniques one can learn here are transferable across platforms. This course teaches how to create complex 2D and 3D animations and effects using fragment and vertex shaders. The skills and knowledge gained can be very useful to motion graphics designers, as they'll be able to experiment and improve their mastery of visual effects. This course may be useful for those wishing to expand their understanding of graphics production.
See salaries and explore the career path for Motion Graphics Designer
Digital Artist
A Digital Artist uses digital tools to create various forms of art. This course may be useful to digital artists interested in learning how to use shader programming to create unique visuals. The skills to manipulate vertex and fragment shaders, to create 2D and 3D animations, and especially to create 3D water effects can be very useful in the creation of art. With the skills learned in this course, digital artists will be able to add a new dimension to their work. This course may be useful for building a foundation in a relevant skill set.
See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Artist
Web Developer
A Web Developer builds and maintains websites. While this course focuses on game development, understanding shader programming can be helpful in creating more advanced and visually appealing web experiences. The techniques taught in the course, such as fragment and vertex shader manipulation, as well as the creation of animations and visual effects, can be implemented into the web. Additionally, experience in Godot's shading language may be transferable to other areas of web development. This course may be useful in broadening a web developer's skill set.
See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer
Animator
An Animator creates moving images, often for games and films. This course may help animators who wish to broaden their skill set, teaching them how to create sophisticated visual effects with shaders. They'll have the opportunity to learn how to animate in 2D and 3D, using fragment and vertex shaders, along with tools for creating animations such as 3D water effects. This course may be useful for animators looking to branch into new or different kinds of projects.
See salaries and explore the career path for Animator

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Godot 4 Shaders: Craft Stunning Visuals.
Cover image
Godot 4 Game Development Projects
Save
Provides practical examples of game development in Godot, which can be helpful for understanding how shaders are used in real-world scenarios. It offers a project-based approach to learning Godot, which complements the course's focus on hands-on shader creation. While not directly about shaders, it provides valuable context and reinforces core Godot concepts. It useful reference for understanding the broader game development process within Godot.
Godot 4 Game Development Projects: Build five cross...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Real-Time Rendering
Save
Comprehensive resource on real-time rendering techniques, including the theory behind many shader effects. It provides a deeper understanding of the underlying principles of computer graphics. While it's more advanced than the course itself, it can be a valuable reference for those who want to delve deeper into the subject. It is commonly used as a textbook in computer graphics courses.
Real-Time Rendering, Fourth Edition
Hardcover
$$$
Real-Time Rendering
Hardcover
$$
Real-Time Rendering, Second Edition
Hardcover
$$
Real-Time Rendering, Fourth Edition
Kindle Edition
$$$

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Effort
5 total hours
Via
Udemy
Instructors
GameDev.tv Team
Kaan Alpar
Language
English
Good to know
Provides hands-on experience with fragment and vertex shaders in both 2D and 3D, which are essential for creating visually appealing games
Teaches Godot's shading language, which allows for the creation of custom visual effects and enhances the overall aesthetic of games
Begins with shader basics and progresses to more complex visual effects, which allows learners to gradually build their skills and knowledge
Explores techniques for creating a 3D water shader, which is a common and visually impressive effect in many games
Requires familiarity with Godot basics, which may necessitate additional learning for those new to the Godot game engine
Uses Godot 4, so learners should ensure they are using the correct version of the engine to follow along with the course
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