"The 1Bit Bulletin" – Retro newsletter vibe, simple and clear.

There’s something magical about 1-bit games. With only two colors—black and white—you can still create emotionally rich, visually striking, and mechanically tight experiences. These limitations force creativity, and modern engines like Godot make the process more accessible than ever.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to build a simple 1-bit game from scratch using Godot Engine. We’ll cover setup, pixel art prep, basic movement, and tips to preserve that retro vibe.

🧰 What You'll Need

Godot Engine (version 4+ recommended)
A pixel art editor (like Aseprite, Piskel, or Pixie)
A 1-bit tileset or sprite sheet (you can also draw your own)
Basic familiarity with game dev concepts (helpful but not required)

🛠️ Step 1: Set Up Your Godot Project

Open Godot and create a new project.
Name it something like OneBitTest and choose a folder.
Select 2D as your project template.
Hit Create & Edit.

Once inside, delete the default scene node and add a Node2D root node. Rename it to Game.

🎨 Step 2: Create a 1-Bit Look

a) Set the Project Theme to Monochrome

To make sure the art remains true to 1-bit:

Go to Project > Project Settings > Display > Window.
Set resolution to something classic like 320x240.
Enable stretch mode (to scale pixels).
Under Rendering > Environment, disable tone mapping and make sure no post-processing is active.

b) Import 1-Bit Art Assets

Use PNGs with only black and white colors.
In the Import dock, set:
- Filter = Off
- Compression Mode = Lossless
- Repeat = Disabled (for non-tiled art)

🧍 Step 3: Add a Player Character

Create a new Scene > Sprite2D. Call it Player.
Add a CollisionShape2D and a RectangleShape2D around your sprite.
Add a KinematicBody2D if you want movement (or CharacterBody2D in Godot 4).
Attach a script to handle movement:

gdscript
extends CharacterBody2D

@export var speed = 100

func _physics_process(delta):
	var input = Vector2.ZERO
	if Input.is_action_pressed("ui_right"): input.x += 1
	if Input.is_action_pressed("ui_left"): input.x -= 1
	if Input.is_action_pressed("ui_down"): input.y += 1
	if Input.is_action_pressed("ui_up"): input.y -= 1
	
	velocity = input.normalized() * speed
	move_and_slide()

Set up the input actions in Project > Input Map.

🧱 Step 4: Add a 1-Bit Tilemap

Create a TileMap node in your main scene.
Load your 1-bit tileset (16x16 tiles recommended).
In the TileSet panel:
- Create new tiles manually.
- Use Snap to make sure pixels align.

Keep your tiles pure black and white to preserve style.

🔲 Step 5: Keep It Authentic (Tips for Staying 1-Bit)

Resolution Discipline: Design for a small native resolution (like 160x144 or 320x240), then scale.
No Anti-Aliasing: Avoid gradients, glows, or transparency effects.
Strict Palette: Use only two colors—pure black and white. No grays.
UI Fonts: Use pixel or bitmap fonts to match the aesthetic.

🔊 Optional: Add 1-Bit Sounds

Classic 1-bit audio is more like square waves, beeps, and static. Use tools like:

Keep the sound design minimal, sharp, and nostalgic.

🧪 Step 6: Test & Iterate

Hit Play to test your game.
Adjust movement speed, sprite sizes, and camera zoom.
Add a Camera2D node and set it to follow the player.

📦 Export Your Game

When you're ready to share:

Go to Project > Export.
Add templates for HTML5, Windows, or Linux.
Export with pixel-perfect settings enabled.

🧠 Conclusion

Creating a 1-bit game isn’t about restrictions—it’s about making the most of simplicity. With only two colors, you’re forced to be thoughtful about every pixel and mechanic.

Using Godot as your engine lets you combine the power of modern dev tools with the nostalgic charm of monochrome design. Whether you're making a moody platformer or a puzzle game with eerie vibes, 1-bit is more than enough to capture a player's imagination.

✅ Next Steps

Try adding enemies and obstacles.
Build a small level using your tilemap.
Animate your player sprite with simple 2-frame animations.

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"The 1Bit Bulletin" – Retro newsletter vibe, simple and clear.