godot-input-handling

name	godot-input-handling
description	Expert patterns for input handling covering InputMap actions, InputEvent processing, controller support, rebinding, deadzones, and input buffering. Use when setting up player controls, implementing input systems, or adding gamepad/accessibility features. Keywords InputMap, InputEvent, gamepad, controller, rebinding, deadzone, input buffer.

Input Handling

Handle keyboard, mouse, gamepad, and touch input with proper buffering and accessibility support.

Available Scripts

advanced_input_buffer.gd

Frame-perfect input buffering system for responsive jumps, dashes, and combo chains.

safe_runtime_rebind.gd

Dynamic input rebinding with conflict detection, persistence, and multi-device support.

analog_deadzone_manager.gd

Radial deadzone management for analog sticks to eliminate drift while maintaining natural follow-through.

multi_touch_gestures.gd

Handling touch, drags, and pinch-to-zoom gestures for mobile and touchscreen compatibility.

input_echo_filter.gd

Filtering echo events to distinguish between hold-to-navigate (UI) and one-time gameplay actions.

mouse_capture_manager.gd

Robust mouse capture and sensitivity scaling logic for FPS and mouse-intensive systems.

hold_toggle_accessibility.gd

Software-side support for user-defined 'Hold' vs 'Toggle' accessibility preferences.

glyph_prompt_manager.gd

Real-time switching between Keyboard and Gamepad UI prompts based on the last active device.

action_state_machine.gd

Tracking the lifecycle of an action ('Just Pressed', 'Held', 'Released') for complex state logic.

unhandled_input_priority.gd

Demonstrating the correct use of _unhandled_input to prevent gameplay logic from leaking into UI.

MANDATORY - For Responsive Controls: Read input_buffer.gd before implementing jump/dash mechanics.

NEVER Do in Input Handling

• NEVER poll input in _process() for gameplay actions — Use _physics_process() or _unhandled_input(). _process() is frame-rate dependent, causing dropped inputs at low FPS [22].
• NEVER use hardcoded key checks (e.g., KEY_W) — Always use InputMap actions. Hardcoded keys prevent rebinding and break compatibility with non-QWERTY layouts [23].
• NEVER ignore analog stick deadzones — Drifting sticks at 0.05 magnitude will cause unintended movement. Implement a radial deadzone (not axial) in code or settings [24].
• NEVER assume a single input device — Players may switch between Keyboard and Controller mid-session. Use Input.joy_connection_changed to update UI prompts dynamically [25].
• NEVER use _input() for gameplay actions — _input() fires for ALL events (including UI). Use _unhandled_input() so gameplay logic doesn't trigger while clicking menus [26].
• NEVER omit input buffering in fast-paced games — If a player presses jump 50ms before landing, the input is lost without a buffer. Implement a 100-150ms buffer for a "tight" feel [27].
• NEVER use Input.is_action_pressed() for one-time triggers — It returns true every frame the key is held. Use _just_pressed for jumps, attacks, and toggles to avoid logic spam.
• NEVER implement manual 'Hold vs Toggle' logic in multiple places — Centralize it in a setting or input wrapper to ensure accessibility consistency across the whole game.
• NEVER forget to handle InputEvent.is_echo() in UI navigation — Echo events (keyboard repeat) should move menus but rarely should they trigger "Confirm" or "Back" actions.
• NEVER capture the mouse without a 'Release' shortcut — If your game crashes or blocks ui_cancel, the user is trapped. Always provide a fallback escape for mouse capture.

---

InputMap Actions

Setup: Project Settings → Input Map → Add action

# Check if action pressed this frame
if Input.is_action_just_pressed("jump"):
    jump()

# Check if action held
if Input.is_action_pressed("fire"):
    shoot()

# Check if action released
if Input.is_action_just_released("jump"):
    release_jump()

# Get axis (-1 to 1)
var direction := Input.get_axis("move_left", "move_right")

# Get vector
var input_vector := Input.get_vector("left", "right", "up", "down")

InputEvent Processing

func _input(event: InputEvent) -> void:
    if event is InputEventKey:
        if event.keycode == KEY_ESCAPE and event.pressed:
            pause_game()
    
    if event is InputEventMouseButton:
        if event.button_index == MOUSE_BUTTON_LEFT and event.pressed:
            click_position = event.position

Gamepad Support

# Detect controller connection
func _ready() -> void:
    Input.joy_connection_changed.connect(_on_joy_connection_changed)

func _on_joy_connection_changed(device: int, connected: bool) -> void:
    if connected:
        print("Controller ", device, " connected")

Reference

• Godot Docs: InputEvent

Related

• Master Skill: godot-master