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

input_buffer.gd

Input buffering for responsive controls - buffers actions for 150ms to ensure tight game feel.

input_remapper

Runtime input rebinding with conflict detection and save/load persistence.

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()` = frame-rate dependent, causes input drops at low FPS.
• NEVER use hardcoded key checks (KEY_W, KEY_SPACE) — Use InputMap actions. Hardcoded keys = no rebinding, breaks non-QWERTY keyboards.
• NEVER ignore controller deadzones — Stick drift at 0.05 magnitude = character walks alone. ALWAYS implement Input.get_axis() with 0.15-0.2 deadzone.
• NEVER assume single input device — Player might switch keyboard → gamepad mid-session. Listen to Input.joy_connection_changed and update UI prompts dynamically.
• NEVER use //_input() for gameplay actions — _input() fires for ALL events (including UI). Use _unhandled_input() which only fires if UI didn't consume the event.
• NEVER forget input buffering for responsive controls — Player presses jump 50ms before landing? Without buffer, jump is lost. Buffer inputs for 100-150ms for tight game-feel.

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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
• user-interaction-testing — Input injection (GutInputSender + E2E), simulating controller/keyboard input in tests