How to Make a Flappy Bird Game on Scratch

To make a Flappy Bird game on Scratch, you can follow a step-by-step coding tutorial that guides you through creating a simple yet functional clone of the popular mobile game using Scratch's block-based programming environment. This beginner-friendly project is one of the most common ways to learn core programming concepts such as event handling, loops, collision detection, and motion control in how to create a flappy bird game on scratch. With free access to the Scratch platform at scratch.mit.edu, users can build, test, and share their own versions of Flappy Bird regardless of prior coding experience.

Understanding Scratch and Its Educational Value

Scratch is a visual programming language developed by the MIT Media Lab aimed at teaching children and beginners the fundamentals of computer science. Instead of writing traditional code, users drag and drop color-coded blocks that represent commands, making it intuitive for young learners or anyone new to programming. The platform supports creativity, logical thinking, and problem-solving—all essential skills in today’s digital world.

One of the reasons why projects like how to make your own flappy bird on scratch are so popular is because they combine fun gameplay with tangible learning outcomes. By building a working version of Flappy Bird, users gain hands-on experience with key programming constructs including:

• Event-driven programming (e.g., when space key is pressed)
• Conditional statements (if-then logic)
• Variables (to track score)
• Cloning (for generating pipes)
• Coordinate systems (managing sprite positions)

These foundational elements prepare learners for more advanced coding languages like Python or JavaScript later on.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Create a Flappy Bird Game on Scratch

Creating a Flappy Bird replica on Scratch involves designing sprites, setting up backgrounds, scripting character behavior, and implementing game mechanics. Below is a comprehensive walkthrough suitable for educators, students, or hobbyists interested in making a flappy bird clone using scratch blocks.

Step 1: Set Up Your Project

Go to scratch.mit.edu and sign in or create a free account. Click “Create” to start a new project. You’ll see a default cat sprite—this will be replaced with a bird.

Step 2: Choose or Draw the Bird Sprite

Delete the default cat by right-clicking it and selecting “delete.” Then click the paintbrush icon under “Choose a Sprite” to draw a simple bird shape, or search for “bird” in the sprite library. Alternatively, upload an image if allowed by your settings.

Name this sprite “Bird” for clarity. Resize it appropriately so it fits well against the backdrop.

Step 3: Add Obstacles (Pipes)

Click “Choose a Sprite” again and draw two rectangles—one pointing up, one down—to simulate the classic pipe obstacles. These should be aligned vertically with a gap in between where the bird must fly through.

You can use a single pipe sprite and duplicate it across the screen using cloning techniques in code. Make sure to assign a unique name like “Pipe” to help organize scripts.

Step 4: Code the Bird’s Movement

Select the Bird sprite and go to the Scripts tab. Begin with basic gravity and jump mechanics:

When [green flag] clicked
Set y to (0)
Set rotation style [left-right]
Forever
Change y by (-2)  // Simulates gravity
End

Now add flight response:

When [space] key pressed
Change y by (10)  // Makes bird flap upward

This creates a simple physics model where the bird constantly falls unless the player presses the spacebar to lift it temporarily.

Step 5: Generate Moving Pipes Using Clones

To create endless scrolling pipes, use Scratch’s clone feature. First, create a variable called “score” under the Data category.

On the Pipe sprite, write a script that generates clones at intervals:

When [green flag] clicked
Hide
Forever
Wait (2) seconds
Create clone of [myself]
End

Then, for the clone startup script:

When I start as a clone
Show
Go to x: (240) y: (pick random -100 to 100)
Repeat until <x position < -240>
Change x by (-4)
If <touching [Bird]?> then
Broadcast [Game Over]
Stop [this script]
End
End
Delete this clone

This ensures new pipes appear every two seconds from the right side of the screen and move leftward.

Step 6: Implement Scoring System

Add logic so the player earns points when passing a pipe. Use a sensor technique or check position relative to the bird.

When I start as a clone
Repeat until <x position < -240>
If <x position = 0> and <not touching [Bird]?> then
Change [score v] by (1)
End
Wait (0.1) seconds
End

This checks when the pipe crosses the center and awards a point if the bird survives.

Step 7: Add Game Over Conditions

The game should end if the bird hits a pipe or goes off-screen. On the Bird sprite:

Forever
If <touching color [green]?> or <y position < -180> or <y position > 180> then
Broadcast [Game Over]
Stop [all]

Create a broadcast message called “Game Over” that stops all scripts and displays a “Game Over” text sprite.

Step 8: Polish and Customize

Enhance your game with sound effects (like a flap noise or crash), background music, or animated sprites. You can also adjust difficulty by changing pipe frequency, speed, or gap size.

Consider adding a start screen and reset button to improve user experience. For example:

When [green flag] clicked
Show [Start Screen]
Wait until [space] key pressed
Hide [Start Screen]
Broadcast [Start Game]

This improves interactivity and mimics professional game design patterns.

Educational Benefits of Building Flappy Bird on Scratch

Beyond entertainment, recreating how to make a flappy bird game on scratch serves multiple educational purposes:

• Problem-Solving: Debugging errors teaches resilience and analytical thinking.
• Math Integration: Coordinates, randomness, and timing involve mathematical reasoning.
• Creative Expression: Students personalize graphics, sounds, and rules.
• Collaboration: Projects can be shared online for peer feedback.

Teachers often use this project in STEM curricula to introduce computational thinking without overwhelming students with syntax-heavy languages.

Tips for Success When Making a Flappy Bird Clone

To ensure your Scratch Flappy Bird works smoothly, consider these best practices:

Tips	Description
Test Frequently	Run the game after each major change to catch bugs early.
Use Comments	Add notes in scripts to explain what each block does.
Organize Sprites	Name sprites clearly (e.g., Bird, Pipe, Score Display).
Optimize Performance	Limited clones prevent lag; delete old ones promptly.
Encourage Creativity	Let users modify themes (e.g., spaceship instead of bird).

Common Challenges and Solutions

While following tutorials on how to build a flappy bird game using scratch, users may encounter issues:

• Pipe Clones Don’t Move: Ensure the “create clone” and “when I start as a clone” scripts are both present.
• Score Increments Incorrectly: Adjust the condition for scoring—avoid triggering multiple times per pipe.
• Bird Glitches Through Pipes: Check hitbox alignment; simplify collision to bounding box detection.
• Game Doesn’t Restart Properly: Reset variables and reposition sprites upon restart.

Solutions often lie in careful sequencing and resetting states during broadcasts.

Extending the Project: Beyond Basic Flappy Bird

Once the basic version works, challenge yourself with advanced features:

• Add high-score tracking using cloud variables (available to signed-in users).
• Introduce power-ups (e.g., temporary invincibility).
• Create multiple levels with increasing speed.
• Incorporate multiplayer modes via messaging.

These extensions deepen understanding of data persistence, event handling, and user interface design.

Why Flappy Bird Remains a Popular Coding Tutorial

Despite its simplicity, Flappy Bird captures attention due to its addictive gameplay and minimalistic design—qualities that translate well into educational contexts. The game requires precise timing and offers immediate feedback, mirroring real-world programming challenges where small adjustments have big impacts.

Moreover, the open nature of Scratch allows millions to explore variations of how to make a flappy bird on scratch step by step, fostering a global community of young coders who remix, improve, and share their versions freely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play my Flappy Bird game offline?

No, Scratch projects run in the browser and require internet access unless you download the desktop editor (Scratch Offline Editor), which allows local saving and execution.

Is Scratch safe for kids?

Yes, Scratch is designed for ages 8–16 and includes moderation tools and privacy protections. However, parental supervision is recommended when sharing projects publicly.

Can I export my Flappy Bird game to mobile?

Not directly. Scratch does not support app exports, but advanced users can recreate the game in platforms like Thunkable or use JavaScript ports.

Do I need to know coding to make Flappy Bird on Scratch?

No prior knowledge is needed. Tutorials and block-based logic make it accessible even for complete beginners.

How long does it take to make a Flappy Bird game on Scratch?

For beginners, expect 1–2 hours. Experienced users can finish in under 30 minutes depending on complexity and customization.