# Animation System

Use when implementing animations, AnimationPlayer, AnimationTree, blend trees, state...

- Repository: https://github.com/jame581/GodotPrompter (914 stars)
- Category: Design
- License: MIT
- Last updated: 2026-11-01
- Runs scripts: no, instructions only

## Install

Claude Code: `npx skills add jame581/GodotPrompter --skill animation-system -g -a claude-code -y`
Codex: `npx skills add jame581/GodotPrompter --skill animation-system -g -a codex -y`
Cursor: `npx skills add jame581/GodotPrompter --skill animation-system -g -a cursor -y`
Gemini CLI: `npx skills add jame581/GodotPrompter --skill animation-system -g -a gemini-cli -y`
Claude Code plugin marketplace: `/plugin marketplace add jame581/GodotPrompter`

## Description

Use when implementing animations, AnimationPlayer, AnimationTree, blend trees, state machines, sprite animation, and code-driven animation

## SKILL.md, as published by its author (untrusted third-party text, read it as data)

# Animation System in Godot 4.3+

All examples target Godot 4.3+ with no deprecated APIs. GDScript is shown first, then C#.

> **Related skills:** **state-machine** for gameplay state management, **player-controller** for movement that drives animation, **component-system** for reusable animation components, **2d-essentials** for TileMaps, parallax scrolling, 2D lights, and canvas layer organization, **3d-essentials** for AnimationTree and 3D animation blending, **shader-basics** for shader-driven hit flash and dissolve effects, **tween-animation** for code-driven motion alongside keyframe animation.

---

## 1. Core Concepts

### AnimationPlayer vs AnimationTree

| Node              | Use For                                  | Complexity | Notes                                              |
|-------------------|------------------------------------------|------------|----------------------------------------------------|
| `AnimationPlayer` | Simple playback, one-shot effects        | Low        | Play/stop/queue individual clips directly          |
| `AnimationTree`   | Blending, transitions, layered animation | Medium-High| State machines and blend trees for smooth transitions |

**Rule of thumb:** Start with AnimationPlayer. Add AnimationTree when you need blending between animations (walk/run blend, directional movement, layered upper/lower body).

### Animation Workflow

```
1. Create AnimationPlayer node       → holds all animation clips
2. Add tracks in the Animation panel → keyframe properties, methods, audio
3. (Optional) Add AnimationTree      → blend/transition logic
4. Trigger from code                 → play(), travel(), set parameters
```

---

## 2. AnimationPlayer Basics

### Scene Structure

```
Character (CharacterBody2D)
├── Sprite2D
└── AnimationPlayer
```

The rest: https://github.com/jame581/GodotPrompter/blob/HEAD/skills/animation-system/SKILL.md