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How to Make an Adventure Game with Python

Build an interactive adventure game with the Python programming language.

Beginner
Workshop
Python

Written by

@billybob

on July 13, 2024

adventure game

How to Make an Adventure Game with Python

Welcome to the world of Python programming! In this guide, we'll walk you through creating a simple text-based adventure game step by step. No prior experience with Python is needed—just follow along, and you'll learn the basics of Python while making a fun project.

Introduction to Python

python

Python is a high-level, interpreted programming language known for its readability and simplicity. It's a great language for beginners. Here's a quick overview of some basic Python concepts:

  • Variables: Containers for storing data values.
  • Strings: Text enclosed in quotes.
  • Lists: Ordered collections of items.
  • Dictionaries: Collections of key-value pairs.
  • Functions: Blocks of reusable code that perform a specific task.
  • Conditional Statements: Code that executes based on certain conditions (if, elif, else).
  • Loops: Code that repeats (for, while).

Step 1: Setting Up the Initial Game Loop

First, let's set up the initial structure of our game. Open your code editor (e.g., VS Code) and create a new file named adventure_game.py.

def start_game(): print("Welcome to the Adventure Game!") print("You find yourself in a dark forest.") # Add the first choice function call here later # Start the game start_game()

In this code snippet, we define a function called start_game that prints a welcome message and sets the initial scene for the game. Functions help us organize our code into manageable sections. This makes the code easier to read and maintain. Additionally, functions allow us to reuse code and make our program modular, meaning we can easily go back and modify specific parts without affecting the entire program.

Step 2: Adding the First Choice

Next, we'll add the first choice the player can make in the game. This will be done using another function.

def start_game(): print("Welcome to the Adventure Game!") print("You find yourself in a dark forest.") first_choice() def first_choice(): print("Do you want to go left or right?") choice = input("Enter 'left' or 'right': ").lower() if choice == 'left': left_path() elif choice == 'right': right_path() else: print("Invalid choice. Please enter 'left' or 'right'.") first_choice() # Start the game start_game()

Here, we've created a new function called first_choice to handle the player's first decision. Inside this function, we use the input function to get input from the player, and the .lower() method ensures the input is lowercase, making the comparison case-insensitive. The if, elif, and else statements decide which path the game takes based on the player's input. If the player doesn't enter a valid choice, the function calls itself again to prompt for a valid input.

Step 3: Adding Paths

Now, let's define what happens when the player chooses a path. We'll create two new functions: left_path and right_path.

def start_game(): print("Welcome to the Adventure Game!") print("You find yourself in a dark forest.") first_choice() def first_choice(): print("Do you want to go left or right?") choice = input("Enter 'left' or 'right': ").lower() if choice == 'left': left_path() elif choice == 'right': right_path() else: print("Invalid choice. Please enter 'left' or 'right'.") first_choice() def left_path(): print("You walk left and find a river. Do you want to cross it?") choice = input("Enter 'yes' or 'no': ").lower() if choice == 'yes': cross_river() elif choice == 'no': start_game() else: print("Invalid choice. Please enter 'yes' or 'no'.") left_path() def right_path(): print("You walk right and encounter a wild animal. Do you want to run or fight?") choice = input("Enter 'run' or 'fight': ").lower() if choice == 'run': run_away() elif choice == 'fight': fight_animal() else: print("Invalid choice. Please enter 'run' or 'fight'.") right_path() # Start the game start_game()

In this step, we added two new functions, left_path and right_path, to handle the different paths the player can take. Each path has its own choices and consequences, handled by additional input and conditional statements. This modular approach makes it easier to read and maintain the code.

Step 4: Handling the Outcomes

Finally, let's define the outcomes based on the player's choices. We'll add three more functions: cross_river, run_away, and fight_animal.

def start_game(): print("Welcome to the Adventure Game!") print("You find yourself in a dark forest.") first_choice() def first_choice(): print("Do you want to go left or right?") choice = input("Enter 'left' or 'right': ").lower() if choice == 'left': left_path() elif choice == 'right': right_path() else: print("Invalid choice. Please enter 'left' or 'right'.") first_choice() def left_path(): print("You walk left and find a river. Do you want to cross it?") choice = input("Enter 'yes' or 'no': ").lower() if choice == 'yes': cross_river() elif choice == 'no': start_game() else: print("Invalid choice. Please enter 'yes' or 'no'.") left_path() def right_path(): print("You walk right and encounter a wild animal. Do you want to run or fight?") choice = input("Enter 'run' or 'fight': ").lower() if choice == 'run': run_away() elif choice == 'fight': fight_animal() else: print("Invalid choice. Please enter 'run' or 'fight'.") right_path() def cross_river(): print("You successfully cross the river and find a treasure. Congratulations, you win!") play_again() def run_away(): print("You run away safely and find yourself back at the start.") start_game() def fight_animal(): print("You bravely fight the animal, but unfortunately you are no match for its sharp claws, which tear you to shreds. You lose.") play_again() def play_again(): choice = input("Do you want to play again? Enter 'yes' or 'no': ").lower() if choice == 'yes': start_game() elif choice == 'no': print("Thanks for playing! Goodbye.") else: print("Invalid choice. Please enter 'yes' or 'no'.") play_again() # Start the game start_game()

In this final step, we defined three functions: cross_river, run_away, and fight_animal. Each function handles a specific outcome of the player's choices. The play_again function allows the player to restart the game or exit. This modular approach ensures that each part of the game is self-contained and easy to manage.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You've just created your first text-based adventure game in Python. This guide covered the basics of Python syntax and logic, and walked you through the process step by step. As you get more comfortable with Python, you can expand your game with more choices, complex paths, and even incorporate more advanced features.

Happy coding, and welcome to the world of Python programming!