Lua Animation and Programming Guide for Schoolchildren
Even a schoolchild can learn how to make animation and write code. The task seems difficult, and it really is. But we are at school “Pixel” decided to prepare a simple tutorial that will help you understand the details and create a full-fledged dragon in Roblox Studio.
First, the theory: Roblox is an online platform designed to develop simple games. Its potential is revealed in conjunction with Roblox Studio, a special program where you can work with objects and objects of virtual worlds, edit them. Create a beautiful landscape, create transport and even build a full-fledged virtual ship – examples.
Today we suggest figuring out how to get a dragon in Roblox. A short and simple instruction will help us with this: even a beginner schoolchild can handle it. But we hasten to note that at least basic skills are desirable: if they are not there, it will be really difficult. However, it is definitely worth trying.
How to Make a Dragon in Roblox: Free Tutorial for Beginner Kids
The dragon is the symbol of 2024, so the choice of this conventional character can be considered not accidental. But we do not want to talk about this, but to tell what a schoolchild who is fond of gaming and modeling should do to create a digital mythical animal from scratch.
Step One: Preparation
First we need to download the program MagicaVoxel: it is designed for three-dimensional modeling. Its special feature is the ability to create voxel models, i.e. digital objects consisting of 3D pixels.
There is no need to pay for using MagicaVoxel animations and models, as well as other program tools: it is completely free.
Using the environment is quite simple: after downloading and installing, you need to launch it to immediately start working. We will see an area filled with voxels – the workspace. We have 3 tools available:
Attach is a tool and conditional function designed to create voxels.
Erase. This is a tool for removing unnecessary pixels.
Paint. The tool is designed for drawing.
Additionally, we can use various brushes: spherical, line-shaped, cubic, etc. And if necessary, you can adjust the size of the workspace.
What the MagicaVoxel interface looks like can be seen in the screenshot.
To the point: our dragon will consist of three sections. These are the head, body and tail. You will need to make them and duplicate them in Roblox, and also write the code to get the result.
We will save each section as a 3D model for later use in Roblox. To do this, you need to do the following:
Click on Export. The tab is located in the lower right part of the workspace.
Select obj.
Save a section as a 3D model.
Step two: drawing sections
You can learn how to create dragon parts by watching training videoIn it, the teacher of the Pixel school speaks simply about the complex and tells what tools to use.
In short, you will need:
Apply a cubic brush.
Start drawing and changing colors so that individual parts of the dragon are expressive. We will create the body, head and paws using green cubes, eyes and teeth – white, tongue – red.
Don't forget to save!
Step Three: Import into Roblox
To import our model into Roblox, we need to click on Import 3D and select the file. We have three, which corresponds to the number of sections created.
Using the editor, you will need to increase the size, duplicate individual parts of the body and harmoniously combine them.
Now we need to fix the model and rename the segments in the required order: from head to tail. We use the names D1–D7, as shown in the screenshot.
Step Four: Write a New Script
In order for the dragon mode we are creating to work in Roblox, we need code. It is clearly shown in the screenshot: just repeat it. You will have to work in the Workspace environment.
Here's what you need to know:
The following tools will help us in defining variables and an array: speed – a dragon speed determinator, TweenService – a tool for creating animation, and parts – a conditional storage with links to created sections;
We will need a local function moveDragon(). This is the basic component of our script, based on the while true do loop and making the dragon constantly move. Additionally, to iterate over the parts of the model in reverse order, we need to use for. This is another loop;
We need to program the movement. The condition is this: if the current part is the first one, i.e. I == 1, its position changes. The direction is generated randomly, for which we set the value of math.random to (-1, 1) in the code. The new position can be calculated by multiplying the current coordinates by 1.1 and adding the direction value multiplied by the given speed.
We would like to tell you more about the code and describe the following points:
Creating a motion animation. Without this, the dragon simulator in Roblox would be incomplete. For each part, you need to create a movement animation, which TweenService will help with. It will take the current and new positions, create the effect of full movement. Tween:Play() is responsible for starting the animation;
Waiting before the next step. After moving the parts, the script will wait for one second, which we programmed with wait(1). Thanks to this, we make the movement smooth and more realistic.
So, our dragon in Roblox is ready according to the free lesson! Be sure to tell us whether it worked out, whether it was difficult. If the text instruction seemed complicated, we recommend watching it again training video.
If the video didn't help, but you want to get acquainted with the topic of animation in Roblox Studio and better understand Lua programming in order to learn how to create your own game worlds, then we boldly recommend online courses in the following areas:
The lessons will help you learn how to use the Lua language and the capabilities of the Roblox and Roblox Studio programs correctly. The child will get closer to developing games and writing code, which will become the basis for successful entry into IT and further education.
Tell us, did you manage to make the dragon? Maybe you have already completed more complex projects?
