Code a Coin Catcher Game in Scratch
Code a Coin Catcher game in Scratch by creating sprites, making falling coins, programming controls, scoring, and sound effects to practice logic and timing.
About this tutorial
Code a Coin Catcher game in Scratch by creating sprites, making falling coins, programming controls, scoring, and sound effects to practice logic and timing.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Open Scratch and start a new project so you have a blank stage to build your game.
- 2
Step 2
Remove the cat sprite and create or pick a catcher sprite and place it centered near the bottom of the stage.
- 3
Step 3
Add code to the catcher so it can move left and right using the arrow keys by making scripts that change x by 10 when the right arrow is pressed and change x by -10 when the left arrow is pressed.
- 4
Step 4
Create or choose a round coin sprite and make a bright coin costume so it is easy to see as it falls.
- 5
Step 5
Make a variable called Score for all sprites and add a script to set Score to 0 when the green flag is clicked.
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Step 6
On the coin sprite add a spawning script: when the green flag clicked hide then forever create clone of myself wait pick random 0.5 to 1.5 seconds.
- 7
Step 7
On the coin sprite add a clone script so each clone shows then goes to x pick random -200 to 200 y 180 then repeats moving down by a fall amount until it touches the catcher or goes below the stage then deletes itself.
- 8
Step 8
Inside the clone script add a check so if the coin touches the catcher it plays a popping sound changes Score by 1 and then deletes the clone.
- 9
Step 9
Create a variable called FallSpeed for all sprites set FallSpeed to 5 when the green flag is clicked and use change y by -FallSpeed in the clone falling loop.
- 10
Step 10
Add a tiny script to increase challenge by changing FallSpeed by 1 every time Score reaches 10 so the coins fall faster as you score more.
- 11
Step 11
Test your game by clicking the green flag and then tweak the coin spawn wait times sizes and FallSpeed until it feels fun and fair.
- 12
Step 12
Share your finished Coin Catcher game on DIY.org so everyone can see how you coded timing logic scoring and sound effects.
Fun facts
How do I code a Coin Catcher game in Scratch?
To build a Coin Catcher in Scratch, create a catcher sprite (basket or character) and a coin sprite. Make coins clone and fall by giving clones a random x position and lowering y until they reach the bottom, then delete. Program the catcher to move with arrow keys or the mouse. When the catcher touches a coin, change the score, play a sound, and delete the coin. Add speed increases and test thoroughly.
What materials do I need to code a Coin Catcher in Scratch?
All you need is a computer or tablet with internet (or the Scratch offline editor) and a keyboard and mouse or touchscreen. A free Scratch account lets you save projects. Use Scratch’s built-in sprites and sounds or simple image/audio files you create. Optional items include headphones, a printable checklist, and adult supervision for younger kids. No paid software or special hardware is required.
What ages is coding a Coin Catcher in Scratch suitable for?
Scratch coding is ideal for children about 7–12 to work independently; ages 5–7 can participate with adult help to read instructions and use the editor. Teens may extend the game with variables, multiple levels, and advanced logic. Adjust complexity: simpler controls and one coin type for younger kids, faster speeds and more clones for older children. Supervision helps with account setup and sharing.
What are the benefits, safety tips, or variations for a Scratch Coin Catcher game?
Building a Coin Catcher teaches sequencing, event handling, variables (score), and timing, boosting computational thinking and hand-eye coordination. It also practices testing and debugging. For safety, avoid personal details in project titles or comments and use child-appropriate account privacy settings. Variations include power-ups, moving obstacles, level progression, two-player mode, themed graphics, or adding sound effects and leaderboards for replay value.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use if we don't have a popping sound or a ready-made coin sprite?
Use Scratch's built-in 'pop' sound or record a quick microphone clip for the popping sound and draw a round coin with the Paint Editor to create the bright coin costume described in the instructions.
Why do clones sometimes not appear or the Score not increase, and how do I fix it?
Check that the coin's spawning script hides then forever creates clones, that each clone script starts with 'show' and 'go to x: (pick random -200 to 200) y: 180', that the clone's falling loop uses 'change y by -FallSpeed' and contains 'if touching catcher' to play the popping sound, change Score by 1, and delete the clone, and also confirm you set Score to 0 and FallSpeed to 5 when the green flag is clicked.
How can I adapt this Coin Catcher game for different ages?
For younger kids make the catcher wider and replace the arrow-key scripts with 'go to x: mouse x', increase the coin spawn wait to 1–2 seconds and lower FallSpeed (e.g., 2), while for older kids shorten waits, raise initial FallSpeed, keep arrow-key controls, and add more mechanics like multiple coin types or level logic.
What are simple ways to extend or personalize the game after it's working?
Add different coin costumes with unique point values and sizes, create a 'lives' variable or power-ups that appear as clones, increase FallSpeed by 1 at other Score thresholds besides 10 to make levels, and swap in custom sounds and backgrounds before sharing your finished Coin Catcher on DIY.org.