Scratch Shooter Game with DIY Star OhEllieFun
Create a Scratch shooter game featuring a DIY star sprite; design the star, program shooting controls, and test gameplay to learn coding.
About this tutorial
Create a Scratch shooter game featuring a DIY star sprite; design the star, program shooting controls, and test gameplay to learn coding.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Open Scratch and create a new project to start a fresh game space.
- 2
Step 2
Delete the default cat sprite so you have a blank stage to work on.
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Step 3
Draw and color a DIY Star OhEllieFun sprite in the Paint Editor to be your player.
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Step 4
Create a small Bullet sprite in the Paint Editor that will act as your shot.
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Step 5
Add a Target sprite from the Sprite Library or draw one and place it somewhere on the stage.
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Step 6
Make a variable called Score for all sprites to count hits during the game.
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Step 7
Select the Star sprite and add code so the arrow keys move the star around the stage.
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Step 8
Add code to the Star so when the Space key is pressed it broadcasts a message called "shoot".
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Step 9
In the Bullet sprite add code so that when it receives "shoot" it creates a clone of itself.
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Step 10
In the Bullet sprite add code so that when I start as a clone the clone goes to the Star then moves forward until it touches the edge and then deletes itself.
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Step 11
In the Bullet sprite add code so that if a clone touches the Target it changes Score by 1 moves the Target to a random position and deletes the clone.
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Step 12
Click the green flag to playtest your game and adjust star speed bullet speed and target position until the game feels fun.
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Step 13
Share your finished Scratch shooter featuring DIY Star OhEllieFun on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do I create a Scratch shooter game with a DIY star sprite?
To create the Scratch Shooter Game with a DIY star sprite, start by drawing and importing a star costume or use Scratch’s paint editor to design it. Program controls: add scripts to move the star (arrow keys or mouse) and a “when space key pressed” block that creates a clone or broadcasts to shoot a projectile. Make the projectile sprite, set its direction and when it hits an enemy, delete the clone and change the score. Test, debug, then add sounds, lives, and levels.
What materials do I need for the Scratch shooter with a DIY star?
You’ll need a computer or tablet with Scratch (scratch.mit.edu) or the offline editor, a keyboard and mouse or touchscreen, and an internet connection to save/share projects. For the DIY star design, use paper, crayons or markers, scissors and a camera or scanner to digitize, or use Scratch’s paint tools. Optional: headphones for sound, printable templates, and a notebook for planning levels and controls.
What ages is this Scratch shooter activity suitable for?
This project fits children roughly 7–14 years old. Younger kids (5–7) can join with adult help for sprite design and simple scripts; older kids (10–14) can handle cloning, variables, and score systems independently. Tailor complexity: start with basic movement and shooting, then add enemies, lives, and levels as skills grow. Encourage pair work so beginners learn from peers and adults.
What are the benefits of making a Scratch shooter game with a DIY star?
Making a Scratch shooter teaches programming logic, sequencing, and debugging while boosting creativity through sprite design. Children practice problem-solving, basic math (coordinates and angles), and persistence when testing gameplay. It also supports collaboration and communication if worked on in pairs. Keep sessions short, review goals, and celebrate small wins to build confidence and make coding fun.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can I use if I don't have access to Scratch's Paint Editor or the Sprite Library to make the DIY Star OhEllieFun, Bullet, or Target?
If you can't use the Paint Editor or Sprite Library, upload PNG images you create in another drawing app for your DIY Star OhEllieFun, Bullet, and Target or pick similar built-in sprites and rename them to match the instructions.
Clones don't appear or bullets don't fire when I press Space — what should I check?
Ensure the Star's Space key script actually broadcasts "shoot", the Bullet has a "when I receive shoot" block that uses "create clone of myself", and the Bullet's "when I start as a clone" includes "go to Star" then movement and "delete this clone" so clones spawn and vanish correctly.
How can I adapt this game for younger or older kids?
For younger kids, make the Star bigger, slow down Star and Bullet speeds, and reduce target count, while for older kids add faster bullets, multiple Targets, level timers, and use the Score variable to create high-score challenges.
What are easy ways to enhance or personalize the shooter before sharing it on DIY.org?
Add sound effects with "play sound" when shooting or hitting a Target, give the Star and Target extra costumes for animations, create a "Lives" variable and game over screen, and tweak speeds and Target movement for replayability before sharing on DIY.org.