← Pixel Dreamer VFX Collection for Godot 4

Pixel Dreamer VFX Collection for Godot 4

Quick Start Guide · version 5.1 · 1,211 effects in 39 packs · Godot 4.3+ (tested in 4.7)

1. Install (1 minute)

Unzip, then open the folder in Godot and press F5: the effect browser starts. Click a name or use Up/Down, Space replays, C auto-cycles, drag to orbit, wheel to zoom.
To use the effects in your own game, copy the addons/pd_* folders you want plus addons/pd_vfx_tools into your project's addons folder.
Optional: also copy addons/pd_vfx_collection and enable Pixel Dreamer VFX Collection in Project > Project Settings > Plugins. A "VFX Collection" dock appears next to FileSystem with a preview of every effect.

2. Add an effect without code

Drag any .tscn from addons/<pack>/effects/ (or from the dock) into your 3D or 2D scene. Looping effects (fire, aura, rain) play on their own. One-shot effects (hit, explosion, cast) play when you call play(), or tick Play On Ready / set Repeat Every in the Inspector.

3. Add an effect from code

Every pack ships the same small helper, PDVFX (addons/pd_vfx_tools/pd_vfx_tools.gd). Copy-paste:

Spawn an effect where something happened

var fx = PDVFX.spawn(preload("res://addons/pd_vfx60_particles/effects_3d/Explosion.tscn"), self, hit_pos)

Make it bigger or smaller (scaling the node alone does not resize particles)

PDVFX.set_scale(fx, 2.0)

Tone it down (1.0 = original, 0.3 = calm and subtle)

PDVFX.set_intensity(fx, 0.4)

Tilt a camera-facing effect such as a slash (rotating the node does not turn billboards)

var slash = PDVFX.spawn(preload("res://addons/pd_japan_vfx/effects/Katana_Slash_White.tscn"), self, hit_pos)
PDVFX.set_angle(slash, 45.0)

Point an upward effect (fountain, geyser, sparks) at a target

var jet = PDVFX.spawn(preload("res://addons/pd_water_vfx/effects/Geyser_Aqua.tscn"), self, hit_pos)
PDVFX.aim(jet, target_pos)

Fire a projectile: cast, fly, hit - and react on impact

var bolt = PDVFX.spawn(preload("res://addons/pd_projectile_vfx/effects/Fireball_Orange.tscn"), self, hit_pos)
bolt.launch(target_pos + Vector3.UP)
bolt.hit.connect(func(at): print("hit at ", at))

Replay a one-shot effect

PDVFX.play(fx)

Speed it up or slow it down (1.0 = original)

PDVFX.set_speed(fx, 2.0)

Remove an effect: particles finish, the rest fades out over 0.5 s (looping effects never end on their own)

PDVFX.despawn(fx, 0.5)

Spawn a looping effect that removes itself after 3 seconds

var aura = PDVFX.spawn(preload("res://addons/pd_arcane_vfx/effects/Heal_Aura.tscn"), self, hit_pos, 1.0, 3.0)

Prepare effects behind a loading screen (no hitch on first use)

await PDVFX.warm_up([preload("res://addons/pd_vfx60_particles/effects_3d/Explosion.tscn")], self)

Performance

Measured with vfxcol_perf.py on a GeForce GT 630 (a 2012 entry-level GPU), Godot 4.7 Compatibility, 1280x720, vsync off, looping effects from different packs on screen at the same time: 10 effects = 4.8 ms per frame (208 fps) · 30 effects = 6.7 ms (148 fps) · 60 effects = 9.1 ms (110 fps). Your numbers depend on your GPU, resolution and effect mix.

FAQ

I scaled the node and the particles stayed the same size.

Godot particles live in world space and ignore the node's scale. Use PDVFX.set_scale(fx, s) - it fixes particles and billboards.

I rotated a slash and it still faces the same way.

Camera-facing sprites (billboards) ignore rotation. Use PDVFX.set_angle(fx, degrees).

I want something simple, not a big flashy effect.

Open the Essentials category in the browser (simple fireballs, small casts, lightning, heals), or call PDVFX.set_intensity(fx, 0.3-0.6).

How do I remove a looping effect?

Call PDVFX.despawn(fx, 0.5), or give PDVFX.spawn a lifetime in seconds. Looping effects never end on their own, and despawn is safe on an effect that is already gone.

An effect stutters the first time it plays.

Godot compiles the shader on first use. Call PDVFX.warm_up([...], self) behind a loading screen or a fade.

Which renderer?

Forward+, Mobile and Compatibility all work (tested in Godot 4.7, Compatibility). Web export works too - try the browser demo.

Can I use it in a commercial game?

Yes, in any personal or commercial project. Do not resell or redistribute the files as an asset pack.

Do I get new effects?

Yes. Updates are free - download the same file again from the store page.

Get Pixel Dreamer VFX Collection ($24.99)