Building a Peer-to-Peer FPS with Godot Networking

Understanding Godot’s Networking Foundations

Godot Engine provides a versatile networking framework suitable for various multiplayer game architectures. Its high-level multiplayer API simplifies synchronizing game states across connected peers efficiently.

Among networking models, peer-to-peer (P2P) stands out for its decentralized communication, reducing reliance on a central server. Godot supports P2P connections through its WebSocket and low-level UDP APIs, enabling real-time data exchange critical for FPS gameplay.

Key Networking Concepts in Godot

Godot’s SceneTree manages networked nodes by assigning unique network IDs and synchronizing their state. The engine uses Remote Procedure Calls (RPCs) to transmit method calls and data between peers seamlessly.

Network synchronization modes—such as remote, master, and puppet—define node ownership and update flow, ensuring consistent game state across clients. Understanding these modes is vital for implementing a responsive multiplayer FPS.

Designing a Peer-to-Peer FPS Architecture

Creating an FPS game with P2P networking involves structuring the game to balance latency, consistency, and fairness. Each peer must handle local input, send updates to others, and reconcile incoming data to maintain gameplay integrity.

In Godot, the FPS player is typically a networked node with synchronized position, rotation, and actions. Input prediction and lag compensation techniques improve perceived responsiveness in player controls.

Role Distribution in Peer-to-Peer FPS

Unlike client-server models, P2P systems distribute authority across connected players. Each peer acts as both client and server, broadcasting their actions to others.

This arrangement requires conflict resolution strategies to avoid state divergence, such as timestamp ordering and authoritative input validation. Godot’s API facilitates these through custom RPCs and synchronized variables.

Security Considerations

In P2P FPS games, trust is a critical concern because every client can potentially manipulate the game state. Implementing verification mechanisms and limiting the impact of unauthorized actions helps maintain fairness.

Godot’s networking can be extended with encrypted data channels and input validation scripts to reduce cheating risks. Regular state checks and consensus protocols enhance trustworthiness among peers.

Implementing the Peer-to-Peer FPS Example in Godot

The implementation begins with setting up a networked scene containing the player, weapons, and environment nodes. Each player node manages its own input and broadcasts position and action updates to other peers.

Godot’s multiplayer API is initialized to enable P2P connections using ENet, which provides UDP-based reliable transport optimized for real-time games.

Scene Setup and Player Node

The player scene includes a KinematicBody for movement and a Camera for first-person perspective. Network synchronization scripts are attached to propagate movements and shooting actions.

Input is captured locally, with immediate application to the player character. Movement vectors and shooting events are sent through RPCs to other peers to update their representations.

Networking Code Structure

A NetworkManager singleton handles peer connections, packet dispatching, and player spawning. It listens for new connections and assigns network IDs, coordinating the P2P mesh.

RPC functions are defined for transmitting player transforms, health changes, and firing commands. These are labeled as rpc or rpc_unreliable depending on the importance of delivery assurance.

Sample RPC Method for Position Sync

“`gdscript
remote func sync_position(pos, rot):
if not is_network_master():
global_transform.origin = pos
global_transform.basis = Basis(rot)
“`

This method allows a non-master peer to update this player’s position and rotation based on data received from the authoritative peer. Using remote keyword, Godot dispatches this call over the network automatically.

Handling Latency and Prediction

To mitigate network delay effects, the system implements client-side prediction by extrapolating movement between received updates. Dead reckoning smooths out jitter caused by packet arrival inconsistencies.

Interpolation techniques are used to render other players’ movements fluidly, making gameplay feel natural. Godot’s built-in timers and synchronization signals assist in managing update timing.

Performance Metrics and Network Data Overview

Monitoring network performance is essential to optimize FPS responsiveness. Key metrics include packet loss, latency, and bandwidth usage, which influence user experience significantly.

Godot provides debugging tools and signals to track these parameters dynamically, enabling developers to adjust synchronization frequencies and payload sizes accordingly.

Adjusting tick rates and message aggregation balances network load with gameplay smoothness. Reducing update frequency for less important data conserves bandwidth.

Proper serialization of network data decreases packet size, further enhancing performance in congested networks. Godot’s custom serialization methods enable fine-grained control.

Extending the Example with Advanced Features

Further development includes adding voice chat over P2P channels, integrating custom matchmaking, and supporting NAT traversal for broader connectivity. Godot’s extensible architecture supports these enhancements.

Incorporating server fallback modes or hybrid P2P-client-server models can improve reliability and scalability for larger player counts. This hybrid approach combines the simplicity of P2P with centralized control benefits.

Voice Communication Implementation

Using WebRTC or UDP streams mapped into Godot AudioStreamPlayers enables real-time voice. Peers send audio buffers directly, synchronized with game state to create immersive experiences.

Voice data is prioritized and compressed to minimize latency and bandwidth consumption. Godot’s plugin system facilitates integration with external voice APIs.

Matchmaking and NAT Traversal

To connect peers behind routers, NAT punch-through techniques are necessary. Godot projects often implement STUN or TURN servers to establish direct P2P connections.

Matchmaking servers help peers discover each other and exchange connection data securely. This infrastructure complements the P2P FPS core with seamless session creation.

Last Updated : 21 July, 2025

Sandeep Bhandari

Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.