How To Use the Powerful New Features Available in 0.11: Combination Codes

We’re breaking down how to implement some of 0.11’s most exciting features.

Welcome to our series highlighting new features in The Sandbox Game Maker 0.11 update.

The Sandbox Game Maker 0.11 is a versatile tool that enables creators to enhance player experiences through gameplay mechanics, introducing new layers of interactivity and engagement. In this three-part series, we’ll explain how to create fun games using social racing features, combination codes, and rotation, using concrete, step-by-step examples.

This article is part of a three-part series about using new tools in Game Maker. To read more, click one of the links below:

1. Social Racing
2. Combination Codes

In this article, we’re examining how to implement Combination Codes. This new feature can be used to implement an old-school save system, introduce unique enemy defeat mechanics, solve clues or puzzles, create new game modes, and more. Be sure to update to the latest version of Game Maker and read on to get started.

Combination Codes To Solve Clues or Puzzles

This setup creates a puzzle or hidden code mechanic in your game. The player must learn or figure out the code to unlock a reward or access a new area. It doesn’t have to be a chest — it could be a code for a locked door, a computer terminal, or any other interactive object.

🔧 How To Implement

This method is simple to set up and requires just a few steps. You’ll need a way for the player to find a clue or solve a puzzle — this could be the answer to a question or a code hidden throughout the level. In this example, we’re using a locked chest.

1/ Place a Chest Asset

• Add a chest asset and set up an animated decoration behavior. Set the message to play the open animation to something you will remember.
• Add a Trigger Volume to the chest that will send a message when the player gets close. Remember the message you set up.

2/ Set Up Your Clue or Puzzle

• Create a puzzle or clue. This could be the answer to a riddle, or in our case, a note hidden on a tree. Experiment with different methods.
• Set up a speaker that triggers when the player interacts or gets close, displaying the code needed to unlock the chest. The clue could be part of a riddle or a direct answer.

3/ Add a Spawn Asset Logic to Reward the Player

• Attach a Spawn Asset Behavior to a logic asset that spawns a reward (e.g., a sword) when the correct code is entered.
• Make sure the Spawn Message matches the message used to open the chest.

4/ Place a Combination Code Logic

• Position the Combination Code logic nearby and set the trigger message to the same one used when the player approaches the chest.
• Input the correct code or word as the solution in the box provided
• Set the Success Message to match the one that spawns the reward and opens the chest.
• A Failure Message is optional. If you want to add consequences for failing, you could damage the player’s health or trigger another event.

Combination Codes for Save Systems

The new Combination Code feature could function similarly to an old-school save system. Players receive codes they can input at the start of the game to continue from specific points.

This lets players skip tutorials on a second playthrough or revisit later levels and new areas once unlocked.

The Combination Code is a great option for an old-style save system, but it shouldn’t be used just for puzzles. Remember, the code is not unique — anyone who knows it can use it, just like classic game passwords.

Keep this in mind during system design.

🔧How To Implement

1/ Place an NPC or Object: Decide how the code will be given to the player. In this example, we’ll use a Non-Playable Character (NPC).

2/ Set Up the NPC:

• Add an interaction: Create a behavior for the NPC to give the code when the player interacts. Set the behavior type to “Interact” and choose the code to be given.
• No additional messages are needed.

3/ Place a Code Entry Object: Use an object, like a signpost, for code entry. Assign a Combination Code Behavior to the object.

4/ Enable Text Input:

• Check the option to use text input. Enter a prompt that asks the player to input the code to skip or continue.
• Add a memorable Success Message and leave the failure message blank if not needed.

5/ Set Up the Code: Input the code given by the NPC. Make sure it matches exactly.

6/ Create a Number Pad Asset: Assign a teleport behavior to the number pad. Link the Success Message from the Combination Code to trigger the teleport.

Upon receiving the code from the NPC, players can freely leave your game knowing when they return, they can interact with the signpost, input the code, and be teleported to the designated location. This will allow them to skip content or continue the experience.

💡 Design Considerations

• Visual Clarity: Ensure players know how to use the code and make the code entry point easy to recognize. Use a stylized and visible design that is hard for players to miss.
• Clear Explanation: Clearly explain how the code system works. Warn players that if they forget the code, they will need to replay the content.
• Not Unique: Remember that the code isn’t unique and can be shared. Players who know the code can use it, so design accordingly.
• Adding New Modes: Consider using a code system for unlocks, such as hard mode or extra content, after players finish the main experience.
• Rewards: Use the Combination Code as a reward. Players can return and unlock new content, but again, keep in mind that the code is not unique.

Combination Codes to Kill Enemies

The Combination Code can be used as a unique battle system within your game. Players run up to an enemy, and a code is displayed. They must quickly enter the code to defeat the enemy. If they enter it wrong or take too long, they die. You can add a timer to increase the challenge, making each encounter intense and fast-paced.

For more variety, you can set up spawners that generate random enemies on loading, each with different code messages, so every playthrough feels different.

🔧 How To Implement

1/ Set Up an NPC: Choose any asset to act as the enemy.

2/ Attach the Combination Code

• Create a code that will be used to defeat the enemy.
• Set a Success Message that will later be used to trigger the enemy’s defeat.
• Remember the Trigger Message for later use with the speaker.

3/ Add a Health Component

• Add a Health Component to the NPC and configure it to use the Success Message from the Combination Code to kill the enemy.

4/ Add a Speaker Component

• Attach a Speaker to the NPC and set it to display the Code Message.
• Increase the detection radius so the message appears when the player gets close.
• Configure the speaker to send the Trigger Message for the Combination Code.

5/ Player Interaction

• When the player approaches, the code will display. If they correctly input the code, the enemy dies.
• To kill the player on failure, set up a Message on the original spawn point’s Health Component. Link this to the Failure Message from the Combination Code.

6/ Add a Timer (Optional)

• Use the Rules System to create a timer that counts down once the enemy triggers the combination. This forces the player to input the code quickly.

7/ Random Enemy Spawns (Optional)

• To make encounters unpredictable, set up NPC spawners that create different enemies with unique Code Messages at the start of each playthrough.

💡 Design Considerations

• UI Issue: The Combination Code UI does not close when the player fails and dies. Until this is fixed, consider using a workaround, such as a Defeat Condition, to reset the UI.
• Visual Clarity: Make it clear how the battle system works. Include a simple tutorial to help players understand the mechanics.
• Movement Constraints: Since the Combination Code is a behavior, you cannot add enemy AI behavior to the same NPC. If you want enemies to move, you’ll need a different setup.

Combination Codes to Create New Game Modes

The Combination Code can be used to change or create new types of game modes. In this example, we use the Combination Code to make a simple racing game. Instead of racing with vehicles, players race to type the fastest.

This setup creates a loop where, when the car reaches the end of its path, it triggers a random number, displays a related banner, and initiates the code combination. Once successful, the car is destroyed, and the preset spawns a new car to repeat the cycle until the race ends.

🔧 How To Implement

This method requires a bit of extra work, but it can be adapted for other styles by combining code and gameplay elements.

1/ Place a Car Asset

• Place a car asset and add an advanced platform behavior to it.
• Set the speed and other parameters to your preferences.

2/ Set Up Arrival Message

• In the car’s “On Arrival” section, add a memorable message. This will trigger the random element later.
• Set the distance you want the car to move forward.

3/ Add a Spawn Point

• Place a Spawn Point at the center of the car.
• Link the Spawn Point to the car so they move together.
• Save the car and Spawn Point as a Preset.
• Attach a Message that will trigger upon a successful code combination.

4/ Attach a Health Component: Add a Health Component to the car and configure it to trigger destruction when the correct code combination is entered. This will simulate the car “dying” while a new one spawns and advances.

5/ Add a Spawn Point for Player Position

• Place a Spawn Point near where the player will stand.
• Set it to spawn when the car reaches its destination (triggered by the arrival message).

6/ Place a Trigger Volume

• Add a Trigger Volume that shows the code combination (this can be any code).
• Make sure the player is inside the Trigger Volume when it spawns.
• Set the “Enter” message to activate a Random Number Rule.

7/ Set Up Random Number Rule

• Choose the number of words you want the player to spell, then set up a rule to trigger based on the “Enter” message.

8/ Set Up Comparison Rules

• Create one comparison rule for each word the player should spell.
• For example, if the variable “X” equals one, trigger a message for word one.

9/ Create a Number Variable: Make a number variable for the random number roll, if not already set up.

10/ Create Text Variables: Make a text variable for each word you want the player to spell. For example, if there are five words, create five variables with each word listed.

11/ Set Up Banners

• Create a Banner for each word and link it to its corresponding variable.
• Each Banner should display its word and trigger the comparison rule messages.
• For instance, if the Random Variable equals 1, it sends a message to Banner 1.
• Set the Banner to close after about 0.2 seconds and trigger the code combination.

12/ Confirm Code Combination Success: Ensure that the code combination’s Success Message makes the car move forward.

⭐ Enhancements

To turn this into a multiplayer game, assign each player their own car and use the Tag System (available in Game Maker 0.11) to generate unique code combinations per player. This setup could create a simple, time-based multiplayer game.

Unleash Your Creativity With Game Maker 0.11

By strategically leveraging the new mechanics in Game Maker 0.11, you can add deeper interactivity and immersion to your creations. Whether you’re increasing the challenge of a platformer, designing a dynamic social racing experience, or using Combination Codes to enhance gameplay, these tools empower you to create richer, more engaging worlds.

Begin your journey with Game Maker 0.11 today and unlock the power to transform your gaming adventures in The Sandbox.