Roblox Survival Game: Code Hunger, Shelter and Day-Night Cycles

Survival games challenge players to gather, build and plan to stay safe. In this eight-week course learners create their own kid-friendly survival game in Roblox Studio and learn the coding behind its core systems.

Learners begin by designing a survival setting, such as a deserted island, a snowy forest or a mysterious planet, and shaping the terrain. They then code a hunger meter that slowly drops over time and refills when players eat berries or fish. Next they build gathering systems where players collect wood, stone and food from resources that respawn after a while.

In the middle weeks learners add crafting, letting players combine materials into tools and shelter pieces, and they code a simple building system so players can place walls and a campfire. Learners then script a day-night cycle that changes lighting and gameplay, such as colder nights that require a campfire or shelter to stay warm. Danger comes from the environment, like storms and cold, rather than violent enemies.

In the final weeks learners balance the game so it feels challenging but fair and add a goal, such as surviving five days or building a rescue signal. Learners playtest together and present their games.

The teacher explains each system with diagrams and live coding. Basic Lua knowledge is helpful but not required.

How classes work

Each class introduces one survival system with live coding. Learners add it to their game and playtest with classmates to balance difficulty.

What we'll cover

• Week 1: Survival Setting – Design and shape the survival world.

• Week 2: Hunger Meter – Code hunger that drops and refills.

• Week 3: Gathering – Collect wood, stone and food that respawn.

• Week 4: Crafting – Combine materials into tools.

• Week 5: Shelter Building – Place walls and a campfire.

• Week 6: Day-Night Cycle – Change lighting and add cold nights.

• Week 7: Storms and Goals – Add weather danger and a survival goal.

• Week 8: Balance and Playtest – Tune difficulty and present the game.

Basic Roblox Studio navigation. Some Lua experience is helpful but not required.