21 Best Pygame Project Ideas for Students: Easy to Advanced

People don’t tend to learn Python in three hours of reading about variables. You learn it by having something move. This is why game making is likely to be the easiest way to become at ease with the language. You type a few lines, click run and a character jumps around your screen. It’s weirdly addictive.

Some good pygame project ideas are perfect for assignments, portfolios and just practice. The same goes for learning loops and functions and OOP concepts – it doesn’t feel like homework and a game looks so much better on a resume than another calculator application.

In this post I’m going to give you pygame project ideas of every level, from beginner to harder ones that will challenge you. I’ll also give you some tips on how to use source code in a smart way so you will learn from it. 

Why Pygame Projects Are Useful for Students

Games are one of the most enjoyable things to do while learning Python especially if you are a student. Why pygame projects are worthwhile.

1. Easy to start, it’s free: You simply run pip install pygame and you’re good to go. No fancy software, no paid tools and it will run on virtually any laptop.

2. You learn real programming concepts: Loops, Functions, Classes, and Event Handling all appear. You are not just memorizing, you’re actually utilizing it.

3. You see results fast: You write some code, you run it, something appears on the screen. Then you have that instant feedback and it keeps you motivated, particularly when you’re bugged at midnight!

4. It makes debugging less boring: If your character goes through the floor then you know what you did and where to find it. It’s a good exercise to become better at correcting mistakes.

5. It looks good in a portfolio: A working game demonstrates that you can complete a game and it looks good to employers and teachers. That’s more than just watching a list of tutorials.

What You Need Before Starting These Pygame Project Ideas

Fear not, it takes little to get started. Before you get into these pygame project ideas here is a little checklist.

1. Python installed: Download the newest version from python.org. If you can use the python –version command in your terminal, and get a number out of it, you’re in good shape.

2. Pygame itself: Type pip install pygame and wait a couple seconds. If it throws an error, make sure to first update pip.

3. Basic Python knowledge: Knowledge of basic python, including variables, loops and functions. It is not necessary that you be an expert, but comfortable enough to read your own code.

4. A code editor: VS Code and PyCharm are good options. Choose one and then use it; don’t be tempted to change tools.

5. A simple project folder: Create one folder for your game, and a separate folder for images and sounds. I can assure you it will save you from a big mess later.

Also Read: Want to explore more than just games? Check out our guide on computer science project ideas for more topics you can build and submit.

Best Pygame Project Ideas for Beginners

For those who are just beginning, these pygame project ideas are designed to be completed within a weekend’s time but offer much in terms of learning. Choose one that sounds enjoyable and just go for it.

1. Snake Game

The first game to play is the classic Snake for a reason. The game is that you play a snake that grows to its length as you feed it food, and you lose the game if you touch the walls or yourself. Easy to construct, but will give you valuable experience in moving, colliding, and scoring in one compact project.

Tools Used:

• Python
• Pygame
• random module
• VS Code

Learning Outcomes:

• Handling keyboard input
• Utilizing the list to keep track of the snake’s body
• Detecting collisions

Source Code:Snake game on GitHub

2. Pong

Pong is a game similar to ping-pong that is played with two players and a ball bouncing back and forth over two paddles. Each player plays a paddle up and down to maintain the ball in play and a score is made when the other side fails to keep the ball in play. A fantastic way to learn about how the ball speed, bouncing and simple collision detection really works.

Tools Used:

• Python
• Pygame
• pygame.Rect

Learning Outcomes:

• To move objects quickly and in a direction
• Rect-based collision detection
• The score can be displayed on a screen.

Source Code:Pong game on GitHub

3. Tic-Tac-Toe

Tic-Tac-Toe on a 3×3 grid is great for something quick. Players take turns to place X or O in the squares and the game is checked for a winner after each player’s turn. It can even be made to include an easy computer opponent later, once the basic version is working well.

Tools Used:

• Python
• Pygame
• Mouse events
• Basic drawing functions

Learning Outcomes:

• Handling mouse clicks
• Using lists with 2 dimensions
• Writing win-checking logic

Source Code:Tic-Tac-Toe on GitHub

4. Flappy Bird Clone

This is a well-known one. Gravity brings a bird down and pressing a key will make it flap between pipes. The pipes continue to run in from the right and if the player makes a mistake, the run is over. It seems to be a difficult problem, but it can be solved relatively easily by dividing into smaller parts.

Tools Used:

• Python
• Pygame
• Free sprite images
• random module

Learning Outcomes:

• Adding gravity and jump logic
• Generating obstacles randomly
• Utilising sprites and images

Source Code:Flappy Bird clone on GitHub

5. Memory Card Matching Game

You pick up the cards and match them up; the game ends when all the pairs are matched. It’s a little break from the fast action games and it’s a chance to get some practice with lists, images and timing. With the addition of a counter, it’s a proper little game.

Tools Used:

• Python
• Pygame
• random.shuffle()
• Image files

Learning Outcomes:

• Using lists to shuffle and store data.
• Tracking game state
• Timer and delays are used

Source Code:Memory game on GitHub

6. Catch the Falling Objects

The bottom of the screen is filled with a basket, and you have to move the basket up and down to collect objects falling from above. Miss too many and it’s “game over”. Very beginner friendly and can make it more fun by adding bad items that will cost you points.

Tools Used:

• Python
• Pygame
• Sprite groups
• Sound effects (optional)

Learning Outcomes:

• Each object can be spawning for a long time.
• Using sprite groups
• Adding lives and scoring

Source Code:Catch game on GitHub

7. Quiz Game

Create a basic quiz with questions displayed on the screen and the player clicks on an answer. Game scores and displays the final result at the end. It’s not as action packed as other games, but rather more about text, buttons and logic; which means it’s a great choice if you prefer games without the action.

Tools Used:

• Python
• Pygame
• pygame.font
• Dictionaries or JSON

Learning Outcomes:

• Create buttons and text.Create buttons and text.
• Create data structures to store questions
• Creating several game screens

Source Code:Quiz game on GitHub

Intermediate Pygame Project Ideas for Students

After a couple of the easier games, it’s time to go on to something a bit bigger. These pygame project ideas require a bit more planning but are great to include in your class projects and portfolio.

8. Space Invaders Clone

You are the captain of a ship in the bottom of the screen and shoot waves of aliens descending from above. The waves speed up a little with each throw and you lose if they hit you. Very cool learning exercise to get comfortable with lots of moving objects without your code becoming spaghetti code.

Tools Used:

• Python
• Pygame
• Sprite groups
• Sound effects

Learning Outcomes:

• Dealing with numerous enemies and bullets
• Crafting animation and objects
• Progressive level of difficulty

Source Code:Space Invaders on GitHub

9. Breakout (Brick Breaker)

The object is to move a paddle around to keep a ball alive and to break a wall of bricks. Remove all of the bricks and you win. The challenge is getting the ball to bounce naturally, and that’s where you will learn the most.

Tools Used:

• Python
• Pygame
• pygame.Rect
• Level layout lists

Learning Outcomes:

• Interactions between ball and paddle.
• The ability to create levels from lists.Creating levels from lists.
• Adding lives/power-ups

Source Code:Breakout game on GitHub

10. 2D Platformer

Think Mario, but much smaller. Your character is running, jumping on platforms, picking up coins and avoiding enemies. It takes a little longer to design and construct, but can be one of the most impressive projects to show off. Begin on the first level and work up to it.

Tools Used:

• Python
• Pygame
• Implementing tiled map editor (optional)
• Free sprite sheets

Learning Outcomes:

• The concepts of gravity and jumping mechanics.Mechanics of jumps and gravity.
• Platform collision detection
• Scrolling camera basics

Source Code:2D platformer on GitHub

11. Car Racing Game

Here, you drive a car through a road, avoiding the increasing speed of vehicles along the road. It is easy to get started and can include a high score table, fuel etc. The scrolling road effect is pretty neat and is pretty easy to do as well.

Tools Used:

• Python
• Pygame
• Car and road images
• random module

Learning Outcomes:

• Creating scrolling backgrounds
• Fixed and eliminated spawning areas and barriers.
• Saving high scores to a file

Source Code:Car racing game on GitHub

12. Minesweeper

Click on the tiles to show numbers to help guess where hidden mines are. Mark the mines, remove them and you collect the winnings. A lack of fancy graphics, but good logic for some of it especially for opening neighbors automatically when empty tiles are placed.

Tools Used:

• Python
• Pygame
• 2D lists
• Mouse events

Learning Outcomes:

• Working with grids
• Using recursion or flood fill
• Left and right click on the mouse.Left right click of mouse

Source Code:Minesweeper on GitHub

13. Chess Game

Chess is a daunting prospect but can be developed in stages. Begin by drawing the board and pieces and then add rules of movement one piece at a time. Don’t initially fear an AI opponent. It’s already a pretty good project for any assignment with two players.

Tools Used:

• Python
• Pygame
• Piece images
• Classes for each piece.Classes for each piece.

Learning Outcomes:

• Organizing code with classes
• Rules for validating moves while writing.
• Knowing when and what turns to expect during the game.

Source Code:Chess game on GitHub

14. Checkers

If chess is too challenging, then checkers is a good option. Pieces can move diagonally and jump over opponents and become kings when they reach the end of the board. The rules are a bit more straightforward so you can concentrate on getting the logic correct, and perhaps add a simple computer opponent.

Tools Used:

• Python
• Pygame
• 2D board list
• Mouse events

Learning Outcomes:

• Working on selection and movement of pieces
• Writing jump/capture logic
• Detecting win conditions

Source Code:Checkers game on GitHub

Advanced Pygame Project Ideas to Level Up Your Skills

Looking for a serious test? These pygame project ideas are advanced, and may be a tad messy at times, but even one or two of these will make your portfolio really pop. Slowly and slowly, incrementally construct them.

15. Tower Defense Game

Enemies are walking on a path and you are to place towers to block them from getting to your base. Money is made for every kill and invested in better towers. Well, it seems simple, but balancing and managing waves, targeting and upgrades are where things get interesting.

Tools Used:

• Python
• Pygame
• Sprite groups
• Tiled map editor

Learning Outcomes:

• Pathing Agents and Wave Systems.Enemy pathing & wave systems.
• Tower targeting logic
• Control of finances and improvements.

Source Code:Tower defense on GitHub

16. Roguelike Dungeon Crawler

You wander through randomly generated dungeons, battle monsters and collect loot. You will reset to the original map each time you die. Random level generation is fun, makes the game different every time played, which is good for replay value.

Tools Used:

• Python
• Pygame
• random module
• Tile graphics

Learning Outcomes:

• Procedural map generation
• The combat is turn-based or real-time
• Creating an inventory system

Source Code:Roguelike on GitHub

17. Multiplayer Game Using Sockets

Two players playing the same game simultaneously on two separate computers. One is the server, one is the client and they pass moves to each other. Play something simple such as Pong or Tic-Tac-Toe. Networking can be stressful, but it’s a great feeling when it all goes well.

Tools Used:

• Python
• Pygame
• socket module
• threading or pickle

Learning Outcomes:

• Client-server basics
• Transferring and synchronizing game information.
• Dealing with delays and disconnection

Source Code:Multiplayer game on GitHub

18. AI Pathfinding Game (A* Algorithm)

Create a grid with walls, and observe an enemy or character take the shortest route to a goal. Allow the player to draw walls and observe the path in real time. A wonderful method to bring a terrifying algorithm from class to life.

Tools Used:

• Python
• Pygame
• heapq module
• Grid-based map

Learning Outcomes:

• To learn about how A* actually works.
• Using priority queues
• Visualizing algorithms by steps

Source Code:A* pathfinding on GitHub

19. Physics Simulation Sandbox

Droppings of balls, boxes, and shapes onto the screen will bounce, stack and roll around. A library such as Pymunk can be used to deal with the heavy mathematics. It’s more of a game than a toy, but people enjoy playing with these for too long.

Tools Used:

• Python
• Pygame
• Pymunk
• Mouse events

Learning Outcomes:

• The fundamental concepts of 2D physical games engines.
• Collisions, friction and gravity
• Allowing the user to manipulate objects

Source Code:Physics sandbox on GitHub

20. Platformer with Level Editor

Now get the 2D platformer concept and add an extra dimension to that and create your own level editor. Tiles, enemies, and coins are put in place using the mouse, the level is saved, and it is played immediately. Takes a lot of effort, but demonstrates some serious skills!

Tools Used:

• Python
• Pygame
• JSON files
• Tile images

Learning Outcomes:

• Saving and loading levels of information.
• Creating simple editor tools.
• Separating game logic from data

Source Code:Level editor on GitHub

21. Particle Effects and Shooter Game

Create a top down shooter and add the finishing touches of particles, screen shake and explosions. You are hunted by enemies, shoot back at them and things look so cool with a few effects. These little details add to the professionalism of a game rather than making it simple.

Tools Used:

• Python
• Pygame
• Vector math (pygame.math.Vector2)
• Sound effects

Learning Outcomes:

• Players use the vectors to move and aim.Aiming and moving with the vectors.
• Creating particle systems
• Attaching game “juices” and “polishes”

Source Code:Top-down shooter on GitHub

How to Choose the Right Pygame Project Ideas

It can be difficult to select a project, difficult to find a project, and difficult to choose a project. Here are some simple ideas on how to choose the pygame project that’s right for you.

1. Be honest about your skill level: If you have never completed a game, don’t start right away a chess or a platformer game. Use a game such as Snake or Pong and then gradually move on to more complex games.

2. Check your deadline: Have 1 week to do an assignment? Choose a small task that you can complete. A little broken, or a big game that works.

3. Read the assignment requirements: Some teachers may require certain features or classes or number of classes. Before getting started, be sure to cover them in your idea.

4. Pick something you enjoy: This will take hours so you have to pick a game you would want to play. Eliminates tedious parts of debugging.

5. Start small, then add features: Start with a simple version and then add features. When it is working, turn on scores/levels or a single sound, one sound at a time.

6. Think about your goal: Is it for a grade, a portfolio, or just practice? A portfolio piece can be bigger and more polished than a quick class project.

Tips to Finish Pygame Projects for Beginners

It’s easy to create a game. The hard part is the completion. Here are some tips to actually make it to the end.

• Plan your game loop first: If you write the code for your game first, make a plan for the loop! Determine game states: such as menu, play, and game over.
• Use free sprites and sounds: Don’t spend days on creating characters and sounds! There are sites such as OpenGameArt and Kenney.nl, which offer free assets that you can use straight away.
• Test often and debug in small steps: Implement one feature, test, and see if it works. Writing 200 lines before testing makes it a nightmare finding the bug.
• Control your frame rate: Set a tick with Clock() (60 FPS for example). If it is not added your game could be faster on one computer, and slower on another.
• Add polish at the end: Score, sound and levels will be added after the game works. These little things make it seem like it’s actually a game.

Final Thoughts

Making games is absolutely one of the most effective ways to learn Python and it doesn’t take a genius to get started. The most successful pygame project ideas would be those that you actually complete, so choose something you’re capable of, and start small.

As a beginner, you can play Snake or Pong. Feeling more confident? Go for a platformer or a tower defense game. Regardless of what you do, don’t worry about doing it perfectly. Simply get something that works and work on it little by little.

That’s fine if you’re pressed for time or a challenging project. Best Assignment Grade is always there to assist you. Pick one of these pygame project ideas and begin today! 

FAQs