How to Learn Construct 2 for Free
Construct 2 is a drag and drop HTML5 based games engine developed by Scirra. Though the games engine is developed from the ground up to create 2D games it can also be used to develop a wide range of applications specially educational ones. Any one can use construct 2 to develop a game/app as it doesn’t require any prior knowledge to programming, the game/app logic is created using a visual editor by simply dragging and dropping.
Apps and games created using Construct 2 could be exported to work on Android, iOS, Windows, Firefox OS, Chrome Browser/OS, Kongregate, Tizen, Windows Phone, BlackBerry and any modern web browser.
Learning Construct 2 is very helpful for anyone willing to start game development and doesn’t have any prior knowledge to programming, it’s also helpful for teachers who want to create simple educational games/apps, it’s also helpful for children to understand the logic behind creating a game and getting them into programming.
The aim of this post is to present and compare between free online sources that beginners can rely on to learn Construct 2, the sources stated here are full-structured courses that beginners can follow along.
Getting Started with Construct 2 from Scratch
Microsoft Virtual Academy
Microsoft Virtual Academy is the first free online outlet where beginners can start learning Construct 2 through video tutorials, you don’t have to register to have access to the training.
Structure: The training is divided into 4 main sections, each section is a single video that covers various topics in Construct 2, you can either watch the video from start to finish or watch the segment you’re interested in from the broken down segments available. At the end of each section there‘s an assessment to measure your understanding of this section.
Interface: The interface is simple, just click on the list on the side menu and the list of sections available will appear, just click on the section then the lesson you’re interested in and the video will start right away.
Pros
- Free.
- The training is well-structured and organized for beginners.
- The assessment section is very helpful.
Cons
- The training doesn’t cover the latest release of Construct 2, but that won’t be a problem for complete beginners.
Verdict: This is the best outlet for beginners to start learning Construct 2 through video tutorials.
Learn Construct 2
Learn Construct 2 is the second free online outlet where beginners can start learning Construct 2 through video tutorials, you don’t have to register to have access to the training.
Structure: The training is divided into 8 video lessons, each video lesson covers certain topics in Construct 2.
Interface: The interface is very simple, just click on the video lesson you’re interested in and it will start right away.
Pros
- Free.
- The training covers many topics beginners should be familiarized with in order to start using Construct 2.
Cons
- The training isn’t well-organized and structured for beginners.
- The training doesn’t cover the latest release of Construct 2, but that won’t be a problem for complete beginners.
Verdict: This is a good outlet for beginners to start learning Construct 2 through video tutorials.
ConstructG
ConstructG is the third free online outlet where beginners can start learning Construct 2 through video tutorials, as the above outlet you don’t have to register to have access to the training.
Structure: The training has the learn by doing style, you learn Construct 2 through creating a platformer game, the training is divided into 9 video lessons, each lesson covers certain topics in Construct 2.
Interface: The interface is very simple, just click on the lesson you’re interested in from the playlist and the video will start.
Pros
- Free.
- The training is well-structured and organized for beginners.
Cons
- The training doesn’t cover the latest release of Construct 2, but that won’t be a problem for complete beginners.
Verdict: This is an excellent outlet for beginners to start learning Construct 2 through video tutorials.
Construct 2 Academy YouTube Channel
Construct 2 Academy YouTube Channel is the fourth free online outlet where beginners can start learning Construct 2 through video tutorials, the videos are created by Scirra the company developing Construct 2.
Structure: The training has the learn by doing style as the above outlet, you learn Construct 2 through creating games, the training is divided into 7 video lessons, each lesson covers certain topics in Construct 2.
Interface: Standard YouTube interface.
Pros
- Free.
- The training covers the basics beginners should be familiarized with in order to start using Construct 2.
Cons
- The training doesn’t cover the latest release of Construct 2, but that won’t be a problem for complete beginners.
Verdict: This is a very good outlet for beginners to start learning Construct 2 through video tutorials.
Scirra Website
Scirra Website is the fifth free online outlet where beginners can start learning Construct 2 through a text-based tutorial. You don’t have to register to have access to training.
Structure: The training has the learn by doing style, you learn Construct 2 through creating a shooter game, the training is divided into 7 web pages.
Interface: The interface is very simple, just follow the training from start to finish.
Pros
- Free.
- The training covers the basics beginners should be familiarized with in order to start using Construct 2.
Cons
- As the above outlets, the training doesn’t cover the latest release of Construct 2, but that won’t be a problem for complete beginners.
Verdict: This is the best outlet for beginners to start learning Construct 2 through a text-based tutorials.
Bottom Line
The recipe for learning Construct 2:
- Microsoft Virtual Academy is the best outlet for beginners to start learning Construct 2 through a video tutorial.
- Scirra Website is the best outlet for beginners to start learning Construct 2 through a text-based tutorial.
Remember that the first step is always the toughest step, and the aim of this post is to provide you with resources that will help you take your first step in learning Construct 2.