Create a classic Snake Game in Scratch for Beginners

Tutorial plan

1- What is the Snake game ?

2- Set Up the Snake game in Scratch

What is the Snake game ?

The Snake Game is a classic arcade game where the player controls a snake that moves around the screen, eating food (like apples or dots) and growing longer each time it eats.

Basic Rules of the Snake Game:

The snake moves automatically in a chosen direction.

You use arrow keys (↑ ↓ ← →) to change its direction.

When the snake eats the food, it:

Grows longer (adds a body segment).

The score increases.

The food reappears in a random location.

If the snake: hits the wall, or touches its own body, the game ends (Game Over).

Why is it popular ?

Simple rules, but challenging as the snake grows longer.

Teaches basic reflexes, planning, and coordination.

Great for learning game development in platforms like Scratch!

Set Up the Snake game in Scratch

Step 1: Prepare the game background

The game background in Scratch for the Snake Game is the visual area where the snake moves and the gameplay takes place. It helps define the playable space and enhances the player's experience by giving structure and visual clarity.

1) Go to import a background to add the space image.

2) Choose the  image for the game background :

Step 2: Creation of the Play button

The Play Button is a sprite that lets the player start the game by clicking on it. It acts as the main menu control before the gameplay begins.

1) Go to the new sprites section and select the paint icon.

This opens the Costume Editor.

2) Select the Rectangle Tool or Circle Tool.

Choose a bright color (blue).

Draw a rectangular button in the center of the canvas.

3) Click the Text Tool (T).

Click on your button and type "Play"

Step 3: Creation of the snake-head sprite

The snake-head sprite ) is the main character of the Snake Game. It represents the head of the snake and is the part that moves, eats the food, and controls the direction of the entire snake.

Script for the Play Button

Explanation of Each Block 

Block	Role
	Shows the play button at the beginning of the game.
	Hide variable score from the screen
	Change the scene to a specific backdrop
	Makes sure the button is visible when the game starts.
	Detects when the player clicks the Play button.
	Hides the button after it has been clicked, so it doesn’t stay on screen.
	Used to display a variable’s value on the stage during the game.
	Sends a message to all sprites and the stage
	Changes from the menu screen to the main game screen (where the snake moves and the food appears).

Step 4: Creation of the snake-head sprite

The snake-head sprite ) is the main character of the Snake Game. It represents the head of the snake and is the part that moves, eats the food, and controls the direction of the entire snake.

1) Go to import a sprite to add the snake-head image.

2) Choose the snake-head image:

Script for the snake-head sprite

Explanation of Each Block 

Block	Role
	Shows the play button at the beginning of the game.
	Hide variable score from the screen
	Change the scene to a specific backdrop
	Makes sure the button is visible when the game starts.
	Detects when the player clicks the Play button.
	Hides the button after it has been clicked, so it doesn’t stay on screen.
	Used to display a variable’s value on the stage during the game.
	Sends a message to all sprites and the stage
	Changes from the menu screen to the main game screen (where the snake moves and the food appears).