Learn PICO8-LUA with Real Code Examples

Download PICO-8 from Lexaloffle website

Unpack and launch executable for your OS

Explore built-in editor and sample cartridges

Familiarize with keyboard/gamepad shortcuts

Verify environment by running `HELLO WORLD` example

Install PICO-8 on your platform

Familiarize with editors (code, sprite, map, SFX, music)

Practice running sample cartridges

Set up input devices (keyboard or gamepad)

Verify by running a simple demo

cartridge.p8 - main game file

spritesheet - stored in cartridge

map - stored in cartridge

sfx - stored in cartridge

music - stored in cartridge

LOAD <cart> - load cartridge

RUN - execute current cartridge

SAVE <cart> - save cartridge

EXPORT HTML5 - generate web playable version

EXPORT PNG - save cartridge as image

Supports UTF-8 text

No native i18n system

Custom localization via string tables

Primarily English tutorials and examples

Community may provide translations

Beginner-friendly Lua syntax

Visual feedback via graphics and sound

Keyboard and gamepad input

Community tutorials and jams

Sandboxed for safe experimentation

128×128 retro resolution

16-color palette

Text and simple shapes via API

Sprites and maps for visuals

Sound and music for audio feedback

Variables in `_init()` define game state

Tables store structured data

Persistent memory via `cartdata()`

Input polling updates state each frame

Collision and physics logic handled in `_update()`

Primitive types: numbers, strings, booleans

Tables for arrays and objects

Sprites and map as graphical data

Music and SFX stored in cartridge

Memory and token-efficient code required