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RandomNumberGenerator

Inherits: RefCounted < Object

Provides methods for generating pseudo-random numbers.

Description

RandomNumberGenerator is a class for generating pseudo-random numbers. It currently uses PCG32.

Note: The underlying algorithm is an implementation detail and should not be depended upon.

To generate a random float number (within a given range) based on a time-dependant seed:

var rng = RandomNumberGenerator.new()
func _ready():
    var my_random_number = rng.randf_range(-10.0, 10.0)

Tutorials

Properties

int

seed

0

int

state

0

Methods

float

randf ( )

float

randf_range ( float from, float to )

float

randfn ( float mean=0.0, float deviation=1.0 )

int

randi ( )

int

randi_range ( int from, int to )

void

randomize ( )


Property Descriptions

int seed = 0

  • void set_seed ( int value )

  • int get_seed ( )

Initializes the random number generator state based on the given seed value. A given seed will give a reproducible sequence of pseudo-random numbers.

Note: The RNG does not have an avalanche effect, and can output similar random streams given similar seeds. Consider using a hash function to improve your seed quality if they're sourced externally.

Note: Setting this property produces a side effect of changing the internal state, so make sure to initialize the seed before modifying the state:

Note: The default value of this property is pseudo-random, and changes when calling randomize. The 0 value documented here is a placeholder, and not the actual default seed.

var rng = RandomNumberGenerator.new()
rng.seed = hash("Godot")
rng.state = 100 # Restore to some previously saved state.

int state = 0

  • void set_state ( int value )

  • int get_state ( )

The current state of the random number generator. Save and restore this property to restore the generator to a previous state:

var rng = RandomNumberGenerator.new()
print(rng.randf())
var saved_state = rng.state # Store current state.
print(rng.randf()) # Advance internal state.
rng.state = saved_state # Restore the state.
print(rng.randf()) # Prints the same value as in previous.

Note: Do not set state to arbitrary values, since the random number generator requires the state to have certain qualities to behave properly. It should only be set to values that came from the state property itself. To initialize the random number generator with arbitrary input, use seed instead.

Note: The default value of this property is pseudo-random, and changes when calling randomize. The 0 value documented here is a placeholder, and not the actual default seed.


Method Descriptions

float randf ( )

Returns a pseudo-random float between 0.0 and 1.0 (inclusive).


float randf_range ( float from, float to )

Returns a pseudo-random float between from and to (inclusive).


float randfn ( float mean=0.0, float deviation=1.0 )

Returns a normally-distributed pseudo-random number, using Box-Muller transform with the specified mean and a standard deviation. This is also called Gaussian distribution.


int randi ( )

Returns a pseudo-random 32-bit unsigned integer between 0 and 4294967295 (inclusive).


int randi_range ( int from, int to )

Returns a pseudo-random 32-bit signed integer between from and to (inclusive).


void randomize ( )

Sets up a time-based seed for this RandomNumberGenerator instance. Unlike the @GlobalScope random number generation functions, different RandomNumberGenerator instances can use different seeds.