Variables and Data Types in Verse

🎮 What Is a Variable?

Imagine you have a scoreboard in your Fortnite island. Every time a player scores a point, the number goes UP. That number is not stuck at one value — it changes. In Verse, we use a variable to hold a value that can change during the game.

Think of a variable like a labeled box:

• The label is the name you give it (like Score).
• The stuff inside is the value (like 0, then 1, then 2…).
• You can swap what's inside the box anytime!

🧠 Variable = a named box that stores one piece of information, and that information can change while the game is running.

📦 Constants — The Box That Never Opens Again

Sometimes you want a value that never changes. Like the number of lives players start with — it's always 3. We call that a constant.

🧠 Constant = a named box that is sealed shut. You set it once and it stays that way forever.

In Verse, you write a constant with := and you never change it after that first line.

🗂️ Data Types — What Kind of Stuff Is in the Box?

Not all boxes hold the same kind of stuff. In Verse, every variable has a data type — that just means "what kind of information is stored here?"

Here are the three main types you'll use:

• int is short for integer — a fancy word for a whole number like 3 or 42.
• float is a number with a decimal point, like 3.14 or 0.5.
• string is text wrapped in quotes, like "Game Over" or "Player 1".

🎯 Game tip: Your player's score is an int. A timer that counts down by half-seconds uses a float. A welcome message on screen is a string!

✍️ How to Write Variables in Verse

Here is the recipe for making a variable in Verse:

Name : type = StartingValue

For a variable that can change, you add the word var in front:

var Name : type = StartingValue

The := symbol means "set this right now." You'll use it to change a var later in your code.

Let's look at real examples:

var Score : int = 0        # A whole-number box that starts at zero
var TimerSeconds : float = 30.0   # A decimal-number box starting at 30
var WelcomeMessage : string = "Welcome to my island!"  # A text box

Notice the # — anything after # is a comment. Comments are notes for YOU. The computer ignores them completely!

🔗 How This Connects to Your Island

In UEFN, you build a Verse device — think of it like a special prop that runs your code. When the game starts, your device wakes up and runs its OnBegin function. That's where your variables spring to life!

When a player steps on a trigger, your code can change the variable:

• set Score = Score + 1 — adds 1 to the score box!

You can then use that score to do things like grant items or activate devices. Your variable is the brain keeping track of everything. 🧠

🏗️ Building a Score Tracker Device

The scenario: A player steps on a trigger pad. Each time they do, their score goes up by 1. When the score hits 3, a message prints — they WIN! We'll use a trigger_device in UEFN and write a Verse script to track the score.

Step 1: In UEFN, create a new Verse device file. Here's the complete script:

using { /Fortnite.com/Devices }
using { /Verse.org/Simulation }
using { /EpicGames.com/Temporary/Diagnostics }

# This is our custom device — it tracks a player's score
score_tracker_device := class(creative_device):

    # Hook up a Trigger Device in UEFN's detail panel
    @editable
    TriggerPad : trigger_device = trigger_device{}

    # A variable to hold the current score — starts at zero
    # 'var' means this value CAN change during the game
    var Score : int = 0

    # A constant — the score needed to win never changes
    WinScore : int = 3

    # OnBegin runs automatically when the game starts
    OnBegin<override>()<suspends> : void =
        # Tell the trigger to call our function each time it fires
        TriggerPad.TriggeredEvent.Subscribe(OnPlayerTriggered)

    # This function runs every time a player steps on the trigger
    OnPlayerTriggered(Agent : agent) : void =
        # Add 1 to the Score box
        set Score = Score + 1

        # Print the new score so we can see it in the log
        Print("Score is now: {Score}")

        # Check if the player has reached the winning score
        if (Score >= WinScore):
            Print("🎉 You Win! Great job!")

🔍 Walkthrough — Line by Line

✅ Try it: In UEFN, place a Trigger Device on your island. Assign it to TriggerPad in the device details. Hit Launch Session and walk over the trigger three times. Watch the Output Log — you should see the score climb to 3 and then see the win message!