Tallow Engine

Tutorials / Getting started

✔ OfficialBeginner⏱ 10 minTallow 0.1 and 0.2

Install Tallow and make your first project

By the end of this tutorial you will have Tallow installed, a new project on disk and the editor open on its first scene.

Step 1: Download Tallow Manager

Go to Downloads and get Tallow Manager for your system. The Manager installs engine versions side by side, keeps them up to date and sets up the tools the editor needs to compile your scripts:

  • the Beef compiler (Tallow scripts are written in Beef, a fast language that reads a lot like C#),
  • Python 3.11 or later,
  • on Windows, the Microsoft C++ Build Tools. On Linux, a C++ compiler and the X11 and OpenGL development files.

Start the Manager. If a tool is missing, it offers to install it. On Linux it installs Beef and Python into your home folder without asking for a password, and shows the one package-manager command needed for the compiler.

Step 2: Install an engine version

Pick a version from the list and install it. There are two series:

Series Choose it when
0.2 (ECS) You are starting something new. Engine work is heading here, and the same scripts run whether or not your game is multiplayer. These tutorials use 0.2.
0.1 (standard) You have an existing 0.1 project, or want the classic component model.

You can install both and switch a project between them later. Writing scripts in 0.1 and 0.2 explains the differences.

Step 3: Create a project

Press Create Project, then:

  1. Type a name, such as MyFirstGame. Names use letters, digits and underscores and start with a letter.
  2. Choose a folder.
  3. Pick a template:
    • Empty: a blank scene, and the best start for these tutorials.
    • Voxel sandbox: a small playable world you can dig into.
    • Tallow Gallery (showcase of eight areas): a complete, editable tour of the engine.
  4. Press Create Project.

The first time a project opens, its scripts are compiled. This takes a little longer than later opens.

Step 4: Look at what was made

Your project folder now holds:

Path What it is
src/Program.bf Start-up plumbing. You won't need to edit it.
src/GameSetup.bf Where your game's own start-up code goes.
src/Scripts/ Starter scripts, such as Spinner, and the place for yours.
src/Scenes/ Your scenes (.tscene files).
tallow-version.json Which engine version the project uses.

Everything is plain text, so it works well with Git.

Step 5: Press Play

In the editor, press Play in the toolbar (or Ctrl+P). The Game view shows what the scene's camera sees. Press Play again to stop. Nothing you change while playing is saved, so it is safe to experiment.

You are ready to go. Next, take a tour of the editor.