Return Values

STEP 3 — Return Values (a.k.a. Functions That Talk Back)

STEP 3 is where functions stop being obedient little helpers and start becoming information-sending, value-returning WIZARDS.

Let’s make this thing SING.

Alright coder — up until now, your functions have been like:

“Okay boss, I’ll do the thing… but I won’t tell you anything.”

Cute. Helpful. But limited.

Now we give them the ability to send information back.

This is the moment your functions stop being one-way streets and start becoming two-way conversations.

1. What’s a Return Value?

A return value is what a function gives back after it finishes its job.

It’s like your function saying:

“Here you go — I did the thing, and here’s the result.”

Example:

def add(a, b):
    return a + b

##Now you can use the result:

total = add(3, 5)
print(total)

Your function just did math AND delivered the answer like a polite pizza driver.

Click Run

2. Why Return Values Matter for Games

Return values let you:

  • calculate damage
  • update health
  • generate loot
  • check if the player survived
  • compute experience
  • decide outcomes
  • build entire game systems

This is where your game becomes smart.

3. Example: Damage Calculator

def calculate_damage(attack, defense):
    return attack - defense

##Use it:

hit = calculate_damage(10, 3)
print("You dealt", hit, "damage!")

Your game now does math like a battle accountant.

Click Run

4. Example: Healing Function

def heal(current_hp, amount):
    return current_hp + amount

##Use it:

hp = heal(50, 20)
print("New HP:", hp)
Click Run

Your hero now regenerates like a fantasy avocado.

5. Important Rule: return Ends the Function

Anything after return is ignored. 
def test():
    return "Hello"
print("You will never see this")
Click Run

Python: “Nope. I’m done.”

Practice (Your Turn!)

Mini-Challenge

Create a function called double(x) that returns twice the number.

Modify and Run

Your function now multiplies like a caffeinated calculator.

You now understand:

  • what return values are
  • how functions send information back
  • how to store and use returned results
  • how to build smart, reactive game systems
  • how to make your functions feel like magical vending machines

Your code officially thinks AND communicates.

Ready for Step 4, where we combine EVERYTHING — parameters, returns, logic — to build full game systems inside functions?

Previous Topic
Back to Lesson