diff --git a/resources/pickups/drift_diagonal.tres b/resources/pickups/drift_diagonal.tres
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f7daa49
--- /dev/null
+++ b/resources/pickups/drift_diagonal.tres
@@ -0,0 +1,14 @@
+[gd_resource type="Resource" script_class="PickupDriftBehavior" format=3 uid="uid://cdiglwsw46g4y"]
+
+[ext_resource type="Script" uid="uid://b4lar4f3526b1" path="res://resources/pickups/pickup_drift_behavior.gd" id="1_drift"]
+
+[resource]
+script = ExtResource("1_drift")
+drift_type = 3
+wave_amplitude = 100.0
+wave_frequency = 2.0
+drift_speed = 30.0
+diagonal_forward = true
+drift_along_x = true
+reverse_direction = false
+randomize_origin = false
diff --git a/resources/pickups/drift_leaf_fall.tres b/resources/pickups/drift_leaf_fall.tres
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bc11619
--- /dev/null
+++ b/resources/pickups/drift_leaf_fall.tres
@@ -0,0 +1,14 @@
+[gd_resource type="Resource" script_class="PickupDriftBehavior" format=3 uid="uid://pickup_drift_leaf"]
+
+[ext_resource type="Script" uid="uid://pickup_drift_uid" path="res://resources/pickups/pickup_drift_behavior.gd" id="1_drift"]
+
+[resource]
+script = ExtResource("1_drift")
+drift_type = 2
+drift_speed = 30.0
+fall_speed = 15.0
+wave_amplitude = 40.0
+wave_frequency = 1.0
+drift_along_x = true
+reverse_direction = false
+randomize_origin = false
diff --git a/resources/pickups/drift_sine_wave.tres b/resources/pickups/drift_sine_wave.tres
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a295e87
--- /dev/null
+++ b/resources/pickups/drift_sine_wave.tres
@@ -0,0 +1,13 @@
+[gd_resource type="Resource" script_class="PickupDriftBehavior" format=3 uid="uid://cr7lye10sx1q6"]
+
+[ext_resource type="Script" uid="uid://b4lar4f3526b1" path="res://resources/pickups/pickup_drift_behavior.gd" id="1_drift"]
+
+[resource]
+script = ExtResource("1_drift")
+drift_type = 1
+drift_speed = 30.0
+wave_amplitude = 40.0
+wave_frequency = 1.0
+drift_along_x = true
+reverse_direction = false
+randomize_origin = false
diff --git a/resources/pickups/pickup_behavior.gd b/resources/pickups/pickup_behavior.gd
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6dcc2e7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/resources/pickups/pickup_behavior.gd
@@ -0,0 +1,43 @@
+class_name PickupBehavior extends Resource
+
+## Base resource that defines how a pickup moves and looks on screen.
+## Assign to [member pickup_behavior] on a PickupBehaviorController.
+
+@export_group("Animation")
+## Whether the pickup bobs up and down in place.
+@export var bob_enabled: bool = true
+## Bob oscillation frequency in cycles per second.
+@export var bob_frequency: float = 2.0
+## Bob vertical amplitude in pixels (peak-to-center).
+@export var bob_amplitude: float = 4.0
+
+## Whether the pickup subtly shakes (jitter) in place.
+@export var shake_enabled: bool = false
+## Shake frequency in Hz (how fast the jitter oscillates).
+@export var shake_frequency: float = 8.0
+## Shake amplitude in pixels (peak-to-center).
+@export var shake_amplitude: float = 1.5
+
+## Optional fade-in duration (0 = no fade).
+@export var fade_in_duration: float = 0.0
+## Optional fade-out duration when the pickup is about to be collected
+## (used by controller; 0 = no fade).
+@export var fade_out_duration: float = 0.0
+
+var _elapsed: float = 0.0
+
+
+func start() -> void:
+    _elapsed = 0.0
+
+
+func process(delta: float) -> float:
+    # Returns the current opacity factor (0..1) based on fade timers.
+    _elapsed += delta
+
+    var target_alpha: float = 1.0
+
+    if fade_in_duration > 0 and _elapsed < fade_in_duration:
+        target_alpha = clampf(_elapsed / fade_in_duration, 0.0, 1.0)
+
+    return target_alpha
diff --git a/resources/pickups/pickup_behavior.gd.uid b/resources/pickups/pickup_behavior.gd.uid
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3d10751
--- /dev/null
+++ b/resources/pickups/pickup_behavior.gd.uid
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+uid://d0l8e2ymk0lx1
diff --git a/resources/pickups/pickup_drift_behavior.gd b/resources/pickups/pickup_drift_behavior.gd
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..11c6f4f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/resources/pickups/pickup_drift_behavior.gd
@@ -0,0 +1,47 @@
+class_name PickupDriftBehavior extends Resource
+
+## Base resource that defines the global travel pattern of a pickup across
+## the screen. Assign to [member drift_behavior] on a PickupBehaviorController.
+
+enum DriftType {
+	STATIONARY, ## Does not move (aside from bob/shake).
+	SINE_WAVE, ## Travels in a sine curve.
+	LEAF_FALL, ## Drifts downward with gentle horizontal sway.
+	DIAGONAL, ## Moves diagonally in one direction.
+}
+
+@export_group("Drift")
+## The drift pattern to apply.
+@export var drift_type: DriftType = DriftType.STATIONARY
+
+## Horizontal speed in pixels per second (applies to SINE_WAVE, LEAF_FALL).
+@export var drift_speed: float = 30.0
+## Vertical fall speed in pixels per second (applies to LEAF_FALL).
+@export var fall_speed: float = 15.0
+
+## Horizontal wave amplitude in pixels (applies to SINE_WAVE, LEAF_FALL).
+@export var wave_amplitude: float = 40.0
+## Wave frequency in cycles per second (applies to SINE_WAVE, LEAF_FALL).
+@export var wave_frequency: float = 1.0
+
+## Diagonal direction: +X forward, -X backward (applies to DIAGONAL).
+@export var diagonal_forward: bool = true
+
+## Main drift axis for SINE_WAVE and LEAF_FALL.
+## true = horizontal travel (x), false = vertical travel (y).
+@export var drift_along_x: bool = true
+
+## Reverse the primary direction (left/right or up/down).
+@export var reverse_direction: bool = false
+
+## Randomize the perpendicular axis origin (y if horizontal, x if vertical).
+@export var randomize_origin: bool = false
+
+## Phase offset in radians — randomize per-instance for variety.
+@export var phase_offset: float = 0.0
+
+var _initial_x: float = 0.0
+
+
+func reset(initial_position: Vector2) -> void:
+	_initial_x = initial_position.x
diff --git a/resources/pickups/pickup_drift_behavior.gd.uid b/resources/pickups/pickup_drift_behavior.gd.uid
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f097edf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/resources/pickups/pickup_drift_behavior.gd.uid
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+uid://b4lar4f3526b1
diff --git a/resources/pickups/rare_powerup.tres b/resources/pickups/rare_powerup.tres
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..007d667
--- /dev/null
+++ b/resources/pickups/rare_powerup.tres
@@ -0,0 +1,13 @@
+[gd_resource type="Resource" script_class="PickupBehavior" format=3 uid="uid://pickup_rare_powerup"]
+
+[ext_resource type="Script" uid="uid://pickup_behavior_uid" path="res://resources/pickups/pickup_behavior.gd" id="1_behavior"]
+
+[resource]
+script = ExtResource("1_behavior")
+bob_enabled = true
+bob_frequency = 3.5
+bob_amplitude = 6.0
+shake_enabled = true
+shake_frequency = 12.0
+shake_amplitude = 1.5
+fade_in_duration = 0.5
diff --git a/resources/pickups/std_powerup.tres b/resources/pickups/std_powerup.tres
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e72a0c0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/resources/pickups/std_powerup.tres
@@ -0,0 +1,8 @@
+[gd_resource type="Resource" script_class="PickupBehavior" format=3 uid="uid://dflj31qle75ol"]
+
+[ext_resource type="Script" uid="uid://d0l8e2ymk0lx1" path="res://resources/pickups/pickup_behavior.gd" id="1_behavior"]
+
+[resource]
+script = ExtResource("1_behavior")
+shake_enabled = true
+fade_in_duration = 0.3
diff --git a/scenes/player.gd b/scenes/player.gd
index 12ea90b..281afe9 100644
--- a/scenes/player.gd
+++ b/scenes/player.gd
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ class_name Player extends Area2D
 @onready var movement_component: MovementComponent = %MovementComponent
 @onready var shoot_component: ShootComponent = %ShootComponent
 @onready var weapon_component: WeaponComponent = %WeaponComponent
-@onready var powerup_spawner := _find_powerup_spawner()
+@onready var powerup_spawner: PowerUpSpawner = _find_powerup_spawner()
 
 # Get the viewport size for positioning
 @onready var screensize = get_viewport().content_scale_size
@@ -63,7 +63,8 @@ func _on_help_box_area_entered(area: Area2D) -> void:
         return
     var weapon_shot: WeaponShot = area.get_meta("weapon_shot")
     weapon_component.collect_weapon(weapon_shot)
-    powerup_spawner.pickup_collected()
+    if powerup_spawner != null:
+        powerup_spawner.pickup_collected()
     area.queue_free()
 
 
diff --git a/scenes/player.tscn b/scenes/player.tscn
index 165f5b3..657d790 100644
--- a/scenes/player.tscn
+++ b/scenes/player.tscn
@@ -100,6 +100,9 @@ size = Vector2(6, 5.75)
 
 [node name="Player" type="Area2D" unique_id=652131079]
 script = ExtResource("1_ur7pv")
+can_shoot = null
+is_shooting = null
+muzzle_flash = null
 
 [node name="Ship" type="Sprite2D" parent="." unique_id=1155866924]
 unique_name_in_owner = true
diff --git a/scenes/power_up_spawner.tscn b/scenes/power_up_spawner.tscn
index ac4dce4..50d09c3 100644
--- a/scenes/power_up_spawner.tscn
+++ b/scenes/power_up_spawner.tscn
@@ -8,10 +8,21 @@
 [ext_resource type="Resource" uid="uid://ds53sryglmf27" path="res://resources/player_weapon_resources/spread.tres" id="6_mwa7c"]
 [ext_resource type="Resource" uid="uid://bhc6aja38vyr" path="res://resources/player_weapon_resources/vanguard.tres" id="7_vphcr"]
 [ext_resource type="Resource" uid="uid://c41aoyka7nfr8" path="res://resources/player_weapon_resources/vanguard+.tres" id="8_g67dp"]
+[ext_resource type="Resource" uid="uid://pickup_std_powerup" path="res://resources/pickups/std_powerup.tres" id="9_std"]
+[ext_resource type="Resource" uid="uid://pickup_rare_powerup" path="res://resources/pickups/rare_powerup.tres" id="10_rare"]
+[ext_resource type="Resource" uid="uid://pickup_drift_sine" path="res://resources/pickups/drift_sine_wave.tres" id="11_sine"]
+[ext_resource type="Resource" uid="uid://pickup_drift_leaf" path="res://resources/pickups/drift_leaf_fall.tres" id="12_leaf"]
+[ext_resource type="Resource" uid="uid://pickup_drift_diagonal" path="res://resources/pickups/drift_diagonal.tres" id="13_diag"]
 
 [node name="PowerUpSpawner" type="Node2D" unique_id=1191463626]
 script = ExtResource("2_9m3n7")
 pickup_scene = ExtResource("1_xk8p2")
+pickup_behaviors = Array[ExtResource("3_07x44")](
+	[ExtResource("9_std"), ExtResource("10_rare")]
+)
+drift_behaviors = Array[ExtResource("3_07x44")](
+	[ExtResource("11_sine"), ExtResource("12_leaf"), ExtResource("13_diag")]
+)
 all_weapon_shots = Array[ExtResource("3_07x44")](
 	[ExtResource("4_0eev3"), ExtResource("5_qqjui"), ExtResource("6_mwa7c"), ExtResource("7_vphcr"), ExtResource("8_g67dp")]
 )
diff --git a/scenes/powerup_pickup.tscn b/scenes/powerup_pickup.tscn
index 8073dac..e878206 100644
--- a/scenes/powerup_pickup.tscn
+++ b/scenes/powerup_pickup.tscn
@@ -1,9 +1,16 @@
 [gd_scene format=3 uid="uid://dsqfuv86suu17"]
 
+[ext_resource type="Script" uid="uid://pickup_controller_uid" path="res://scripts/pickups/pickup_behavior_controller.gd" id="1_ctrl"]
+[ext_resource type="Resource" uid="uid://pickup_behavior_uid" path="res://resources/pickups/std_powerup.tres" id="2_std"]
+[ext_resource type="Resource" uid="uid://pickup_drift_uid" path="res://resources/pickups/drift_sine_wave.tres" id="3_drift"]
+
 [sub_resource type="RectangleShape2D" id="RectangleShape2D_mmgg1"]
 size = Vector2(14, 14)
 
 [node name="PowerUpPickup" type="Area2D" unique_id=478708932]
+script = ExtResource("1_ctrl")
+behavior = ExtResource("2_std")
+drift_behavior = ExtResource("3_drift")
 collision_mask = 0
 
 [node name="CollisionShape2D" type="CollisionShape2D" parent="." unique_id=347643413]
diff --git a/scripts/pickups/pickup_behavior_controller.gd b/scripts/pickups/pickup_behavior_controller.gd
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..783e784
--- /dev/null
+++ b/scripts/pickups/pickup_behavior_controller.gd
@@ -0,0 +1,132 @@
+class_name PickupBehaviorController extends Area2D
+
+## Controls visual movement (bob, shake) and drift of a pickup.
+## Attach to the root Area2D node of your pickup scene.
+
+@export var behavior: PickupBehavior
+@export var drift_behavior: PickupDriftBehavior
+
+
+var _icon_node: TextureRect
+var _spawn_position: Vector2 = Vector2.ZERO
+
+
+func _ready() -> void:
+    # Find the runtime-added icon node.
+    for child in get_children():
+        if child is TextureRect:
+            _icon_node = child as TextureRect
+            break
+    # Capture the initial spawn position.
+    _spawn_position = global_position
+
+    if behavior != null:
+        behavior.start()
+
+
+func _process(delta: float) -> void:
+    if behavior == null or drift_behavior == null:
+        return
+
+    var alpha: float = behavior.process(delta)
+
+    if _icon_node != null:
+        _icon_node.visible = alpha > 0.01
+        if behavior != null and behavior.fade_in_duration > 0 and _icon_node is CanvasItem:
+            _icon_node.modulate.a = alpha
+
+    var offset := _compute_animation_offset()
+    var drift_offset := _compute_drift_offset()
+
+    position = _spawn_position + Vector2(drift_offset.x, drift_offset.y)
+
+    if _icon_node != null:
+        _icon_node.position = offset
+
+
+func _compute_animation_offset() -> Vector2:
+    # Returns the bob + shake offset applied to the icon node.
+    var result := Vector2.ZERO
+
+    if behavior == null:
+        return result
+
+    # Bob (vertical oscillation).
+    if behavior.bob_enabled:
+        var bob_angle := _elapsed_time() * TAU * behavior.bob_frequency
+        result.y += sin(bob_angle) * behavior.bob_amplitude
+
+    # Shake (subtle jitter).
+    if behavior.shake_enabled:
+        var shake_angle := _elapsed_time() * TAU * behavior.shake_frequency
+        result.x += sin(shake_angle) * behavior.shake_amplitude
+
+    return result
+
+
+func _compute_drift_offset() -> Vector2:
+    # Returns the global drift position offset from initial spawn position.
+    if drift_behavior == null:
+        return Vector2.ZERO
+
+    match drift_behavior.drift_type:
+        PickupDriftBehavior.DriftType.STATIONARY:
+            return Vector2.ZERO
+
+        PickupDriftBehavior.DriftType.SINE_WAVE:
+            var t := _elapsed_time() * drift_behavior.wave_frequency
+            var travel_speed: float = drift_behavior.drift_speed
+            if drift_behavior.reverse_direction:
+                travel_speed *= -1.0
+
+            var offset := Vector2.ZERO
+            if drift_behavior.drift_along_x:
+                # Travels along X; waves on Y.
+                offset.x = travel_speed * _elapsed_time()
+                offset.y = sin(t + drift_behavior.phase_offset) * drift_behavior.wave_amplitude
+            else:
+                # Travels along Y; waves on X.
+                offset.y = travel_speed * _elapsed_time()
+                offset.x = sin(t + drift_behavior.phase_offset) * drift_behavior.wave_amplitude
+            return offset
+
+        PickupDriftBehavior.DriftType.LEAF_FALL:
+            var leaf_t := _elapsed_time() * drift_behavior.wave_frequency
+            var travel_speed: float = drift_behavior.fall_speed
+            if drift_behavior.reverse_direction:
+                travel_speed *= -1.0
+
+            var offset := Vector2.ZERO
+            if drift_behavior.drift_along_x:
+                # Travels along X; waves on Y.
+                offset.x = travel_speed * _elapsed_time()
+                offset.y = sin(leaf_t + drift_behavior.phase_offset) * drift_behavior.wave_amplitude
+            else:
+                # Travels along Y; waves on X.
+                offset.y = travel_speed * _elapsed_time()
+                offset.x = sin(leaf_t + drift_behavior.phase_offset) * drift_behavior.wave_amplitude
+            return offset
+
+        PickupDriftBehavior.DriftType.DIAGONAL:
+            var dir: float = 1.0 if drift_behavior.diagonal_forward else -1.0
+            if drift_behavior.reverse_direction:
+                dir *= -1.0
+
+            var offset := Vector2.ZERO
+            if drift_behavior.drift_along_x:
+                # Travels along X; secondary on Y.
+                offset.x = dir * drift_behavior.drift_speed * _elapsed_time()
+                offset.y = dir * (drift_behavior.drift_speed * 0.5) * _elapsed_time()
+            else:
+                # Travels along Y; secondary on X.
+                offset.y = dir * drift_behavior.drift_speed * _elapsed_time()
+                offset.x = dir * (drift_behavior.drift_speed * 0.5) * _elapsed_time()
+            return offset
+
+    return Vector2.ZERO
+
+
+func _elapsed_time() -> float:
+    if behavior == null:
+        return 0.0
+    return behavior._elapsed
diff --git a/scripts/pickups/pickup_behavior_controller.gd.uid b/scripts/pickups/pickup_behavior_controller.gd.uid
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..06e365b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/scripts/pickups/pickup_behavior_controller.gd.uid
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+uid://c4a7husvaq2eo
diff --git a/scripts/power_up_spawner.gd b/scripts/power_up_spawner.gd
index 716eecf..65c62ab 100644
--- a/scripts/power_up_spawner.gd
+++ b/scripts/power_up_spawner.gd
@@ -9,18 +9,44 @@ class_name PowerUpSpawner extends Node2D
 @onready var screensize: Vector2 = get_viewport().content_scale_size
 @onready var spawn_timer: Timer = $SpawnTimer
 
+# Optional behavior resources to assign randomly on spawn.
+@export var pickup_behaviors: Array[PickupBehavior] = []
+
 # All weapon resources to spawn as pickups.
 # Populate in the editor with your weapon_shot resources.
 @export var all_weapon_shots: Array[WeaponShot] = []
 
+# Optional drift behaviors to assign randomly on spawn.
+# Leave empty to use whatever is baked into the pickup scene.
+@export var drift_behaviors: Array[PickupDriftBehavior] = []
+
+# How long a pickup can linger off-screen before being cleaned up.
+@export var offscreen_timeout: float = 5.0
+
+# How long to wait after a pickup is collected before spawning the next one.
+@export var cooldown_after_collection: float = 5.0
+
 var _pickups_spawned: int = 0
 var _pickups_remaining: int = 0
 
+# Tracks active pickups so we can check off-screen timeouts.
+var _active_pickups: Array[Area2D] = []
+
+# Cooldown state for post-collection pause.
+var _cooldown_timer: Timer
+var _in_cooldown: bool = false
+
 func _ready() -> void:
     if spawn_timer == null:
         return
     spawn_timer.wait_time = spawn_interval
 
+    # Create a one-shot cooldown timer.
+    _cooldown_timer = Timer.new()
+    _cooldown_timer.one_shot = true
+    _cooldown_timer.timeout.connect(_on_cooldown_finished)
+    add_child(_cooldown_timer)
+
 
 func _on_spawn_timer_timeout() -> void:
     if test_mode:
@@ -29,6 +55,12 @@ func _on_spawn_timer_timeout() -> void:
         _spawn_normal_pickup()
 
 
+func _on_cooldown_finished() -> void:
+    _in_cooldown = false
+    if spawn_timer != null and test_mode:
+        spawn_timer.start()
+
+
 func _spawn_normal_pickup() -> void:
     # Spawn a single random pickup at a position near the player.
     if all_weapon_shots.is_empty():
@@ -59,26 +91,51 @@ func _spawn_normal_pickup() -> void:
 
 
 func _spawn_test_pickups() -> void:
-    for weapon: WeaponShot in all_weapon_shots:
-        if weapon == null or weapon.shot_name.is_empty():
-            continue
+    # In test mode: pick ONE random weapon and spawn a single pickup.
+    if all_weapon_shots.is_empty():
+        return
 
-        var pickup := _spawn_pickup(weapon)
-        if not is_instance_valid(pickup):
-            continue  # skipped — no valid icon
+    var chosen_weapon: WeaponShot = all_weapon_shots[randi() % all_weapon_shots.size()]
+    if chosen_weapon == null or chosen_weapon.shot_name.is_empty():
+        return
 
-        # Random position within viewport, with edge padding.
-        var margin: float = 15.0
+    var pickup := _spawn_pickup(chosen_weapon)
+    if not is_instance_valid(pickup):
+        return
+
+    # Random position within viewport, with edge padding.
+    var margin: float = 15.0
+    if _should_randomize_origin(pickup):
+        # Randomize the perpendicular axis so pickups don't all start at one edge.
+        var drift := _get_pickup_drift(pickup)
+        if drift != null:
+            var offset := Vector2.ZERO
+            if drift.drift_along_x:
+                # Travels along X; randomize Y origin.
+                offset.x = randf_range(margin, screensize.x - margin)
+                offset.y = 0.0
+            else:
+                # Travels along Y; randomize X origin.
+                offset.x = 0.0
+                offset.y = randf_range(margin, screensize.y - margin)
+            pickup.position = offset
+        else:
+            pickup.position = Vector2(
+                randf_range(margin, screensize.x - margin),
+                randf_range(margin, screensize.y - margin)
+            )
+    else:
         pickup.position = Vector2(
             randf_range(margin, screensize.x - margin),
             randf_range(margin, screensize.y - margin)
         )
 
-        add_child(pickup)
-        _pickups_spawned += 1
-        _pickups_remaining = _pickups_spawned
+    add_child(pickup)
+    _active_pickups.append(pickup)
+    _pickups_spawned += 1
+    _pickups_remaining = _pickups_spawned
 
-    # Pause the timer while pickups are on screen; resume when all gone.
+    # Pause the timer while pickup is on screen; resume when gone or expired.
     if spawn_timer != null:
         spawn_timer.stop()
 
@@ -92,12 +149,16 @@ func pickup_collected() -> void:
         var wc: WeaponComponent = level.get_node_or_null("WeaponComponent")
         if wc != null:
             wc.test_mode = test_mode
-    # Decrement counter; resume timer once all pickups are gone.
-    _pickups_remaining = max(0, _pickups_remaining - 1)
-    if _pickups_remaining <= 0:
-        if spawn_timer != null:
-            spawn_timer.start()
-        _pickups_spawned = 0
+    # Remove from active list and start cooldown.
+    _active_pickups.clear()
+    if spawn_timer != null:
+        spawn_timer.stop()
+    _start_cooldown()
+
+
+func _process(delta: float) -> void:
+    if test_mode:
+        _update_active_pickups(delta)
 
 
 func _spawn_pickup(weapon: WeaponShot) -> Area2D:
@@ -123,4 +184,99 @@ func _spawn_pickup(weapon: WeaponShot) -> Area2D:
     icon.size = Vector2(16, 16)
     pickup.add_child(icon)
 
+    # Assign a random behavior for visual variety.
+    _apply_random_behavior(pickup)
+
+    # Assign a random drift behavior for visual variety.
+    _apply_random_drift(pickup)
+
     return pickup
+
+
+func _cleanup_pickup(pickup: Area2D) -> void:
+    # Remove from active list if present.
+    for i in _active_pickups.size():
+        if _active_pickups[i] == pickup:
+            _active_pickups.remove_at(i)
+            break
+    pickup.queue_free()
+    # Trigger cooldown/respawn when a pickup drifts off-screen.
+    _start_cooldown()
+
+func _update_active_pickups(_delta: float) -> void:
+    # Check each active pickup for off-screen timeout.
+    var viewport_rect := get_viewport_rect().size
+    var margin: float = 50.0  # how far off-screen counts as "gone"
+    var to_remove: Array[Area2D] = []
+
+    for pickup in _active_pickups:
+        if not is_instance_valid(pickup):
+            continue
+        # Simple off-screen check: outside viewport + margin.
+        if (pickup.position.x < -margin
+                or pickup.position.x > viewport_rect.x + margin
+                or pickup.position.y < -margin
+                or pickup.position.y > viewport_rect.y + margin):
+            to_remove.append(pickup)
+
+    for bad_pickup in to_remove:
+        _cleanup_pickup(bad_pickup)
+
+
+func _start_cooldown() -> void:
+    if offscreen_timeout <= 0 or cooldown_after_collection <= 0:
+        return
+    _in_cooldown = true
+    _cooldown_timer.wait_time = cooldown_after_collection
+    _cooldown_timer.start()
+
+
+func _apply_random_behavior(pickup: Area2D) -> void:
+    if pickup_behaviors.is_empty():
+        return
+
+    var controller := pickup.get_node_or_null("PickupBehaviorController")
+    if controller == null:
+        return
+
+    var chosen: PickupBehavior = pickup_behaviors[randi() % pickup_behaviors.size()].duplicate() as PickupBehavior
+    if chosen != null:
+        controller.behavior = chosen
+
+
+func _apply_random_drift(pickup: Area2D) -> void:
+    # Randomly assign a drift behavior to the spawned pickup instance.
+    if drift_behaviors.is_empty():
+        return
+
+    var controller := pickup.get_node_or_null("PickupBehaviorController")
+    if controller == null:
+        return
+
+    var chosen: PickupDriftBehavior = drift_behaviors[randi() % drift_behaviors.size()].duplicate() as PickupDriftBehavior
+    if chosen == null:
+        return
+    # Randomize phase offset for per-instance variety.
+    chosen.phase_offset = randf_range(0.0, TAU)
+    # Randomize axis (horizontal vs vertical travel).
+    chosen.drift_along_x = randf() > 0.5
+    # Randomize direction (forward vs reverse).
+    chosen.reverse_direction = randf() > 0.5
+    # Randomize perpendicular origin.
+    chosen.randomize_origin = randf() > 0.5
+    # When randomizing origin, zero the phase so the wave starts at center (0 offset).
+    if chosen.randomize_origin:
+        chosen.phase_offset = 0.0
+    controller.drift_behavior = chosen
+
+
+func _get_pickup_drift(pickup: Area2D) -> PickupDriftBehavior:
+    var controller := pickup.get_node_or_null("PickupBehaviorController")
+    if controller == null:
+        return null
+    return controller.drift_behavior
+
+
+func _should_randomize_origin(pickup: Area2D) -> bool:
+    var drift := _get_pickup_drift(pickup)
+    return drift != null and drift.randomize_origin