Bots and NPCs

This will be periodically updated with information about NPCs and Bots (fake players).

NPC

This refers to non-player AI controlled entities.

NPC Notes:

• NPCs will automatically go to and attempt capture available control points
• NPCs shoot at valid targets 2000 units away and in line of sight

Bots

This refers to fake clients, that are simulated server side.

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Adding NPCs to maps

Added to hammer are 2 test NPC entities, these should work on any map however their functionality is limited. To ensure correct operation with your map, i have created a checklist of things that need to be done.

NPC checklist:

• Your map needs to be compiled with a version of empires later than 2.15.3.
• Your map needs a navigation mesh created, see https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Navigation_Meshes
• Your capture points need to be numbered correctly, capture point number 0 will not work with NPCs.

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NPC Entity List:

• npc_human_nf
• npc_human_be
• npc_grenadier_nf
• npc_grenadier_be

Debugging NPCs

Console Commands

• ai_debug_emp_paths : shows the actual paths the bots are currently following, blue for BE, red for NF
• ai_debug_emp_cap_points : bots print which capture point they are trying to go to

Blocking Navigation

Step 1: The func_nav_blocker is textured here with tools/trigger, and covers the extent of the area I want to block

Step 2: The func_nav_blocker is configured with the team to block for, and a name so that it can be activated by other entities

Step 3: A logic_auto is created so that we can trigger our func_nav_blocker to start blocking

Step 4: The logic_auto is configured to fire when the game is runing on a PC, at game start time

Step 5: The logic_auto has it's output set so that it triggers the BlockNav input on our previous func_nav_blocker entity

Step 6: Finally, checking that the func_nav_blocker has detected the input correctly coming from the logic_auto

1. First you need to create a func_nav_blocker entity covering the extent of the area you wish to block.
2. Configure the func_nav_blocker settings, and choose whch team(s) you wish to block for and give it a name so that it can be activataed by another entity.
3. Create an entity to use to activate the func_nav_blocker, here we use logic_auto but any entity can be used here
4. Configure the logic_auto so that it triggers on game start
5. Set the logic_auto's output to fire the BlockNav input on the func_nav_blocker
6. Finally, check that the func_nav_blocker has the correct input coming in

The images to the side of the page show what it should look like.

Common NPC FAQs

• The NPCs aren't moving anywhere, only occasionally shuffling forwards or standing there.
  • This is most likely because there is no navigation mesh, or capturable flags available.