Bots and NPCs

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Empires Mapping Documentation
Mapping Overiew | Hammer Configuration | Entity Index | Basic Mapping | Setup Resources | Tutorials | Useful FGD Modifications | Bots and NPCs | Dimensions | Skyboxes




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.


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:


NPC Entity List:

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.