KA Bot Path Nodes
From korax
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Overview
Bot Path Nodes are simple things similar to Map Spot that help Bots wander around the map and perform actions necessary for scoring. Path nodes are invisible in game by default, their visibility can be toggled on by setting 'ShowPathNodes' console variable to 1 anytime except during the match.
Regardless of node type, there are some common rules about them:
- Bots aim the node only if it can see it AND reach it from its current position. That means that if you want to make bot be able to walk between two nodes, you must make sure that there's a straight clear passageway between them. This passage may include any number of sectors with different floor heights, but bot will only take this route if it is possible for him to run all the way to next node along the straight line (assuming he may jump up and drop down from safe heights as well).
- Bot remembers about the last 256 nodes he visited, which makes it possible for him to run a logical path. This "memory" is erased, however, as soon as bot engages in fight or performs some important action like capturing the enemy flag.
- When Bot reaches the node and wants to continue running somewhere (and not doing something else like gathering nearby items and attacking enemies), he chooses the closest reachable node; there's a small chance however that he will choose some other.
Types of Path Nodes
Common Path Nodes
There's absolutely nothing special about common path nodes, they are usefull in any game mode; in such games as Domination, CTF and Football (that have their own specific path nodes) they serve as auxilary paths, for example ones that lead to ammo stash or similar places.
Priority Path Nodes
As comes from their name, priority path nodes are more attractive for bots; they should be used to create main movement paths around the map, between some important places and so on.
While useful in all the game modes, they are especially important for Domination, where bots must know how to get to nearest uncaptured Domination Sigil if there is such urgent need.
Offense Nodes
Offense nodes are only needed for CTF and Football game modes and should be used to make a offensive path to enemy base (or gates).
Defense Nodes
Defense nodes are only needed for CTF and Football game modes and should be used to define guard spots for base/gate defenders.
Return Nodes
Return nodes are only needed for CTF to let bots know the best path back to their base after they captured enemy flag.
Soccer Goal Spot
Soccer Goal Spot is a special map spot thing for Football game. It makes bots know where kick ball to (i.e. where enemy gates are positioned). Several Goal Spots can be used per each gate to allow bot kick ball in different ways.
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