NPC movement

This is a list of important components of an NPC movement schedule and task. One day it may end up as a full tutorial.

Schedule tasks

All of these tasks can be found in CAI_BaseNPC::StartTask().

Find targets

TASK_GET_PATH_TO_PLAYER

Sets the NPC's goal to the player's location at the time of calculation.

Walk/Run path

TASK_WALK_PATH

TASK_RUN_PATH

TASK_WALK_PATH_FOR_UNITS <units>

TASK_RUN_PATH_FOR_UNITS <units>

TASK_WALK_PATH_WITHIN_DIST <units>

TASK_RUN_PATH_WITHIN_DIST <units>

Basic movement tasks. WITHIN_DIST are useful when the target itself isn't accessible, e.g. is an entity's origin.

TASK_RUN_PATH_FLEE <units>

Run this many units. Won't set a goal though, so use it in conjunction with another task.

TASK_WALK_PATH_TIMED <float|seconds>

TASK_RUN_PATH_TIMED <float|seconds>

Wait this many seconds, then move. Seems broken?

Utility

TASK_WAIT_FOR_MOVEMENT

Has the NPC wait for any previously-initiated movement to complete before starting the next task or changing schedule. Only your specified interrupts will stop it from moving. Very important!

TASK_SET_ROUTE_SEARCH_TIME <seconds>

Maximum time to spend building a route. The schedule will fail if it is overrun. Remember that different CPU speeds will give different results - don't use it except as a fail-safe.

Task functions

GetNavigator()->

Basic movement functions.

SetArrivalDirection( vector || qangle || CBaseEntity )

The direction to face on arrival at the task goal. The NPC will probably begin turning shortly before arrival.

Tip:If a CBaseEntity is passed the NPC will turn to look at it. To use an entity's angles themselves, call GetAbsAngles().

GetTacticalServices()->

Combat movement functions.