point_entity_finder

point_entity_finder is a point entity available in all Source games since Left 4 Dead . When given theFindEntityinput, it finds an appropriate entity based on the given criterias, and pass the result as the!callerin theOnFoundEntityoutput.

Keyvalues

Filter Name <filter>

Filter to use to narrow set of find-able entities. See filter_activator_name for more explanation.

Reference Entity <targetname>

Name of the entity to use for search method distance comparisons. If left blank, the entity will use itself.

Search Method <choices>

After filtering down the entities to find, if there are multiple valid candidates, this determines which entity gets sent under the!callername.

• 0 : Nearest
• 1 : Farthest
• 2 : Random

Base:

Name (targetname) <string>

The name that other entities use to refer to this entity.

Parent (parentname) <targetname>

Maintain the same initial offset to this entity. An attachment point can also be used if separated by a comma at the end. (parentname [targetname],[attachment])

 Tip: Entities transition to the next map with their parents

 Tip: phys_constraintcan be used as a workaround if parenting fails.

Global Entity Name (globalname) <string>

When the player transitions to a new map, entities in the new map with matching globalnames will have their previous map's states copied over to it.

Origin (X Y Z) (origin) <coordinates>

The position of this entity's center in the world. Rotating entities typically rotate around their origin.

 Note: Hammer does not move the entities accordingly only in the editor.

Pitch Yaw Roll (X Y Z) (angles) <angle>

This entity's orientation in the world. Pitch is rotation around the Y axis, yaw is the rotation around the Z axis, roll is the rotation around the X axis.

 Note: This works on brush entities, although Hammer doesn't show the new angles.

Response Contexts (ResponseContext) <string>

Pre-defined response system contexts; Format is [key]:[value],[key]:[value],...and so on.

 Tip: Can also be filtered for or against!

Classname (classname) <string> !FGD

Determines the characteristics of the entity before it spawns.

 Tip: Changing classnames using theAddOutputinput can still influence the game's code, like making the classname match one element in the S_PreserveEnts list will make the entity persists on new rounds!

Flags (spawnflags) <integer> !FGD

Toggles exclusive features of an entity, its specific number is determined by the combination of flags added.

Effects (effects) <integer> !FGD

Combination of effect flags to use.

Hammer ID (hammerid) <integer> !FGD

The entity's unique Hammer ID that's auto-generated on map compiles. Mainly used by plugins or debugging commands (like theent_keyvaluecommand). Run-time spawned entities don't have a Hammer ID.

Inputs

FindEntity

Start a search on an entity that meets the specified criteria. Fires theOnFoundEntityoutput and pass the found entity under the!callername.

Base:

AddContext <string>

Adds to the entity's list of response contexts. Format is <key>:<value>.

AddOutput <string>

Assigns a new keyvalue/output on this entity. For keyvalues, some rely on extra necessary code to be ran and won't work if its simply just changed through this input. There is a strict format that must be followed:

Syntax: 

// Format of changing KeyValues: "AddOutput [key] [value]"
//// Raw text:
"OnUser1" "!self,AddOutput,targetname new_name"

// Format of adding an Output: "AddOutput {targetname}:{inputname}:{parameter}:{delay}:{max times to fire, -1 means infinite}"
//// Raw text:
"OnUser1" "!self:SetParent:!activator:0.0:-1"
// Arguments can be left blank, but the empty blank should still be contained.
//// Raw text:
"OnUser1" "!self:ClearParent::0.0:-1"

ClearContext

Removes all contexts from this entity's list.

ClearParent

Removes this entity from the the movement hierarchy, leaving it free to move independently.

FireUser1 to FireUser4

Fires the respectiveOnUseroutputs; see User Inputs and Outputs.

Kill

Removes this entity and any entities parented to it from the world.

KillHierarchy

Functions the same as Kill, although this entity and any entities parented to it are killed on the same frame, being marginally faster thanKillinput.

RemoveContext <string>

Remove a context from this entity's list. The name should match the key of an existing context.

SetParent <string>

Move with this entity. See Entity Hierarchy (parenting).

SetParentAttachment <string>

Change this entity to attach to a specific attachment point on its parent. The entity will teleport so that the position of its root bone matches that of the attachment. Entities must be parented before being sent this input.

SetParentAttachmentMaintainOffset <string>

As above, but without teleporting. The entity retains its position relative to the attachment at the time of the input being received.

Use  !FGD

Same as a player invoking +use; no effect in most cases.

DispatchResponse <string> !FGD

Dispatches a response to the entity. See Response and Concept.

DispatchEffect <string> (removed since ) !FGD

Dispatches a special effect from the entity's origin; see also List of Client Effects. Replaced by the particle system since .

Outputs

OnFoundEntity

When a search from theFindEntityinput found a valid entity. The found entity is passed under the!callername.

Base:

OnUser1 to OnUser4

These outputs each fire in response to the firing of the like-numbered FireUser1 to FireUser4 Input; see User Inputs and Outputs.

OnKilled  (only in )

This output fires when the entity is killed and removed from the game.