Trap Knockback System

Trap and Knockback System

Enhanced Trap System

Transform the basic statistic changer into a comprehensive trap and environmental hazard system that supports multiple effect types and customizable behaviors.

Trap Actor Components

Visual and Collision Setup

Upgrade the statistic modifier with improved components:

Component Structure

• Static Mesh Appearance: Root component for visual representation
• Box Collision: Trigger volume for trap activation
• Static Mesh Variable: Instance-editable mesh selection
• Construction Script: Apply selected mesh to appearance component

Collision Configuration

• Trigger Collision: Custom collision settings
• Box Collision: Set to overlap pawn only
• Static Mesh: No collision, no overlap events (visual only)
• Hidden Sphere: Remove or hide original sphere component

Multi-Effect System

Effect Types Enumeration

Create enumeration for different trap effects:

• Health: Damage or healing effect
• Knockback: Physical displacement effect
• Jump Pad: Upward/directional launching

Effect Array System

Allow multiple simultaneous effects per trap:

// Multi-Effect Trap Implementation
OnTrapActivation(TriggeringActor) {
ForEach(effect_type in Effects_Array) {
switch(effect_type) {
case Health:
Interface_Health_Modify(TriggeringActor, Math_Operation, Health_Amount);
break;
case Knockback:
CalculateKnockbackDirection(TriggeringActor);
Interface_Knockback(TriggeringActor, Knockback_Location, Knockback_Power);
break;
case JumpPad:
LaunchCharacterInDirection(TriggeringActor, Custom_Launch_Direction);
break;
}
}
}

Knockback Implementation

Knockback Interface Function

Create master character interface for knockback effects:

Interface_Knockback Function

• Location Input: Vector position for knockback origin
• Power Input: Float value for knockback strength
• Implementation: Use Launch Character node with calculated direction

Knockback Calculation

// Knockback Direction Calculation
Interface_Knockback(KnockbackLocation, Power) {
character_location = GetActorLocation();
look_at_rotation = FindLookAtRotation(KnockbackLocation, character_location);
forward_vector = look_at_rotation.ForwardVector;
launch_vector = forward_vector * Power;

LaunchCharacter(launch_vector, true, true); // Override X, Y, Z
}

This system ensures characters are always knocked back from trap location regardless of approach angle.

Jump Pad System

Custom Direction Control

Transform knockback system into directional jump pads:

Custom Launch Variables

• Knockback_Custom Boolean: Enable custom direction mode
• Knockback_Custom_Location Vector: Specific launch direction
• Instance Editable: Allow per-trap customization

Jump Pad Implementation

// Jump Pad Custom Direction
if (Knockback_Custom) {
launch_direction = Knockback_Custom_Location;
} else {
launch_direction = CalculateKnockbackFromTrapLocation();
}

LaunchCharacter(launch_direction, true, true);

Jump Pad Examples

Different jump pad configurations:

Vertical Boost

• Custom Direction: (X=0, Y=0, Z=1200)
• Use Case: Vertical platforming challenges
• Feel: Straight upward launch

Directional Launch

• Custom Direction: (X=0, Y=-3000, Z=800)
• Use Case: Traversal across gaps or level shortcuts
• Balance: Negative Y for forward movement, positive Z for arc

Trap Variations

Damage Traps

Configure traps for harm:

• Static Mesh: Spike trap, fire hazard, electrical danger
• Effects Array: Health effect only
• Damage Amount: 250 for significant but not instantly lethal
• Knockback Power: 800 for impact feedback

Pure Knockback Traps

Configure for displacement without damage:

• Effects Array: Knockback only
• Knockback Power: 1200-1500 for strong displacement
• Use Cases: Environmental hazards, puzzle elements

Combination Traps

Multi-effect environmental hazards:

• Effects Array: Health + Knockback
• Balanced Values: Lower damage with moderate knockback
• Strategic Placement: Create risk/reward positioning decisions

Level Integration

Trap Placement Strategy

Position traps for maximum gameplay impact:

• Narrow Passages: Force careful navigation
• Combat Areas: Add environmental danger to fights
• Puzzle Integration: Use as puzzle elements or barriers
• Jump Pad Networks: Create traversal shortcuts and alternate routes

Visual Clarity

Ensure traps are properly telegraphed:

• Appropriate Meshes: Spikes look dangerous, pads look helpful
• Material Choices: Bright colors for jump pads, dark/warning colors for damage
• Consistent Language: Similar trap types use similar visual themes

Child Blueprint Organization

Specialized Trap Types

Create child blueprints for common configurations:

Spike Trap Child

• Default Mesh: Spike trap asset
• Default Effects: Health (damage) + Knockback
• Preset Values: Balanced damage and knockback

Jump Pad Child

• Default Mesh: Launch pad or magical circle
• Default Effects: Jump Pad with vertical boost
• Preset Direction: Pure upward launch

Knockback Mine Child

• Default Mesh: Explosive or energy device
• Default Effects: Pure knockback, no damage
• High Power: Strong displacement for environmental puzzles

The trap and knockback system adds dynamic environmental interaction and creates opportunities for both hazards and traversal mechanics while maintaining flexible, reusable code architecture.