Ai Combat System

AI Combat System

Enemy Character Classes

AI Character Organization

Create specialized enemy types by organizing AI characters into weapon-specific child classes:

Master AI Blueprint

• Base Class: bp_character_coursera_ai_master
• Shared Systems: Combat state, health, movement, detection
• Override Functions: Attack behavior, weapon configuration

Enemy Variants

Create child blueprints for each weapon type:

• bp_ai_shield: Sword and shield combat AI
• bp_ai_rifle: Ranged firearm combat AI
• bp_ai_bow: Archer combat AI
• bp_ai_mage: Magic-based combat AI
• bp_ai_dagger: Stealth/fast attack AI
• bp_ai_two_handed: Heavy weapon combat AI

Animation Stance Setup

Configure each enemy type with appropriate weapon stance:

// AI Animation Stance Configuration
F_AI_Set_Animation_Stance() {
mesh.GetAnimInstance().Interface_Animation_Stance(Animation_Stance);
}

// Child class defaults:
// Shield AI: Animation_Stance = Shield
// Rifle AI: Animation_Stance = Rifle
// Bow AI: Animation_Stance = Bow
// etc.

Attack Implementation

AI Attack Framework

Create attack system that adapts to different weapon types:

Master Attack Function

• F_AI_Attack: Empty function in master class for child overrides
• Target System: AI maintains reference to current attack target
• Rotation: AI faces target before attacking

Target Management

// AI Target Management
OnPlayerAggro(Player) {
Target = Player;
LookAtTarget();
}

OnResetCharacter() {
Target = nullptr; // Clear target when resetting
}

Attack Timing System

Control when AI characters can attack:

Attack Range and Timing

• Attack_Range Variable: Distance required to initiate attack (100-200 units for melee, 1000+ for ranged)
• Attack_Speed Variable: Cooldown between attacks (3 seconds default)
• Do Once Node: Prevent attack spam

Attack Validation

// AI Attack Validation
CE_Check_Attack_Range() {
if (Target.IsValid() && !Dead && !Reset) {
distance_to_target = Distance(GetActorLocation(), Target.GetActorLocation());

if (distance_to_target <= Attack_Range) {
if (!Target.Interface_Get_Dead_State()) {
F_AI_Attack(); // Execute attack
StartAttackCooldown(Attack_Speed);
} else {
CE_Reset_AI_Character(); // Target died, reset AI
}
} else {
AI_Move_To(Target.Location, Target, true); // Move closer
}
}
}

Weapon-Specific Combat

Melee Combat Implementation

For sword, dagger, and two-handed enemies:

Hitbox Setup

• Weapon_Hitbox: Box collision for weapon damage
• Socket Attachment: Attach to appropriate weapon socket
• Collision Management: Enable during attack animations, disable otherwise

Attack Integration

Copy player attack code and adapt for AI:

• Animation Montages: Use same attack animations as player
• Damage Values: Set appropriate damage for enemy type
• Timing: Use montage notify system for precise hit timing

Ranged Combat Implementation

For bow, rifle, and magic enemies:

Projectile Attacks

• Spawn Projectile: Use existing projectile system
• Socket Locations: Weapon-appropriate spawn points (muzzle, arrow socket, hand)
• Range Advantage: Higher attack range (1000 units)
• Movement Distance: Stay at range (900-unit move-to radius)

// Ranged AI Attack Example
// Magic AI Attack
F_AI_Attack_Override() {
PlayMontage(MagicAttack01);
// Montage notify triggers projectile spawn
}

Attack Rotation System

Multi-Attack AI

Create more complex enemies with multiple attacks:

Random Attack Selection

• Random Integer: Generate random number for attack choice
• Switch Node: Route to different attack animations
• Attack Variety: 3-4 different attacks per boss-level enemy

Sequential Attack Rotation

// Attack Rotation System
F_AI_Attack_Boss() {
Attack_Index++;
if (Attack_Index > 3) {
Attack_Index = 1; // Reset to first attack
}

switch(Attack_Index) {
case 1: PlayMontage(TwoHandedAttack01); break;
case 2: PlayMontage(TwoHandedAttack02); break;
case 3: PlayMontage(TwoHandedAttack03); break;
}
}

Combat Polish

Hit Registration

Ensure AI attacks properly register hits:

• Hitbox Override: Override F_Get_Melee_Hitbox function in each child class
• Collision Events: Implement overlap events for AI weapon hitboxes
• Player Targeting: Only damage player characters, not other AI

Movement Integration

• Attack Movement: Stop movement during attack animations
• Range Maintenance: Ranged AI maintain distance from player
• Positioning: Melee AI close distance for attack opportunities

Team System Integration

Team-Based Combat

Ensure AI respects team allegiance:

• Team Variable: Set AI team to “Enemy”
• Player Team: Set player team to “Player”
• Projectile Integration: AI projectiles only damage player team
• Friendly Fire Prevention: AI don’t damage each other

The AI combat system creates varied, challenging enemy encounters while maintaining clear, predictable behavior patterns that enhance gameplay rather than frustrate players.