[AI] Writing an autocast AI for abilities

[Ardenian]

I quickly looked through some AI tutorials, but I don't get how I can write an AI for autocasting.
My aim is to make player-owned units automatically cast spells.

My current approach is to add all units of a type ( e.g. priest) to a unit group,
then periodically looping through all units of this unit group,
checking if they have enough mana and all other conditions are met ( like already has buff)
and then ordering the unit to cast the spell.

Is this how I write a good AI ?
I do not use the AI Editor, do I ?

 

[ZiBitheWand3r3r]

My aim is to make player-owned units automatically cast spells.

If so, you do not need to touch Ai Editor. I prefer ai scripts over Ai Editor, and those are related to computer slots only /Map scenario/player properties/. I can suggest JassCraft to write ai script file and them import file into your map.

But if you have not used slots you can use these slots to change owner of units to computer /allied to player/ and use simpler way to cast custom spells:
http://www.hiveworkshop.com/forums/jass-ai-scripts-tutorials-280/base-abilities-custom-spells-cast-melee-game-ai-units-193280/
so build-in Ai will make part of work instead of your triggers

 

[Ardenian]

Thanks, I see, that's interesting to work with.

I take a look on the test map, up to now I don't see how the AI determinates events.

I would also be glad to receive a comment on my idea to write triggers using unit groups for each unit type.
From my perspective this allowes heavy customization instead of using Ai scripts, using global variables, doesn't it ?

 

[ZiBitheWand3r3r]

In my opinion coding every aspect of unit behavior is fine for heroes.
But that's ok if you want to try it for units, heavy customizatiot: true, but heavy work also ;]

Instead of periodical ForGroup call you can catch fake-ability casted and reorder your priest to cast something else. Thats the idea.
how the AI determinates events.
well lets assume your priest has fake Rain of Fire, then you know when it will be casted - Will cast if there are at least 2 to 3 units in a group. when priest start effect of an ability /here's event/ you reorder priest to cast something else.
So no need to periodical check for enemies around, how many enemies, how close they are, etc., you intercept the event and reorder. Saves much code.

Or Finger of Death - Uses whenever is available very usefull, is casted by Ai on every cooldown, on any enemy.Please notice that you have to set cooldowns of fake, and real abilites, target allowed for both, mana.

 

[Ardenian]

So I basically make use of the already coded behaviour.
However, what if I would like to code the behaviour from the very beginning, 100% scratch ?
I read in the linked tutorial one does not need to code what already runs in the background,
however, I aim to code AI from the very beginning, including events/checks and the fake-abilities you mention.

About these fake-abilities, aren't they shown, too ?
If priest for example has Rain of Fire, isn't the user able to cast that.
Even if it triggers the heal, wouldn't the user be able to cast both abilities manually ?

 

[ZiBitheWand3r3r]

I asumed that those fake-and-real abilities option is for computer slot.
Can you please tell more about how your project should work, aiming on units, control them by player, and how it not interfere with AI you plan to make

 

[Ardenian]

Oh, I see, then it would work, of course.
I aim for player controlled units though.

I aim for creating a ( for now) melee AI.
Players can control the units and cast abilities manually, however, I would like to script abilities,
as example, making the paladin cast Divine Shield himself under certain circumstances and so on.
So it is less an AI like 'a playing computer player' but rather 'make units cast abilities themselves which they usually do not cast themselves'.

 

[ZiBitheWand3r3r]

ah, now understood, thats interesting and new idea ;]
it seems your solution is only possible for this purpose, good luck;]
some switch like player typed msg to on/off AI would be nice

 

[Ardenian]

Thanks
Yes, that's a great idea!

 

[Almia]

Now I wonder how are you going to manage AoE spells and check for immunities

Because, for example, Unit A has Storm Bolt and attempts to cast it on Invulnerable unit, that may cause malfunction

for AoE spells, they just check the valid number of units for it to cast e.g. Shockwave usually procs when it is available and there are 2+ units in front of the unit

 

[Ardenian]

Yes, requirements are surely a challenge :/

As for AoE spells, as you said, a simple loop through all nearby units counting valid ones in seperate groups should be fine, I would say.

Probably would need to trigger each spell, for example, using a DDS to check if a Footman receives Pierce damage, ordering him to Defend and such.

 

[Almia]

Yes, requirements are surely a challenge :/

As for AoE spells, as you said, a simple loop through all nearby units counting valid ones in seperate groups should be fine, I would say.

Probably would need to trigger each spell, for example, using a DDS to check if a Footman receives Pierce damage, ordering him to Defend and such.

That's if you can detect what is the attack type of the damage

 

[Ardenian]

Oh wait, one cannot detect the attack type of the damage ?
I already searched a bit around in the Jass natives, but I couldn't really find a way to get it or I missed something..

I wonder, if it is not possible to get the attack type, how does the default AI knows when to activate Defend ?
Don't tell me they just activate it stupidely once they are in combat, haha...

 

[Almia]

Oh wait, one cannot detect the attack type of the damage ?
I already searched a bit around in the Jass natives, but I couldn't really find a way to get it or I missed something..

I wonder, if it is not possible to get the attack type, how does the default AI knows when to activate Defend ?
Don't tell me they just activate it stupidely once they are in combat, haha...

yes you can't detect it.

the detection of Pierce damage should've been hardcoded

 

[Ardenian]

Hm, I recall someone tried to write a system to get the attack type based on the damage dealt, was that dropped ?

 

[Almia]

provide link please. I have never seen such a thing on this site, not even in wc3c, wc3jass, thehelper, chaosrealm and many other sites

 

[Ardenian]

Hu, it is a long time ago and I don't think it was a stand-alone thread.
If I recall right they speculated whether they can, since they can get the armor of a unit using the damage received, also the attack type this way.