The miniboss system has been refactored into a unified, stimulus-driven AI architecture built around a three-layer state machine. This replaces ad-hoc per-entity logic with a consistent framework that separates intent, decision-making, and execution.

Server Config has been refreshed!

Core AI Architecture

• Stance updates are intentionally slower (~0.5s) to feel stable
• Combat states update at mid-frequency (~0.1–0.2s)
• Actions execute every tick for responsiveness

This enforces a clean separation between why, what, and how behavior occurs.

Shared Stimulus System

All mobs now evaluate a unified stimulus object instead of bespoke checks.

Examples of inputs

• Distance / melee range checks
• Health thresholds (self + player)
• Player recovery states (post-attack, airborne, casting)
• Combat context (recent hits, nearby allies)

Outcomes

• Deterministic transitions (no hidden randomness)
• Data-driven behavior tuning
• Consistent reactivity across all mobs

Design Pillars

• Personality-first AI Behavior is constrained by identity, not just ability availability

• Legibility over randomness State transitions are consistent and learnable

• Counterplay-driven design Each mob exposes a clear interaction loop

• State purity States have strict roles (e.g., repositioning ≠ damage phase)

• Difficulty through interaction Challenge comes from timing and positioning, not unpredictability

Miniboss Identity Mapping

Combat State Loops

Fire Mage

• Pressuring → Repositioning
• Maintains DoT and AOE pressure
• Disengages immediately on melee contact with speed boost

Mercenary

• Probing → Punishing → Probing
• Uses low-pressure attacks to gather data
• Enters burst phase when player vulnerability detected
• Trap system shifts from control → execution

Rogue

• Stalking → Ambushing → Withdrawing
• Invisible/low-visibility tracking phase
• Hard-commit burst sequence
• Forced disengage + reset window

Juggernaut

• Advancing ↔ Bracing (+ Last Stand stance)
• Continuous forward movement (no idle)
• Reactive defensive window
• No disengage or reposition behavior

Templar

• Crushing ↔ Condemning
• Constant forward aggression
• Gains pressure when player retreats
• Attacks while closing distance

Juggernaut Phase & Defense Changes

Last Stand (≤20% HP)

• Clears all offensive cooldowns immediately
• Disables Bracing entirely
• Converts behavior into full aggression phase

Bracing

• ~50% damage reduction
• ~90% knockback reduction
• Fixed duration (no extension)
• Emits shield particles for clarity

Melee System Overhaul

Arc-Based Damage

• Replaces single-target melee with directional AOE
• Integrated directly into AI (not fallback behavior)

Additional Melee Behavior

• All melee attacks triggered via Brain logic

Templar:

• Attacks within 4 blocks normally
• Continues attacking while advancing up to 8 blocks
• ~1 second cadence

Juggernaut Spin Update

• Immediate damage on contact
• Multiple timed pulses
• Full-area (360°) coverage
• Functions as sustained zone threat

Movement & Navigation

• Replaced direct movement (moveTo) with pathfinding (startMovingTo)

Results

• Obstacle-aware movement
• Reduced pathing failures
• Stronger perception of intent

Animation & Movement Smoothing

• Asymmetric smoothing:

  • Faster acceleration
  • Slower deceleration

• Movement state now based on smoothed velocity:

  • Reduces idle/run flicker
  • Prevents threshold thrashing

Cooldowns & Action System

• Centralized cooldown handling across all mobs

Enables

• Deterministic pacing
• Controlled burst windows
• Explicit phase transitions

Example:

• Instant cooldown reset during Juggernaut Last Stand

Supporting Systems

• Trap logic (Mercenary):

  • Predictive placement → execution tool

• Ambush vector control (Rogue):

  • Prevents repeated attack angles

• Repositioning logic (Fire Mage):

  • Open-space biased pathfinding