Game AI: decisions, steering, and pathfinding

Build believable NPC behavior from three separable layers: decide (what to do), steer (how to move there), and path (how to route around the map). Keep them decoupled — a behavior tree picks a target, the pathfinder produces waypoints, steering follows them. This skill teaches the engine-neutral algorithms; bind them to your engine via the related skills below.

When to use

• Use when implementing enemy/NPC logic: patrols, chase/flee, guard states, group movement, or "find a path to the player".
• Use to choose between an FSM (few clear states), a behavior tree (many reactive behaviors with priorities), or steering (smooth local movement).
• Use when integrating pathfinding: A* on a grid/graph, or driving an engine navmesh agent.