NEVER Do (Expert Anti-Patterns)

NEVER use binary "Seen/Not Seen" detection; strictly use a Gradual Detection Meter (0-100%) that builds based on distance, light level, and speed.
NEVER use standard RayCast3D nodes for massive amounts of vision checks; strictly use PhysicsDirectSpaceState3D.intersect_ray() to query the PhysicsServer instantly and nodelessly.
NEVER allow AI to see through solid geometry; strictly use raycasts between AI eyes and player sample points (Head/Torso/Feet).
NEVER use a single sample point for visibility; strictly sample at least 3 points (Head, Torso, Feet) to prevent detection bugs when partially in cover.
NEVER use static "Guard Paths"; strictly implement Dynamic Investigating where guards leave their route to check on suspicious sounds/activities.
NEVER trigger "Detection" immediately upon line-of-sight; strictly use a Detection Meter with a decay rate to provide a "forgiveness window" for the player to recover.
NEVER assume a random navmesh point is safe; strictly verify cover points by Raycasting toward the Threat to ensure geometry successfully breaks the line of sight.
NEVER forget to pass the guard's own RID into the raycast exclude array; if omitted, the ray will hit the guard's own body, causing false blocking.
NEVER run complex AI detection for off-screen guards; strictly use VisibleOnScreenNotifier3D to pause heavy logic for distant enemies.

NEVER use a simple distance_to() check for hearing; strictly calculate sound travel along the Navigation Path to determine if a wall blocks noise.
NEVER make combat as viable as stealth; strictly ensure "going loud" triggers intense reinforcements or high-lethality states to preserve the stealth loop.
NEVER hide the "Why" of detection; strictly provide immediate feedback via UI icons (?, !) or audio barks ("What was that?").
NEVER ignore the return value of intersect_ray(); strictly check is_empty() first to prevent runtime crashes.
NEVER assume a raycast won't hit the guard itself; strictly exclude the guard's RID from Query Parameters.

godot-genre-stealth