[HELP] How to create a squad of NPC in...

[RedShootLeo 1]

So the thing is: I wanna create a squad made of NPC's that i can command in an already made mission. The mission is meant to be played by yourself, but it's just too hard to be accomplished without any help, so i was thinking how could i create a squad of NPC's to help me out. Could someone provide a step-by-step on how to do this? Thanks!

[avibird 1 155]

OK i need to know a few things. first thing is

1. What form is the mission in ie PBO or unpbo (folder/files). If you don't understand then What color is the mission name in the editor light blue or white.

[RedShootLeo 1]

Yes sir, i do know that format, and the mission im talking about is already "unpacked", it's blue.

[instagoat 133]

If it´s unpacked, open it, find the player unit (the one with the red ring around it), select Units (F1), double click near the player Unit, and place the units you desire. Save and play.

[RedShootLeo 1]

The thing is kind sir, this mission is made so i can choose between a variety of characters (did i mentioned it was a multiplayer mission?). So... which one do i do that with? Do you need me to post the mission? Here is it: http://www.armaholic.com/page.php?id=14211

[avibird 1 155]

How many playable units are in the mission and how many different groups. You can play with all the units on the map using the team switch function. It is simple to steup. Lets say you have five groups of 5 units. Each group will have a group leader and he will have a light blue line to all the other units in his group. Go look and let me know. If no units are in a group that's ok it is a easy fix.

[RedShootLeo 1]

Well sir... huh... it's basically like this: http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/1525/thingyo.png (139 kB)

Is it helpful? '.'

More info: I get to choose between all of those. It's meant to be played with a friend, so there's no actual team leader, because it's only you, and your friend it's a entirely different character. It's a zombie survival mission.

EDIT: MOAR INFOW! http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/561/thingy2v.png (294 kB)

Edited May 25, 2012 by RedShootLeo

[Gunter Severloh 4088]

Hi.

In the editor hit F2 for groups, pick the group type you want, and double click on the map, and make the lead unit a player, you'll have your squad.

or implement a AI recruitment script and recruit AI units for yourself, use this script:

http://www.armaholic.com/page.php?id=12113&highlight=RECRUIT%2BAI

You should really learn the basics of the editor get this, download and read

Armed Assault Editing Guide - Deluxe Edition - English version

http://www.armaholic.com/page.php?id=4847

If your interested in a tutor for learning the basics for sp and mp editing, send me a pm and we can hook up sometime

and I can walk you through it, I've done this with quite a bit of new players.

[RedShootLeo 1]

In the script is says that it's Desert. The map Im using is Chernarus... won't this be a problem?

---------- Post added at 15:28 ---------- Previous post was at 15:22 ----------

And about this AI Recruitment, how the hell do i install this? I already extracted the bon_recruit_units to the desired mission folder, but i don't know how to add that line to the init, i mean, i do know HOW, i just don't know WHERE in the file i should add that.

---------- Post added at 16:26 ---------- Previous post was at 15:28 ----------

One more thing, i tried that thing you said in the first place, to make a group, and is it like this(?): http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/4526/thingy3.png (499 kB)

Cuz when i started the game it said something like a script couldn't load, and then when it started, we were just falling into the void.

[RedShootLeo 1]

Excuse me, could someone answer me? D:

[Gunter Severloh 4088]

Hi Red good questions.

In the script is says that it's Desert. The map Im using is Chernarus... won't this be a problem?

no it dont matter, as long as you have the code to call the script you can have it on any island read the following.

For the AI recruitment all you need to do is place a object of some sort where you want to recruit the Ai, be it a flag, a bunker, whatever.

then

I already extracted the bon_recruit_units to the desired mission folder, but i don't know how to add that line to the init, i mean,

i do know HOW, i just don't know WHERE in the file i should add that.

in the init line of that object you put this code-->

this addAction ["Recruit Units","bon_recruit_units\open_dialog.sqf"]

for the files of that script, you need to move the following files:

(folder) bon_recruit_units

description

init

into the folder of the mission you are playing, so look for the title of your mission

in the mpmissions folder at this folder address on your computer-->C:\Documents and Settings\username\My Documents\ArmA 2\MPMissions

i tried that thing you said in the first place, to make a group, and is it like this

you wont need to create a new group once you get the Ai recruitment setup correctly, so just delete the new group you made.

Delete all the other units except the player unit, player unit is the one with the red circle around him.

In general when you create a new group , like in the pic you have here-->http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/1525/thingyo.png

see how the other soldiers are connected to one guy, that one guy is the player, if you have Ai units (soldiers) synced (which is that line you see connecting them to the player)

then the player will have command of those units, if there is no line synced to the player for some units, then the player will not have the ability to command that particular AI.

Once you create a group the Ai is automatically synced to the squad leader, but if you want to command that squad,

then you need to find which one is the squad leader, and make him the player, doing this can be done under the control in the squad leader's edit screen set to player.

Synchronization in general is F7 I believe is just holding down the mouse button and dragging a line from one unit to the next,

by default the unit with the highest rank will always be leader.

hope that helps.

[RedShootLeo 1]

Pleaseeeee someone... i really need to know how do i add this NPC Squad, i can't go throw this mission just by myself.

[twirly 11]

They are helping you.... you just don't know enough to be helped! If that makes sense to you!

[RedShootLeo 1]

Ohhh, sorry, it seems i posted the comment before even seeing if someone had answered...

---------- Post added at 00:41 ---------- Previous post was at 23:40 ----------

Wow, so much stuff... I'll give my best to accomplish this but Im a noob so... Im probably gonna mess it up somehow.

---------- Post added at 01:02 ---------- Previous post was at 00:41 ----------

(in the init line of that object you put this code-->

Code:

this addAction ["Recruit Units","bon_recruit_units\open_dialog.sqf"])

Dude, are you talking about the desired object that i want to make the "recruiting point"? If so, how am i supposed to find that object? Is it in the mission init? Or am i supposed to find that object's own init? Dude you gotta tell me step-by-step, even the minor details, cuz I'm totally new at this.

[Gunter Severloh 4088]

Red what is it your not understand with the recruit AI?

its very simple, I suggested the recruit AI because once your NPC squad your looking to add gets killed then your mission is fubar,

you wont have anyone to help you, with the Ai recruitment you can keep recruiting AI to suite your needs.

AI Squad

If you want a NPC squad and not the AI recruitment, then in the editor hit F2 which is for squads, then double click on the map where you want the squad.

Once you place the squad you want then you will need to make the leader a player that is the leader will be you.

AI Units

The other method is in this pic-->http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/1525/thingyo.png you had posted earlier, delete all those units.

then

Place a unit and make him the player (basically you) then make sure your on F1 in the editor and double click on the island around your character to add more units,

just double click ad hit ok. or enter.

Now based on the distance where you placed the units, if you placed them close, they will automatically sync to your player:

here I create a short vid of how to do this, nothing fancy, just added some notes to it, watch it and let me know what your thoughts are, as in questions, ect,.

4l1OqUP8hX0

---------- Post added at 07:14 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:04 PM ----------

talking about the desired object that i want to make the "recruiting point"?

in the editor double click on the map.

then

at the top of the window (you should be in the insert unit window) look at the top left it will say side

in that list you have various factions, like usmc, cdf, US ec,,. now at the very bottom of that list you have empty

pick empty, and another list will open up the list will be little bit lower it will be under class

then

click on that list and go down to where it says objects (fortifications)

then to the right of the of the window it will say unit

click on that list

and look for bunker small

then hit ok, you will have inserted an object.

now go to that object, and open it, then go to the initialization line

and put the code -->

this addAction ["Recruit Units","bon_recruit_units\open_dialog.sqf"]

thats is for the editor part.

Now all you need to do is transfer the files to the mission folder and then go preview the mission you just edited.

If you want I can make you a demo mission, then you can see what files are where, and what is what, would you like me to do this, or do you have it figured out?

---------- Post added at 07:24 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:14 PM ----------

As I said in an earlier post, If your interested, I can show you the basics of the editor, i can walk you through on how to:

-place units

objects

groups

planes

tanks

vehicles

-use waypoints

-setup triggers,

-get around the editor

show you how to use scripts, and implement them,

even show you how to create a script for ammo cache, and many other things.

the majority of folks I have tutored had the basics down in their first session, i have tutored about a handful of people interested,

it was usually folks who had issues with their mission, or wanted to learn the editor outright, but I do this as i like to help,

because once you get the basics down then its basically downhill from there.

If your interested let me know, or send me a pm.

Or i could send you a link to a couple of references tutorials for the editor, one I have already linked.

[RedShootLeo 1]

I appreciate you wanting to help me to that extend! I can tell you are a very good person, and if you don't mind, i will redirect all of the people i find having trouble to you (I don't want to cause you any trouble, so if you don't want me to do this, just tell me something, i understand it can be kind of bothersome to have people asking you stuff all the time).

So, about that thing, i think i have it figured out, I'm going to give it a try and we will see about it. By the way, when you told me to delete all those starting guys, i don't know if that would be a good idea, because all of them are scripted to a storyline, or something like that, so i think it would mess up the mission somehow. Maybe i should've done this from the beginning, but there is the mission, you might be interested in checking it out (but don't force yourself, you've been of great help already!).

http://www.armaholic.com/page.php?id=14211&a=dl

EDIT: Ohh, and by the way, you could've told me it was INSIDE THE GAME... i was searching inside the mission folder all along for the object i placed...

EDIT (2): I've placed the bunker, added the line, and previewed the mission. When i get closer to the bunk, nothing pops up, am i supposed to press something, or what? xD Maybe I've done something wrong.

EDIT (3): Oh boy, do i feel stupid. I needed to look at ceiling of the bunker... xD

EDIT (4 - Too many editions): It's not working... first time i tried it something popped up saying it couldn't find some kind of script... I'm going to reload the mission to see if it pops again and i can tell you what script it is.

SCRIPT: bon_recruit_units\open_dialog.sqf not found

Edited May 27, 2012 by RedShootLeo

[Gunter Severloh 4088]

Ok.

Thanks for the comments.

I see ya dont delete those units then.

i downloaded the mission, and am checking it out, I see what your saying theres barely any ammo to work with.

Was playing for a bit, seems fun, but as it is noted this is basically for multiple players, aka coop.

if your interested I can host this on my server and we could play together.

Zombies arn't hard to kil except its dark, and it is kinda of scary, but havign a good weapon is important, i chose the guy with the shotgun.

What you can do is place a few units per character role, that way you would have some support.

Ai recruitment wouldn't do any good as you would have to go back to the place you recruit Ai jsut to get more if they were to get killed.

---------- Post added at 08:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:33 PM ----------

Red the AI recruitment wont work for that mission, you need to move the scripts from the demo mission into the mission your playing,

problem is you will need to edit the codes to add lines for script to work, so forget it.

Plus the Ai recruitment you will have to go back to in order to recruit again. and only real travel in the mission is on foot, so to much running, and running away from the zombies!!

Your better off just either adding an ammo crate where you start for better weapons which kinda of defeats and ruins the mission for its atmosphere.

SCRIPT: bon_recruit_units\open_dialog.sqf not found

Of course its not found you didn't move the scripts from the Ai recruitment script to the folder of the mission your playing.

I suggest you not use it, and dont move them, as they may overwrite existing scripts which will mess up the mission, so just look at the suggestions I made above, I think those would be your best options.

Edited May 27, 2012 by Gnter Severloh

[RedShootLeo 1]

Wow, you are such a good guy O.O. I know i shouldn't be doing this, but my ArmA 2 is a cracked one, i don't have much money to spend on games, and I'm still collecting the necessary money to buy the pack. What brought me to ArmA was the DayZ Mod, but sadly i discovered that is was multiplayer only... and cracked versions can't play on multiplayer. I'd absolutely love to play this mission with you, especially because this is a series, so it's not just this one mission, there's 2 more, and it would be fun to play it with such a nice person, but i can't... so sorry. And thanks for the help, i will do as you say and add at least some ammo, just so i can go past some zombies, because you only get to survive 3 hits, so it's absolutely too hard for me to go legit, also because i don't know how the zombies "work". By work, i mean i don't know how they react to you, if they see you, if they hear you, i don't know; and they are fast!

Gotta go to sleep now, see you in about 6-7 hours.

Edited May 27, 2012 by RedShootLeo

[Gunter Severloh 4088]

Your welcome.

the mission is challenging i agree, so i suggest just add an ammo box and grab as much as ammo as you need.

But a cracked game?!

i would suggest getting the game Arma2CO

Arma 2: Combined Operations is Arma2 plus the OA expansion it would be about $33 at the BIS store, but if you search around you could get it cheaper, depends on the vendor.

But seriously get the game, dont talk about a cracked version on these forums, not trying to be mean or anything,

the moderators will either lock your threads, or Ban you from the forums here because you dont have/own a legitimate copy.

Just do yourself that favor, save up for it whatever but the game is worth it if your interested in it.

and once you do get it, then Id be much abliged to help you out if needed with the editor, or mods ect,.

good luck to you.

[RedShootLeo 1]

Ops... I'm so sorry, i didn't knew i shouldn't talk about it... hope it doesn't brings you any problems. But ye, eventually i will buy the ArmA 2 + OA bundle, because this game is just amazing, and playing multiplayer should be so much fun, but right now i don't have the financial capability of doing so, but i will buy the game. Thanks for everything, and i will be sure to let you know when i buy the game! :D

---------- Post added at 16:09 ---------- Previous post was at 15:41 ----------

But just one more thing, is there a way to add at least 1 unit under my command? Because just by myself is hard... preferably i would like to add 2 more, but just 1 is good... i just don't know how, cuz when i add the unit, i can't make the player a squad leader, cuz it messes up the mission, i think... is there any other way?

[Gunter Severloh 4088]

Ya unsync all the players, just hit F2 on your keyboard so that the editor is in groups mode.

then

hold down your left mouse button over each soldier (players) and then pull your mouse away from them and then release the mouse button,

you will see that the lin connected to the squad leader and for each player is not there.

from there, find the player your going to use, and then press F1 to go into units mode.

then

double click next to the player you want to be and insert a unit, be sure that the player you are going to play

is a higher rank then the player (AI) you put down, or he'll lead you.

lastly keep in mind that once your AI dies, thats it for him.

Add as many units you need. But try to maintain the atmosphere of survival, as having less is more, thats what its all about an apocalypse.

---------- Post added at 11:43 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:31 AM ----------

Forget it, I tried it and I cant get the AI to be under my command, it works normally in the game as I had explained

but this mission is heavily scripted, I suggest just putting down an ammo box with weapons.

[RedShootLeo 1]

Alright, thank you very much sir! :D