EQS Tutorial Series EP5 Generators Part 2

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will explore the various generators available in Unreal Engine's Environmental Query System (EQS). This guide focuses on five key generators: Points Circle, Points Cone, Points Donut, Composite, and Custom generators. By the end, you'll understand how to effectively use these generators for your game development projects.

Step 1: Points Circle Generator

The Points Circle generator allows you to create points arranged in a circular formation around a specified location.

• How to Use:

  1. In your EQS setup, select the Points Circle generator.
  2. Specify the center point where the circle will be located.
  3. Set the radius to define how far from the center the points will be placed.
  4. Adjust the number of points to control how densely they are populated in the circle.

• Practical Tip: Use Points Circle for scenarios where you need to spawn enemies or items around a character or an object.

Step 2: Points Cone Generator

The Points Cone generator creates points in a conical shape, providing a directional spread.

• How to Use:

  1. Select the Points Cone generator in your EQS.
  2. Define the apex point of the cone.
  3. Set the cone's angle and length to control the spread and reach.
  4. Specify the number of points for distribution within the cone.

• Practical Tip: This generator is useful for targeting systems or AI perception where you want to focus on a specific direction.

Step 3: Points Donut Generator

The Points Donut generator creates points in a ring shape, similar to a circle but with a defined inner radius.

• How to Use:

  1. Choose the Points Donut generator from your EQS options.
  2. Set the center point of the donut.
  3. Define both the inner and outer radii to create the thickness of the ring.
  4. Adjust the number of points to determine how many will be placed in the donut shape.

• Common Pitfall: Ensure the inner radius is smaller than the outer radius, or no points will be generated.

Step 4: Composite Generator

The Composite generator combines multiple generators into a single query, allowing for more complex point distributions.

• How to Use:

  1. Add the Composite generator to your EQS.
  2. Include multiple point generators (e.g., Circle, Cone, Donut) as components of the composite.
  3. Adjust the weight of each generator to influence how points are distributed.

• Practical Application: Use the Composite generator when you need a mixture of point types to create varied environments or spawn locations.

Step 5: Custom Generator

The Custom generator allows you to create unique point distributions tailored to specific needs.

• How to Use:

  1. Select the Custom generator in your EQS.
  2. Write your logic to define how points are generated.
  3. Use Unreal Engine's scripting or blueprints to implement your custom rules.

• Practical Tip: This is ideal for complex scenarios where predefined generators do not meet your requirements.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, we covered how to use five key generators in Unreal Engine's EQS: Points Circle, Points Cone, Points Donut, Composite, and Custom. Each generator offers unique capabilities for creating point distributions, essential for enhancing gameplay mechanics and AI behaviors. Experiment with these generators in your projects to see how they can improve your game's design and functionality. For further learning, consider exploring more advanced EQS features and integrations.