Master AI Artillery in ARMA 3 without Scripting

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. How to Set Up an Artillery Piece or Long-Range Weapon Without Scripting
3. Using Waypoints for Artillery Placement
   • 3.1 Basic Waypoints vs. Advanced Waypoints
   • 3.2 Placing the Artillery Piece
4. Setting Up the Hold Waypoint
5. Triggering the Fire Mission
6. Adding a Trigger Point
7. Syncing the Trigger to the Hold Waypoint
8. testing the Setup
9. Conclusion
10. Pros and Cons of Using AI-Fired Artillery

Introduction

In this article, we will discuss how to set up an artillery piece or long-range weapon to fire without scripting in the popular Game "Arma 3." Often, players struggle with scripting and complex setups, but with the method outlined here, you can easily achieve effective artillery strikes using AI-controlled units. We will walk you through the steps, explaining each one in detail to ensure a thorough understanding of the process. Let's begin!

How to Set Up an Artillery Piece or Long-Range Weapon Without Scripting

Setting up an artillery piece or long-range weapon without scripting involves utilizing waypoints and triggers effectively. By following these steps, you can create a simple trigger area that will activate the AI-controlled artillery unit to fire upon a designated target.

Using Waypoints for Artillery Placement

Before delving into the setup, it's important to understand the concept of waypoints and their role in placing the artillery piece. Waypoints act as markers for AI units to follow, and in this case, we will use them to determine the position of the artillery unit.

3.1 Basic Waypoints vs. Advanced Waypoints

When working with waypoints, it's crucial to distinguish between basic and advanced options. Some Mods offer specialized waypoints, but for this Tutorial, we will focus on the standard vanilla waypoints, or a combination of both vanilla and advanced waypoints if necessary.

3.2 Placing the Artillery Piece

To start, place the artillery piece in the desired location. A recommended practice is to add a move waypoint slightly closer to the target area, followed by a hold waypoint. The hold waypoint will ensure that the AI-controlled unit remains stationary until triggered to fire.

Setting Up the Hold Waypoint

The hold waypoint is a crucial step in this setup process. It directs the AI to stay put until the trigger is activated. To establish the hold waypoint, simply place it next to the move waypoint created earlier.

Triggering the Fire Mission

Now that the hold waypoint is in place, we need to trigger the fire mission command for the artillery unit. To do this, go to the advanced waypoints options and select "Fire Mission." This command instructs the AI-controlled unit to initiate the firing sequence.

Adding a Trigger Point

To activate the artillery unit, we need to create a trigger point. The trigger point acts as a designated area that will Prompt the AI-controlled unit to skip the hold waypoint and proceed to the fire mission. You can place the trigger point anywhere on the map and adjust its size accordingly.

Syncing the Trigger to the Hold Waypoint

To make the trigger point functional, we must sync it to the hold waypoint. Syncing ensures that when a player or an enemy enters the trigger area, the trigger skips the hold waypoint, allowing the AI-controlled unit to start firing. Make sure to set the parameter Z size to define the trigger area accurately.

Testing the Setup

Now that the setup is complete, it's time to test the artillery firing sequence. Approach the trigger area and observe as the AI-controlled unit starts priming and launching the rockets towards the designated target. The explosions will effectively destroy the enemy encampment and any assigned objects within the area.

Conclusion

Setting up an AI-controlled artillery piece or long-range weapon without scripting can greatly enhance gameplay in "Arma 3." By following the steps outlined in this tutorial, you can create impressive artillery strikes using waypoints and triggers. Experiment with different scenarios and enjoy the flexibility offered by this method.

Pros and Cons of Using AI-Fired Artillery

Pros

• Simplified setup without the need for scripting
• Enhances gameplay immersion by allowing AI-controlled units to engage targets
• Flexibility to adjust waypoint positions and trigger areas for different scenarios
• Effective in destroying enemy encampments and objects within the designated area

Cons

• Limited control over the firing sequence and target selection
• Relies heavily on AI behavior, which may not always act as desired
• May require fine-tuning for specific scenarios or mod compatibility

FAQ

Q: Can I use this method with modded waypoints? A: Yes, you can use modded waypoints; however, it's important to ensure compatibility with the specific mod and adjust the setup accordingly.

Q: What happens if multiple trigger points are placed within the same area? A: If multiple trigger points overlap, the AI-controlled unit will skip the hold waypoint for each trigger point encountered, initiating multiple firing sequences.

Q: Can I designate multiple targets for the AI-controlled artillery unit? A: No, the setup outlined in this tutorial is designed to fire upon a single designated target area. For multiple targets, additional setup steps or scripting may be required.

Q: Can players manually control the artillery firing sequence? A: No, the setup discussed here relies on AI-controlled units to initiate the firing sequence. Manual control of the artillery piece is not within the scope of this tutorial.

Q: Will the artillery piece continue firing until the target is destroyed? A: The AI-controlled unit will stop firing once the designated target area is destroyed or when there are no more assigned objects or enemies within range.