Use Abilities In Schematics

AlexHinta

Hi,

I have an ability called "Farming" that has Level Up Type "Uses" and multiple levels. I also have a game object "Farming Plot" with an Interaction Machine that triggers on mouse clicked. The interaction machine has a schematic where the player moves towards the machine object and upon arrival plays the farming animation.

The structure of the schematic so far is: Settings -> Change Position (moves player towards machine object) -> Check Distance (checks distance to machine object)
-> Failed: Wait (continue moving player) -> Check Distance (looping back)
-> Success: Combatant Animation (play farming animation) -> Change Variables (sets global variable "isFarming" to true)

I would now also like to trigger / use the "Farming" ability after the animation starts playing so I can start levelling it up. My question is: how can I do this best in the schematic? Or is there a better / more correct workaround?

Thanks in advance!
Alex!

AlexHinta

Or would it be simpler to no use a schematic like this but instead have a "Farming Plot" combatant and try to activate the use by setting the "Farming Plot" combatant as a target?

gamingislove

There is the Use Battle Action node to use an action (e.g. this ability), that should do the trick.
E.g. if the ability is set up to be used on Self, you don't need a target for it. Otherwise, if you want to use it on targets, the farming objects will have to be combatants (e.g. added via Add Combatant component).

AlexHinta

Works like a charm, thanks!

I am also experimenting with global custom settings and played around with a scripted farming experience system I added as a global custom settings. I was therefore wondering what you would recommend as a best practice for setting up abilities that would typically have let's say 50-100 levels that you would level up in by using the ability (farming, smithing, one-hand attack, ranged attack, etc.)? I am thinking both about efficiency and ease of use / update if I would e.g. want to change the progression curve, bonuses that come with each level, etc.

gamingislove

Somewhat depends on how those levels affect the ability. For that much levels, it's probably better to use the ability variables to 'fake' the levels and handle everything via variables (e.g. a level variable for displaying the level, some factor variable that is used to multiply stuff in formulas, etc.).

AlexHinta

Thanks!