game-ai

1# Game AI: decisions, steering, and pathfinding
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3Build believable NPC behavior from three separable layers: **decide** (what to
4do), **steer** (how to move there), and **path** (how to route around the map).
5Keep them decoupled — a behavior tree picks a target, the pathfinder produces
6waypoints, steering follows them. This skill teaches the engine-neutral
7algorithms; bind them to your engine via the related skills below.
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9## When to use
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11- Use when implementing enemy/NPC logic: patrols, chase/flee, guard states,
12  group movement, or "find a path to the player".
13- Use to choose between an **FSM** (few clear states), a **behavior tree** (many
14  reactive behaviors with priorities), or **steering** (smooth local movement).
15- Use when integrating pathfinding: A* on a grid/graph, or driving an engine
16  navmesh agent.
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18**When *not* to use:** for the engine's concrete navmesh/agent API and baking,
19use `unity-navmesh`, `unreal-behavior-trees`, or Godot's `NavigationAgent2D/3D`
20(see that engine skill). For movement/collision feel, use `physics-tuning`. For
21spawning waves along lanes, see the `tower-defense` genre skill.
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23## Core workflow
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251. **Pick the decision model by complexity.** 2–5 states with obvious
26   transitions → FSM. Many behaviors, priorities, interruption, reuse → behavior
27   tree. Continuous "how strongly do I want each option" → utility scoring.
282. **Separate decision from motion.** The decision layer outputs an *intent*
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