Ways to improve LOS (balance if you will)

[Slyguy65 499]

I made a topic a LONG time ago (last month) about adding the element of escape and LOS to the game (glad to see it in the game now)

Only problem is it could use a couple of modifications to make it more balance. IMO

-have zombies investigate where LOS was broken

-decrease LOS distance (apparently you can be spotted very far away and they will go full attack mode)

-increase zombie speed in buildings for two reasons

1) buildings should NOT be viewed as safe zones if you have 10+ zombies on you and you go into a small building with only a pistol or slow shooting weapon you should be aware they may overrun you.

2)People are saying it is way too easy to ditch zombies via buildings this is true the building should not allow you to lose all of them only 2 or 3 out of 6 or 7.

IDEAS on how LOS can be improved.

-Crouching would require close observation of the zombies around you if a zombie that is 5-10 meters away is facing you it will go after you in attack mode

-if a zombie sees you prone they should at first slowly walk over to investigate if they are in within a certain distance they will go into attack mode.

-If a zombie sees you in a building it should stumble to investigate not rush in...

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In short i think the PASSIVE zombie mode should be elaborated. If you are crawling through a town of zombies...you should still fear the possibility of getting spotted. Crouching should be viewed as a quicker way to sneak but should require more vigilance while crouched in a town.

My view of how movement should be prioritized.

Running

-means of travel and escaping

Crouching

-means of scouting perimeter

-slow crouch is a means of walking within buildings (also slow walk)

-you can attempt to crouch near zombies but if one is facing you they will spot you and go into instant attack mode.

Please give constructive criticism with reasoning, compliments, or nothing at all kthxbai

[wotdoyoutypehere@aol.com 0]

My view of how movement should be prioritized.

Running

-means of travel and escaping

Crouching

-means of scouting perimeter

-slow crouch is a means of walking within buildings (also slow walk)

-you can attempt to crouch near zombies but if one is facing you they will spot you and go into instant attack mode.

This is near enough spot on what i do already.

I do agree that some changes need to be made to zeds when there not in "attack mode".

I like your idea of zeds coming to investigate proned players because prone does need to be nerfed a little but im guesing its very tricky to find that ideal balanced point.

Atm i think there behavior is better than before but it is very easy to lose them now.

[salty (DayZ) 39]

I think we'd all like to see zombie AI improved, and these are all very natural and logical suggestions.

Fortunately, it seems like rocket is already headed in this direction.

[vonlinchen 26]

A very interesting post, this particular part I think could be great:

-have zombies investigate where LOS was broken

If zombies would begin a grid pattern walking around the area where they lost sight, this would be good.

Perhaps if there is a building near where LoS was lost, then the zombies should walk into the building, wander around it.

I'm not sure exactly what should be done, the idea of only some of the aggro being lost could be interesting but maybe not.

Perhaps if there was a chance you could lose zombies? So only sometimes they would lose the trail.

[Finkle 0]

I'd also add at night they shouldn't be able to see really at all unless there is some other light source. If its pitch black for us and we can't see anything, it should be the same for them. If they hear you at night, they shouldn't be able to immediately lock onto your position (unless you're very close) but instead would come over to investigate.

I think you should also potentially be able to lose them in the darkness.. It's kind of unrealistic how they can track you so precisely by only your footsteps. Think of trying to chase another player in pitch blackness. You might be able to hear his general direction but it would be pretty hard to chase him down if he's running around through trees and stuff.. Or if he sprints and stops, etc.