BST Pet Targeting Bug: Multiple Enemies?

by Admin 41 views
BST Charmed Pet Multiple Targets Behavior Discussion

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into a fascinating topic regarding the behavior of Beastmaster (BST) charmed pets when facing multiple targets in LandSandBoat (LSB) compared to retail. This is super important for all you BST mains out there, as it can significantly impact how you manage your pets in various combat situations. Let's break it down and see what's up!

Understanding the Issue

So, the core of the issue revolves around how charmed pets react when they're engaged by more than one enemy. On retail, there's a certain level of dynamic behavior where the pet seems to juggle between targets based on who last attacked it, effectively respecting the hate/enmity list. However, on LSB, the charmed pet tends to rigidly stick to the target it was initially commanded to fight, which can lead to some less-than-ideal scenarios when multiple enemies are in the mix.

To really grasp the difference, let's walk through a couple of scenarios:

The Retail Experience

On retail, the charmed pet exhibits a more reactive behavior. Imagine this:

  1. You charm a mob and order it to attack another mob, but you don't actively assist in the fight.
  2. Before the target mob is defeated, you switch your pet's focus to a different enemy, so now your pet has two mobs attacking it.
  3. Here's where it gets interesting: the pet doesn't exclusively focus on the last mob you commanded it to attack. Instead, it appears to respect the hate/enmity list, switching between the primary and secondary targets depending on who last took a swing at it. This means the pet is dynamically responding to the threat, which can be both a blessing and a curse, honestly.

The LSB Situation

Now, let's look at how this plays out on LSB:

  1. You charm a mob and command it to attack another mob, just like before.
  2. You introduce a second mob into the fray, so your pet is now being attacked by two enemies.
  3. The key difference here is that the charmed pet will steadfastly stick to the target it was initially commanded to fight. It doesn't seem to dynamically adjust its focus based on incoming attacks from other mobs. This behavior can be a bit rigid and may require more micromanagement from the player.

Steps to Reproduce

If you're curious to see this in action for yourself, here’s how you can reproduce the scenario:

  1. Charm a mob.
  2. Command your charmed pet to attack another mob without your assistance.
  3. Without killing the initial target, command your pet to attack a different mob. Now your pet should have two mobs attacking it.
  4. Observe your pet’s behavior. On retail, it will likely juggle between the targets, while on LSB, it will primarily focus on the mob it was last told to fight.

Expected Behavior: The Debate

This is where things get a bit subjective. What should the behavior be? The expectation, based on retail, is that with two or more targets attacking the pet, the pet should require micromanagement via the "Fight" command to maintain focus on a specific target. Even if this mechanic can be seen as a bit annoying, it adds a layer of tactical depth to playing BST.

Why This Matters

So, why is this difference in behavior significant? Well, it boils down to a few key factors:

  • Micromanagement: On LSB, the rigid behavior means players might need to intervene more frequently to redirect their pet's focus, especially in chaotic fights. This can be a bit cumbersome and less fluid than the retail experience.
  • Tactical Depth: The dynamic target switching on retail adds a layer of tactical complexity. Players need to be aware of the hate/enmity situation and adjust their commands accordingly. This makes the BST job feel more engaging and strategic.
  • Consistency: Ideally, we want the LSB experience to closely mirror the retail experience to maintain authenticity. Discrepancies in pet behavior can lead to confusion and frustration for players who are familiar with how BST works on retail.

Diving Deeper into Pet Mechanics

Let's explore the nitty-gritty of pet mechanics a bit further. Understanding how pets handle hate, enmity, and target selection is crucial for mastering the Beastmaster job.

The Enmity Factor

Enmity, often referred to as hate, is a fundamental concept in Final Fantasy XI. It essentially represents how much a mob dislikes a particular player or pet. The higher the enmity, the more likely the mob is to target that player or pet. Several actions generate enmity, including attacking, healing, and using certain abilities.

In the context of charmed pets, enmity plays a significant role in determining which target the pet will attack. On retail, the pet seems to consider the enmity generated by each attacking mob. If Mob A attacks the pet and generates more enmity than Mob B, the pet is more likely to switch its focus to Mob A, even if it was initially commanded to attack Mob B. This dynamic interplay of enmity is what leads to the juggling behavior we discussed earlier.

The Fight Command and Its Limitations

The "Fight" command is the primary way BST players direct their pets in combat. It instructs the pet to attack a specific target. However, the behavior discrepancy we're seeing highlights a potential limitation in how this command is implemented on LSB.

On retail, while the "Fight" command sets the initial target, the pet's behavior isn't entirely dictated by it. The pet still considers enmity and may deviate from the commanded target if another mob generates significantly more hate. This adds a layer of nuance to pet management. You can't simply issue a "Fight" command and forget about it; you need to continuously monitor the situation and adjust your commands as needed.

Implications for Gameplay

The difference in pet behavior has several implications for gameplay, particularly in scenarios involving multiple enemies.

  • Skillful Micromanagement: On retail, skilled BST players need to be adept at micromanaging their pets, constantly assessing the threat landscape and issuing timely "Fight" commands to maintain control. This requires a high level of awareness and quick reflexes.
  • Strategic Positioning: The dynamic target switching on retail also necessitates strategic positioning. Players need to position their pets carefully to minimize the number of enemies attacking them simultaneously, or to strategically draw enmity from specific targets.
  • Party Dynamics: In party situations, the pet's target selection can impact the overall flow of the fight. A pet that constantly switches targets can disrupt the party's strategy and make it harder to control the encounter.

Potential Solutions and Discussion Points

So, how do we address this discrepancy in pet behavior? There are a few potential solutions and discussion points to consider:

Adjusting LSB's Pet AI

The most direct approach would be to adjust LSB's pet AI to more closely match the behavior observed on retail. This would involve modifying the pet's target selection logic to incorporate enmity considerations. However, this is a complex task that requires a deep understanding of the game's code and careful testing to ensure that the changes don't introduce unintended side effects.

Implementing a Pet Behavior Setting

Another option could be to implement a setting that allows players to choose between different pet behavior modes. For example, there could be a "Retail Mode" that mimics the dynamic target switching behavior and a "LSB Mode" that maintains the current rigid behavior. This would give players more control over their pet's actions and allow them to choose the behavior that best suits their playstyle.

Further Research and Testing

Before making any significant changes, it's crucial to conduct further research and testing to fully understand the nuances of pet behavior on both retail and LSB. This could involve analyzing combat logs, conducting controlled experiments, and gathering feedback from experienced BST players.

Community Input

Ultimately, the best solution will likely be one that incorporates feedback from the community. BST players have a wealth of experience and insights to offer, and their input should be carefully considered when making any changes to pet mechanics.

Conclusion: Let's Get This Sorted!

In conclusion, the difference in charmed pet behavior between LSB and retail is a significant issue that warrants attention. The dynamic target switching on retail adds a layer of depth and complexity to the Beastmaster job, while the rigid behavior on LSB can feel limiting and cumbersome. By addressing this discrepancy, we can improve the overall gameplay experience for BST players and ensure that LSB remains true to the spirit of Final Fantasy XI.

So, what do you guys think? Have you experienced this issue firsthand? What are your thoughts on the ideal pet behavior? Let's discuss in the comments below!

Additional Information: This discussion is based on observations and experiences in LandSandBoat (LSB) compared to retail Final Fantasy XI. The goal is to identify and address discrepancies to enhance the gameplay experience.