Creating a Full Automated Combat System in Unity for Mobile Idle RPGs

Introduction

In idle RPGs, automated combat is a critical feature that enables players to progress with minimal input. In this guide, we’ll build a comprehensive, ready-to-use automated combat system for Unity that includes targeting, movement, action execution, and decision-making. This modular code setup allows for seamless integration into mobile games, ensuring optimal performance and accessibility.

Importance of Automated Combat Systems in Mobile Idle RPGs

Automated combat in idle RPGs enhances player engagement by reducing repetitive tasks, making gameplay more accessible and enjoyable. Particularly for mobile users, automated combat allows players to multitask and enjoy hands-free gameplay. This convenience is crucial for retaining casual players and those who seek a less intense gaming experience.

Key Components of an Automated Combat System

To implement a functional automated combat system, we’ll break down the process into key modules:

1. Target Selection: Identifying and prioritizing enemies.
2. Movement Control: Moving towards or away from enemies.
3. Action Execution: Automatically performing attacks or spells.
4. Decision-Making AI: Determining actions based on health, distance, and priority.

Full Code: Implementing the Automated Combat System in Unity

Here is a complete, modular combat system ready for idle RPG development in Unity.

Step 1: Target Selection

The character’s AI selects the closest enemy, ensuring consistent targeting even when enemies change.

using UnityEngine;
using System.Collections.Generic;

public class TargetSelector : MonoBehaviour
{
    public List<Transform> enemies = new List<Transform>();
    private Transform currentTarget;

    void Update()
    {
        if (enemies.Count > 0)
        {
            currentTarget = GetClosestEnemy();
        }
    }

    Transform GetClosestEnemy()
    {
        Transform closest = null;
        float shortestDistance = Mathf.Infinity;

        foreach (Transform enemy in enemies)
        {
            float distanceToEnemy = Vector3.Distance(transform.position, enemy.position);
            if (distanceToEnemy < shortestDistance)
            {
                shortestDistance = distanceToEnemy;
                closest = enemy;
            }
        }
        return closest;
    }

    public Transform GetCurrentTarget() => currentTarget;
}

Step 2: Movement Control

This module moves the player towards the target until within attack range, stopping at the optimal distance for attack.

using UnityEngine;
using UnityEngine.AI;

public class AutoMovement : MonoBehaviour
{
    public float stoppingDistance = 2f;
    private NavMeshAgent agent;
    private Transform target;

    void Start()
    {
        agent = GetComponent<NavMeshAgent>();
    }

    public void SetTarget(Transform newTarget)
    {
        target = newTarget;
        MoveToTarget();
    }

    void MoveToTarget()
    {
        if (target != null)
        {
            agent.SetDestination(target.position);
        }
    }

    void Update()
    {
        if (target != null && Vector3.Distance(transform.position, target.position) <= stoppingDistance)
        {
            agent.ResetPath();
        }
    }
}

Step 3: Combat Action Execution

The system automatically performs attacks at set intervals when in range. This example includes attack cooldowns and custom attack logic.

public class AutoCombat : MonoBehaviour
{
    public float attackRange = 3f;
    public float attackCooldown = 1.5f;
    private float lastAttackTime;
    private TargetSelector targetSelector;
    private Transform currentTarget;

    void Start()
    {
        targetSelector = GetComponent<TargetSelector>();
    }

    void Update()
    {
        currentTarget = targetSelector.GetCurrentTarget();

        if (currentTarget != null && IsTargetInRange())
        {
            if (Time.time >= lastAttackTime + attackCooldown)
            {
                Attack();
                lastAttackTime = Time.time;
            }
        }
    }

    bool IsTargetInRange()
    {
        return Vector3.Distance(transform.position, currentTarget.position) <= attackRange;
    }

    void Attack()
    {
        // Implement damage or other attack effects here
        Debug.Log("Attacking target: " + currentTarget.name);
    }
}

Step 4: AI Decision-Making

This component adjusts actions based on health and distance. If the character’s health drops below a threshold, they can retreat or activate a defensive stance.

public class CombatAI : MonoBehaviour
{
    public float lowHealthThreshold = 0.3f;
    private AutoCombat combat;
    private TargetSelector targetSelector;
    private AutoMovement movement;
    private float health = 1f;
    private float maxHealth = 1f;

    void Start()
    {
        combat = GetComponent<AutoCombat>();
        targetSelector = GetComponent<TargetSelector>();
        movement = GetComponent<AutoMovement>();
    }

    void Update()
    {
        float healthPercentage = health / maxHealth;

        if (healthPercentage < lowHealthThreshold)
        {
            Retreat();
        }
        else if (targetSelector.GetCurrentTarget() != null)
        {
            combat.enabled = true;
            movement.SetTarget(targetSelector.GetCurrentTarget());
        }
    }

    void Retreat()
    {
        // Logic for retreating or finding a safe area
        combat.enabled = false;
        Debug.Log("Retreating to avoid defeat.");
    }
}

Additional Enhancements

To further polish this system, you can add:

• Animation Triggers: Integrate with Unity Animator to sync attack and movement animations.
• Special Abilities: Add logic for using special skills based on specific conditions (e.g., cooldown timers, health, or enemy type).
• Advanced Targeting: Implement targeting priorities such as weakest or highest-health enemy.

Advantages and Limitations

Advantages:

• Efficiency: Automated combat is optimal for idle mobile games, making gameplay less tedious.
• Reusability: Modular components make it easy to adapt and expand based on new features or additional character types.

Limitations:

• Complexity: The AI requires extensive balancing to prevent repetitive or illogical actions.
• Reduced Player Interaction: Idle combat can reduce skill-based gameplay, potentially limiting long-term engagement for some players.

Conclusion

This complete automated combat system gives your Unity-based idle RPG the backbone of an engaging hands-free experience. By focusing on modular code and efficiency, we created a combat AI that meets the demands of a mobile-friendly idle RPG while leaving room for flexibility. Start integrating this code into your project, and see how a polished automated combat system can enhance your game’s user experience and long-term engagement.