Mastering Poly AI in Mindustry: A Deep Dive into Unit Behavior and Automation

Mindustry, the popular tower defense and factory-building game, offers a unique opportunity to program unit behavior for maximum efficiency. Within the game, the Poly units are particularly interesting due to their multi-faceted abilities, especially their capacity to rebuild structures. However, replicating their original AI and harnessing their full potential can be challenging. This article explores the intricacies of Poly AI, focusing on how to rewrite and improve their behavior.

The Challenge of Replicating Poly AI

One of the primary hurdles Mindustry players face when customizing unit behavior is recreating the Poly's ability to automatically rebuild structures. As highlighted by a user on the r/Mindustry subreddit, achieving the same level of automation as the original AI can be difficult. Current game commands might not fully support replicating this core function, potentially forcing players to manually manage rebuilding efforts instead of relying on automated processes.

Understanding Poly Unit Capabilities

Before attempting to rewrite the AI, understanding the full range of Poly capabilities is essential. These units are designed to:

• Rebuild structures: The most sought-after feature, allowing for automated reconstruction of damaged buildings
• Provide healing AOE: Offering a healing aura to nearby units, keeping your forces in good shape during extended combat
• Assist in building: Speeding up construction and repair times
• Mine resources: Gathering necessary materials for expansion and defense

Commands and Strategies for Improved Unit Behavior

While directly replicating the original Poly AI might be challenging, you can leverage game commands creatively to come close. Here's a breakdown of strategies for each key function:

• Mining resources: Units can be assigned to mine like Monos using appropriate commands, automating resource gathering
• Avoiding Player Interference: Program units to maintain a safe distance from the player for a more seamless interaction
• Repairing Structures: Like higher tier units, units can follow the behaviour of Megas, ensuring damaged structures get repaired

Version 6 vs. Version 7: Considerations for Command Availability

The Mindustry version you are using significantly impacts the available commands and their implementation. Version 7 introduces new features and improvements to the logic system, it’s worth evaluating the potential benefits of upgrading. Always refer to the official Mindustry Wiki ([external link to relevant documentation]) to understand the specific command syntax and capabilities for your version.

Alternatives and Workarounds

If directly replicating the Poly's rebuild functionality proves elusive, consider these workarounds:

• Logic-Controlled Backfill: Use logic circuits ([internal link to similar article]) to monitor structure health and trigger the deployment of constructor units when repairs are needed.
• Strategic Unit Placement: Position Polys in key strategic locations where their repair aura and building assistance will have the most impact.
• Hybrid Approach: Combine automated unit behavior with manual oversight. Let the AI handle routine tasks, while you focus on strategic decision-making and intervention.

Conclusion

Rewriting the Poly AI in Mindustry is a complex task, but by understanding unit capabilities, exploring different commands, and employing creative workarounds, you can significantly enhance their behavior. Keep experimenting with different strategies, and always refer to official documentation and community resources for the latest insights and techniques.