A* Method For Pathfinding

[WindyTundra]

I’ve been looking for a better version of pathfinding and most forums ive seen talk about the A* method. I haven’t really heard of it and all i really want is an explanation of what it is and some scripting examples broken down for me.

[Reditect]

Roblox already uses A* pathfinding, more specifically, they use an improved version called “Hybrid A* Pathfinding”:

Today we have built-in pathfinding on Roblox based on A* search to make it easier for creators to automate agents in an experience. However, A* search does not take into account the steering angle of the agent, which can be problematic as agents such as cars cannot immediately turn at large angles. Vivian Jiang (Cornell ‘22, my alma mater - Go Big Red!) used Hybrid A* Search, which takes into account maximum steering angle to provide a better tool for automating vehicles.

Source: Celebrating Our 2021 Interns

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As for examples/resources, I recommend using the advanced search the forum has: Search results for 'A* pathfinding #resources' - Developer Forum | Roblox

Here’s one I found:

A* Pathfinding Module

So I’ve made an A* Pathfinding Module, which works with NPC’s (Which does work but not really sometimes if you know but I’ll give you the example), including Parts. So for NPC’s you just need the part you want to start with in the NPC and the another Part to end it (or just a vector3). Here’s the module: Pathfinding.rbxm (5.6 KB) Main A* Pathfinding Code: local pathfinding = {} local SIZE = 3 local DIRECTIONS = { Vector3.xAxis; Vector3.zAxis; Vector3.xAxis * -1; Vector3.zAxis * -1; …

[DataSigh]

iirc roblox pathfinding already uses A*

also side note, it’s almost always better to use pathfinding service over your own solution

[ExercitusMortem (Exercitus)]

It’s an algorithm. You’d need to createe a graph system, then convert your map to a graph, and then you can run graph algorithms (such as A*) on it

[WindyTundra]

I’ve probably should’ve specified more but i was wanting a custom pathfinding system and thats was kinda that basis.