How to create a boids system (flocking algorithm)

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#1

I want to create a flocking algorithm system identical to boids but I have the problems here, I’ll refer to my flocking objects or “birds” as subjects:

  • Flocks don’t have a random move pattern, they will always move in the same direction even when I tried putting something small but random to their velocity.
  • Sometimes, the subjects will suddenly move very fast.
  • Not sure if my way of moving subjects randomly is a good way but I was using perlin noise.
  • Sometimes buggy

Nevertheless, they do flock but flocks of course don’t move in the same direction constantly or bug sometimes.

I used spheres and body velocity to give these spheres life as flocking birds. I calculated the boids’ alignments, cohesions, and separation parts by using velocity/position etc.

I also would like to know how I can make them randomly swim around when not in a flock? The gif below shows smoothly random movements but mines move in a straight line, I would like to know how to recreate something that smooth.

What I tried as a boid system:
BoidsExample.rbxm (4.6 KB)

Other version (has no attempted randomness with flock movement after calculation):
BoidsOriginal.rbxm (4.6 KB)

Here’s an example of what boids look like in 2D:
boids

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#2

Heyo, did you mean to post your code along with this? We have nothing to go off of here to help you.

#3

I actually did this not too long ago. If you applied all the Boids rules correctly, then they should move just fine.

2 Likes
#4

Actually I should post a .rbxm file instead so people can test it out. You’re kinda right.

You replied way too fast so wouldn’t you have rather read the post than to ask where’s the code?

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#5

I have, its just weird for some reason. I’ll edit the post with a file and tell me if you can figure out why mines acting slightly weird

(I know because I followed an exact tutorial)

#6

Flocks movement is determined by the flock central position. This is the cohesion rule of the Boids simulation. If they are all moving strangely, then you applied Rule 3 incorrectly. Mind posting the tutorial you used?

1 Like
#7
#8

I have now updated the post with the file for you to take a look at. I probably messed it up with all these random variables and stuff but not sure. Also, make sure you have a Baseplate in your game since I used that as a way to base off where to spawn boids.

It spawns Boids 100 studs above the Baseplate plus a randomized vector.

EDIT: Forgot to put a script to require the module, just edited the post so it has it now.

#9

It’s still broken? It doesn’t work, you aren’t putting in a position to spawn the Boids.

#10

Fixed both files and edited the post with the new files, sorry about that.

It will also now work without a Baseplate but if you do make a Baseplate, it’ll spawn Boids 100 studs above plus a randomized vector as I said or it’ll spawn at a different randomized vector like this:
(Vector3.new(math.random(-50, 50), math.random(1, 200), math.random(-50, 50)))

#11

Hate to bump but I’ve added a new detail to the post, wondering how I could also remake that smooth random movement many boid systems show as well.

I’ve had no success with this and I am unsure if bodyforces on the boid objects is a good idea compared to CFrame as well.