I created a test build so you can try out the new townspeople AI optimizations. While still using the same pathfinding system, this was a fairly good sized change to the way the NPCs move about the world.
In a very large town of 50 townspeople on my mid-range test PC, I saw a framerate boost from about 40 to about 65! Most of this was a result of lightening the load on the CPU from the NPCs.
This build also has a couple of other smaller fixes in it:
- Fixed a bug that caused the third ingredient in the last item in the crafting list to not display.
- Fixed a bug where Farmers would use the run animation while moving at walk speed.
- The ESC key can now be used to close the town storage UI.
My goal is to get this build live this weekend if all goes well.
If you'd like to try out the test build, you can get it by doing this...
1. In the Steam Client Library where it lists all of your games, right click on HammerHelm
2. Click Preferences
3. In the window that opens, select the "Betas" Tab
4. Enter the password to download this build - PerfTest2019 - and click Check Code
5. You should get a message that the code is correct
6. Click the drop-down box and select BigUpdateTest
Steam should immediately start a new download with the test client. The new game should be called "HammerHelm [bigupdatetest]". Once the download is complete you can launch the game. The build is Alpha 13.4.
To get back to the Alpha client:
1. In the Steam Client Library where it lists all of your games, right click on HammerHelm
2. Click Preferences
3. In the window that opens, select the "Betas" Tab
4. Choose “None” from the drop down
5. Steam should then revert back to the Alpha client