Key information
A developer from City of Heroes Homecoming recently shared a deep-dive behind the scenes into why enemy mobs flee from combat, explaining the mechanics driving this behavior.
The game's enemy AI relies on distinct programmed attributes like confidence and fear, which connect to morale-breaking mechanics such as minions fleeing after a boss is defeated. Specifically, when this flight response triggers, enemies are programmed to run a minimum of 200 feet away. Furthermore, developers found that an avoid behavior does not actually function in combat, meaning fear is what causes enemies to run around inside area-of-effect circles.
Mechanically, these systems mean Scrappers and Stalkers often cause lower-level mobs to run away by targeting higher-health foes. Meanwhile, Controllers must carefully balance their lockdowns against damage-over-time effects that generate excessive fear.
To address these frustrations, the upcoming Issue 28 Page 4 update for Homecoming will make the avoid behavior work as intended. This change will cause enemies to try and move out of a placed area of effect without gaining fear and refrain from entering it again, alongside adjustments to the distances that terrified mobs run.
