Formation Task Reference

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Choose a formation from the narrowest part of the route, not only the open destination. A group that fits the endpoint but cannot pass through the connecting corridor will continually invoke catch-up or stuck behavior.

Line-based formations

  • Line places all members laterally for broad coverage.
  • Row fills wide ranks when the group is larger than one line.
  • Column fills deep files that fit corridors and doors.
  • Echelon creates a diagonal that communicates travel direction.
  • Skirmisher introduces random lateral spacing for a less rigid frontage.

Directional shapes

  • Wedge fills widening ranks of one, two, three, and more members, with the point facing forward by default.
  • V places two arms behind its point by default. V Orientation selects Forward, Backward, Left, or Right.
  • Triangle fills a triangular footprint as members are added.
  • Diamond creates a compact tactical arrangement and places additional agents behind it.

Verify Formation Direction before tuning a directional shape. Reversing the direction changes which slots lead and can make members cross through one another during assembly.

Blocks and curves

  • Square creates a compact square footprint.
  • Grid balances rows and columns for larger groups.
  • Circle surrounds the formation center.
  • Arc places members on an open curve facing a shared area.

Circle and Arc require navigable space around their center. A wall-adjacent center can put mathematically correct slots outside the navigation surface.

Dynamic formations

  • Swarm keeps the group together without rigid geometric spacing.
  • Established preserves the members’ initial relative arrangement instead of imposing a new shape.

Use Swarm when cohesion matters more than exact presentation. Use Established when level-authored starting positions or role placement should remain meaningful while the group moves.

Select a useful shape

  • Use Column through narrow routes, then change to a wider formation in open space.
  • Use Line or Skirmisher for lateral coverage.
  • Use Row or Grid for a predictable multi-rank footprint.
  • Use Echelon, Wedge, or V when facing and travel direction should be obvious.
  • Use Diamond, Triangle, or Square for compact role-friendly groups.
  • Use Circle or Arc around a point of interest only when the whole radius is navigable.

Test every group size used by spawning or pooling. Incomplete final rows and partially filled closed shapes can look different from the ideal full group even when the calculation is correct.