Finding a walkable path and applying an effect along it

[mwneo]

For the visualization of a custom ability, I would like to do the following:

• Find a (walkable) path from the soldier's position to the target square
• Apply an effect to said path - either highlighting the whole thing or a particle effect moving along the path

Ideally I'd like to use the pathing for the target location validation as well - so that only squares that the soldier could actually walk to are valid targets locations for the ability.

Any pointers are appreciated.

[Dragon32]

I'm no modder but sounds like robojumper's Pod Activation Preview does the kind of thing you're trying to do.

[mwneo]

I've seen that mod before but had forgotten the name. It was one of the reasons why I thought this should be possible somehow, so thanks for reminding me :).

 

However, while I can see how to put a mesh on the pathing tiles from this, it works with vanilla movement to get the path in the first place. I'd need some way to calculate a path between 2 tiles from within my ability script.

[tracktwo]

Check X2PathSolver (might have the name slightly wrong, on mobile). This is the class that contains utilities for computing a reachable path between points.

[NotSoLoneWolf]

I think a good place to start would be the Andromedon Shell's X2Ability file, as it lays acid across the ground where it walks in a similar fashion to what you are describing here.