switch idle builders into cont turret (patrol) mode automatically

[matthiaskrgr]

Description

If an idle builder is next to a lab that is building something (or structure that is being built etc), the builder could automatically "assist" the lab as if the builder was a con turret (or repair nearby units) without having to tell it to do so manually.

I think this already can be achieved semi-automatically by putting all idle builders into "patrol" mode on the spot.

I'm aware of the "factory guard" option, but this only assigns freshly built units to their own factory, and not "any idle con unit" to "potentially anything".

The idea is to essentially turn idle cons into con turrets if they are just sitting around otherwise.
The con should probably still show up as "idle" con in the side bar, not sure how difficult that is to implement.

Why?

Less micro required to make optimal use of bp.

What area of the game does this feature request pertain?

Gameplay

Other (optional)

No response

[TheFutureKnight]

Interesting idea!

But I'm wondering since the cons have lower range than a regular con turret, would they become similar to a stationary unit (basically a con turret with lower range) or do they move around a bit and try to find nearby things to do such as boost a nearby lab? And if they move how far should they be able to go?

Bare in mind in both scenarios they "technically" aren't idle anymore (manually guarding a lab or automatically removes idle state from the unit + moving it also removes idle state also patrol which is infinitely removing idle state until otherwise) so as a whole this changes the entire idle system which is fine in itself but needs details

[matthiaskrgr]

imo they should not move around without being set on patrol or anything else explicitly, so

• if the unit has currently no orders (is in ZZZ mode)
• if the unit has bp and we are not stalling on resources (? may be want to be able to toggle this on and off?)
• if there is something in direct range of the unit that can be boosted/repaired/assisted
  => then the unit will turn into "assist" mode without moving.

If another unit walks by and "pushes" the con out of range of the factory for example, it should stop assisting as it is no longer in range (but not try to walk back to its original position to assist again)