Devlog 18: Pre-baked docking paths

I’ve implemented pre-baked docking paths for factory entrances to solve some pathfinding issues with vehicle physics.

Pre-baked paths

The A* pathfinding system was struggling to navigate the sharp corners around factory entrances. When the trailer tried to find its own path through these tight spaces, it would instantly jackknife, not ideal. Rather than spend 50+ hours refining the vehicle physics, I decided to pre-bake specific docking paths to each factory.
It’s not a perfect solution visually, but it’s functional and gets the job done. I can always refine this for a post-launch update if needed.
I’m still wrapping up the final details of the docking path system before moving on.

Mines

My next major task is implementing mine logic, which includes the excavator logic and ore detection and depletion.

Aircraft

After the mining logic I will add the last vital gameplay system the aircraft system which will be responsible trade and contracts with other villages.

Release

I’m currently deciding whether to push construction vehicle implementation to a post-beta update or delay the release by a week to include them. Construction vehicles aren’t vital to core gameplay, but they would add a lot of polish. I’m still on the fence about this one, it depends on how the mine logic implementation goes.