.ain? - HL2DMU Forum Archive

provost

2008-05-07 18:28:31

Ok I asked a friend a few weeks ago and he couldn't answer me so i'd like someone to enlighten me please.

Sometime i join a server and before it loads the map i have to download a .ain file.

What is a .ain ??!

Thanks in advance!

Keeper

2008-05-07 19:02:29

An AIN file is a nodegraph; it can either be automatically generated or made from info_nodes placed by hand in the level. AIN files are used by NPC's to navigate around their enviroment. If there is no existing AIN file specific to that map, or if it was generated for an older version of that map, the AIN file ( <MAP_NAME>.ain ) is generated by the game. The message "Node graph out of date. Rebuilding..." is seen at the beginning of that map if the AIN file was built or re-built.

The graph files are stored in the ..\<game>\maps\graphs directory.

http://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Ain

Walking Target

2008-05-07 19:50:36

So used in SP but generated in MP also, even tho unneeded? One of our map contest judges was explaining how to ensure the contest maps didnt have this, but I dont recall the step.

Fearsome*

2008-05-07 21:06:26

My guess is if you simply place an info_node in the map this will not happen.

provost

2008-05-08 00:25:29

Thanks all!

keefy

2008-05-08 05:22:15

If a map has birds that fly around like in island17 then they are needed.

Walking Target

2008-05-08 07:42:37

Ah yeah, any map with NPCs I guess would.

[EYE] Valar

2008-05-08 09:18:28

Fearsome* wrote:My guess is if you simply place an info_node in the map this will not happen.

not quite.
not that i DO know what an AIN file is but i do know that even in maps where there are absolutely no NPCs an AIN file will sometimes rebuild when you join the server.
maps like spookface for example. WT for example will know...there are no NPC in this map.
even provided with the definition from VALVe this is still rather vague. to me anyway.

0nti

2008-05-08 17:47:46

good question .con xD
Always wondered the same.