---
title: NPC Basics
type: docs
weight: 1
---

This guide covers the fundamentals of creating and configuring NPCs in Hytale.

**Package:** `com.hypixel.hytale.server.npc`

## NPCEntity Class

`NPCEntity` is the base class for all non-player characters. It extends the entity hierarchy and provides NPC-specific functionality.

```java
public class NPCEntity extends LivingEntity {
    // Core NPC functionality
    private Blackboard blackboard;
    private Role role;
    private DecisionMaker decisionMaker;
    private MotionController motionController;
}
```

### Creating an NPC

NPCs are typically created through the asset system or spawned programmatically:

```java
// Spawn NPC from asset
NPCEntity npc = world.spawnNPC("villager", position);

// Configure NPC after spawn
npc.setRole(customRole);
npc.getBlackboard().setHomePosition(position);
```

## NPC Assets

NPC definitions are configured through YAML asset files:

```yaml
# npc/villager.yaml
Type: NPC
Id: villager
DisplayName: "Villager"
Model: models/characters/villager
Role: roles/villager_role
Stats:
  Health: 100
  Speed: 3.0
Components:
  - Type: NPCBrain
  - Type: Interactable
  - Type: DialogueCapable
```

### Asset Structure

| Property | Type | Description |
|----------|------|-------------|
| `Type` | String | Must be "NPC" |
| `Id` | String | Unique identifier |
| `DisplayName` | String | Display name |
| `Model` | String | Model asset reference |
| `Role` | String | Default role reference |
| `Stats` | Object | Base statistics |
| `Components` | Array | Component configurations |

## NPC Roles

Roles define the behavioral template for an NPC. They specify what instructions, sensors, and actions the NPC can use.

```yaml
# roles/villager_role.yaml
Type: Role
Id: villager_role
Instructions:
  - Wander
  - ReactToThreats
  - Interact
Sensors:
  - Type: VisualSensor
    Range: 15.0
  - Type: AudioSensor
    Range: 10.0
Actions:
  - Walk
  - Run
  - Talk
  - Trade
```

### Role Components

```java
public class Role {
    private List<Instruction> instructions;
    private List<Sensor> sensors;
    private List<Action> availableActions;

    // Get active instruction
    public Instruction getCurrentInstruction();

    // Check if action is available
    public boolean hasAction(String actionId);
}
```

## NPC Systems

The NPC module registers several ECS systems for processing NPC behavior:

| System | Description |
|--------|-------------|
| `NPCBrainSystem` | Processes AI decisions |
| `NPCMovementSystem` | Handles movement updates |
| `NPCSensorSystem` | Processes sensor inputs |
| `NPCAnimationSystem` | Updates animations |
| `NPCInteractionSystem` | Handles interactions |

### System Registration

```java
public class NPCPlugin extends JavaPlugin {
    @Override
    public void start() {
        // Systems are auto-registered by NPCPlugin
        // Custom systems can be added:
        getEntityStoreRegistry().registerSystem(
            new CustomNPCSystem()
        );
    }
}
```

## NPC Utilities

The `util/` package provides helper classes:

### NPCUtils

```java
// Find nearest NPC
NPCEntity nearest = NPCUtils.findNearest(position, world, 50.0);

// Get all NPCs in area
List<NPCEntity> npcsInArea = NPCUtils.getNPCsInRadius(
    position, world, 25.0
);

// Check line of sight
boolean canSee = NPCUtils.hasLineOfSight(npc, target);
```

### NPCSpawner

```java
// Spawn with configuration
NPCEntity npc = NPCSpawner.spawn(
    world,
    "villager",
    position,
    config -> {
        config.setRole("merchant");
        config.setFaction("town");
    }
);
```

## Common Patterns

### Setting Up an NPC Shop

```java
NPCEntity merchant = world.spawnNPC("merchant", shopPosition);
merchant.getBlackboard().set("shop_inventory", inventory);
merchant.getBlackboard().set("is_merchant", true);
merchant.setRole(merchantRole);
```

### Creating a Guard NPC

```java
NPCEntity guard = world.spawnNPC("guard", guardPosition);
Blackboard bb = guard.getBlackboard();
bb.setPatrolPath(patrolWaypoints);
bb.setHostileToFactions(List.of("bandits", "monsters"));
guard.setRole(guardRole);
```

### NPC with Custom Behavior

```java
NPCEntity custom = world.spawnNPC("custom_npc", position);

// Add custom component
custom.getEntityStore().addComponent(new CustomBehaviorComponent());

// Set custom decision maker
custom.setDecisionMaker(new CustomDecisionMaker());
```

## Best Practices

{{< callout type="info" >}}
**NPC Guidelines:**
- Always set a Role for NPCs to define their behavior
- Use the Blackboard for all NPC state storage
- Configure appropriate sensors for the NPC's awareness needs
- Use the asset system for NPC definitions when possible
- Consider performance with large numbers of NPCs
{{< /callout >}}

{{< callout type="warning" >}}
**Thread Safety:** NPC operations should be performed on the world's ticking thread. Use `world.isInThread()` to verify before making changes.
{{< /callout >}}