Kevin Hallett

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Starcraft 2 AI Bots

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Starcraft 2 AI Bots: Custom AI for Every Race

This project brings Starcraft 2 to life with a trio of custom AI bots, each designed to play as one of the game’s three races: Terran, Protoss, and Zerg. Leveraging the official Blizzard Starcraft 2 API, each AI operates using a unique set of strategies crafted from simple, rule-based algorithms. The bots are capable of competing against one another, against Blizzard’s built-in AI at various difficulty levels, and even against human players, similarly to DeepMind’s AlphaStar.

Project Overview

Each bot in the Starcraft 2 AI Bots series is tailored to its race, implementing strategies that reflect the strengths and unique gameplay styles of Terran, Protoss, and Zerg. Designed with a focus on adaptability and strategic depth, the AI can handle diverse in-game scenarios and make calculated decisions in real-time. As a hobby project, this series serves as a platform for exploring the complexities of real-time strategy AI development.

Technical Highlights

The bots utilize Blizzard's official Starcraft 2 API, which provides essential tools for managing in-game units, resources, and environmental awareness. Each bot’s strategy relies on straightforward rules but builds upon them to adapt to the opponent’s moves and game state.

Key Features:

  • Race-Specific AI: Three individual AIs designed specifically for each Starcraft 2 race:
    • Terran AI: Implements aggressive tactics with a focus on mobile units and quick expansion.
    • Protoss AI: Optimizes powerful, high-cost units with defensive strategies and precision attacks.
    • Zerg AI (BalancedZergBot): Prioritizes swarm tactics and rapid resource gathering, capable of defeating the hardest non-cheating Blizzard AI.
  • Real-Time Debugging & Visualization: Through the API, the bots include graphical debugging tools, an automatic camera that tracks the action, and real-time stats plotting via Matplotlib.
  • Versatile Match Modes: The AIs can compete against each other, the built-in Blizzard AI, or human players, allowing for a wide range of testing scenarios.

Spotlight on BalancedZergBot

Among the three, BalancedZergBot is the most developed and has demonstrated consistent success against the hardest non-cheating Blizzard AI. This bot showcases advanced tactical responses, including defensive formations, counter-attacks, and efficient resource management. The bot also has built-in debugging tools, such as an auto-adjusting camera that keeps gameplay in focus and real-time match data visualization with Matplotlib.

Exploring AI in Real-Time Strategy Games

Starcraft 2 AI Bots offers a unique window into the design of AI for real-time strategy games. By implementing specific strategies for each race, this project not only reflects the distinctive playstyles of Terran, Protoss, and Zerg but also highlights the importance of strategic planning and adaptability in AI development.

Try Starcraft 2 AI Bots

This project is an exciting showcase for Starcraft fans and AI enthusiasts alike. It provides a challenging set of opponents, whether you’re looking to test your skills as a human player or observe the bots’ competitive dynamics against each other and Blizzard’s AI.

Discover the intricacies of AI-driven gameplay and see how well you stack up against these custom Starcraft 2 bots!