Use the Data editor to make the actor and to attach it to an effect/behavior. Then you can use triggers to apply the effect/behavior to the unit you want the beam to go to.
Warcraft 3 had a lighting type we could use. We could create beams and store them in variables.
It sounds simple when s3rius explains it but I've run into a lot of problems. Once you create the effect there is no way to store it in a variable for future reference (there is no Effect type), so I can not delete individual beams, only beams in range of a point.
Also, there is no way to create an effect from a point to another point, only from a unit to a point. So the beam will move if the unit moves. And you can not create any beams unless you have some units in place.
There is also no way to modify the properties of an effect with triggers, so the beam will always look the same until you delete it.
If anyone can prove me wrong please do, I would be very happy to hear that I'm full of shit.
One of the maps in the campaign preview had a giant laser that would stop firing once it did it's job but I suspect it was achieved by ordering the source unit to stop attacking.
I hope someone knows a way to create beam actors with triggers, since they could be stored in variables and be modified by sending actor messages. The "Create Actor" action has 3 content parameters but I haven't figured out how to use them. Otherwise beams will see very limited use. Being forced to create beams through effects would make one of my maps impossible to create.
Warcraft 3 had a lighting type we could use. We could create beams and store them in variables.
It sounds simple when s3rius explains it but I've run into a lot of problems. Once you create the effect there is no way to store it in a variable for future reference (there is no Effect type), so I can not delete individual beams, only beams in range of a point.
Also, there is no way to create an effect from a point to another point, only from a unit to a point. So the beam will move if the unit moves. And you can not create any beams unless you have some units in place.
There is also no way to modify the properties of an effect with triggers, so the beam will always look the same until you delete it.
You can save effects in variables - you need to make it of type Game Link. Then you can select Effect.
And you can use a (invisible) dummy unit to cast the beam. I am using that in some map with the collossus ray :]
Well, maybe you can also do it with triggers or so - or with applying actors some other way. But that's the only way I know of.
From what I can see, the Game Link - Effect type stores an effect type, not an instance of an effect, so it still leads nowhere. Even if we would be able to store effects it wouldn't matter, since there are no functions in the editor to get the last created effect (effect created through triggers) and no actions to delete an individual effect.
There HAS to be a way to create beam actors directly with triggers, effects seem to be the perfect solution for "one shot" types of abilities. Making beams directly with actors would offer so much flexibility.
bump
I want to do the same thing, dynamically create an actor (beam) from one point/unit to another point/unit and still be able to access the actor in the trigger, so I can change the properties.
Actor Create is giving me errors and I don't really know how to use it with beams
I wanna make a unit fire a beam effect(not damage, just looks) using only triggers. Is it possible or am i forced to use data?
Use the Data editor to make the actor and to attach it to an effect/behavior. Then you can use triggers to apply the effect/behavior to the unit you want the beam to go to.
I'm also curious about this.
Warcraft 3 had a lighting type we could use. We could create beams and store them in variables.
It sounds simple when s3rius explains it but I've run into a lot of problems. Once you create the effect there is no way to store it in a variable for future reference (there is no Effect type), so I can not delete individual beams, only beams in range of a point.
Also, there is no way to create an effect from a point to another point, only from a unit to a point. So the beam will move if the unit moves. And you can not create any beams unless you have some units in place.
There is also no way to modify the properties of an effect with triggers, so the beam will always look the same until you delete it.
If anyone can prove me wrong please do, I would be very happy to hear that I'm full of shit. One of the maps in the campaign preview had a giant laser that would stop firing once it did it's job but I suspect it was achieved by ordering the source unit to stop attacking.
I hope someone knows a way to create beam actors with triggers, since they could be stored in variables and be modified by sending actor messages. The "Create Actor" action has 3 content parameters but I haven't figured out how to use them. Otherwise beams will see very limited use. Being forced to create beams through effects would make one of my maps impossible to create.
You can save effects in variables - you need to make it of type Game Link. Then you can select Effect.
And you can use a (invisible) dummy unit to cast the beam. I am using that in some map with the collossus ray :]
Well, maybe you can also do it with triggers or so - or with applying actors some other way. But that's the only way I know of.
From what I can see, the Game Link - Effect type stores an effect type, not an instance of an effect, so it still leads nowhere. Even if we would be able to store effects it wouldn't matter, since there are no functions in the editor to get the last created effect (effect created through triggers) and no actions to delete an individual effect.
There HAS to be a way to create beam actors directly with triggers, effects seem to be the perfect solution for "one shot" types of abilities. Making beams directly with actors would offer so much flexibility.
bump I want to do the same thing, dynamically create an actor (beam) from one point/unit to another point/unit and still be able to access the actor in the trigger, so I can change the properties. Actor Create is giving me errors and I don't really know how to use it with beams