Routine Planner vs Pathfinder – Understanding the Difference

LifeBots provides two automation-focused add-ons for controlling bot behavior: the Pathfinder Add-On and the Routine Planner Add-On.

While they are related, they serve different purposes. This article explains the exact differences so you can choose the correct add-on for your use case.

Core Difference

The most important distinction is:

• Pathfinder provides one single routine
• Routine Planner allows multiple routines that can switch dynamically

Both add-ons focus purely on automation and movement logic. They do not depend on AI or any other LifeBots add-ons.

Pathfinder Add-On

The Pathfinder Add-On is a single-routine automation system.

You define one routine made up of waypoints, waits, and actions. Once started, the bot follows that routine continuously.

What Pathfinder Provides

• One fixed routine per bot
• Waypoint-based navigation
• Ordered actions and delays
• Looping patrol paths
• Simple and predictable automation

Pathfinder is ideal when your bot only needs to follow one consistent behavior pattern.

Typical Pathfinder Use Cases

• Security or patrol bots
• Guide bots following a fixed route
• Bots that repeat the same movement cycle
• Simple quest or tour paths

Routine Planner Add-On

The Routine Planner Add-On expands the Pathfinder concept into a multi-routine system.

Instead of a single routine, you can create multiple independent routines and control when the bot switches between them.

What Routine Planner Provides

• Multiple routines per bot
• Routine switching logic
• Scheduled routines (time-based)
• Message-based switching
• Advanced automation control

Routine Switching Logic

Routine Planner supports dynamic switching using logic such as:

• wait for msg – switch routines based on local chat input
• wait for im – switch routines based on IM input
• Scheduled time triggers

This allows bots to react to users or time changes without manual intervention.

Typical Routine Planner Use Cases

• Bots with different behaviors at different times
• Event bots that react to chat commands
• NPC-style bots with states (idle, active, patrol)
• Complex scripted experiences

Feature Comparison

Feature	Pathfinder	Routine Planner
Number of routines	Single	Multiple
Waypoint navigation	✅	✅
Routine switching	❌	✅
Chat-based logic (waitformsg)	❌	✅
IM-based logic (waitorim)	❌	✅
Scheduled routines	❌	✅

Which Add-On Should You Use?

Choose Pathfinder If:

• Your bot needs only one routine
• Movement and actions are always the same
• You want simple, stable automation
• You do not need chat or IM-based logic

Choose Routine Planner If:

• Your bot needs multiple behaviors
• You want routines to react to chat or IMs
• You need time-based scheduling
• You are building complex scripted bots

Summary

Add-On	Description
Pathfinder	Single routine with waypoint-based automation
Routine Planner	Multiple routines with switching logic and scheduling

✅ Pathfinder is ideal for simple, repeatable automation.
✅ Routine Planner is the choice for advanced, reactive, and scheduled bot behavior.