Overhead Trails/Zoo360 Trails

[StoppableSan]

I'm curious if there is a way that smaller overhead trails for monkeys/prosimians (like the capuchin, lemurs and potential others) could be added officially to the game at some point, as with the current mesh systems it isn't that possible - at least for smaller primates...

Not just tube systems, but also "node" habitats as well, which would also be an extension of a basic ingame habitat. Some further examples from Philadelphia's Treetop Trail:

The node habitats might be possible with current systems, but fully traversible systems using solely mesh aren't, to my knowledge. Either way, I legitimately think this might be a fun way of taking advantage of the animals' AI.

 

[VetGirl330]

It's been a longtime since there was a meaningful update to gameplay in PZ. I think an update including animal trails or rotational exhibits would be really interesting, and offer tons of new design opportunities.

 

[Captain Callum]

It is already possible to add the tube systems to link multiple habitats into one, whether as mesh only tubes I'm not too sure. I always add a thin piece of traversable habitat logs as a floor for the animals so that climbing area is identified by the game. That node system where I can see mesh going vertical however would require an entire rewrite of both climbing and hitbox mechanics, animals need room to acknowledge climbing area so an encased tree or climbing frame would likely not be possible with the current mechanics.

Example of a working mesh tube with added log - tested with black and white lemurs modelled off the jacksonville zoo:

 

[RedPandaReggie]

It is already possible to add the tube systems to link multiple habitats into one, whether as mesh only tubes I'm not too sure. I always add a thin piece of traversable habitat logs as a floor for the animals so that climbing area is identified by the game. That node system where I can see mesh going vertical however would require an entire rewrite of both climbing and hitbox mechanics, animals need room to acknowledge climbing area so an encased tree or climbing frame would likely not be possible with the current mechanics.

Example of a working mesh tube with added log - tested with black and white lemurs modelled off the jacksonville zoo:
View attachment 372612

Perhaps a more functional trackway sort of system that snaps between barriers could work, like you place an entrance on the wall of the barrier and continue it to the next habitat with angles and bends like that of another barrier or trackway

 

[NZFanatic]

It is already possible to add the tube systems to link multiple habitats into one, whether as mesh only tubes I'm not too sure. I always add a thin piece of traversable habitat logs as a floor for the animals so that climbing area is identified by the game. That node system where I can see mesh going vertical however would require an entire rewrite of both climbing and hitbox mechanics, animals need room to acknowledge climbing area so an encased tree or climbing frame would likely not be possible with the current mechanics.

Example of a working mesh tube with added log - tested with black and white lemurs modelled off the jacksonville zoo:
View attachment 372612

I mean...that's great for using what we actually have, but the picture even shows how janky it is. I fully support an "official" method. Keep in mind when someone says something with the mesh "isn't that possible", they're saying that it's probably beyond the scope of the average player. Like, I consider myself pretty good at the game but there's no way I have enough time in my life to make something like that and test if it works, let alone make all the minute adjustments if I get the hitbox estimation wrong or something.

Perhaps a more functional trackway sort of system that snaps between barriers could work, like you place an entrance on the wall of the barrier and continue it to the next habitat with angles and bends like that of another barrier or trackway

The only issue it would face is the fact that there's no way to connect two habitats and make them one. You'd still have to put a null barrier around the item, even if Frontier made it themselves, which would be impossible if such an item requires a barrier to work (unless it was connecting two points within a habitat rather than joining two separate habitat areas). The game engine doesn't allow for this sort of thing.

The only workaround I can think of would be a new climbing enrichment item. Due to hitboxes it would probably work something like the hollow log you can use for meerkats and fennec foxes, so rather than being a stretch of true traversible terrain it would simply have a preset function (an interaction animation). You wouldn't be able to connect it between real barriers but you could connect it between custom ones within a null barrier habitat and simulate the same experience (in Sandbox, at least, with escapes and fear switched off).

 

[ElectricMonk]

I'm curious if there is a way that smaller overhead trails for monkeys/prosimians (like the capuchin, lemurs and potential others) could be added officially to the game at some point, as with the current mesh systems it isn't that possible - at least for smaller primates...

View attachment 372580

Not just tube systems, but also "node" habitats as well, which would also be an extension of a basic ingame habitat. Some further examples from Philadelphia's Treetop Trail:

View attachment 372582 View attachment 372583

The node habitats might be possible with current systems, but fully traversible systems using solely mesh aren't, to my knowledge. Either way, I legitimately think this might be a fun way of taking advantage of the animals' AI.

You might like THIS modular set I made?

 

[StoppableSan]

You might like THIS modular set I made?

I'll test it out!

 

[ElectricMonk]

I'll test it out!

If you would like anything added (or instructions if it’s not clear), let me know and I’ll see what I can do.