Dinosaurs Social Hierarchy for Ornithomimids, Hadrosaurs and Sauropods

[FraeGirders]

Your Feature Request / Idea
I am pleased that Frontier added a social hierarchy system to the game, however, I was surprised that it does not exist in all of the species. The Ornithomimids, Hadrosaurs (including Muttaburrasaurus) and the Sauropods do not have any Alphas when multiple individuals are housed together. I think it's because these dinosaurs don't have any combat animations, so individuals can't challenge one another for dominance.
I think it's a bit odd that they don't have this hierarchy and it should be fixed.

 

[Player 99234567]

I have been meaning to ask about this. It is really weird that Ornithomimids and Hadrosaurs of all things do not flock together considering that is the main appeal of something like gallimimus (as seen in the movies). Is this just a bug caused due to what OP said (no combat animations therefore can not determine an Alpha) or is it intended? Hoping someone will get back to us on that, I havent had the chance to see if there was another thread on the subject.

 

[DragonNTiger]

I agree with this... I don't understand why a lack of combat abilities means the lack of an alpha...

 

[Player 99234567]

I agree with this... I don't understand why a lack of combat abilities means the lack of an alpha...

I am assuming it was an oversight. I noticed that those groups didn't have alphas but until I saw this thread I could not figure out why.

 

[Alan_Grady]

I think this has already been answered. It's intentional: only species that are capable of dominance fights have alphas. On more peaceful species, like Ornithomimids, it also makes sense that there's no alpha visible, since that role would surely change more often, thus making the flocks more flexible should they have to ran away from a predator. Also, bigger animals like Sauropods, more likely form families (small groups within herds) much like elephants, so it makes sense also.

 

[Player 99234567]

I think this has already been answered. It's intentional: only species that are capable of dominance fights have alphas. On more peaceful species, like Ornithomimids, it also makes sense that there's no alpha visible, since that role would surely change more often, thus making the flocks more flexible should they have to ran away from a predator. Also, bigger animals like Sauropods, more likely form families (small groups within herds) much like elephants, so it makes sense also.

I could be wrong but isnt the issue that said groups dont herd at all because they can not form an alpha? I would have to check again but my sauropods have been the same as always (wandering off on their own) where as my kentrosaurs have a distinct alpha that they follow and try to keep close to.

 

[Eve Stargaze]

I think this has already been answered. It's intentional: only species that are capable of dominance fights have alphas. On more peaceful species, like Ornithomimids, it also makes sense that there's no alpha visible, since that role would surely change more often, thus making the flocks more flexible should they have to ran away from a predator. Also, bigger animals like Sauropods, more likely form families (small groups within herds) much like elephants, so it makes sense also.

That would be a great point, the part where they can easily run away from Predators. IF it wasnt for the fact that there is no escape for the Ornithomimids and Hadrosaurs, Even the sauropods have to stand still for an Indominus rex.

 

[Lora Craft69]

I could be wrong but isnt the issue that said groups dont herd at all because they can not form an alpha? I would have to check again but my sauropods have been the same as always (wandering off on their own) where as my kentrosaurs have a distinct alpha that they follow and try to keep close to.

I can assure you that they do herd, they only don't have a visible alpha because they do not have combat animations.

 

[Player 99234567]

I can assure you that they do herd, they only don't have a visible alpha because they do not have combat animations.

Huh strange. I guess it's not a big deal but I am surprised they don't just randomly assign an alpha or equivalent regardless.

 

[Alan_Grady]

That would be a great point, the part where they can easily run away from Predators. IF it wasnt for the fact that there is no escape for the Ornithomimids and Hadrosaurs, Even the sauropods have to stand still for an Indominus rex.

Well, it is thought that they only way of defense was their speed, both at running away AND have an early spotting/alarm of the danger. Most herding animals have that kind of "defense", you can't expect a zebra to fight of a lion but outrun him.

 

[LordTrilobite]

I can assure you that they do herd, they only don't have a visible alpha because they do not have combat animations.

Could the communication animations be used for such a feature? I mean, maybe there isn't a need for Hadrosaurs to physically fight each other. But perhaps using the communication animation and between two individuals and then labeling one as the winner and alpha could work.

Though of course it would still be really awesome if new animations were made for such a thing so that they could have more aggressive shouting matches.