All though I’ve only been able to play around with NPCs very little, I think they are awesome from what they can so far (when they aren’t crashing your game.)
This may be just wishful thinking, but I think one thing that would make this game unbelievably addicting would be the ability to grant NPCs their own “safe areas” (A room/area with a bed, storage for them, ect.) that you could assign once you gain their trust and they consider you their leader. You could also give them vague jobs, like maybe mark an area on the map that they should explore/loot. You could give them variables in their mission, maybe you want them to be slow and cautious to scout out an area? Or maybe you’ve already cleared most of it out and they don’t have to be so cautious? There would be a “community” storage/chest that they put their looted items in, after they take their fair share of course. You could also have them do things like form squads and work together, and then give them a leader so they are more coordinated and less likely to route. You could also have them doing odd jobs, like designate an area for them to “fortify” by boarding up windows and doors (after you give them the tools and materials, of course). This opens up the possibility of running into other survivor forts and maybe trade with them? Or raid them and take all their supplies?
But the silver lining is that they are people of their own, much like yourself. They have moral and happiness levels, and if you are a shit leader then they will leave you. Also, it would be really hard to earn someone’s trust enough so that they call you their leader. They could be kept morally satisfied by not sending on dangerous mission so ofter and not over-working them. Also, any actions that may harm them (IE: You attacking them) could cause more than just one of them to turn on you.
I’ll say again, this is all just constructive/hopeful thinking, but maybe a goal for long-term or something. Ideas are welcome.
