AI Pathing Optimization

AI Pathing Optimization is a smart CPU optimizer that eliminates micro-stutters and improves game smoothness, especially in cities and locations with lots of NPCs.

What it does:

- When there are many characters in the game, Skyrim's engine frantically and every second calculates thousands of invisible navigation mesh (Navmesh) triangles beneath them so they can walk around.

- This heavily loads the CPU.

- This mod works as a "polite filter": it forces the engine to skip redundant, duplicate checks (3 out of 4 by default).

Result:

- The CPU is freed from useless work (load is reduced by 75% by default), FPS becomes more stable, and micro-stutters when entering cities disappear.

- NPCs themselves continue to walk around as usual and do not become stupid.

The original engine problem (What is Bethesda's bug?):

- In Skyrim SE/AE, AI navigation is tied to frames and geometry.

- Every time any NPC (or creature) is moving or planning a route, the engine calls a heavy internal function called FindTriangleForLocationFilterCheckDeltaZ.

- It literally scans every polygon of the navigation mesh (Navmesh) under the character's feet, checking the height difference ($\Delta Z$).

- The load grows exponentially: 10 NPCs in a location mean about 2500+ calls to this function per second!

- The CPU starts to "choke", causing Papyrus scripts to slow down and the game to produce micro-stutters (stuttering).

How AI Pathing Optimization works:

- The plugin is written in C++ using SKSE and Address Library, making it compatible with SE/AE.

- It performs a high-precision hook of the FindTriangleForLocationFilterCheckDeltaZ function.

- Instead of allowing the engine to perform tons of identical checks at the same instant, the mod checks the settings in the .ini file:

Request filtering:

- The mod uses a thread-safe atomic counter (std::atomic).

- With the standard setting, it cuts off 75% of redundant calls, returning a fast, ready-made answer to the engine without forcing the CPU to recalculate geometry.

Absolute stability:

- The mod does not break pathfinding logic, only reduces the frequency of "micro-checks" for height.

- Tests show a zero crash (CTD) rate.

Flexible configuration:

- Through the configuration file, you decide how much CPU resources to save.

Key benefits:

Massive CPU savings:

- Frees up the processor for handling heavy scripts (relevant for mods like RemoveStartSpells, JK's Cities, Immersive Citizens).

No freezes in crowds:

- The game runs significantly smoother in Riften, Whiterun, and modded locations.

Safe for saves:

- The plugin contains no scripts, so it can be installed and uninstalled at any point during your playthrough.

Settings in SkyrimPathThrottle.ini

- You can adjust the settings to your preference. The settings are located at:

- Data\SKSE\Plugins -> SkyrimPathThrottle.ini

- All parameters are explained, and recommendations are given for low/medium/high-end PCs.

Note: (A feature of my mods)

In the mod archive, besides the main plugin, you will find two additional files for the root game folder: spdlog.dll and fmt.dll.

Why are they needed?

- This is my signature approach to development.

- My mods (for both Skyrim SE and Fallout 4) use these libraries for advanced, fast, and detailed logging.

- They are absolutely essential for the plugin to work.

What to do when installing?

- Place them directly into the root game folder.

- If your mod manager or system asks about replacement - allow overwriting.

Important:

- Do not delete these files under any circumstances! Without spdlog.dll and fmt.dll, the game simply won't be able to initialize the mod, and it will not work.

Requirements:

Skyrim SE/AE

SKSE64

Address Library