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Custom paths define how your character navigates between locations (fields, questgivers, machines). This guide covers path types, naming conventions, and creation.

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Path Types & Naming

Paths follow a strict naming convention: <type>-<location>.ahk

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Path Type Prefixes

From natro_macro.ahk:309-321, these are the valid path types:
PrefixFull NamePurposeExample
gtbGo To BoosterNavigate to field boostersgtb-blue.ahk
gtcGo To CollectNavigate to machines/collectiblesgtc-honeydis.ahk
gtfGo To FieldNavigate to gathering fieldsgtf-sunflower.ahk
gtpGo To PlanterNavigate to planter locationsgtp-bamboo.ahk
gtqGo To QuestgiverNavigate to quest NPCsgtq-bucko.ahk
wfWalk FromReturn from field to hivewf-strawberry.ahk

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Valid Locations

bamboo, blueflower, cactus, clover, coconut, dandelion, 
mountaintop, mushroom, pepper, pinetree, pineapple, 
pumpkin, rose, spider, strawberry, stump, sunflower

blue, mountain, red

black, brown, bucko, honey, polar, riley

// Core Machines
clock, antpass, robopass, blender, windshrine

// Dispensers
honeydis, treatdis, blueberrydis, strawberrydis, 
coconutdis, gluedis, royaljellydis

// Beesmas Event
stockings, wreath, feast, gingerbread, snowmachine, 
candles, samovar, lidart, gummybeacon

// Special
honeylb, honeystorm, stickerstack, stickerprinter,
normalmm, megamm, nightmm, extrememm, wintermm, rbpdelevel

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Path Structure

Paths use movement and camera functions to navigate from your current location to the target.

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Movement Functions

; Primary movement function
nm_Walk(distance, direction, diagonal?)

; Examples:
nm_Walk(14, BackKey)           ; Walk backward 14 units
nm_Walk(25, RightKey)          ; Walk right 25 units  
nm_Walk(15, FwdKey, RightKey)  ; Walk forward-right diagonal 15 units

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Camera Functions

; Rotate camera
send "{" RotLeft " 2}"   ; Rotate left 2 times
send "{" RotRight " 4}"  ; Rotate right 4 times

; Advanced camera rotation
nm_CameraRotation(direction, times)

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Direction Keys

These variables are available in all paths:
  • FwdKey - Move forward
  • BackKey - Move backward
  • LeftKey - Move left
  • RightKey - Move right
  • RotLeft - Rotate camera left
  • RotRight - Rotate camera right

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Example Paths

nm_gotoramp()
nm_Walk(14, BackKey)
send "{" RotRight " 1}"
nm_Walk(25, RightKey)
nm_Walk(15, FwdKey)
nm_Walk(9, BackKey)
send "{" RotRight " 1}"
From paths/gtp-sunflower.ahk:1-8 - This path:
  1. Goes to the red ramp
  2. Walks backward to position
  3. Rotates camera right once
  4. Walks right to the field entrance
  5. Walks forward into the field
  6. Positions optimally for planter placement
  7. Final camera rotation for field orientation
if (MoveMethod = "Cannon") {
    nm_gotoramp()
    nm_gotocannon()
    send "{e down}"
    HyperSleep(100)
    send "{e up}{" LeftKey " down}"
    HyperSleep(1250)
    send "{space 2}"
    HyperSleep(1000)
    send "{" LeftKey " up}"
    HyperSleep(1200)
    send "{space}{" RotLeft " 2}"
    Sleep 2000
} else {
    nm_gotoramp()
    nm_Walk(67.5, BackKey, LeftKey)
    send "{" RotRight " 4}"
    nm_Walk(23.5, FwdKey)
    nm_Walk(31.5, FwdKey, RightKey)
    nm_Walk(10, RightKey)
    send "{" RotRight " 2}"
}
From paths/gtf-bamboo.ahk:1-25 - This demonstrates:
  • Conditional logic based on MoveMethod setting
  • Cannon usage with timing (HyperSleep)
  • Alternative walking route
  • Diagonal movement (FwdKey, RightKey)
nm_Walk(1, FwdKey)
nm_Walk(9.2*(7-HiveSlot) + 10, LeftKey)
nm_Walk(2, BackKey, RightKey)
nm_Walk(2, BackKey)
From paths/gtc-honeydis.ahk:1-5 - Shows:
  • Calculated distance based on HiveSlot variable
  • Formula: 9.2 * (7 - HiveSlot) + 10 adjusts for hive position
  • Diagonal movement for final positioning

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Import & Validation

Paths are automatically imported from the paths/ folder on macro startup.

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Import Process

From natro_macro.ahk:307-352, the import function: 
nm_importPaths()
{
    static path_names := Map(
        "gtb", ["blue", "mountain", "red"],
        "gtc", ["clock", "antpass", "robopass", "honeydis", ...],
        "gtf", ["bamboo", "blueflower", "cactus", ...],
        "gtp", ["bamboo", "blueflower", "cactus", ...],
        "gtq", ["black", "brown", "bucko", "honey", "polar", "riley"],
        "wf",  ["bamboo", "blueflower", "cactus", ...]
    )

    global paths := Map()
    paths.CaseSense := 0

    for k, list in path_names
    {
        for v in list
        {
            try {
                file := FileOpen(A_WorkingDir "\paths\" k "-" v ".ahk", "r")
                paths[k][v] := file.Read()
                file.Close()
                
                // Check for deprecated syntax
                if regexMatch(paths[k][v], "im)paths\[")
                    MsgBox "Path seems to be deprecated!"
            }
            catch
                MsgBox "Could not find the '" k '-' v "' path!"
        }
    }
}

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Error Messages

Path Deprecated Error:
Path 'gtf-bamboo' seems to be deprecated!
This means the macro will NOT work correctly!
Check for an updated version of the path or restore the default path
Your path uses old v1 syntax. Update to v2 or restore the default.
Path Missing Error:
Could not find the 'gtf-bamboo' path!
This means the macro will NOT work correctly!
Make sure the path exists in the 'paths' folder and redownload if it doesn't!
The path file is missing from the paths folder. Restore from backup or re-download.

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Available Variables

These global variables are accessible in path files:
VariableTypeDescription
MoveMethodString”Cannon” or “Walk” - movement preference
HiveSlotNumberYour hive slot number (1-6)
FieldNameStringCurrent target field name

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Creating Custom Paths

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Step-by-Step Process

  1. Record Your Route
    • Manually walk the route in-game
    • Note each movement direction and approximate distance
    • Record camera rotations needed
  2. Create Path File
    • Name: <type>-<location>.ahk
    • Start from a known position (usually hive or field)
    • Use nm_Walk() for each movement segment
  3. Test & Refine
    • Test in-game with macro
    • Adjust distances (units are approximate)
    • Fine-tune camera rotations
    • Test from different starting conditions
  4. Optimize
    • Remove unnecessary movements
    • Combine diagonal movements where possible
    • Add conditional logic for cannons if beneficial

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Distance Reference

  • 1 unit ≈ Small character step
  • 10 units ≈ Medium distance
  • 25 units ≈ Cross a field
  • 50+ units ≈ Long distance travel
Distances are affected by your MoveSpeedNum setting. Test with your configured speed!

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Common Issues

Cause: Incorrect distances or missing camera rotationsSolution:
  1. Break path into smaller segments
  2. Test each segment individually
  3. Verify camera orientation at each step
  4. Check for obstacles in the path
  5. Adjust distances incrementally (±1-2 units)
Cause: Starting position varies or lag affects timingSolution:
  1. Add a “reset” position at path start (e.g., nm_gotoramp())
  2. Use HyperSleep() after movements that need settling time
  3. Avoid paths that require precise frame-perfect timing
  4. Test with different server latencies
Cause: Timing issues or cannon aim problemsSolution:
  1. Increase HyperSleep() durations between cannon actions
  2. Test cannon direction keys (Left/Right) duration
  3. Verify {space} timing for cannon launch
  4. Consider adding fallback else clause with walk path

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File Location

Natro Macro/
└── paths/
    ├── gtf-sunflower.ahk
    ├── gtf-bamboo.ahk
    ├── gtc-honeydis.ahk
    └── wf-strawberry.ahk
Paths must be in the paths/ folder with correct naming to be imported.

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Testing Checklist

  • Path works from hive
  • Path works after reconnect
  • Path works with Cannon method (if applicable)
  • Path works with Walk method
  • Character faces correct direction at end
  • No obstacles block the route
  • Works on different servers (lag test)
  • Consistent across multiple runs

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Best Practices

  • Start paths from consistent locations (nm_gotoramp() is common)
  • Use comments to explain complex sections
  • Keep movements simple and direct
  • Test both Cannon and Walk methods if path supports both
  • Provide alternative routes if primary path is unreliable
  • Consider server lag in timing-critical sections

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Advanced Techniques

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Conditional Logic

if (MoveMethod = "Cannon") {
    ; Cannon route
} else {
    ; Walk route  
}

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Hive Slot Adjustment

; Distance varies by hive slot (1-6)
nm_Walk(9.2*(7-HiveSlot) + 10, LeftKey)

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Pre-Movement Positioning

nm_gotoramp()  ; Reset to known position
nm_Walk(5, FwdKey)  ; Small adjustment
; Continue with main path...

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Resources

Share your custom paths on Discord! The community can help optimize and verify paths work for all users.

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