
# The Pile

Welcome to The Pile - where interesting ideas, random thoughts, and unique content finds a home. This is our catch-all category for posts that don't quite fit into our standard categories but are too good not to share.

## What You'll Find Here

- Experimental content
- Cross-category topics
- Unique perspectives
- Random discoveries
- Interesting ideas that defy categorization

Think of this as our digital junk drawer - except everything in here is actually useful, just hard to categorize. From unexpected tech discoveries to random gaming insights, if it's interesting but doesn't fit elsewhere, you'll find it here.

## Why "The Pile"?

Sometimes the most interesting discoveries come from unexpected places. This category exists to embrace that chaos, giving a home to content that breaks the mold or spans multiple categories.

Feel free to dive in - you never know what gems you might find! 

A collection of uncategorized but interesting content that doesn't quite fit elsewhere

The Pile

# UEFN 34.0 Update: Your Complete Guide to New APIs and Features

*Ever felt like your Fortnite creator toolkit needed a power-up? Well, grab your favorite energy drink because UEFN 34.0 just dropped a loot crate full of new features!*

The latest UEFN update brings a massive overhaul to how we handle everything from HUD elements to AI behaviors. Whether you're crafting the next battle royale sensation or building an immersive adventure, these new tools will level up your creative arsenal.

## What's New in 34.0? (For Those Just Dropping In)

Think of this update as adding a whole new inventory of tools to your creative toolbelt. We've got a shiny new UI Feature Template (say goodbye to UI headaches!), multiplayer testing with AI players (no more begging friends to help test), and some seriously cool new devices that would make even a master thief jealous. Plus, for all you math nerds out there, we've got some coordinate system updates that would make Pythagoras do a double-take.

## The Power-Ups (Major Feature Additions)

### 1. UI Feature Template: Your New Design Best Friend

Tired of building UIs from scratch? The new User Interface Feature Template has your back:

```verse
# Example of using the new UI template components
using { /Game/UI/Templates/CustomHUD }

customHUD := class(creative_device):
    # Import pre-built components
    QuestIndicator : quest_indicator_widget = quest_indicator_widget{}
  
    # Set up your custom UI
    OnBegin<override>():void=
        # Use the template's built-in functionality
        QuestIndicator.SetupDisplay(
            IconType := quest_type.Collection,
            Description := "Collect 10 coins!"
        )
```

The template comes packed with:

- Ready-to-use widget examples
- Custom materials and textures
- Comprehensive setup guides
- Export-ready assets for your projects

### 1. HUD Management 2.0: The Clean-UI Update

Remember wrestling with multiple UI methods? Those days are gone! The new `fort_hud_controller` brings everything under one roof:

```verse
# The new way to manage HUD elements
hudController := Playspace.GetHUDController()

# Hide those pesky elements
hudController.HideElements([hudElement1, hudElement2])

# Show them when needed
hudController.ShowElements([hudElement3, hudElement4])

# Reset when you want a fresh start
hudController.ResetElementVisibility([hudElement1, hudElement2])
```

### 2. Multiplayer Testing: Your Personal QA Team

No more "anyone free to test?" messages! The new Test Player settings let you spawn AI-controlled players for testing:

```verse
# Configure test player settings in your game mode
testSettings := fort_test_settings:
    SpawnOnStart := true
    PlayerCount := 16  # Up to island maximum
  
# You can even customize test player behavior
testBehavior := test_player_behavior:
    OnSpawn(): void =
        # Set up custom test player actions
        MoveToLocation(targetPoint)
        SimulateInteraction(nearestDevice)
```

*Note: While test players are great for basic testing, they're not yet Ready Player One levels of AI - they have some limitations, like not being able to use certain devices.

Your NPCs just got smarter with these new AI features:

```verse
# Create an intelligent guard
guardActions := Character.GetFortGuardActions()

# Make them actually guard stuff!
guardActions.Attack(targetInfo) => result
if (result = ai_action_result.Success) {
    # Your guard is doing their job!
}

# Keep them in check with leash controls
leash := Character.GetFortLeashable()
leash.SetLeashAgent(agent, innerRadius, outerRadius)
```

### 3. New Devices: Bank Vaults and Rift Points

Want to add some Ocean's Eleven vibes to your island? The new Bank Vault and Rift Point devices have you covered:

```verse
# Setting up a bank vault heist
bankVault := fort_bank_vault_device:
    # Configure vault settings
    WeakPointCount := 3
    BreakInTime := 30.0
  
    # Handle vault events
    OnVaultBreakInStarted(): void =
        # Trigger alarms, spawn guards, etc
        SpawnGuards(vault_location)
        TriggerAlarmSequence()
```

You also get the new Rift Point system for bomb-defusal gameplay:

- Plant and defuse mechanics
- Customizable timers
- Team-based interactions

### 4. SpatialMath: Your New Best Friend (Now with FRU!)

The new SpatialMath module is like having a graphing calculator built right into UEFN:

```verse
# Smooth moves with linear interpolation
let start := vector3{Forward:=0.0, Right:=0.0, Up:=0.0}
let end := vector3{Forward:=1.0, Right:=1.0, Up:=1.0}
let smooth := Lerp(start, end, 0.5)

# Almost equal? Let's check!
IsAlmostEqual(vector1, vector2, 0.001)
```

## Understanding the Changes (Or: "Why Your Old Code Might Need a Medkit")

If you're seeing some warnings in your old code, here's what's changed:

1. **HUD Methods**: Old `player_ui` methods are now deprecated

   - *Old*: `ShowHUDElements()`
   - *New*: `fort_hud_controller.ShowElements()`
2. **Character Controls**: New interfaces for better NPC management

   - *Old*: Direct character manipulation
   - *New*: Specialized interfaces like `fort_guard_actions`
3. **Math Operations**: Enhanced vector and rotation calculations

   - *Old*: Basic vector math
   - *New*: Comprehensive SpatialMath module

## Tips for Upgrading (Without Breaking Everything)

1. **Start with HUD Updates**

   - Convert your UI code first
   - Test each element individually
   - Keep a backup of your old code
2. **Gradually Enhance AI**

   - Update one NPC type at a time
   - Test behaviors in isolation
   - Use the new alert levels system
3. **Embrace SpatialMath**

   - Replace old math calculations
   - Take advantage of new vector operations
   - Use the new string representations for debugging

## Real-World Applications

Here's how these updates make common tasks easier:

### Creating Smart Guard NPCs

```verse
# Define guard behavior
npcBehavior := npc_behavior {
    OnBegin := function() {
        # Initialize guard state
        guardActions := Character.GetFortGuardActions()
        guardPerception := Character.GetFortGuardPerception()
    
        # Set up patrol route
        guardActions.Patrol(patrolPoints)
    }
  
    OnAlert := function(level: fort_guard_alert_level) {
        if (level = fort_guard_alert_level.Suspicious) {
            # Investigate the area
            guardActions.InvestigateLocation(lastSeenPosition)
        }
    }
}
```

### Dynamic HUD Management

```verse
# Create a context-aware HUD manager
hudManager := fort_hud_controller {
    UpdateCombatHUD := function(inCombat: logic) {
        if (inCombat) {
            ShowElements([
                CombatElements.HealthBar,
                CombatElements.AmmoCount,
                CombatElements.WeaponSlots
            ])
        } else {
            HideElements([
                CombatElements.HealthBar,
                CombatElements.AmmoCount,
                CombatElements.WeaponSlots
            ])
        }
    }
}
```

## Conclusion

UEFN 34.0 is more than just an update – it's a complete overhaul of how we create and manage game elements. With these new tools, you're better equipped than ever to create amazing experiences.

Remember, you don't have to rebuild everything at once. Start small, test thoroughly, and gradually incorporate these new features into your existing projects. Your future self (and your players) will thank you!

---

*Note: This article was written while chugging energy drinks and debugging NPCs that kept walking into walls. No NPCs were harmed in the making of this guide.*


BizaNator

UEFN 34.0 Update Hud, UI, AI, oh my!

## 🎮 Leveling Up Your Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 Setup: FancyZones for Fortnite UEFN Developers 🎥

### 🌟 A Big Screen, A Bigger Workflow 🌟

Welcome to the ultra-wide dreamland of the  **Samsung Odyssey Neo G9** , the 57-inch pixel-pumping powerhouse that's here to make your Fortnite UEFN projects and programming life as smooth as a victory royale. But let’s be real: if you’re not optimizing this beast of a screen, you’re about as efficient as a bot trying to crank 90s. That’s where **FancyZones** swoops in like a glider into Tilted Towers—ready to take your productivity to pro levels. 💻✨

FancyZones, a magical tool from PowerToys, lets you carve up your screen real estate faster than a sweaty squad claiming high ground. And for your G9? It’s the perfect partner in crime. Let’s dive in and show you why this setup is your ticket to creative domination. 🎨🛠️

---

### 🔍 Why FancyZones? (AKA "Why Should You Care?")

Here’s the deal: without FancyZones, you’re wasting the glorious potential of your ultra-wide setup. By splitting your screen into functional zones:

* 🎥  **Screen Recording Nirvana** : Tools like **OBS** or **Camtasia** can perfectly capture your central 4K zone, ensuring your YouTube tutorials look crispy and not weirdly stretched. Your viewers will thank you.
* 💬  **Multitasking Magic** : Keep Discord, Spotify, and browser tabs neatly in their own lanes while Unreal Engine takes center stage.
* 🍕  **Couch Potato Proof** : Nobody can complain about unreadable text when you pair this setup with  **PowerToys ZoomIt** . Seriously, zoom in on fields, highlight elements, and make sure even the guy shoveling pizza on his couch can follow along. Check out our guide on ZoomIt for the ultimate how-to-video arsenal. 😉

---

### 🛠 Installing FancyZones (Because We All Need a Power Move)

Here’s how to get started:

1. **Install PowerToys** :

* Using `winget`: Open PowerShell and type `winget install --id Microsoft.PowerToys -e`.
* Or download directly from [PowerToys GitHub](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/releases).

1. **Launch PowerToys** and select FancyZones from the sidebar.
2. **Enable FancyZones** : Toggle the switch and you’re good to go. 🎉

---

### 🎨 Setting the Stage: Your Ultimate FancyZones Layout 🎨

Picture this: a sleek, ultra-wide **7860x2160** canvas divided into a perfectly optimized layout. Here's the setup that will make your Odyssey Neo G9 shine:

1. **The "Main Event" Zone** : Smack dab in the center is a glorious  **4K zone (3840x2160)** . Use this for UEFN, Unreal Engine, or your primary IDE. Perfectly sized for screen recording to upload 4K tutorials on your YouTube channel, or just to flex on your fellow devs. 🖥️
2. **Double Trouble Stacks on the Left** : Two vertically stacked **1920x1080 zones** on the left side. Ideal for Discord chats, documentation, or just leaving your Spotify playlist open to get those retro Vaporwave vibes flowing. 🎶
3. **Right Zone: The Leftovers** : The remaining **2100x2160 pixels** form a tall, single column on the right—a cozy home for your file manager, browser, or that random JSON parser you keep needing every five minutes. 📂

Below is a diagram showcasing this layout for better visualization:

![FancyZones Layout for Samsung G9](ultrawide_4k_layout_diagram.png)

---

### ⚙️ FancyZones: The Power Move Setup ⚙️

Here’s how to make this layout a reality:

1. **Open FancyZones Editor** : Hit `Win + Shift + ‘` to launch the editor. (Don’t panic, the ‘ key is the one you never use - next to the 1.)
2. **Create a Custom Grid** :

* Divide your screen into three sections.
* Make the left section two vertically stacked zones of  **1920x1080** .""
* Set the center to **3840x2160** for your 4K zone.
* The right gets the leftover **2100x2160** column.
  ![FancyZones Custom Layout](fancy-zones-custom-layout.png)

1. **Hotkeys Setup** :

* Assign hotkeys for quick layout switches in the FancyZones Editor under "Custom Layouts."
* Use `Win + Ctrl + Alt + [Number]` to quickly snap to your custom grid.
* ![FancyZones Hotkey](fancy-zones-hotkey.png)

1. **Zone Behavior Settings** :
   ![FancyZones Settings](fancy-zones-settings.png)

* Enable **"Hold Shift Key to Activate Zones While Dragging."** (Or as we call it, the "grab and drag" power-up.) 🕹️
* Turn on **"Use Middle-Click to Toggle Multiple Zones Spanning."** (For when you want to go full multitask mode.) 👾
* Check **"Keep Windows in Their Zones When the Screen Resolution Changes."** (Because pop-ups in random places are *so* Chapter 1.) 💡
* Activate **"Allow Child Windows Snapping"** for apps like Task Manager. Yes, child windows deserve some love too. 🍼

1. **Apply the Layout** : Drag and snap windows to their new homes. Marvel at your own genius. 🌟

---

### 💡 A Day in the Life of a BrainDead Dev 💡

Imagine this: you’re working on the next chapter of **"City of Brains,"** tweaking the lighting in your Flamingo nightclub. The center 4K zone displays your UEFN viewport in glorious detail. Discord’s blowing up on the left, where you’ve stacked chats and documentation. On the right, you’ve got a browser open, googling "Why is Verse being weird again?" Life’s good. You’re in the zone—literally. 😎

---

### 🌴 Styling with Braindead.tv Colors 🌴

> We’re all about that retro beach-chic vibe, so why not carry it into your workspace? Set your FancyZones colors to match Braindead.tv’s aesthetic—neon pinks, cool blues, and the occasional hint of mint green.![fancy-zones-appearance](fancy-zones-appearance.png) Because even your pixels should party like it’s the 80s. 🌈

To truly bring it home, here’s a styled image inspired by Braindead.tv:

![Braindead FancyZones Styled](a_trendy_and_stylish_illustration_of_a_samsung_g9.webp)

---

### 🎬 Lights, Camera, Action 🎬

Ready to make your Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 the ultimate Fortnite UEFN workstation? FancyZones and this setup make creating tutorials, managing workflows, and being the coolest dev around a piece of cake. Don’t forget to pair this with **PowerToys ZoomIt** to highlight those hard-to-read fields while recording. Because the guy on the couch shoveling snacks deserves to see your genius too. 🍕🎮

Remember: in "City of Brains," nobody’s judging your zones—but IRL? Yeah, they are. So make them awesome. 💪

---


The Pile

What You'll Find Here

Why "The Pile"?

Latest Posts

BizaNator

UEFN 34.0 Update Hud, UI, AI, oh my!

BizaNator

🎮 Leveling Up Your Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 Setup: FancyZones for Fortnite UEFN Developers 🎥