Enemy AI in shooters used to be simple: run at the player and shoot. But modern games demand smarter foes—enemies that flank, coordinate, seek cover, and adapt. AI isn’t just a background system anymore; it’s a core component of challenge and immersion.

Early FPS games like DOOM relied on scripted patterns and predictable behaviors. Enemies ran in straight lines or shot on sight without much variation. Today, AI is reactive and dynamic. Enemies in games like Halo, The Last of Us Part II, or F.E.A.R. make decisions based on environment, sound, and player behavior.

In Halo, Covenant enemies retreat when low on health, use grenades to flush you out, or fall back when their squad leader dies. It feels like fighting real squads—not just digital targets.

The Last of Us Part II raised the bar by giving enemies names, emotions, and pack behavior. When you take down one soldier, another might scream their name. Dogs sniff out your scent trail. It’s not just smart—it’s personal.

AI in games like Far Cry adapts based on player aggression. Go loud, and enemies call for backup. Use stealth, and they start patrolling tighter and checking bushes. Combined with sandbox environments, this creates emergent gameplay.

Modern AI uses techniques like pathfinding algorithms, state machines, and even machine learning for testing behaviors. The result? Enemies that don’t just act—they think.

As hardware evolves, so too will AI. The next frontier? Enemies that learn from your playstyle in real time.