As we know, bots are a mixed bag considering the Chaos Wastes. As the primary idea is to play with players bots have some shortcomings. However, they do get stronger over the course of the Chaos Waste expedition:
- They receive the map completion boni
- Their power level increases with host power level
- Having bots, gives you more Pilgrim’s coins per pick-up
For the first two points, hosts should always try to upgrade their weapons as it makes bots stronger as well. Even if you play public and expect players to join, you should upgrade because new joining players are compensated for the bots weapon upgrades.
That said, I always though that bots can not get/interact with boons. And for most of my memories this has been correct. However, as I played the Weekly Expedition (and failed miserably multiple times, I noticed something). Apparently, bots interact with “some” boons:
This is a video on one map during one of my runs. At the beginning, I have quickly shown some of the boons I had (around 0:45). And while playing, you can see multiple times that bots using their career skill activates Atharti’s Venomous Affection (poisoning enemies) as seen by the green clouds. An example would be at 3:30 or 4:50. It is a bit difficult to see with the Nurgle colour palette but it is noticeable. I also think they interact with the Harrying Boon of Anath Raema’s Perfection (crit projectiles). But they surely do not interact with Shallya’s Rejuvenation (1 HP every 3 seconds). So, I thought maybe it differs between active / passive boons. But it does not seem to work with Xokha’s Duty (10 % career skill refund at career skill) which has the same trigger as Atharti’s Venomous Affection. Then I thought maybe it is only the new boons which I haven’t excluded yet as possibility. But the bots also seem to trigger Khaine’s Fury (self-damage above 50 %). Maybe this effect is only limited to the Weekly Expedition? But even then, which boons work and which not seems random.
So, my question would be: Is this intended design or a bug? This question can only be answered by FS and I hope they see it. I considered making a bug report but wanted to try this route first. For the rest: Have you noticed bots using boons?
IF FS actually sees this thread, I would also like to ask again for the depictions of the new boons if possible as asked in this thread: Chaos Wastes - New Boons. Also, there is still the question with differing boon names in announcements and in-game.