Patrol - Games

In game design, 'Patrol' typically refers to a core AI behavior pattern where non-player characters follow predefined routes, creating dynamic tension and environmental storytelling. This mechanic transforms static spaces into living worlds, as guards, creatures, or drones move with purpose, establishing patrol zones that players must observe, avoid, or disrupt. It introduces strategic elements like timing, stealth, and pattern recognition, forcing engagement with the game's systems. Beyond functionality, patrols often symbolize surveillance, order, or territorial control, enriching narrative themes. The looped, predictable-yet-unpredictable nature of patrols makes them a fundamental tool for pacing, challenge, and immersion across genres from stealth to action-adventure.