Game Pathfinding Algorithms, Benchmarked: A*, JPS, Theta*, Flow Fields, Visibility Graphs
Five pathfinders implemented in C++23, each in a single Godbolt-ready file, benchmarked on the same grids. A* is the baseline. JPS expands 22x fewer nodes on open maps yet runs slower than A* in naive form. Theta* produces shorter any-angle paths at 2-8x the cost. Flow fields dominate when many agents share a goal. Visibility graphs — AoE II DE’s approach — need 5 waypoints where A* needs 600. Plus the StarCraft ‘harvesters ignore collisions’ hack and why SC2 switched to navmeshes.