game_object¶

game_object is the Lua class for every entity that exists in the game world as a client-side object — NPCs, mutants, items, weapons, anomaly zones, campfires, inventory boxes, and the actor. Every object you receive in a callback or retrieve with level.object_by_id() is a game_object.

db.actor is a game_object

All methods on this page also work on db.actor. The db.actor reference documents actor-specific usage and adds the actor-only methods not covered here.

Identity & position¶

These methods work on any game_object regardless of type.

Method	Returns	Description
`obj:id()`	`number`	Alife ID (unique, stable per session)
`obj:name()`	`string`	Internal name (e.g. `"esc_stalker_01"`)
`obj:section()`	`string`	Config section (e.g. `"stalker_novice"`)
`obj:clsid()`	`number`	Class ID constant — compare with `clsid.*`
`obj:position()`	`vector`	World position
`obj:level_vertex_id()`	`number`	Local navmesh vertex
`obj:game_vertex_id()`	`number`	Global graph node
`obj:direction()`	`number`	Facing direction in radians
`obj:parent()`	`game_object\\|nil`	Owner if carried in inventory; `nil` otherwise
`obj:story_id()`	`number`	Story ID if assigned; `-1` otherwise

local obj = level.object_by_id(some_id)
if obj then
    printf("[my_mod] %s at %s (section=%s)", obj:name(), tostring(obj:position()), obj:section())
end

Type testing¶

Use these to check what kind of object you have before calling type-specific methods. The is_* functions return true/false.

Method	True when…
`obj:is_actor()`	Object is the player
`obj:is_stalker()`	Human NPC (not actor)
`obj:is_monster()`	Mutant creature
`obj:is_custom_monster()`	Both stalkers and monsters
`obj:is_trader()`	Trader NPC
`obj:is_entity_alive()`	Creature that can die (alive or dead)
`obj:is_weapon()`	Any weapon
`obj:is_weapon_magazined()`	Magazine-fed weapon
`obj:is_weapon_gl()`	Weapon with underbarrel launcher
`obj:is_outfit()`	Suit/armour
`obj:is_artefact()`	Artefact
`obj:is_ammo()`	Ammo box
`obj:is_scope()`	Scope attachment
`obj:is_silencer()`	Silencer attachment
`obj:is_grenade_launcher()`	Grenade launcher attachment
`obj:is_hud_item()`	Item that has a HUD model
`obj:is_space_restrictor()`	Zone/restrictor
`obj:is_anomaly()`	Anomaly zone
`obj:is_inventory_item()`	Can be held in inventory
`obj:is_inventory_owner()`	Has an inventory (NPC/actor)
`obj:is_inventory_box()`	Stash/inventory box

Prefer _g.script helpers for simple checks

IsStalker(obj), IsMonster(obj), IsWeapon(obj) etc. wrap clsid comparisons and are safer (nil-check included). See Type-checking helpers.

local function on_hit(obj, amount, local_dir, who, bone)
    if obj:is_stalker() or obj:is_monster() then
        printf("[my_mod] %s was hit for %f", obj:name(), amount)
    end
end

Vitals¶

Properties on a game_object (read/write directly):

Property	Range	Description
`obj.health`	0–1	Current health
`obj.power`	0–1	Current stamina
`obj.psy_health`	0–1	Psychic health
`obj.radiation`	0–1	Radiation level
`obj.bleeding`	0–1	Bleeding intensity
`obj.morale`	0–1	Morale (creatures)

For incremental changes prefer the change_* methods:

Method	Description
`obj:change_health(delta)`	Add delta to health (negative to damage)
`obj:change_power(delta)`	Add delta to stamina
`obj:change_psy_health(delta)`	Add delta to psy health
`obj:change_radiation(delta)`	Add delta to radiation
`obj:change_bleeding(delta)`	Add delta to bleed rate — NPCs/monsters only; crashes with nil if called on `db.actor`
`obj:change_morale(delta)`	Add delta to morale
`obj:alive()`	Returns `true` if not dead
`obj:max_health()`	Maximum health value
`obj:wounded()`	Get/set wounded state (boolean)
`obj:critically_wounded()`	True if in critical wound state
`obj:mass()`	Physics mass

Info portions¶

Info portions work on any entity that can carry them (actors, NPCs).

Method	Description
`obj:has_info(id)`	`true` if entity has this info portion
`obj:dont_has_info(id)`	`true` if entity does NOT have it
`obj:give_info_portion(id)`	Set the info portion
`obj:disable_info_portion(id)`	Unset the info portion

Applying damage¶

To deal damage to any creature from script, create a hit object and call obj:hit():

local function damage_npc(npc, amount)
    local h = hit()
    h.type        = hit.wound
    h.power       = amount
    h.direction   = vector():set(0, -1, 0)
    h.draftsman   = db.actor   -- who is credited with the hit
    h.impulse     = 1.0
    npc:hit(h)
end

See hit for all hit type constants and properties.

NPC / stalker methods¶

These apply when obj:is_stalker() or obj:is_actor() is true.

Relations & goodwill¶

Method	Description
`obj:relation(other)`	Relation enum toward `other` (0=kill, 1=neutral, 2=friend)
`obj:goodwill(other)`	Personal goodwill toward `other` game_object
`obj:general_goodwill(other)`	Combined goodwill (personal + community)
`obj:community_goodwill(faction)`	NPC's community goodwill toward a faction string
`obj:set_relation(type, other)`	Override relation enum
`obj:set_goodwill(val, other)`	Set personal goodwill (−10000 to 10000)
`obj:force_set_goodwill(val, other)`	Force-set goodwill (bypasses clamping)
`obj:change_goodwill(delta, other)`	Adjust goodwill by delta
`obj:set_community_goodwill(faction, val)`	Set NPC's community goodwill
`obj:sympathy()`	Sympathy value (community affinity)
`obj:set_sympathy(val)`	Set sympathy
`obj:rank()`	Rank value

Combat¶

Method	Description
`obj:see(other)`	True if NPC can currently see `other`
`obj:see(section)`	True if NPC can see any object matching section
`obj:best_enemy()`	Current best enemy `game_object`
`obj:get_enemy()`	Active enemy target
`obj:set_enemy(obj)`	Force a new enemy target
`obj:best_danger()`	Most threatening danger source
`obj:mental_state()`	Current mental state (free/danger/panic)
`obj:set_mental_state(state)`	Set mental state
`obj:kill(who)`	Kill the NPC, crediting `who`
`obj:can_be_harmed()`	Whether NPC can take damage
`obj:set_can_be_harmed(bool)`	Toggle harm-ability
`obj:invulnerable()`	Get invulnerability
`obj:invulnerable(bool)`	Set invulnerability
`obj:register_in_combat()`	Mark as combat participant
`obj:unregister_in_combat()`	Remove from combat tracking
`obj:berserk()`	Force berserk state

Character info¶

Method	Description
`obj:character_name()`	Display name
`obj:character_icon()`	Portrait icon
`obj:character_community()`	Faction string
`obj:character_rank()`	Rank value
`obj:character_reputation()`	Reputation
`obj:set_character_rank(val)`	Set rank
`obj:set_character_community(faction, rank, rep)`	Change faction
`obj:set_character_icon(icon)`	Change portrait
`obj:change_character_reputation(delta)`	Adjust reputation
`obj:profile_name()`	Internal profile name

Economy¶

Method	Description
`obj:money()`	Current money in RU
`obj:give_money(amount)`	Add (or remove if negative) RU
`obj:transfer_money(amount, target)`	Move RU to another entity

Dialog & tasks¶

Method	Description
`obj:enable_talk()`	Allow player to start dialog
`obj:disable_talk()`	Prevent dialog
`obj:is_talk_enabled()`	Whether dialog is allowed
`obj:is_talking()`	Whether dialog is active
`obj:switch_to_talk()`	Open dialog with this NPC
`obj:stop_talk()`	End current dialog
`obj:allow_break_talk_dialog(bool)`	Whether player can close dialog early
`obj:run_talk_dialog(npc, bool)`	Force dialog with `npc`
`obj:give_talk_message(npc_id, dialog_id, icon)`	Show talk message
`obj:give_talk_message2(npc_id, dialog_id, icon, sound)`	Show talk message with sound
`obj:get_start_dialog()`	First dialog ID
`obj:set_start_dialog(id)`	Override start dialog
`obj:restore_default_start_dialog()`	Reset to config dialog
`obj:give_task(task, t1, bool, t2)`	Assign a task
`obj:set_active_task(task)`	Set active task
`obj:get_task_state(id)`	State of task by ID

Patrolling & movement¶

Method	Description
`obj:set_patrol_path(name, start_type, route_type, bool)`	Set patrol path
`obj:patrol()`	Current patrol object
`obj:path_completed()`	True if current path is done
`obj:set_dest_game_vertex_id(gvid)`	Set destination graph node
`obj:set_dest_level_vertex_id(lvid)`	Set destination navmesh node
`obj:set_path_type(type)`	Path type (game_path/level_path/etc.)
`obj:movement_type()`	Current movement type
`obj:set_movement_type(type)`	Override movement type
`obj:set_body_state(state)`	Stand/crouch state
`obj:set_fov(angle)`	Override field of view
`obj:fov()`	Current field of view
`obj:set_home(patrol, min, max, aggress, [point])`	Define home territory
`obj:remove_home()`	Remove home restriction
`obj:jump(pos, factor)`	Force a jump toward `pos`
`obj:set_npc_position(pos)`	Teleport NPC to position
`obj:set_desired_position([pos])`	Hint at preferred position
`obj:set_desired_direction([dir])`	Hint at preferred facing
`obj:movement_target_reached()`	True when movement goal reached
`obj:get_movement_speed()`	Current movement speed
`obj:allow_sprint(bool)`	Toggle sprinting

Memory / perception¶

Method	Description
`obj:memory_visible_objects()`	List of visible remembered objects
`obj:memory_sound_objects()`	List of recently heard objects
`obj:memory_hit_objects()`	List of recently hit objects
`obj:memory_time(other)`	Last time `other` was perceived
`obj:memory_position(other)`	Last known position of `other`
`obj:not_yet_visible_objects()`	Objects entering vision but not yet seen
`obj:enable_memory_object(other, bool)`	Force-track/untrack an object in memory
`obj:make_object_visible_somewhen(other)`	Schedule visibility of `other`
`obj:set_visual_memory_enabled(bool)`	Toggle visual memory system
`obj:enable_vision(bool)`	Toggle vision entirely
`obj:vision_enabled()`	Whether vision is on
`obj:who_hit_name()`	Name of last attacker
`obj:who_hit_section_name()`	Section of last attacker
`obj:get_monster_hit_info()`	`MonsterHitInfo` for last hit received

Script control (GOAP)¶

Method	Description
`obj:script(bool, name)`	Take (`true`) or release (`false`) scripted control
`obj:get_script()`	True if under script control
`obj:can_script_capture()`	True if script control is available
`obj:motivation_action_manager(obj)`	Access the GOAP planner
`obj:debug_planner(planner)`	Dump planner state to log
`obj:action()`	Current active script action
`obj:action_count()`	Number of queued actions
`obj:action_by_index(i)`	Action at index `i`
`obj:reset_action_queue()`	Clear pending actions
`obj:set_fastcall(fn, obj)`	Register a per-frame update function

Sounds¶

Method	Description
`obj:add_sound(path, count, type, delay, priority, freq, [anim])`	Register a script sound
`obj:add_combat_sound(path, count, type, delay, priority, freq, anim)`	Register combat sound
`obj:remove_sound(index)`	Remove a registered sound
`obj:play_sound(index, [delay, [priority, [freq, [vol, [pitch]]]]])`	Play a registered sound
`obj:active_sound_count([bool])`	Number of currently playing sounds
`obj:external_sound_start(name)`	Start an external named sound
`obj:external_sound_stop()`	Stop external sound
`obj:restore_sound_threshold()`	Reset sound threshold
`obj:set_sound_threshold(val)`	Set minimum audible threshold
`obj:set_sound_mask(mask)`	Bit-mask of permitted sound channels
`obj:sound_prefix()`	Current voice/sound prefix
`obj:sound_prefix(prefix)`	Override voice/sound prefix
`obj:sound_voice_prefix()`	Voice-specific prefix

Inventory owner methods¶

Available when obj:is_inventory_owner() is true (NPC or actor).

Method	Description
`obj:object(section)`	First item matching section; `nil` if not found
`obj:object(id)`	Item with given alife ID; `nil` if not held
`obj:iterate_inventory(fn, data)`	Iterate all items: `fn(data, item)`
`obj:iterate_ruck(fn, data)`	Iterate backpack items only
`obj:iterate_belt(fn, data)`	Iterate belt items only
`obj:inventory_for_each(fn)`	Iterate all items: `fn(item)`
`obj:active_item()`	Currently held item
`obj:item_in_slot(slot_id)`	Item in slot; `nil` if empty
`obj:item_on_belt(index)`	Belt item at 0-based index
`obj:belt_count()`	Number of belt items
`obj:is_on_belt(item)`	True if item is on the belt
`obj:active_slot()`	Active weapon slot index
`obj:activate_slot(slot_id)`	Switch active weapon slot
`obj:best_weapon()`	Best weapon in inventory
`obj:best_item()`	Best general item
`obj:get_artefact()`	Currently active artefact
`obj:active_detector()`	Active detector object
`obj:show_detector()`	Show detector
`obj:hide_detector()`	Hide detector
`obj:drop_item(item)`	Drop item to the ground
`obj:drop_item_and_teleport(item, pos)`	Drop and teleport item
`obj:take_items_enabled(bool)`	Toggle item pickup
`obj:take_items_enabled()`	Whether item pickup is enabled
`obj:is_there_items_to_pickup()`	Items nearby to pick up
`obj:transfer_item(item, target)`	Move item to another inventory
`obj:move_to_ruck(item)`	Move item to backpack
`obj:move_to_slot(item, slot_id)`	Move item to weapon slot
`obj:move_to_belt(item)`	Move item to belt
`obj:eat(item)`	Consume a food/medkit item
`obj:get_total_weight()`	Total carry weight
`obj:get_inv_weight()`	Backpack weight
`obj:get_inv_max_weight()`	Max backpack capacity
`obj:get_actor_max_weight()`	Absolute max carry weight
`obj:set_actor_max_weight(v)`	Override max carry weight
`obj:get_actor_max_walk_weight()`	Walk weight limit
`obj:set_actor_max_walk_weight(v)`	Override walk weight limit
`obj:can_select_weapon(bool)`	Toggle weapon auto-select
`obj:weapon_strapped()`	True if weapon is holstered
`obj:weapon_unstrapped()`	True if weapon is drawn
`obj:hide_weapon()`	Holster weapon
`obj:restore_weapon()`	Equip previous weapon
`obj:make_item_active(item)`	Force item into active slot
`obj:mark_item_dropped(item)`	Mark item as intentionally dropped

Trade methods¶

Method	Description
`obj:is_trade_enabled()`	Whether trade is available
`obj:enable_trade()`	Allow trading
`obj:disable_trade()`	Prevent trading
`obj:switch_to_trade()`	Open trade UI
`obj:item_allow_trade(item)`	Mark item as tradeable
`obj:item_deny_trade(item)`	Mark item as not tradeable
`obj:buy_condition(ini, section)`	Set buy condition from ini
`obj:sell_condition(ini, section)`	Set sell condition from ini
`obj:buy_supplies(ini, section)`	Load supply config
`obj:buy_item_condition_factor(v)`	Set item condition threshold for purchases
`obj:set_trader_global_anim(name)`	Set trader global animation
`obj:set_trader_head_anim(name)`	Set trader head animation
`obj:set_trader_sound(name, anim)`	Set trader sound

Item methods¶

Available when obj:is_inventory_item() is true.

Method	Description
`obj:condition()`	Durability (0–1)
`obj:set_condition(v)`	Set durability
`obj:weight()`	Item weight in kg
`obj:set_weight(v)`	Override weight
`obj:cost()`	Item value in RU
`obj:get_max_uses()`	Maximum use count
`obj:get_remaining_uses()`	Remaining uses
`obj:set_remaining_uses(n)`	Set remaining uses
`obj:install_upgrade(section)`	Apply an upgrade to the item
`obj:has_upgrade(section)`	True if upgrade is installed
`obj:iterate_installed_upgrades(fn)`	Iterate installed upgrades: `fn(section, item)`, return `true` to stop

Weapon methods¶

Available when obj:is_weapon() is true.

Method	Description
`obj:get_main_weapon_type()`	Main weapon type constant
`obj:set_main_weapon_type(n)`	Override main weapon type
`obj:get_weapon_type()`	Weapon category constant
`obj:set_weapon_type(n)`	Override weapon category
`obj:get_ammo_total()`	Total ammo across all magazines
`obj:get_ammo_in_magazine()`	Rounds currently in magazine
`obj:set_ammo_elapsed(n)`	Set magazine fill count
`obj:unload_magazine(retrieve)`	Unload — pass `true` to recover ammo
`obj:force_unload_magazine(retrieve)`	Unload even when jammed
`obj:get_ammo_type()`	Current ammo type index
`obj:set_ammo_type(n)`	Set ammo type
`obj:has_ammo_type(n)`	True if ammo type is compatible
`obj:get_state()`	Weapon state constant
`obj:get_weapon_substate()`	Sub-state constant
`obj:switch_state(n)`	Force weapon state transition
`obj:weapon_in_grenade_mode()`	True when in GL mode
`obj:weapon_is_scope()`	True if scope is installed
`obj:weapon_scope_status()`	Scope attachment status
`obj:weapon_is_silencer()`	True if silencer installed
`obj:weapon_silencer_status()`	Silencer attachment status
`obj:weapon_is_grenadelauncher()`	True if GL installed
`obj:weapon_grenadelauncher_status()`	GL attachment status
`obj:weapon_addon_attach(item)`	Attach an addon `game_object`
`obj:weapon_addon_detach(section)`	Detach addon by section name
`obj:set_queue_size(n)`	Override burst size
`obj:can_throw_grenades()`	Whether NPC can throw grenades
`obj:can_throw_grenades(bool)`	Toggle grenade throwing

Ammo methods¶

Method	Description
`obj:ammo_get_count()`	Rounds in this ammo box
`obj:ammo_set_count(n)`	Set round count
`obj:ammo_box_size()`	Maximum capacity of the box

Outfit / armour methods¶

Method	Description
`obj:get_current_outfit()`	Currently equipped outfit `game_object`
`obj:get_current_outfit_protection(hit_type)`	Protection value for a given hit type
`obj:get_additional_max_weight()`	Extra carry capacity from outfit
`obj:set_additional_max_weight(v)`	Override extra carry capacity
`obj:get_additional_max_walk_weight()`	Extra walk-weight capacity
`obj:set_additional_max_walk_weight(v)`	Override extra walk-weight capacity

Anomaly methods¶

Method	Description
`obj:get_anomaly_power()`	Current power/intensity
`obj:set_anomaly_power(v)`	Override power
`obj:get_anomaly_radius()`	Effect radius
`obj:set_anomaly_radius(v)`	Override radius
`obj:set_anomaly_position(x, y, z)`	Reposition anomaly
`obj:enable_anomaly()`	Enable anomaly
`obj:disable_anomaly()`	Disable anomaly

Particles¶

Method	Description
`obj:start_particles(effect, bone)`	Attach particle effect to a bone
`obj:stop_particles(effect, bone)`	Remove particle effect from a bone

-- Attach a fire effect to an NPC's torso
npc:start_particles("anomaly\\electra_hit_01", "bip01_spine")
-- Remove it later
npc:stop_particles("anomaly\\electra_hit_01", "bip01_spine")

Bones & geometry¶

Method	Description
`obj:bone_position(bone_name)`	World position of a named bone
`obj:get_bone_id(bone_name)`	Numeric bone ID
`obj:center()`	World position of the object's centre
`obj:inside(pos, radius)`	True if `pos` is within the zone
`obj:inside(pos)`	True if `pos` is within the zone (default radius)
`obj:mass()`	Physics mass
`obj:get_physics_shell()`	Physics shell if one exists
`obj:get_physics_object()`	Raw physics object

Object callbacks¶

game_object supports per-object per-callback registration (distinct from the global callback system). These bind directly to the object:

Method	Description
`obj:set_callback(type, fn)`	Register `fn` for callback `type`
`obj:set_callback(type, fn, obj)`	Register with extra `obj` context
`obj:set_callback(type)`	Clear callback for `type`

Use callback.* constants for type. Example:

-- React to this specific NPC dying
npc:set_callback(callback.death, function(victim, killer)
    printf("[my_mod] %s was killed by %s", victim:name(), killer and killer:name() or "unknown")
end)

Visual & HUD¶

Method	Description
`obj:get_visual_name()`	Path to current 3D model
`obj:set_visual_name(path)`	Change 3D model
`obj:set_invisible(bool)`	Toggle object visibility
`obj:force_visibility_state(n)`	Force a specific visibility state
`obj:get_visibility_state()`	Current visibility state
`obj:night_vision_enabled()`	True if NV is active
`obj:enable_night_vision(bool)`	Toggle NV on NPC
`obj:play_cycle(anim)`	Loop a named animation
`obj:play_cycle(anim, mix)`	Loop with blending
`obj:add_animation(anim, mix, bool)`	Queue a one-shot animation
`obj:clear_animations()`	Stop all queued animations
`obj:animation_count()`	Number of queued animations
`obj:animation_slot()`	Animation slot index
`obj:set_tip_text(text)`	Override use-hint text
`obj:set_tip_text_default()`	Reset use-hint to config default
`obj:set_nonscript_usable(bool)`	Whether the use key triggers a callback
`obj:info_add(text)`	Add debug text overlay
`obj:info_clear()`	Clear debug text overlay

Miscellaneous¶

Method	Description
`obj:bind_object(binder)`	Attach an object_binder instance
`obj:binded_object()`	Get the bound object_binder
`obj:spawn_ini()`	`ini_file` for the object's spawn config
`obj:get_script_name()`	Active scheme script name
`obj:accessible(pos)`	True if `pos` is reachable
`obj:accessible(lvid)`	True if navmesh node is reachable
`obj:accessible_nearest(pos, out)`	Nearest accessible position to `pos`
`obj:team()`	Team index
`obj:squad()`	Squad index
`obj:group()`	Group index
`obj:change_team(team, squad, group)`	Change team assignment
`obj:get_corpse()`	Carried corpse if any
`obj:get_enemy_strength()`	Threat level of current enemy
`obj:sight_params()`	Current `CSightParams`
`obj:set_sight(...)`	Override sight target (many overloads)
`obj:head_orientation()`	Current head rotation
`obj:add_restrictions(in_restr, out_restr)`	Add zone restrictions
`obj:remove_restrictions(in_restr, out_restr)`	Remove zone restrictions
`obj:in_restrictions()`	Current in-restriction list
`obj:out_restrictions()`	Current out-restriction list
`obj:remove_all_restrictions()`	Clear all restrictions
`obj:in_smart_cover()`	True if NPC is in smart cover
`obj:get_dest_smart_cover_name()`	Target smart cover name
`obj:get_smart_cover_description()`	Current smart cover description
`obj:get_dest_smart_cover()`	Target smart cover object
`obj:set_dest_smart_cover(name)`	Set target smart cover
`obj:is_body_turning()`	True while turning body
`obj:path_type()`	Current path type
`obj:detail_path_type()`	Detail path type

Class casting¶

Several engine classes extend game_object with extra methods. To access them, cast the object:

Method	Gives access to…
`obj:cast_Actor()`	`CActor` — player-specific methods
`obj:cast_Weapon()`	`CWeapon` — weapon methods
`obj:cast_WeaponMagazined()`	`CWeaponMagazined`
`obj:cast_WeaponMagazinedWGrenade()`	`CWeaponMagazinedWGrenade`
`obj:cast_CustomOutfit()`	`CCustomOutfit`
`obj:cast_Helmet()`	`CHelmet`
`obj:cast_Artefact()`	`CArtefact`
`obj:cast_Ammo()`	`CAmmo`
`obj:cast_EatableItem()`	`CEatableItem`
`obj:cast_Medkit()`	`CMedkit`
`obj:cast_Antirad()`	`CAntirad`
`obj:cast_FoodItem()`	`CFoodItem`
`obj:cast_BottleItem()`	`CBottleItem`
`obj:cast_InventoryOwner()`	`CInventoryOwner`
`obj:cast_InventoryBox()`	`CInventoryBox`
`obj:cast_CustomZone()`	`CCustomZone`
`obj:cast_TorridZone()`	`CTorridZone`
`obj:cast_MosquitoBald()`	`CMosquitoBald`
`obj:cast_ZoneCampfire()`	`CZoneCampfire`
`obj:cast_Car()`	`CCar`
`obj:cast_Heli()`	`CHelicopter`

Returns the cast object on success, or nil if the object is not of that type.

local outfit = db.actor:get_current_outfit()
if outfit then
    local co = outfit:cast_CustomOutfit()
    if co then
        -- access CCustomOutfit-specific methods
    end
end