> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://malbersanimations.gitbook.io/animal-controller/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://malbersanimations.gitbook.io/animal-controller/main-components/manimal-controller/states/fall.md).

# Fall

## Overview

**State ID:** 3

The **Fall** state takes over when the character has no ground beneath it. This includes leaving an edge, reaching a jump apex, or losing a platform.

Fall measures distance, blends soft and hard fall animations, keeps air control, and selects a landing animation. It can also apply fall damage to a Stat.

Fall is automatic. No input is required.

<figure><img src="/files/dWrqQoiTANIEqBmeoE3P" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Creating the Fall state

Create a **Fall** state in either way:

* Select **+** in the character's **States** list. Then select **Air → Fall**.
* Duplicate an existing **Fall** state asset. Add it to the character's **States** list.

Almost every character needs a Fall state.

<figure><img src="/files/KTSnuqSgZfnUmO6LdJGZ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Priority

Set **Fall** just above [**Idle**](/animal-controller/main-components/manimal-controller/states/idle.md) and [**Locomotion**](/animal-controller/main-components/manimal-controller/states/locomotion.md).

Set it below airborne and action states. These include **Jump**, **Climb**, **Fly**, **Swim**, and [**Death**](/animal-controller/main-components/manimal-controller/states/death.md). This lets Fall take over when airborne, while higher-priority states can interrupt it.

<figure><img src="/files/io6CdceMxGw6teJnosDU" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Requirements

Fall requires no extra components. It uses the character's Fall Ray, a SphereCast along the gravity direction.

Set the character's **Ground Layer** correctly on the MAnimal. The Fall Ray only detects colliders on this layer.

## Activation

Fall activates automatically. Input, Zones, and Reactions do not activate it.

1. The state casts a Fall Ray from a look-ahead pivot ahead of the character.
2. The SphereCast follows the gravity direction toward the ground.
3. Fall activates if no ground is within reach.
4. It also activates when the ground exceeds the **Slope Limit**.

Enable the optional front check to cast a line forward first. If it finds a wall or obstacle, Fall does not activate. This prevents false falls while pushing against geometry.

<figure><img src="/files/dhwWJ0TjSvjMHWNmBQG7" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/7EJ3mpGqL3SF6NeZ3hIn" alt=""><figcaption><p>If the Fall Ray (Pink) does not hit any Collider with the Ground Layer Mask it will activate.</p></figcaption></figure>

## Exit conditions

Fall exits in any of these cases:

* The Fall Ray finds ground within the character's **Height**.
* A higher-priority state activates, such as Ledge Grab or Fly.
* `MAnimal.State_AllowExit()` is called.

On touchdown, the ground must not be a steep slope. Ground tagged as **Debris** also counts as a landing surface.

Fall sets **Exit Status** from the fall distance. The Animator then plays the matching landing animation. Fall damage is applied when configured.

## General settings

**Enter Input:** None. Fall activates automatically.

**Speed Set:** None. Fall builds its internal **FallSpeed** modifier when it enters the core animation. **Set Speed Sets** has no effect on this state.

Use these general properties:

| Property          | Value |
| ----------------- | ----- |
| Root Motion       | False |
| Additive Position | True  |
| Additive Rotation | True  |
| Grounded          | False |
| Sprint            | False |
| Orient To Ground  | False |
| Gravity           | True  |
| Custom Rotation   | False |

Gravity accelerates the character downward. Root motion stays disabled, so physics and inertia drive the fall.

## Animator

Create an animation state with the transition condition **State = Fall ID** and **StateOn**.

Use a blend tree driven by **State Float**. Blend between soft and hard fall animations.

**Exit Status** selects the landing animation. Its value comes from the fall distance.

## Air control parameters

Control the character while it is airborne.

| Property         | Default | Description                                                                           |
| ---------------- | ------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Air Control**  | True    | Allows steering while falling. When disabled, the character keeps its entry movement. |
| **Air Rotation** | 10      | Rotation speed while falling.                                                         |
| **Air Movement** | 0       | Maximum movement speed while falling.                                                 |
| **Air Smooth**   | 2       | Lerp value used to reach Air Movement.                                                |

## Fall Ray parameters

Control the ground-detection SphereCast.

| Property                 | Default | Description                                                                               |
| ------------------------ | ------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Offset**               | 0       | Forward position offset for the Fall Ray.                                                 |
| **Move Multiplier**      | 0.1     | Extra forward offset while moving. Higher speed checks further ahead.                     |
| **Check Front Obstacle** | True    | Checks for an obstacle ahead before falling. Shown only when Move Multiplier exceeds `0`. |
| **Length Multiplier**    | 1       | Multiplier for the Fall Ray length. The base length is character Height.                  |
| **Ray Hits**             | 6       | Maximum hits for the non-allocating Fall SphereCast.                                      |

## Fall blend

| Property                 | Default             | Description                                                                           |
| ------------------------ | ------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Blend Fall**           | Distance Normalized | Calculates State Float using normalized distance, raw distance, or vertical velocity. |
| **Lower Blend Distance** | 0.1                 | Distance where the blend returns toward zero before landing.                          |

Use **Distance Normalized** to map the full fall from `0` to `1`. Use **Distance** for raw accumulated distance. Use **Vertical Velocity** for signed vertical speed.

## Fall damage

Apply landing damage to a Stat based on fall distance.

| Property              | Default | Description                                                                             |
| --------------------- | ------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Affect Stat**       | —       | StatID to reduce on landing, such as Health. Leave empty to disable damage.             |
| **Fall Min Distance** | 5       | Minimum distance that applies damage.                                                   |
| **Fall Max Distance** | 15      | Distance where damage reaches 100%. Falls at or above this value fully reduce the Stat. |
| **Land Status**       | —       | Vector2 array: X is fall distance; Y is Exit Status.                                    |

Damage uses **Reduce By Percent**. It scales between **Fall Min Distance** and **Fall Max Distance**. Damage only applies after a grounded landing.

Use **Land Status** to select soft, hard, or roll landings.

## Stuck recovery

Experimental recovery can nudge a character free when it becomes stuck mid-fall.

| Property         | Default | Description                                          |
| ---------------- | ------- | ---------------------------------------------------- |
| **Stuck Animal** | True    | Detects stuck falling and nudges the character free. |
| **Push Forward** | 2       | Forward impulse applied during recovery.             |

## Experimental

| Property                      | Default | Description                                                      |
| ----------------------------- | ------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Keep Inertia On Platforms** | True    | Preserves moving-platform momentum when the character falls off. |