How to Make AI Use Riot Shield in Ready or Not

Ready or Not, the tactical first-person shooter developed by VOID Interactive, has earned acclaim for its realistic and intense portrayal of SWAT operations. One of the key features that enhance the gameplay experience is the use of various tactical gear, including the riot shield. However, many players have noticed that AI-controlled teammates (also known as bots) do not utilize riot shields effectively — or at all — in the base game.

This article walks you through how to make AI use riot shields in Ready or Not, explores the limitations of AI gear handling, and provides modding solutions to enhance their utility. Whether you’re a solo player who depends on AI or a modding enthusiast, this guide will help you bring more tactical realism and efficiency to your SWAT team.

Understanding Riot Shields in Ready or Not

Riot shields are heavy, protective gear designed to offer frontal protection against ballistic threats, particularly in close-quarters combat (CQC) and breaching scenarios. In Ready or Not, riot shields can how to make ai use riot shield ready or not When used by human players, riot shields are valuable in leading assaults, protecting squad members, and engaging suspects non-lethally. Unfortunately, AI bots don’t currently use riot shields effectively by default — which is where tweaks, scripting, or mods come into play.

Limitations of AI Gear Use in the Base Game

As of the latest updates in 2025, the base game AI (both SWAT teammates and suspects) still suffers from limitations in gear handling. These limitations include:

1. No Riot Shield Assignment to AI: In the loadout selection menu, riot shields can’t be directly assigned to AI teammates. They can only be equipped by the human player.
2. Lack of Shield Usage Logic: Even if forcibly equipped via mods or debug tools, AI bots lack the coding logic to use shields properly — they don’t hold them up or position them tactically in firefights.
3. Unscripted Movement with Shields: Unlike human players who can crouch, peek, and move with awareness, bots lack the animation routines and behavior trees needed to navigate efficiently while using riot shields.

Because of these limitations, achieving usable AI riot shield behavior requires modifications and an understanding of how the AI system in Ready or Not works.

How to Make AI Use Riot Shields – Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Backup Your Game Files

Before making any modifications, always backup your game files. Modifying configuration files or installing third-party content can cause instability or prevent the game from launching. Save a copy of your:

• Config files (located in your or directory)
• Game folder (Steam Library → Right-click → Manage → Browse local files)

Step 2: Use a Modding Platform

To enable AI use of riot shields, you’ll need to use a modding tool or script loader. Two popular platforms are:

• Nexus Mods
• RoN Modding Discord Community (for custom scripts and AI behavior tweaks)

You will also want to install:

• UE4SS (Unreal Engine 4 Script System): This allows injection of Lua scripts and modifications to AI behavior trees in UE4-based games like Ready or Not.
• Mods like “AI Loadout Manager” or “AI Shield Support” (if available): These can force bots to spawn with riot shields and modify how they behave in-game.

Step 3: Force Assign Riot Shields to AI

Once your modding platform is set up, follow these general steps to assign riot shields to bots:

Enhancing AI Tactics with Riot Shields

Once you’ve managed to get AI to hold and move with riot shields, you can experiment with additional improvements:

1. Designate Breacher Role: Assign riot shields to the front man during breaching commands.
2. Pair Shield with Taser: For non-lethal takedowns, equip bots with tasers or pepper spray as a secondary weapon.
3. Use Stacking Commands: Use commands like “Mirror Under Door”, then “Open, Flash, and Clear” to see how bots enter rooms. Position shield-wielding AI at the front.
4. Adjust AI Aggression: Some mods let you tone down AI aggression, so shield carriers don’t charge blindly into danger.

Recommended Mods to Try

Here are a few useful mods that either directly or indirectly support riot shield usage by AI:

1. AI Loadout Manager – Customize SWAT bot gear.
2. Enhanced AI Tactics – Improves pathfinding and room clearing behavior.
3. AI Squad Command Extension – Expands the command menu to better position and direct your team.
4. Realism Overhaul Pack – Includes balance tweaks, loadouts, and smarter AI behavior.
5. AI Shield Bearer Script (Community-Made) – If available, this mod directly enables shield usage by bots.

Be sure to check the mod’s compatibility with the latest Ready or Not update. After major game patches, mods may break or behave unpredictably.

Future Possibilities – Will Riot Shields Be Supported Natively?

As of mid-2025, VOID Interactive has not officially enabled riot shield use for AI teammates. However, the developers have acknowledged the community’s desire for better AI gear interaction and improved squad behavior. Future updates may include:

• Native support for bots to carry and use riot shields.
• Behavior tree improvements to let bots act as shield tanks during breaches.
• Role-based loadouts (e.g., designating one AI as a shield operator).

Until then, modding remains the best solution for players who want a more immersive, tactical experience with AI teammates equipped with riot shields.

Conclusion

Making AI bots use riot shields in Ready or Not isn’t a simple toggle — it requires modding tools, scripting knowledge, and some trial and error. However, with the right mods and setup how to make ai use riot shield ready or not you can significantly improve your squad’s realism and tactical effectiveness. Riot shields add a crucial layer of defense and allow your AI to take point in risky situations, just like a real SWAT team would.

Whether you’re a solo operator or a modding veteran, enhancing your AI teammates with riot shields is a rewarding challenge that deepens the Ready or Not experience.