how do dots work

[Goldenwolf333]

is it like a motion censor? like if the ghost runs through it will it show up? i put a dots down, and put motion detectors in its choke points, that way when they flash i know that the ghost ran through the dots. Only trouble is this doesnt seem to work all the time. Is the dots an item they need to interact with? or is it like a censor to capture their movement when they pass through?

[Hadradavus]

Every so often, the ghost will go into a "DOTS state", in which it'll move either towards a player or to a random point in the room that it's in, and if it goes through DOTS light it'll be visible on it.
So technically, it works like a motion sensor in that it requires the ghost to physically move through its light. But the ghost has to be in DOTS state when it passes through the light of the projector, so unlike the motion sensor, it working is semi-random.

[steventirey]

To add something to what Hadradavus said, you should watch the area covered by the DOTS projector by using a video camera. One of the ghosts that has DOTS as evidence will not show itself to you with normal vision (often called Face DOTS), but can only appear in DOTS while viewed through the camera. Since ghost orbs are also something that can only be seen through a video camera, you should be watching the area with one anyway.

[underscores222]

It's important to note that when the ghost enters a DOTs state, it will attempt to path towards a nearby player, so it's recommended to stay in the room (or just outside if you suspect Goryo) for a bit. Generally putting yourself in a corner with DOTs in front of you is a good way to see it.
When you do see Dots, it will appear as a green translucent ghost body, so don't get confused by seeing your breath fog in the dots. Also, if the ghost is on the edge of the Dots field, sometimes only parts of the ghost will be visible (like a leg). It can be pretty quick, blink and you'll miss it moments, so if you suspect Dots, get confirmation before going.

[Trooper Bri]

Originally posted by underscores222:

It's important to note that when the ghost enters a DOTs state, it will attempt to path towards a nearby player

That particular trait applies to a Banshee only. It can also happen coincidentally, but ghosts pathing to you while visible in dots is NOT a guarantee.

[steventirey]

Originally posted by Trooper Bri:

Originally posted by underscores222:

It's important to note that when the ghost enters a DOTs state, it will attempt to path towards a nearby player

That particular trait applies to a Banshee only. It can also happen coincidentally, but ghosts pathing to you while visible in dots is NOT a guarantee.

Not quite true. All ghosts will path to the closest player in the same room. Banshee's will instead path towards their target, even if the target isn't the nearest player.

[Maya-Neko]

Originally posted by Trooper Bri:

That particular trait applies to a Banshee only. It can also happen coincidentally, but ghosts pathing to you while visible in dots is NOT a guarantee.

The Banshees and Phantoms ability to roam towards their target (Banshee always picking the same on the same floor, Phantom a random one anywhere) is seperate from the DOTS mechanics. All DOTS-ghosts will roam towards the nearest player, if they are in the same room while entering dots state

[the.lovewyrm]

Different perspective:

Ghost = you walking around silently.
Dots = someone listening, or cupping their ear with a hand to listen extra carefully
Ghost Dots mode = you deliberately making noise at that moment (to allow the videogame to function), allowing the listener to hear you, if they are listening for you.

Ingame the lasers hitting the ghost do nothing until the ghost, for gameplay purposes, enters dots mode, and if any DOTS are hitting the ghost during that time, then you'll see the outline.