I want to command something like:
“If spot 2 is already taken, I want the sprite to go to a random position between 1,3,4 and 5.” I've tried the (set variable to ‘pick random 3-5’) but this doesn't account for spot 1

It's because you didn't also calucate the number “1” in pick random (3) to (5), it should be “pick random (1) to (5)”, but if you want to expect a number like “2”, then do this:

you could make it trigger with a broadcast and pick a number, and if that number is already picked, then it will run the code again over and over until it gets an unused number. I might be a little slow, though

I usually use a list as a working set of open locations and delete items from the list as they are randomly picked.

Assuming you have your spot locations in two lists for X, Y coordinates.

Then the My X variable can be used in a go to block (and same for My Y variable)

10goto10 wrote:

I usually use a list as a working set of open locations and delete items from the list as they are randomly picked.

Assuming you have your spot locations in two lists for X, Y coordinates.

Then the My X variable can be used in a go to block (and same for My Y variable)

If spot 2 has already been taken but I use the block

and there are more than 2 items in the list, my sprite might overlap into 2 again.

I'm not sure how to fix that or whether I should use another block instead.

The first time “2” is picked it will be deleted from the Spots Open X positions list. The Spot positions actually in the Spots Open X (and Y) positions list will be “1”, “3”, and “4”.

Did you try coding my example to see what it would do?

Yes, I did. 2 is deleted off the list but then the next sprite that needs to choose a position sometimes goes into spot 2 because the list is more than 2 items in length

I think you'll need to post a link to your project (after sharing it).

what he is saying is that it take the length of the list and chooses a number between 1 and the length of the list. so for example the list has 3 items on it and we say get the number 2 so we remove 2 from the list. now the length of the list is 2 and there is a 50/50 chance that it picks 2 again. also if 3 is not the first thing picked them it will never be utilized. it has to go perfect 3,2,1 everytime or your method wont work

Kidary wrote:

I want to command something like:
“If spot 2 is already taken, I want the sprite to go to a random position between 1,3,4 and 5.”

Nolswit wrote:

what he is saying is that it take the length of the list and chooses a number between 1 and the length of the list. so for example the list has 3 items on it and we say get the number 2 so we remove 2 from the list. now the length of the list is 2 and there is a 50/50 chance that it picks 2 again. also if 3 is not the first thing picked them it will never be utilized. it has to go perfect 3,2,1 everytime or your method wont work

You seem to be conflating a position on the screen with a position on the list. If the problem is to avoid putting two sprites onto the same screen position then my code will work.