L2M2: A Hierarchical Framework Integrating Large Language Model and Multi-agent Reinforcement Learning

Minghong Geng, Shubham Pateria, Budhitama Subagdja, Lin Li, Xin Zhao, Ah-Hwee Tan

Abstract: Multi-agent reinforcement learning (MARL) has demonstrated remarkable success in collaborative tasks, yet faces significant challenges in scaling to complex scenarios requiring sustained planning and coordination across long horizons. While hierarchical approaches help decompose these tasks, they typically rely on hand-crafted subtasks and domain-specific knowledge, limiting their generalizability. We present L2M2, a novel hierarchical framework that leverages large language models (LLMs) for high-level strategic planning and MARL for low-level execution. L2M2 enables zero-shot planning that supports both end-to-end training and direct integration with pre-trained MARL models. Experiments in the VMAS environment demonstrate that L2M2's LLM-guided MARL achieves superior performance while requiring less than 20% of the training samples compared to baseline methods. In the MOSMAC environment, L2M2 demonstrates strong performance with pre-defined subgoals and maintains substantial effectiveness without subgoals - scenarios where baseline methods consistently fail. Analysis through kernel density estimation reveals L2M2's ability to automatically generate appropriate navigation plans, demonstrating its potential for addressing complex multi-agent coordination tasks.

External IDs:dblp:conf/ijcai/GengPSLZT25