Community/Modding Balance Guide - Revision history

Jonp77: vandalism?

2025-05-18T20:23:28Z

vandalism?

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:23, 18 May 2025
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	~~[[E\|eÀàćĎěĢíīĹľÁáǎĈďĒģÌ]]~~{{CommunityNotice}}		{{CommunityNotice}}

	__TOC__		__TOC__
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	Seeing just 1 unbalanced item can change a player's opinion against not just one mod, but mods in general... ''so no pressure then!''		Seeing just 1 unbalanced item can change a player's opinion against not just one mod, but mods in general... ''so no pressure then!''

	~~'''''Bold text''[[e]]'''~~		==Downsides ==
	~~[[<ref>File:E\|epx\|right\|alt=e\|e</ref>]]~~
	~~'''~~==Downsides ==~~'''~~
	Downsides are important because they give the player interesting choices.		Downsides are important because they give the player interesting choices.

	But an item doesn't have to have a downside. For items with specialised effects, their benefits are niche enough that, while they might help you, the real downside is the cost investment. This can be seen with certain vanilla items, eg:		But an item doesn't have to have a downside. For items with specialised effects, their benefits are niche enough that, while they might help you, the real downside is the cost investment. This can be seen with certain vanilla items, eg:

	*Turrets, {{MiniIconbox\|name=Piggy Bank}}, {{MiniIconbox\|name=Scared Sausage}}, or {{MiniIconbox\|name=Crown}}		* Turrets, {{MiniIconbox\|name=Piggy Bank}}, {{MiniIconbox\|name=Scared Sausage}}, or {{MiniIconbox\|name=Crown}}

	So generally, a downside is needed if the positive is useful to the majority of builds, might not be if its effect is specialised.		So generally, a downside is needed if the positive is useful to the majority of builds, might not be if its effect is specialised.


	==Rarity==		==Rarity==

	==={{Color\|tier1\|Common}}===		==={{Color\|tier1\|Common}} ===
	Common items are probably the hardest to balance, because they appear so often, and set the overall direction your stats will learn towards.		Common items are probably the hardest to balance, because they appear so often, and set the overall direction your stats will learn towards.

	A good example in vanilla is ~~[[Economy]]~~{{StatIcon\|name=HP Regeneration\|text=1}} ''(note: its commons were buffed in [[Patch 0.8.0.03\|v0.8.0.3]], but this still applies):''		A good example in vanilla is {{StatIcon\|name=HP Regeneration\|text=1}} ''(note: its commons were buffed in [[Patch 0.8.0.03\|v0.8.0.3]], but this still applies):''

	*Players often mentioned that HP Regen is weak, because its 3 commons all work against your other survivability -- reducing Life Steal, Consumable Healing, and Luck (ie. chance for consumable drops).		* Players often mentioned that HP Regen is weak, because its 3 commons all work against your other survivability -- reducing Life Steal, Consumable Healing, and Luck (ie. chance for consumable drops).
	*While taking one of those common items won't have a huge impact on your run, having all 3 have downsides in the same area has a dramatic effect.		* While taking one of those common items won't have a huge impact on your run, having all 3 have downsides in the same area has a dramatic effect.
	* The result being that HP Regen pushes you towards specialising in it very early, whereas other survivability buffs don't.		* The result being that HP Regen pushes you towards specialising in it very early, whereas other survivability buffs don't.
	*This can have the effect of reducing player freedom, which can potentially make runs feel too similar and even boring -- so players often avoid HP Regen altogether.		* This can have the effect of reducing player freedom, which can potentially make runs feel too similar and even boring -- so players often avoid HP Regen altogether.

	Making decisions for the player takes away their freedom of choice. But by offering the player interesting and varied choices instead, items can be more engaging and fun.		Making decisions for the player takes away their freedom of choice. But by offering the player interesting and varied choices instead, items can be more engaging and fun.
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	Rare items can massively help turn the course of a run, taking you from behind the curve to just in front of it. They shouldn't be so OP that you're given a free win, but they don't need to be too specialised either, letting you offer strong stats that benefit most builds.		Rare items can massively help turn the course of a run, taking you from behind the curve to just in front of it. They shouldn't be so OP that you're given a free win, but they don't need to be too specialised either, letting you offer strong stats that benefit most builds.

	=== {{Color\|tier4\|Legendary}}===		==={{Color\|tier4\|Legendary}}===
	If a Rare can tip the balance in your favor, a Legendary can be a run decider. No items should be completely OP, but it's OK for a Legendary item to come close to that, especially if it's specialised. For example:		If a Rare can tip the balance in your favor, a Legendary can be a run decider. No items should be completely OP, but it's OK for a Legendary item to come close to that, especially if it's specialised. For example:

	*{{MiniIconbox\|name=Jet Pack}} is very strong, but because it's useful for pretty much any build, it's not so strong that it's an instant win.		* {{MiniIconbox\|name=Jet Pack}} is very strong, but because it's useful for pretty much any build, it's not so strong that it's an instant win.
	{{MiniIconbox\|name=Spider}} can potentially offer an enormous and run-deciding DPS increase, but it only reaches its full power potential when your build meets such less-used criteria.		* {{MiniIconbox\|name=Spider}} can potentially offer an enormous and run-deciding DPS increase, but it only reaches its full power potential when your build meets such less-used criteria.

	Another thing to consider is that, while Rares are more likely to appear in shops, they're still very luck-dependant, whereas Legendaries can be guaranteed drops in higher [[Dangers\|Danger]] levels. This is why some players feel that higher Danger can actually be easier, because you can stock up on one or more Legendaries, and that can carry your run.		Another thing to consider is that, while Rares are more likely to appear in shops, they're still very luck-dependant, whereas Legendaries can be guaranteed drops in higher [[Dangers\|Danger]] levels. This is why some players feel that higher Danger can actually be easier, because you can stock up on one or more Legendaries, and that can carry your run.
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	This is where an item gives a slightly weaker version of 2 stats, one of them being something universally helpful (''eg. Melee Damage''), the other being your chosen overlooked stat. This lets players take it to invest in their general build, while essentially banking the second stat as a potential bonus for if/when your item that uses it appears, without making their build suffer for it, or bloating the item pool too much with potentially useless items.		This is where an item gives a slightly weaker version of 2 stats, one of them being something universally helpful (''eg. Melee Damage''), the other being your chosen overlooked stat. This lets players take it to invest in their general build, while essentially banking the second stat as a potential bonus for if/when your item that uses it appears, without making their build suffer for it, or bloating the item pool too much with potentially useless items.
	==Costs==		== Costs ==
	There's a lot that could be said about costs, but it's probably easier to just refer to vanilla here. There's also a Balancing section on the Modding Notes page here on the wiki, which lists the average costs for items and weapons by tier:		There's a lot that could be said about costs, but it's probably easier to just refer to vanilla here. There's also a Balancing section on the Modding Notes page here on the wiki, which lists the average costs for items and weapons by tier:

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	==Vanilla Balancing==		==Vanilla Balancing==
	The best tip I can offer is to check vanilla! Its items are exceptionally well-balanced. There's an interactive item grid that shows them here:		The best tip I can offer is to check vanilla! Its items are exceptionally well-balanced. There's an interactive item grid that shows them here:

	*[[Modding Items]]		*[[Modding Items]]

	==Other Modding Notes==		== Other Modding Notes ==

	===Effects===		=== Effects ===
	The most interesting items are usually ones that add new effects to the game. But coding new effects can be tricky, especially if you're new to modding, so a good place to start is by looking at the effects from vanilla, and seeing if there are new ways you can use them. A list of vanilla's effects is available here:		The most interesting items are usually ones that add new effects to the game. But coding new effects can be tricky, especially if you're new to modding, so a good place to start is by looking at the effects from vanilla, and seeing if there are new ways you can use them. A list of vanilla's effects is available here:

	*[[Modding Effects]]		*[[Modding Effects]]
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	If you want to add your own effects, the code for [https://github.com/BrotatoMods/Brotato-BFX BFX on GitHub] is a good point of reference. You can search for one of its custom effect keys to see how it's implemented, which can teach you a lot about where some of the most important vanilla code is.		If you want to add your own effects, the code for [https://github.com/BrotatoMods/Brotato-BFX BFX on GitHub] is a good point of reference. You can search for one of its custom effect keys to see how it's implemented, which can teach you a lot about where some of the most important vanilla code is.
	~~<references group="e" />~~
	~~<references />~~

KfnqDuxw: /* Rarity */

2025-05-18T19:59:02Z

Rarity

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:59, 18 May 2025
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	*{{MiniIconbox\|name=Jet Pack}} is very strong, but because it's useful for pretty much any build, it's not so strong that it's an instant win.		*{{MiniIconbox\|name=Jet Pack}} is very strong, but because it's useful for pretty much any build, it's not so strong that it's an instant win.
	* {{MiniIconbox\|name=Spider}} can potentially offer an enormous and run-deciding DPS increase, but it only reaches its full power potential when your build meets such less-used criteria.		{{MiniIconbox\|name=Spider}} can potentially offer an enormous and run-deciding DPS increase, but it only reaches its full power potential when your build meets such less-used criteria.

	Another thing to consider is that, while Rares are more likely to appear in shops, they're still very luck-dependant, whereas Legendaries can be guaranteed drops in higher [[Dangers\|Danger]] levels. This is why some players feel that higher Danger can actually be easier, because you can stock up on one or more Legendaries, and that can carry your run.		Another thing to consider is that, while Rares are more likely to appear in shops, they're still very luck-dependant, whereas Legendaries can be guaranteed drops in higher [[Dangers\|Danger]] levels. This is why some players feel that higher Danger can actually be easier, because you can stock up on one or more Legendaries, and that can carry your run.
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	If you want to add your own effects, the code for [https://github.com/BrotatoMods/Brotato-BFX BFX on GitHub] is a good point of reference. You can search for one of its custom effect keys to see how it's implemented, which can teach you a lot about where some of the most important vanilla code is.		If you want to add your own effects, the code for [https://github.com/BrotatoMods/Brotato-BFX BFX on GitHub] is a good point of reference. You can search for one of its custom effect keys to see how it's implemented, which can teach you a lot about where some of the most important vanilla code is.
	<references group="e" />		<references group="e" />
			<references />

KfnqDuxw: 1

2025-05-18T19:57:08Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:57, 18 May 2025
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	Seeing just 1 unbalanced item can change a player's opinion against not just one mod, but mods in general... ''so no pressure then!''		Seeing just 1 unbalanced item can change a player's opinion against not just one mod, but mods in general... ''so no pressure then!''

	==Downsides ==		'''''Bold text''[[e]]'''
			[[<ref>File:E\|epx\|right\|alt=e\|e</ref>]]
			'''==Downsides =='''
	Downsides are important because they give the player interesting choices.		Downsides are important because they give the player interesting choices.

	But an item doesn't have to have a downside. For items with specialised effects, their benefits are niche enough that, while they might help you, the real downside is the cost investment. This can be seen with certain vanilla items, eg:		But an item doesn't have to have a downside. For items with specialised effects, their benefits are niche enough that, while they might help you, the real downside is the cost investment. This can be seen with certain vanilla items, eg:

	* Turrets, {{MiniIconbox\|name=Piggy Bank}}, {{MiniIconbox\|name=Scared Sausage}}, or {{MiniIconbox\|name=Crown}}		*Turrets, {{MiniIconbox\|name=Piggy Bank}}, {{MiniIconbox\|name=Scared Sausage}}, or {{MiniIconbox\|name=Crown}}

	So generally, a downside is needed if the positive is useful to the majority of builds, might not be if its effect is specialised.		So generally, a downside is needed if the positive is useful to the majority of builds, might not be if its effect is specialised.


	==Rarity==		==Rarity==

	==={{Color\|tier1\|Common}} ===		==={{Color\|tier1\|Common}}===
	Common items are probably the hardest to balance, because they appear so often, and set the overall direction your stats will learn towards.		Common items are probably the hardest to balance, because they appear so often, and set the overall direction your stats will learn towards.

	A good example in vanilla is {{StatIcon\|name=HP Regeneration\|text=1}} ''(note: its commons were buffed in [[Patch 0.8.0.03\|v0.8.0.3]], but this still applies):''		A good example in vanilla is [[Economy]]{{StatIcon\|name=HP Regeneration\|text=1}} ''(note: its commons were buffed in [[Patch 0.8.0.03\|v0.8.0.3]], but this still applies):''

	* Players often mentioned that HP Regen is weak, because its 3 commons all work against your other survivability -- reducing Life Steal, Consumable Healing, and Luck (ie. chance for consumable drops).		*Players often mentioned that HP Regen is weak, because its 3 commons all work against your other survivability -- reducing Life Steal, Consumable Healing, and Luck (ie. chance for consumable drops).
	* While taking one of those common items won't have a huge impact on your run, having all 3 have downsides in the same area has a dramatic effect.		*While taking one of those common items won't have a huge impact on your run, having all 3 have downsides in the same area has a dramatic effect.
	* The result being that HP Regen pushes you towards specialising in it very early, whereas other survivability buffs don't.		* The result being that HP Regen pushes you towards specialising in it very early, whereas other survivability buffs don't.
	* This can have the effect of reducing player freedom, which can potentially make runs feel too similar and even boring -- so players often avoid HP Regen altogether.		*This can have the effect of reducing player freedom, which can potentially make runs feel too similar and even boring -- so players often avoid HP Regen altogether.

	Making decisions for the player takes away their freedom of choice. But by offering the player interesting and varied choices instead, items can be more engaging and fun.		Making decisions for the player takes away their freedom of choice. But by offering the player interesting and varied choices instead, items can be more engaging and fun.
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	Rare items can massively help turn the course of a run, taking you from behind the curve to just in front of it. They shouldn't be so OP that you're given a free win, but they don't need to be too specialised either, letting you offer strong stats that benefit most builds.		Rare items can massively help turn the course of a run, taking you from behind the curve to just in front of it. They shouldn't be so OP that you're given a free win, but they don't need to be too specialised either, letting you offer strong stats that benefit most builds.

	==={{Color\|tier4\|Legendary}}===		=== {{Color\|tier4\|Legendary}}===
	If a Rare can tip the balance in your favor, a Legendary can be a run decider. No items should be completely OP, but it's OK for a Legendary item to come close to that, especially if it's specialised. For example:		If a Rare can tip the balance in your favor, a Legendary can be a run decider. No items should be completely OP, but it's OK for a Legendary item to come close to that, especially if it's specialised. For example:

	* {{MiniIconbox\|name=Jet Pack}} is very strong, but because it's useful for pretty much any build, it's not so strong that it's an instant win.		*{{MiniIconbox\|name=Jet Pack}} is very strong, but because it's useful for pretty much any build, it's not so strong that it's an instant win.
	* {{MiniIconbox\|name=Spider}} can potentially offer an enormous and run-deciding DPS increase, but it only reaches its full power potential when your build meets such less-used criteria.		* {{MiniIconbox\|name=Spider}} can potentially offer an enormous and run-deciding DPS increase, but it only reaches its full power potential when your build meets such less-used criteria.

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	This is where an item gives a slightly weaker version of 2 stats, one of them being something universally helpful (''eg. Melee Damage''), the other being your chosen overlooked stat. This lets players take it to invest in their general build, while essentially banking the second stat as a potential bonus for if/when your item that uses it appears, without making their build suffer for it, or bloating the item pool too much with potentially useless items.		This is where an item gives a slightly weaker version of 2 stats, one of them being something universally helpful (''eg. Melee Damage''), the other being your chosen overlooked stat. This lets players take it to invest in their general build, while essentially banking the second stat as a potential bonus for if/when your item that uses it appears, without making their build suffer for it, or bloating the item pool too much with potentially useless items.
	== Costs ==		==Costs==
	There's a lot that could be said about costs, but it's probably easier to just refer to vanilla here. There's also a Balancing section on the Modding Notes page here on the wiki, which lists the average costs for items and weapons by tier:		There's a lot that could be said about costs, but it's probably easier to just refer to vanilla here. There's also a Balancing section on the Modding Notes page here on the wiki, which lists the average costs for items and weapons by tier:

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	==Vanilla Balancing==		==Vanilla Balancing==
	The best tip I can offer is to check vanilla! Its items are exceptionally well-balanced. There's an interactive item grid that shows them here:		The best tip I can offer is to check vanilla! Its items are exceptionally well-balanced. There's an interactive item grid that shows them here:

	*[[Modding Items]]		*[[Modding Items]]

	== Other Modding Notes ==		==Other Modding Notes==

	=== Effects ===		===Effects===
	The most interesting items are usually ones that add new effects to the game. But coding new effects can be tricky, especially if you're new to modding, so a good place to start is by looking at the effects from vanilla, and seeing if there are new ways you can use them. A list of vanilla's effects is available here:		The most interesting items are usually ones that add new effects to the game. But coding new effects can be tricky, especially if you're new to modding, so a good place to start is by looking at the effects from vanilla, and seeing if there are new ways you can use them. A list of vanilla's effects is available here:

	*[[Modding Effects]]		*[[Modding Effects]]
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	If you want to add your own effects, the code for [https://github.com/BrotatoMods/Brotato-BFX BFX on GitHub] is a good point of reference. You can search for one of its custom effect keys to see how it's implemented, which can teach you a lot about where some of the most important vanilla code is.		If you want to add your own effects, the code for [https://github.com/BrotatoMods/Brotato-BFX BFX on GitHub] is a good point of reference. You can search for one of its custom effect keys to see how it's implemented, which can teach you a lot about where some of the most important vanilla code is.
			<references group="e" />

KfnqDuxw: /* Intro */

2025-05-18T19:55:20Z

Intro

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:55, 18 May 2025
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	{{CommunityNotice}}		[[E\|eÀàćĎěĢíīĹľÁáǎĈďĒģÌ]]{{CommunityNotice}}

	__TOC__		__TOC__

Darkly77: general edits

2023-02-16T09:15:00Z

general edits

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:15, 16 February 2023
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	* While taking one of those common items won't have a huge impact on your run, having all 3 have downsides in the same area has a dramatic effect.		* While taking one of those common items won't have a huge impact on your run, having all 3 have downsides in the same area has a dramatic effect.
	* The result being that HP Regen pushes you towards specialising in it very early, whereas other survivability buffs don't.		* The result being that HP Regen pushes you towards specialising in it very early, whereas other survivability buffs don't.
	* This can have the effect of reducing player freedom, which can potentially make runs feel too similar and even boring.		* This can have the effect of reducing player freedom, which can potentially make runs feel too similar and even boring -- so players often avoid HP Regen altogether.

	Making decisions for the player takes away their freedom of choice. But by offering the player interesting and varied choices instead, items can be more engaging and fun.		Making decisions for the player takes away their freedom of choice. But by offering the player interesting and varied choices instead, items can be more engaging and fun.

Darkly77: general updates

2023-02-16T08:54:59Z

general updates

Show changes

Darkly77: general edits

2023-02-15T01:18:28Z

general edits

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:18, 15 February 2023
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	Common items are probably the hardest to balance, because they appear so often, and set the overall direction your stats will learn towards.		Common items are probably the hardest to balance, because they appear so often, and set the overall direction your stats will learn towards.

	A good point of reference in vanilla is ~~HPRegen~~ (more so prior to [[Patch 0.8.0.03\|v0.8.0.3]], before its commons got buffed). Players often mentioned that ~~HPRegen~~ is weak, because its 3 commons all work against your other survivability (reducing Luck, ~~Lifesteal~~ and ~~ConsumableHealing~~). While taking one of those common items won't have a huge impact on your run, having all 3 have downsides in the same area (''survivability'') has a dramatic effect... the result being that ~~HPRegen~~ feels too situational, and forces you to specialise in it too early.		A good point of reference in vanilla is HP Regen (more so prior to [[Patch 0.8.0.03\|v0.8.0.3]], before its commons got buffed). Players often mentioned that HP Regen is weak, because its 3 commons all work against your other survivability (reducing Luck, Life Steal and Consumable Healing). While taking one of those common items won't have a huge impact on your run, having all 3 have downsides in the same area (''survivability'') has a dramatic effect... the result being that HP Regen feels too situational, and forces you to specialise in it too early.

	Making decisions for the player takes away their freedom of choice. But by offering the player difficult, interesting and varied choices instead, items can be more engaging and fun.		Making decisions for the player takes away their freedom of choice. But by offering the player difficult, interesting and varied choices instead, items can be more engaging and fun.
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	=== {{Color\|tier4\|Legendary}} ===		=== {{Color\|tier4\|Legendary}} ===
	If a Rare can tip the balance in your favor, a Legendary can be a run decider. No items should be completely OP, but it's OK for a Legendary item to come close to that, especially if it's specialised. So an item like Jet Pack is very strong, but because it's useful for pretty much any build, it's not so strong that it's an instant win. Whereas Spider can potentially offer an enormous and run-deciding DPS increase, but -- since it depends on your build having multiple different weapons -- it only reaches its full power potential when your build meets ~~certain~~ less-used criteria.		If a Rare can tip the balance in your favor, a Legendary can be a run decider. No items should be completely OP, but it's OK for a Legendary item to come close to that, especially if it's specialised. So an item like {{MiniIconbox\|name=Jet Pack}} is very strong, but because it's useful for pretty much any build, it's not so strong that it's an instant win. Whereas {{MiniIconbox\|name=Spider}} can potentially offer an enormous and run-deciding DPS increase, but -- ''since it depends on your build having multiple different weapons'' -- it only reaches its full power potential when your build meets such less-used criteria.

	Another thing to consider is that, while Rares are more likely to appear in shops, they're still very luck-dependant, whereas Legendaries can be guaranteed drops in higher Danger levels. This is why some players feel that higher Danger can actually be easier, because you can stock up on one or more Legendaries, and that can carry your run.		Another thing to consider is that, while Rares are more likely to appear in shops, they're still very luck-dependant, whereas Legendaries can be guaranteed drops in higher Danger levels. This is why some players feel that higher Danger can actually be easier, because you can stock up on one or more Legendaries, and that can carry your run.

	==Bonus Effects==		==Bonus Effects==
	If you feel like a certain stat is underused in vanilla (and perhaps in other mods too), then it's probably underused for a reason -- eg. how ~~ElementalDmg~~ is often only useful to specific builds or loadouts. So if your modded items depends on one of these underused stats ~~-- such as~~ an item that gives you Dodge based on your ~~ElementalDmg --~~ then one way to deliver that stat is with stacked positives, where an item gives a slightly weaker version of 2 stats, one of them being something universally helpful (eg. ~~MeleeDmg~~), the other being your chosen overlooked stat. This lets players take it to invest in their general build, while essentially banking the second stat as a potential bonus for if/when your item that uses it appears, without making their build suffer for it, or bloating the item pool too much with potentially useless items.		If you feel like a certain stat is underused in vanilla (and perhaps in other mods too), then it's probably underused for a reason -- eg. how Elemental Damage is often only useful to specific builds or loadouts. So if your modded items depends on one of these underused stats (eg. an item that gives you Dodge based on your Elemental Damage) then one way to offer more items to get stats that synergise with your new content is to deliver that stat is with stacked positives.
	.
			This is where an item gives a slightly weaker version of 2 stats, one of them being something universally helpful (''eg. Melee Damage''), the other being your chosen overlooked stat. This lets players take it to invest in their general build, while essentially banking the second stat as a potential bonus for if/when your item that uses it appears, without making their build suffer for it, or bloating the item pool too much with potentially useless items.
	==Costs==		==Costs==
	There's a lot that could be said about costs, but it's probably easier to just refer to vanilla here. There's also a Balancing section on the Modding Notes page here on the wiki, which lists the average costs for items and weapons by tier:		There's a lot that could be said about costs, but it's probably easier to just refer to vanilla here. There's also a Balancing section on the Modding Notes page here on the wiki, which lists the average costs for items and weapons by tier:
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	Your own costs should fall somewhere within those average boundaries, depending on its power and versatility. Generally, powerful items cost more, while specialised ones are usually cheaper to pick up, giving the player a choice of taking something with potential utility later, or saving their cash for something more closely related to their current build.		Your own costs should fall somewhere within those average boundaries, depending on its power and versatility. Generally, powerful items cost more, while specialised ones are usually cheaper to pick up, giving the player a choice of taking something with potential utility later, or saving their cash for something more closely related to their current build.


	== Effects ==		== Effects ==
	The most interesting items are usually ones that add new effects to the game. But coding new effects can be tricky, especially if you're new to modding, so a good place to start is by looking at the effects from vanilla, and seeing if there are new ways you can use them. A list of vanilla's effects is available here:		The most interesting items are usually ones that add new effects to the game. But coding new effects can be tricky, especially if you're new to modding, so a good place to start is by looking at the effects from vanilla, and seeing if there are new ways you can use them. A list of vanilla's effects is available here:
Line 55:		Line 54:
	If you want to add your own effects, BFX is a good point of reference. You can search its code for an effect key to see how it's implemented, which can teach you a lot about where some of the most important vanilla code is.		If you want to add your own effects, BFX is a good point of reference. You can search its code for an effect key to see how it's implemented, which can teach you a lot about where some of the most important vanilla code is.

	* [https://github.com/BrotatoMods/Brotato-BFX BFX (GitHub]		* [https://github.com/BrotatoMods/Brotato-BFX BFX (GitHub)]

	== Content Based on Other Media ==		== Content Based on Other Media ==
	I learned about this the hard way. When I made Invasion, I used items from the game [https://space-gladiators.fandom.com/wiki/Items Space Gladiators], including their effects. That game has 2 types of healing, so I just swapped them out for ~~HPRegen~~ and ~~Lifesteal~~. But this meant that ~~HPRegen~~ in particular became very prominent in Invasion, which made the game a bit too easy. So the tip here is: Add effects based on what makes sense for vanilla, rather than what's thematically appropriate for the thing your mod is based on.		I learned about this the hard way. When I made Invasion, I used items from the game [https://space-gladiators.fandom.com/wiki/Items Space Gladiators], including their effects. That game has 2 types of healing, so I just swapped them out for HP Regen and Life Steal. But this meant that HP Regen in particular became very prominent in Invasion, which made the game a bit too easy. So the tip here is: Add effects based on what makes sense for vanilla, rather than what's thematically appropriate for the thing your mod is based on.

	==Vanilla Balancing==		==Vanilla Balancing==
	The best tip I can offer is to check vanilla! Its items are exceptionally well-balanced. There's an interactive item grid that shows them here:		The best tip I can offer is to check vanilla! Its items are exceptionally well-balanced. There's an interactive item grid that shows them here:

	[[~~Modding_Items\|~~Modding Items]]		* [[Modding Items]]

Darkly77: general edits

2023-02-15T01:13:22Z

general edits

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	Common items are probably the hardest to balance, because they appear so often, and set the overall direction your stats will learn towards.		Common items are probably the hardest to balance, because they appear so often, and set the overall direction your stats will learn towards.

	A good point of reference in vanilla is HPRegen. Players ~~have been reporting~~ that HPRegen is weak ~~for a while now~~, because its 3 commons all work against your other survivability (reducing Luck, Lifesteal and ConsumableHealing). While one of those common items ~~would be ok to take~~, having all 3 have downsides in the same area has a dramatic effect... the result being that HPRegen ~~is not just unattractive, but boring. It makes HPRegen feel~~ too situational, ~~so its commons can feel like item pool bloat~~.		A good point of reference in vanilla is HPRegen (more so prior to [[Patch 0.8.0.03\|v0.8.0.3]], before its commons got buffed). Players often mentioned that HPRegen is weak, because its 3 commons all work against your other survivability (reducing Luck, Lifesteal and ConsumableHealing). While taking one of those common items won't have a huge impact on your run, having all 3 have downsides in the same area (''survivability'') has a dramatic effect... the result being that HPRegen feels too situational, and forces you to specialise in it too early.

	By offering the player difficult and ~~interesting~~ choices, items can be more engaging and fun. ~~But making decisions for them takes away that player choice.~~		Making decisions for the player takes away their freedom of choice. But by offering the player difficult, interesting and varied choices instead, items can be more engaging and fun.

	=== {{Color\|tier3\|Rare}} ===		=== {{Color\|tier3\|Rare}} ===

Darkly77: typo

2023-02-15T01:06:52Z

typo

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	Balance is a tricky thing to get right. From what I've seen, players want to feel like they're playing optimally, making good decisions instead of having items make the decisions for them. This means that:		Balance is a tricky thing to get right. From what I've seen, players want to feel like they're playing optimally, making good decisions instead of having items make the decisions for them. This means that:
	* If an item is too weak, players feel cheated.		* If an item is too weak, players feel cheated.
	* If an item is to strong, players feel like they're cheating for using it.		* If an item is too strong, players feel like they're cheating for using it.
	Seeing just 1 unbalanced item can change a player's opinion against not just one mod, but mods in general... ''so no pressure then!''		Seeing just 1 unbalanced item can change a player's opinion against not just one mod, but mods in general... ''so no pressure then!''

Darkly77: TOC

2023-02-15T01:04:29Z

TOC

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	{{CommunityNotice}}		{{CommunityNotice}}

			__TOC__


	''This guide was written by Darkly77, who made Invasion (among a few other bits).''		''This guide was written by Darkly77, who made Invasion (among a few other bits).''