Ability Carry Growth

A advanced progression system using ability carry growth to track player growth.

Advanced complexity

3 examples

2 patterns

Overview

Designers should consider edge cases around ability carry growth to prevent exploits while maintaining the intended player experience. The mechanic can be extended with modifiers, multipliers, and conditional triggers to create emergent gameplay through ability carry growth.

Game Examples

Elden Ring

Implements stat-based leveling with soft caps and diminishing returns

Destiny 2

Features power level progression with gear score averaging

Genshin Impact

Uses adventure rank gating with material-based ascension

Pros & Cons

Advantages

Well-documented pattern with proven results
Scales well with player skill level
Reduces player frustration through clear communication
Encourages experimentation and discovery

Disadvantages

Can be difficult to balance at scale
Increases development and QA complexity

Implementation Patterns

Skill Tree Node

typescript

Manages skill tree prerequisites and unlocking

interface SkillNode {{
  id: string;
  name: string;
  prerequisites: string[];
  cost: number;
  effects: Effect[];
}}

function canUnlock(node: SkillNode, unlocked: Set<string>): boolean {{
  return node.prerequisites.every(p => unlocked.has(p));
}}

XP Curve

typescript

Calculates experience requirements with power curve

function xpForLevel(level: number): number {{
  return Math.floor(100 * Math.pow(level, 1.5));
}}

function getLevelFromXP(totalXP: number): number {{
  let level = 1;
  while (xpForLevel(level + 1) <= totalXP) level++;
  return level;
}}