Core Concepts

The pipeline

Every stat's current value is computed as:

Value = (BaseValue + Σ ADD) × (1 + Σ MULTADD) × Π MULTMULT     — or ABSOLUTE override

clamped to the stat's resolved bounds. The Debugger shows this exact formula live for every stat.

GameTag — identity

A tiny ScriptableObject that is an identity. Stats, buff types, effect types, abilities, and categories are all identified by tags — so systems reference "Speed" or "Debuff" as assets, never as strings. Tags carry a developer-facing description field.

StatBase — stat definition

The definition asset for one stat:

• Identity — which GameTag this stat is.
• Base mode — how the base value is produced:
  • Constant: a number you set.
  • Linear: a weighted sum of other stats (MaxHP = 100 + 10×Vitality).
  • Curve: an AnimationCurve evaluated at another stat (MaxHP = curve(Level)). Derived stats recompute automatically when their inputs change.
• Bounds — Min/Max, each None (unbounded), a Constant, or driven by another stat (current HP capped at MaxHealth). Stat-driven bounds re-clamp live when the source moves.
• Inheritance — a single optional Parent Stat. Values fall through to the parent unless overridden per field: configure the Tank archetype once, derive Speedy Tank by overriding one value. Right-click any StatBase → Make Child Stat.

StatSheet — stats on an entity

A component on any GameObject (player, enemy, door, rock). Lists StatBases; builds live Stat objects from them on Awake, keyed by tag. Provides get/set by tag, OnStatChanged / OnStatBaseChanged events, derived-stat recomputation, bound re-clamping, and state capture/restore.

Buff — one modifier

A ScriptableObject that modifies one stat:

• Affect: ADD, MULT-ADD (additive percentages), MULT-MULT (compounding multipliers), or ABSOLUTE.
• Lifetime: Instant (one-time permanent change to the base — damage, heals), Timed (temporary modifier), or Infinite (until removed by code).
• Stacking: STACK, REPLACE_ALL, REPLACE_BY_KNOB, IGNORE, IGNORE_BY_TIME — matched by the buff's identity tag.
• Categories: tags for group removal (dispel). Categories don't affect stacking.
• Resistance: an optional resist stat on the target — 0–1, where 1 = immune and partial values scale duration and additive magnitude.
• Conditions: apply-time stat requirements on the target (e.g. Health ≤ 25).

StatusEffect — grouped, ticking effects

A container applying several buffs together, with its own lifetime, an Apply Interval (re-apply every N seconds — the DOT/HOT engine), and re-apply stacking (Refresh / Stack / Ignore). When a Timed/Infinite effect ends, it force-removes the Timed/Infinite buffs it applied. A poison is just: Timed 5s, interval 1s, containing an Instant −5 Health buff.

Ability — casting

Cooldown + optional resource cost (a stat, checked and deducted from its base) + what it casts (an effect and/or buffs), at self or any target BuffManager. AbilityCaster tracks per-ability cooldowns.

BuffManager — the engine

The component that applies, ticks, stacks, resists, expires, cleanses, saves, and restores. One per entity, next to its StatSheet.

Display metadata

Every Buff / StatusEffect / Ability / StatBase carries a DisplayInfo (display name, description, icon) so game UI can render buff bars, tooltips, and character sheets without extra mapping tables.