3.3 KiB
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a randomizer?
A randomizer is a modification of a video game which reorganizes the items required to progress through the game. A normal play-through of a game might require you to use item A to unlock item B, then C, and so forth. In a randomized game, you might first find item C, then A, then B.
This transforms games from a linear experience into a puzzle, presenting players with a new challenge each time they play a randomized game. Putting items in non-standard locations can require the player to think about the game world and the items they encounter in new and interesting ways.
What happens if an item is placed somewhere it is impossible to get?
The randomizer has many strict sets of rules it must follow when generating a game. One of the functions of these rules is to ensure items necessary to complete the game will be accessible to the player. Many games also have a subset of rules allowing certain items to be placed in normally unreachable locations, provided the player has indicated they are comfortable exploiting certain glitches in the game.
What is a multi-world?
While a randomizer shuffles a game, a multi-world randomizer shuffles that game for multiple players. For example, in a two player multi-world, players A and B each get their own randomized version of a game, called seeds. In each player's game, they may find items which belong to the other player. If player A finds an item which belongs to player B, the item will be sent to player B's world over the internet.
This creates a cooperative experience during multi-world games, requiring players to rely upon each other to complete their game. Currently, a maximum of 255 players can participate in a single multi-world.
What happens if a person has to leave early?
If a player must leave early, they can use Archipelago's forfeit system. When a player forfeits their game, all the items in that game which belong to other players are sent out automatically, so other players can continue to play.
What does multi-game mean?
While a multi-world game traditionally requires all players to be playing the same game, a multi-game multi-world allows players to randomize any of a number of supported games, and send items between them. This allows players of different games to interact with one another in a single multiplayer environment.
Can I generate a single-player game with Archipelago?
Yes. All our supported games can be generated as single-player experiences, and so long as you download the software, the website is not required to generate them.
How do I get started?
If you are ready to start randomizing games, or want to start playing your favorite randomizer with others, please join our Discord server. There are always people ready to answer any questions you might have.
I want to add a game to the Archipelago randomizer. How do I do that?
The best way to get started is to take a look at our code on GitHub. There, you will find examples of games in the worlds folder, as well as some documentation on our network interfaces.
If you have more questions, feel free to ask in the #archipelago-dev channel on our Discord.