Associated Attributes

The Associated Attributes feature in the Advanced Attributes System enables attributes to govern the values of other attributes using curve tables, mimicking souls-like leveling systems. It allows developers to create dynamic relationships, such as an Attribute.Endurance increasing Attribute.Stamina, with designer-friendly curve adjustments. This feature addresses the need for flexible, scalable attribute interactions in Action RPGs, simplifying complex leveling mechanics without requiring manual calculations.

Basic Usage

The Associated Attributes feature is managed within the F_Attribute struct of the BP_AttributesComponent. Below are the primary methods for configuring and using this feature in Blueprints.

1. ConfigureAssociatedAttributes:

   • Purpose: Sets up the relationship between a governing attribute and its governed attributes.
   • Usage: Add entries to the AssociatedAttributes map in the Attributes array of BP_AttributesComponent.
   • Example: In BP_AttributesComponent, set Attribute.Endurance’s AssociatedAttributes map to link Attribute.Stamina to a Curve Table row.

Note:

If using attributes standalone (without Advanced ARPG Combat), the attributes array will need to be edited within the attributes component in the actor

2. ModifyAttribute:

   • Purpose: Updates the governing attribute, triggering updates to associated attributes based on the curve.
   • Usage: Call ModifyAttribute on BP_AttributesComponent to change the governing attribute’s value.

3. GetCurrentAttributeValue:

   • Purpose: Retrieves the updated value of an associated attribute after modification.
   • Usage: Use GetCurrentAttributeValue to check the governed attribute’s value.

Key Properties

Property Name	Purpose
AssociatedAttributes	A map in F_Attribute linking governed attributes (e.g., Attribute.Stamina) to Curve Table rows that define their value based on the governing attribute (e.g., Attribute.Endurance).
AttributeTag	The Gameplay Tag identifying the governing attribute (e.g., Attribute.Endurance) in the F_Attribute struct.

Key Concepts

Curve-Based Scaling

The Associated Attributes feature uses Curve Tables to define how a governing attribute affects associated attributes. The curve’s X-axis represents the governing attribute’s value, and the Y-axis determines the governed attribute’s value, enabling linear scaling or diminishing returns.

• Purpose: Simplifies attribute relationships with visual, adjustable curves.
• Usage: Create a Curve Table in the Content Browser, add a row, and assign it to the AssociatedAttributes map.
• Benefit: Allows designers to tweak scaling without coding, supporting rapid iteration.

Dynamic Attribute Updates

When a governing attribute’s value changes, the Associated Attributes feature automatically updates governed attributes based on the curve. This ensures real-time synchronization of related attributes during gameplay.

• Purpose: Maintains consistent attribute relationships in response to gameplay events.
• Usage: Modify the governing attribute with ModifyAttribute to trigger updates.
• Benefit: Streamlines complex leveling mechanics, reducing manual scripting.

Designer-Friendly Configuration

The feature is designed for ease of use by non-programmers, leveraging Unreal’s Curve Table editor to adjust attribute relationships. This allows designers to fine-tune gameplay without touching Blueprints.

• Purpose: Empowers designers to control attribute scaling directly.
• Usage: Adjust Curve Table rows in the Content Browser to set desired scaling behavior.
• Benefit: Enhances workflow efficiency and accessibility for design teams.

Best Practices

• Workflows:
  • Use simple Curve Tables with clear X-Y relationships for easy designer adjustments.
  • Test governing attribute changes in-game to verify associated attribute updates.
• Pitfalls to Avoid:
  • Avoid overly complex curves, as they can confuse designers.
  • Don’t assign multiple Curve Tables to the same governed attribute, as this may cause conflicts.