Attributes System Overview

The Advanced Attributes System is a flexible and modular system within the Advanced ARPG Combat framework for Unreal Engine 5. It enables developers to manage and modify gameplay-related floating-point attributes, such as health, stamina, or experience points, for actors in Action RPGs or similar genres. The system addresses the need for a robust, designer-friendly way to handle dynamic attribute values and their relationships, like souls-like leveling mechanics. It targets game developers and designers building RPGs or combat-focused projects, offering standout features like the Associated Attributes System for curve-based attribute scaling and regeneratable attributes for dynamic gameplay.

System Architecture

The Advanced Attributes System is organized around a central actor component that manages attributes and their interactions. Data flows from the BP_AttributesComponent to structs, extended attributes, and UI widgets, with curve-based logic for associated attributes. The system is entirely Blueprint-based, requiring no C++ for core functionality.

• Blueprints:
  • BP_AttributesComponent: Core component attached to actors, managing an array of F_Attribute structs and ExtendedAttributes.
  • BP_BaseExtendedAttribute: Base class for extended attribute functionality, such as regeneration or custom logic.
  • BP_BaseRegeneratableAttribute: Derived from BP_BaseExtendedAttribute, handles regeneratable attributes like stamina.
  • WB_AttributeProgressBar: Widget for displaying attribute values on the HUD with progress bars.
• Structs:
  • F_Attribute: Stores attribute data, including AttributeTag, current value, base value, and Associated Attributes map.

classDiagram
    class BP_AttributesComponent {
        +Attributes: F_Attribute[]
        +ExtendedAttributes: BP_BaseExtendedAttribute[]
        +ModifyAttribute()
        +SetCurrentAttributeValue()
        +GetCurrentAttributeValue()
    }
    class F_Attribute {
        +AttributeTag: GameplayTag
        +CurrentValue: float
        +BaseValue: float
        +AssociatedAttributes: Map
    }
    class BP_BaseExtendedAttribute {
        +OnAttributeValueModified()
        +ExtendedAttributeTag: GameplayTag
    }
    class BP_BaseRegeneratableAttribute {
        +RegenRate: float
        +RegenTickInterval: float
        +OnStartRegen()
    }
    class WB_AttributeProgressBar {
        +AttributeTag: GameplayTag
        +MaxAttributeTag: GameplayTag
        +UpdateLerpBar: bool
    }
    BP_AttributesComponent --> F_Attribute : Contains
    BP_AttributesComponent --> BP_BaseExtendedAttribute : Manages
    BP_BaseExtendedAttribute <|-- BP_BaseRegeneratableAttribute : Inherits
    BP_AttributesComponent --> WB_AttributeProgressBar : Updates

Core Features

• Attribute Management:
  • Stores and modifies floating-point values (e.g., health, stamina) via BP_AttributesComponent.
  • Use ModifyAttribute to adjust values dynamically, e.g., ModifyAttribute (AttributeTag: Attribute.Health, Value: -10).
  • Benefits: Simplifies tracking and updating actor traits without custom logic.
• Associated Attributes System:
  • Allows attributes to govern others using curve tables (e.g., Attribute.Endurance scales Attribute.Stamina).
  • Configure via the AssociatedAttributes map in F_Attribute, selecting curve rows for diminishing returns.
  • Benefits: Enables souls-like leveling with designer-friendly curve adjustments.
• Regeneratable Attributes:
  • Supports attributes that regenerate over time (e.g., stamina) via BP_BaseRegeneratableAttribute.
  • Set RegenRate, RegenTickInterval, and RegenCoolDown in the class defaults.
  • Example: Create BP_StaminaRegen with ExtendedAttributeTag: Attribute.Stamina, RegenRate: 5.
  • Benefits: Automates regeneration mechanics with customizable parameters.
• HUD Integration:
  • Displays attributes on the HUD using WB_AttributeProgressBar.
  • Set AttributeTag (e.g., Attribute.Health) and MaxAttributeTag (e.g., Attribute.HealthMax) in the widget.
  • Supports lerp animations for visual feedback (e.g., health decrease).
  • Benefits: Provides plug-and-play UI for attribute visualization.
• Extended Attributes:
  • Adds custom functionality via BP_BaseExtendedAttribute (e.g., trigger death when Attribute.Health <= 0).
  • Use OnAttributeValueModified to implement logic, e.g., If GetCurrentAttributeValue (Attribute.Health) <= 0 -> Trigger Death.
  • Benefits: Extends system flexibility for project-specific needs.
• Event Dispatchers:
  • Notifies other systems of attribute changes via OnAttributeValueModified, OnCurrentAttributeValueUpdated.
  • Example: Bind OnAttributeValueModified to update UI or trigger abilities.
  • Benefits: Facilitates integration with other gameplay systems.