Hint System

[GameWyrm]

APWorld:

• Hint option in yaml
• Create a hint seed and plug it into slot data
• Obtain guaranteed hints during generation and plug them into slot data

Client:

• Generate a list of hints using the hint seed, formatting the text to match what the NPC normally says
• Replace the text in the ten metal Note to Self signs with guaranteed hints
• Replace the text of NPCs with their generated hint
• Send received hints to the server

The hint system is designed to increase the speed of a randomizer run by relaying free hints to the player in-game, informing them of locations they and their teammates should prioritize or ignore. Hints are relayed by either Hint NPCs or Hint Sign:

• Hint NPCs: NPCs in caves who give hints in vanilla, usually about how to open caves. Mapman, the ghosts, and NPCs who normally give flavor text are not included.
• Hint Signs: These are the ten metal "Note to Self" left by Simulacrum throughout the island. There is one in each of the eight main dungeons, one in the secret barrel storage room in the staff area, and one in the Cave of Mystery.

There are three types of hints:

• Zone Hints: these tell you if any location in an area has a progression item, but does not tell you what the item is if there is one. Given by NPCs
• Location Hints: these tell you what resides at a specific location within the world. Given by NPCs.
• Guaranteed Hints: hints received from slot data. Given by Hint Signs.