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Introduction

Helo helo :3

Weird Task Framework is a quest making tool and quest system for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Anomaly, built to simplify quest creation process. And for me to have fun in the process.

Making quests is notoriously complicated - engine quirks put a Great Wall of Misery between you and your ideas, game crashes on simplest errors make your iteration time (and lives of your users) torturous, and config hell makes you reevaluate your life priorities very fast. WTF solves some of these problems and gives just a bit more breathing room with other ones.

Notable improvements over vanilla task system include:

  • CTD protection
  • Automatic logging
  • Single-file definition for quests
  • Reusable components
  • Easy state management
  • Actual documentation

Last time I made a new quest, I didn't want to kill myself, and that's an actual improvement over status quo. Trust me.

FAQ​

Why is it Weird?​

The framework bring quite a few ideas which are controversial in the community; most controversial one is usage of JSON as the main configuration format, when it's not used anywhere else in the STALKER modding scene. Also, it's a nod to Dux's Innumerable Character Kit.

Should I use it over vanilla task system?​

It depends, actually. Vanilla task system is great for simple quests; it is stable, it is known in the community, and it proved itself with a whole generation of modders.

Now, I will also argue, that it proved itself to be an absolute pain in the ass and the main reason we have so little quest-based addons. Ask any quest maker, and you will see the thousand yard stare in their eyes, remembering the hundrend of crashes they've gone through to build their addons.

I've built WTF for a reason, and I'm proud of it. I really believe it is an improvement over the vanilla, and I would rather jump head-first into the wall than go back. Still, WTF comes with a set of things you need to think about:

  • It is not as stable as vanilla. In my statistics, WTF gets a major rehaul about once every 1-2 years, though the reworks are getting smaller.
  • It is another addon your users should install
  • There is quite a few concepts to learn to use WTF effectively

Also, your call. I'd prefer to have you, but it's not a no-brainer.

Is it more powerful than vanilla?​

No, but it also isn't less powerful. The barebones nature of vanilla task system means it can express any idea you might want to express. You can do that with WTF too; in fact, you can just about reimplement vanilla task system inside WTF.

Is there a WTF community?​

WTF Discord server is back babyyyyyyyy! Here you go! Discord.

Keep in mind that my motivation is very sporadic and the server might be inactive for months. Still, I'm very happy to see you there.