Rework synth module queue

[dawn slate]

I find the manual setup of the synth queue could be improved a lot by simplifying. It's inconvenient to add modules as new recipes unlock and to build the cheapest modules first for fast value. From the queue interface it's not clear for which modules I even have the recipes unlocked, or which level each module is currently at, or how long it would take at current synth speed to upgrade it. The many extra clicks all this takes is not worth the benefits of the precise control I get over the order.

That's why I propose to radically simplify the synth queue: Replace the whole system with 2 checkboxes, on either the synth main tab or the modules tab:

First checkbox says "Use automatic queue". If checked, it always builds the module for which all necessary recipes are unlocked and whose expected remaining time to next level is the lowest of all available (including if the remaining time is zero, i.e. all materials already exist). It updates whenever a module has been leveled, or unlocked, or a newly unlocked recipe allows to upgrade a new module. It may switch the module being worked on even if the currently upgrading module has not finished.

Second checkbox says "Prefer active". If checked, the automatic queue always builds the cheapest active modules first, then inactive ones after there are no more. The auto-upgrade switches the module being worked on as modules activate/deactivate.

If you think the current system has enough value to keep around, you can easily combine the approaches: Keep the "Use [manual] queue" checkbox which would ignore the automatic settings (disable the two automation checkboxes or make the manual/auto queue boxes function like radio buttons) and use the manual setup instead.

Finally, you can make the new buttons an AI upgrade, which would make sense since it's an automation feature.

[left sparrow]

reach r1 to find out

this already exists

[dawn slate]

r1 = reinforce 1? I am on reinforce 2, and I don't see it

[left sparrow]

smarter craft...?

[dawn slate]

where?

no, not smarter craft

I'm talking about modules, not synth materials

[sinful grotto]

its basically the same as "use automatic queue"

[dawn slate]

not really? Yes, if you make a material infinite it automatically buys all the modules you can upgrade with it, but that takes way longer than upgrading the modules

[left sparrow]

err

is it not existing already...?

well in next content patch, it will auto make and equip new module

as long as you have space

[left sparrow]

well if the synth time is that long manually setting it up is not too hard anyways

[dawn slate]

auto equip exists, yes, but not auto upgrading

[left sparrow]

well after the engine upgrade there will also be a ui rework which should also make the synth screen better

[dawn slate]

the point is, you have to remake the queue whenever you can upgrade a new module because you unlock it or the material it needs

[left sparrow]

so this issue should be mostly resolved then right

#devlog message

future synth screen should help...?

[dawn slate]

it's only talkning about a general rework of synth screen, nothing specific, so idk what it will or wont contain

[left sparrow]

well yeah the point is it will be reworked so we should wait until after then before thinking of what to add/fix

[dawn slate]

well I'm of the opposite opinion, if they're working on it, it's easier to do now than to add it later

anyway, it's a suggestion, whether it's good or bad shouldn't depend on whether it's maybe being worked on or not

[left sparrow]

well the idea is out there, just don't know if it will be necessary after whatever they add

[obsidian seal]

It is definitely a lot of extra work to check modules and see which ones you can even try to upgrade with the current UI. And there's a lot of back and forth if you also want to figure out which ones would be the quickest to upgrade.

[simple gull]

Im not sure I understand the point of the "use automatic queue". But I do get that its hard to tell whats what etc on there. A more comprehensive display of what you have access to for upgrades would be good.

[dawn slate]

The point of the current module queue is to (somewhat) automate the module upgrade process. The point of my "automatic queue" would be to increase the degree of automation because the current queue is a pain to optimize around.

For example, if I'm currently upgrading a module from 9 to 10 and it takes an hour to finish. I then unlock a new recipe and can upgrade another module I'm using and that could go from 0 to 8 in 5 minutes. I want to get those 8 levels before I resume the previous module, just for optimal play while I'm active. Taking the first module off the queue, setting up the new one, and resuming the first would take a lot of clicks under the current system, and would be fully automatic under my system, and could even be AFK'ed.

[dawn slate]

Also, if "some small optimization for min/maxers" is not convincing enough - with a fully automatic queue, you can never forget to start upgrading a module when you become able to, saving you not hours but potentially days worth of buff value.

[obsidian seal]

While I think that the interface could be improved and make it more obvious when you can upgrade modules, deciding when to upgrade modules that Smarter Synth hasn't already taken care of should be a player decision.

[left sparrow]

the thing is if you are lazy then smart craft is good enough and if you are min/max then you just manually craft every module anyways

[dawn slate]

I imagine it much like the Fixtures queue. A manual queue for those who want it, but also an option to just build the cheapest available at any time, with the additional option to prefer currently active modules.