skilltree

A skill tree is a graphical representation of the abilities, perks, or skills that a player can acquire within a video game. It typically appears as a branching structure where players start at a central point and unlock new abilities by spending experience points or in-game currency. These trees often dictate character progression and offer players strategic choices in how they develop their character's capabilities.

The layout of a skill tree can vary significantly. Some are linear, offering a straightforward path of progression. Others are highly complex with multiple branches, allowing for deep specialization or versatile builds. Players may need to unlock prerequisite skills before they can access more advanced ones, creating a sense of linear progression within branches. The visual design can range from simple lists of abilities to intricate, artistic diagrams.

The purpose of a skill tree is to provide players with agency and a sense of accomplishment as they overcome challenges and grow their character's power. It encourages replayability by allowing players to experiment with different builds and strategies on subsequent playthroughs. The choices made within a skill tree often have a tangible impact on gameplay, affecting combat effectiveness, exploration capabilities, or social interactions within the game world. Skill trees are a common feature in role-playing games (RPGs) and action-adventure titles, but can be found in many other genres as well.