# Frequently Asked Questions

## What is a randomizer?
A randomizer is a modification of a video game which reorganizes the items required to progress through the game.
A normal play-through of a game might require you to use item A to unlock item B, then C, and so forth. In a
randomized game, you might first find item C, then A, then B.

This transforms games from a linear experience into a puzzle, presenting players with a new challenge each time they
play a randomized game. Putting items in non-standard locations can require the player to think about the game world
and the items they encounter in new and interesting ways.

## What happens if an item is placed somewhere it is impossible to get?
The randomizer has many strict sets of rules it must follow when generating a game. One of the functions of these
rules is to ensure items necessary to complete the game will be accessible to the player. Many games also have a
subset of rules allowing certain items to be placed in normally unreachable locations, provided the player has
indicated they are comfortable exploiting certain glitches in the game.

## What is a multi-world?
While a randomizer shuffles a game, a multi-world randomizer shuffles that game for multiple players. For example,
in a two player multi-world, players A and B each get their own randomized version of a game, called seeds. In each
player's game, they may find items which belong to the other player. If player A finds an item which belongs to
player B, the item will be sent to player B's world over the internet.

This creates a cooperative experience during multi-world games, requiring players to rely upon each other to complete
their game. Currently, a maximum of 255 players can participate in a single multi-world.

## What happens if a person has to leave early?
If a player must leave early, they can use Archipelago's forfeit system. When a player forfeits their game, all
the items in that game which belong to other players are sent out automatically, so other players can continue to
play.

## What does multi-game mean?
While a multi-world game traditionally requires all players to be playing the same game, a multi-game multi-world
allows players to randomize any of a number of supported games, and send items between them. This allows players of
different games to interact with one another in a single multiplayer environment.

## Can I generate a single-player game with Archipelago?
Yes. All our supported games can be generated as single-player experiences, and so long as you download the software,
the website is not required to generate them.

## How do I get started?
If you are ready to start randomizing games, or want to start playing your favorite randomizer with others,
please join our [Discord server](https://discord.gg/8Z65BR2). There are always people ready to answer any questions
you might have.

## I want to add a game to the Archipelago randomizer. How do I do that?
The best way to get started is to take a look at our [code on GitHub](https://github.com/ArchipelagoMW/Archipelago).
There, you will find examples of games in the [worlds](https://github.com/ArchipelagoMW/Archipelago/tree/main/worlds)
folder, as well as some [documentation](https://github.com/ArchipelagoMW/Archipelago/tree/main/docs) on our
network interfaces.

If you have more questions, feel free to ask in the **#archipelago-dev** channel on our Discord.
