---
id: progression-overview
---

# Progression overview

Araxer’s Bestiary supports three high‑level progression styles controlled by the config option `progressionSystemType`:

- ranks: E→S ranks per entity (default). Within this style, you choose how E→S advances with `esMode`: points or chance.
- kills: classic kill‑count thresholds unlock information (no E→S ranks).
- sighting: discover entities primarily by observing them with a spyglass.

This page summarizes how each style works and links to detailed guides.

## Quick compare

- Ranks (E→S)
  - Two mechanics for E→S:
    - Points mode: deterministic points toward per‑step thresholds.
    - Chance mode: probabilistic rank‑up rolls per interaction.
  - After S, optional Rank‑X challenges are available for long‑term mastery.
- Kills mode
  - Information unlocks at fixed kill thresholds: spawn locations, loot icons, chances, descriptions, advanced stats.
  - No E→S bar or ranks; simply “knowledge increases with kills.”
- Sighting mode
  - Focus on discovery by observation: spyglass sightings mark entities as known and can unlock information without combat.

See details:
- Ranks and E→S: progression/ranks
- Rank‑X challenges: progression/rank-x
- Kills mode: progression/kills
- Sighting mode: progression/sighting

## Configuration at a glance

Server config keys relevant to progression:

- progressionSystemType: "ranks" | "kills" | "sighting" (default: "ranks")
- esMode (when ranks): "points" | "chance" (default: "points")
- enableProgressiveRankDifficulty: applies to chance mode to make higher ranks rarer.
- Visibility thresholds (when ranks or kills):
  - spawnLocationRank / spawnLocationThreshold
  - lootIconRank / lootIconThreshold
  - lootChanceRank / lootChanceThreshold
  - advancedAttributesRank / advancedAttributesThreshold
  - descriptionRank / descriptionThreshold
- Global progression bar (header):
  - globalRankProgressBarType: "S" (S‑ranks) or "X" (Rank‑X)
  - enableGlobalRankProgressBarCycling: toggle cycling by clicking the header bar

For every option and default, see: config/configuration-reference.