FS25 Mod Ideas: Self-Maintenance & Mechanic Levels Discussion

Hey mod creators! I'm writing to share some thoughts and ideas about the Advanced Damage System mod for FS25. First off, massive thanks for creating such an awesome mod! My friends and I are completely hooked, and it's added a whole new level of realism and challenge to the game. While playing, some ideas popped into my head that I think could make it even better, and I wanted to share them with you.

1. Implementing Agricultural Machinery Maintenance

One key enhancement I've been thinking about is adding a maintenance aspect to the agricultural machinery within the game. We all know that in real life, keeping your equipment in top shape is crucial for efficient farming. So, what if players had the option to maintain their vehicles themselves? This would add a fantastic layer of depth and player engagement to the mod. Think about it, guys – it's not just about driving tractors; it's about taking care of them too!

To make this work, imagine a dedicated maintenance system integrated into the game. Players could purchase maintenance kits from the store, filled with all the necessary tools and consumables. We're talking about things like oil, oil filters, grease, hydraulic oil, and maybe even a trusty socket wrench. This would create a tangible sense of responsibility and investment in the machinery. By allowing players to handle the maintenance themselves, you'd not only save on repair costs but also introduce a more hands-on, immersive gameplay experience.

The real beauty of this idea is how it resonates with the farming community. Many farmers are incredibly hands-on and possess a strong understanding of mechanics. They're not afraid to get their hands dirty and often prefer to handle repairs themselves rather than relying solely on mechanics. By incorporating this aspect into the game, you're acknowledging and celebrating that DIY spirit. It's about giving players the tools and the opportunity to take control of their machinery's upkeep, just like in real life.

This feature could also introduce a new level of strategic decision-making. Players would need to balance the cost of DIY maintenance with the convenience of using a repair shop. Maybe DIY repairs take longer, requiring careful time management, but save money in the long run. This adds a layer of resource management and planning, making the game even more engaging and rewarding.

Think about the satisfaction of successfully completing a tricky repair, knowing you've saved money and kept your machinery running smoothly. It's a small victory that adds up to a much more meaningful gameplay experience. By empowering players to take care of their equipment, you're fostering a deeper connection with the game world and creating a sense of accomplishment that goes beyond simply harvesting crops.

2. Introducing Player Maintenance Levels

The idea of self-maintenance led me to another exciting thought: what if players had maintenance levels, similar to the 'Farm Part-time' mod (FS25_Employment.zip), which uses education levels to affect career options? This could add a whole new dimension to the Advanced Damage System mod, creating a rewarding progression system for players who invest time and effort into learning about machinery maintenance.

Imagine a tiered system with titles like: Apprentice Mechanic, Junior Maintenance Mechanic, Intermediate Maintenance Mechanic, Senior Maintenance Mechanic, Junior Maintenance Engineer, Intermediate Maintenance Engineer, and Senior Maintenance Engineer. Each level would unlock new abilities and opportunities, making the game more engaging and providing a clear sense of progression.

At the beginning, players might be limited to sending their machinery to the repair shop, just like in the base game. But as they gain experience and level up, they could start taking on more complex tasks themselves. This system would provide a clear incentive for players to learn about machinery and invest in their skills.

Here's how it could work: imagine you're a fresh-faced farmer, new to the world of machinery maintenance. You start by watching the mechanics at the repair shop, absorbing their knowledge and earning experience points simply by being present during repairs. The more involved you are – perhaps even assisting with simple tasks – the more experience you gain. Once you've accumulated enough experience, you can take an in-game exam to become an Apprentice Mechanic.

As an Apprentice Mechanic, you'd unlock the ability to purchase maintenance kits and perform basic maintenance tasks on your own machinery. This is where the self-maintenance concept from the first idea really comes into play. You'd gain even more experience points by successfully maintaining your equipment, further fueling your progression.

But the real fun begins as you climb the ranks. Imagine upgrading to a Junior Mechanic, unlocking the ability to diagnose problems with your vehicles. You could inspect your tractor after a long day in the field, identifying potential issues before they become major breakdowns. You might even be able to repair minor faults yourself, earning valuable experience and saving on repair costs.

This system would also add a layer of strategic decision-making when a breakdown occurs in the field. Imagine your combine harvester suddenly grinding to a halt in the middle of harvest season. As a Junior Mechanic, you'd have the option to attempt a quick repair, potentially saving the day and avoiding a costly trip to the repair shop. However, this would take time and carry the risk of a failed repair.

Alternatively, you could use a 'temporary fix', allowing you to limp the machine back to the farm for a more thorough repair later. This temporary fix wouldn't eliminate the fault entirely, but it would allow you to continue working, albeit at a reduced efficiency. This creates a compelling risk-reward scenario, forcing players to weigh the pros and cons of each approach.

As you progress to higher levels, such as Junior Maintenance Engineer or Senior Maintenance Engineer, you'd unlock the ability to repair more serious faults. At the highest levels, you might even be able to overhaul your own machinery, completely rebuilding engines and transmissions. This would be a significant undertaking, requiring time, resources, and skill, but the rewards would be immense.

The mechanic level system could also open up exciting new gameplay loops. Imagine players scouring the second-hand market for old, neglected agricultural machinery. As a skilled mechanic, you could purchase these machines at a discount, repair them, and then sell them for a profit. This would add a trading and repair dimension to the game, creating new opportunities for players to earn money and expand their operations.

Final Thoughts

These are just some of my initial ideas for improving the Advanced Damage System mod. I truly believe that these additions would make the game even more engaging, realistic, and rewarding for players. The ability to maintain machinery, combined with a tiered mechanic level system, would add depth, strategy, and a sense of progression that would keep players hooked for hours. Thanks for taking the time to read my thoughts, and I'm really looking forward to hearing your feedback and seeing what you come up with next!