Calculations and action patterns

Direct damage with a meta-attribute

1. Source ability creates an Instant damage effect spec.
2. Supply raw damage through a configured modifier or SetByCaller tag.
3. Execution calculation captures required source/target values and computes mitigated damage on authority.
4. Write the result to transient IncomingDamage.
5. In PostGameplayEffectExecute, consume IncomingDamage, set it back to zero, subtract from Health, clamp, and signal death only on the valid transition.

The meta-attribute keeps transient inputs separate from persistent Health and centralizes post-damage rules.

Healing

1. Create an Instant effect with a positive health change or IncomingHealing meta value.
2. Apply on authority with source context.
3. Clamp final Health to MaxHealth.
4. Emit UI/gameplay reactions after final value is known.

Timed buff

1. Create a Has Duration effect.
2. Add a modifier to the target Attribute.
3. Configure duration and stacking explicitly.
4. Add owned/status tags through the current Gameplay Effect component model where needed.
5. Apply and retain the active effect handle only if a later targeted removal needs it.
6. Verify attribute returns exactly when the effect expires/removes.

Equipment or passive modifier

1. Create an Infinite effect per coherent source or bundle.
2. Apply when equipped/granted.
3. Store FActiveGameplayEffectHandle with the runtime equipment/passive instance.
4. Remove by that handle on unequip/revoke.
5. Test duplicate equip, load restore, owner change, and removal order.

Regeneration

Choose one model:

• periodic Gameplay Effect for discrete authoritative ticks;
• continuous modifier if the Attribute semantics support it;
• server-owned timer/system applying instant effects.

Define delay after damage, period, first tick timing, max clamp, stacking, and pause/block tags. Do not add per-character Tick without a measured need.

Max-value change

Pick and document one policy:

• preserve absolute current value, then clamp;
• preserve percentage: NewCurrent = OldCurrent / OldMax * NewMax;
• apply the same delta to current and max;
• refill on increase.

Implement deliberately; no policy is universally correct.