# Step Away Tuning Guide v3.0

## Principle

Tune variables, do not redesign mechanics.

The app powered structure is now stable enough for print and playtest. Playtest should change numbers and wording first, not the core loop.

## Tunable files

- data/settings.json
- data/variables.json
- data/cases.json
- data/cards.json
- data/campaigns.json
- data/wrinkles.json

## Tunable areas

### Case variables

- starting pressure
- progress target
- pressure limit
- ideal suit targets
- crisis targets
- failure text
- success text
- feedback lines
- difficulty rating

### Card variables

- card VALUE
- DIG amount
- play mode
- field note
- tone note

### Pressure variables

- pressure gain
- pressure reduction
- pressure limit
- crisis opening threshold
- crisis target

### Timing variables

- player count timer
- overtime duration
- advance speed

### Campaign variables

- hard modifiers
- support modifiers
- number of hard wins required
- support modifier loss threshold

## What to record during playtest

For each run, record:

- case ID and title
- player count
- outcome
- pressure trend
- best range found
- cards that felt too strong
- cards that felt useless
- moments that felt unclear
- feedback that taught something
- feedback that confused the table
- UI friction
- any point where players stopped reading the case and only chased numbers

## Adjustment rule

If a problem appears once, note it.

If it appears twice, mark it.

If it appears three times across different players or cases, tune it.

Do not tune from one emotional run unless the bug is structural or the wording clearly fails.
