One of the most fundamental concepts in Patchworld is the distinction between Play Mode and Edit Mode. These two states govern everything from how you interact with instruments to how physics behave. Understanding the difference is the key to unlocking your full creative potential and avoiding common frustrations.
Think of it like being on a theater stage. Edit Mode is when you are the stagehand: the house lights are on, you can see all the ropes and wiring, and your job is to move props, connect cables, and build the set. Play Mode is showtime: the stage lights come on, the backstage machinery disappears, and you become the performer, interacting with the set as the audience would.
| Feature | Play Mode (Performance) | Edit Mode (Workshop) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Experiencing and performing in the world. | Building, wiring, and debugging the world. |
| Controllers | Your chosen avatar hands are visible. | Controllers appear as grey, functional tools. |
| Visibility | Hidden objects are invisible. You see the world as a visitor would. | Hidden objects are visible (often tinted green) so you can edit them. |
| Interaction | You can play instruments, grab designated handles, and use interactive devices. | You can select, move, delete, group, and inspect any object. |
| Physics | Active. Marbles fall, joints move, and thrusters propel. | Disabled. Physics objects are frozen in their saved positions for easy editing. |
| Key Action | You play the creation. | You build the creation. |
The naming can be a little confusing at first. The primary way to switch the entire world's state is through the main Hub menu.
The Main Method (Global Switch):
The Quick Method (Local Toggle):
You can also use your radial menu (press the A/X button on an empty space) to temporarily toggle visibility. This is useful for quickly "peeking behind the curtain" to adjust something without fully leaving Play Mode. However, the global state set in the World menu is what determines the default behavior.
This is your primary creation space. Here you can:
This mode is for experiencing the world you've built.
e-string bow become functional.make_physical objects will respond to gravity, and your complex contraptions will spring to life.Understanding the two modes solves the most frequent issues new patchers face:
"I'm hitting my instrument, but it's not making a sound!"
"My marbles won't fall / My thruster isn't moving!"
"I can't select, move, or delete anything!"
"My world is a mess of wires and green blocks!"
Mastering the flow between these two modes is essential. Build in Edit, test in Play, and soon you'll be creating complex, interactive worlds with confidence. Happy patching