AnonPoster said:
this is highly unlikely. it's more a myth like "cell phones on airplanes are dangerous" The seed # is only part of the random number calculation used by a complex game like D2. Mostly likely, the seed # is combined with something like the computer clock, to generate a truly random number. to accomplish what you say, you'd have to use the same seed # and go back in time and start playing at the exact same millisecond.
The truth is, the seed command doesn't affect drops. at all. ever.
Such confidence AnonPoster? Seems a little rude to state it like what your saying is fact with out you testing or having some sort of documentation or discussion to reference.
So I decided to take the empirical approach.
Test Process:
Setup:
Find a wp with a prop(s) close by.
Once found, save that map seed and close D2.
Then change the command line to include the -seed command.
Start D2.
Process:
Choose char and difficulty.
Run directly to town wp and then choose waypoint.
Pop all props that are close by in the same order and following the same path.
Screenshot.
Collect items for fingerprint analysis later on.
Save and exit game.
Start the process again.
Results:
These are my main examples. More are available upon request.
Drop #1
Screen One
Drop #2
Screen One
The Chain Gloves had these properties as displayed in ATMA.
Item #1
Cleglaw's Pincers
Chain Gloves
Defense: 8
Durability: 11 of 16
Required Strength: 25
Required Level: 4
Unidentified
Item Version: 1.10 Expansion
Item Level: 22
Fingerprint: 0xcc2c92ad
Knockback
Slows Target by 25%
***Partial Set Item Bonuses***
+920 to Attack Rating (Based on Character Level)
***Partial Set Item Bonuses***
Item #2
Cleglaw's Pincers
Chain Gloves
Defense: 8
Durability: 11 of 16
Required Strength: 25
Required Level: 4
Unidentified
Item Version: 1.10 Expansion
Item Level: 22
Fingerprint: 0xcc2c92ad
Knockback
Slows Target by 25%
***Partial Set Item Bonuses***
+920 to Attack Rating (Based on Character Level)
***Partial Set Item Bonuses***
Conclusion:
Keeping the -seed command in the command line WILL give you the same drops assuming you do not alter the seed by changing path's or other. (Note: I'm unsure of all actions that will change the drop) You WILL get the same item type and fingerprint if you there is no change in the seed. It is not a good idea to run with the map seed active.
Some items of interest:
Was interesting trying this. Before this run I had found three items of the same type and fingerprint, but it was normal item so I wanted to make sure that if the item were magical or whatnot that it would still roll the same. Luckily I was able to get the set item to pop up.
Known actions that change the drop:
You need to stay on the same path to get the same drop.
Using atma (with autosave on) changes what drops.
Dropping an item from your inventory changes your drops for that run. However if you drop an item each time you run, you get the same drops.
This was from a time when this was being discussed "around". This was in 1.10.
From SPF Stick "Gameplay affecting techniques" said:
However, it also allows for the recovery of maps if a player accidentally changes difficulties or joins a multiplayer game. The consensus of the SPF is that the -seed command can be used to recover a map. However, once the map is recovered, the player should exit the game, clear "-seed" from the command line, and return to playing as this prevents abuse. Under no circumstances should map seeds be shared with other forum members. You should be up front about your use of this command when seeking to trade as well.
This pretty much says what I mentioned earlier.
Everyone doesn't have to agree with it, but this is the current view on the seed command at the SPF. Until we complain or the mods or admins change it.
