> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://axiomemu.gitbook.io/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://axiomemu.gitbook.io/docs/data/skill/skilldamage.md).

# SkillDamage.txt

Optional per-skill damage overrides. Each row multiplies the base `Damage` from Skill.txt by a factor specific to whether the target is a user (PvP) or a monster (PvE). Empty in the shipped template; add rows here to rebalance individual skills.

## File Location

```
Data/Skill/SkillDamage.txt
```

Loaded once at GameServer startup. Changes require a restart.

## Format

Whitespace-delimited, one row per override. Terminated by `end`.

```
//Skill   DamageRateUser   DamageRateMonster
end
```

## Columns

| Column              | Type  | Effect                                                                                                     |
| ------------------- | ----- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `Skill`             | int   | Skill index from [Skill.txt](/docs/data/skill.md)                                                          |
| `DamageRateUser`    | int % | Multiplier applied when the target is another player. `100` = no change, `0` = zero damage, `200` = double |
| `DamageRateMonster` | int % | Multiplier applied when the target is a monster                                                            |

Skills with no row in this file default to `100` (no change) for both rates. Only skills you want to rebalance need to be listed.

## Layering

Damage pipeline:

1. Compute base damage via `Skill.txt` `Damage` + the formula constants in [Skill.dat](/docs/gameserver/skill-dat.md)
2. Apply class/global damage rates from [Character.dat](/docs/gameserver/character-dat.md)
3. Apply context rates (duel, event, map) from [Character.dat](/docs/gameserver/character-dat.md) and [Event.dat](/docs/gameserver/event-dat.md)
4. **Apply `SkillDamage.txt`** **`DamageRateUser` or `DamageRateMonster` (this file)**
5. Apply target's defense and resistances

Empty file = every skill uses its vanilla damage. Adding a row here nerfs or buffs one skill independently of global damage rates.

## Example

{% code title="SkillDamage.txt fragment" %}

```
//Skill   DamageRateUser   DamageRateMonster
19       80                100
260      150               150
end
```

{% endcode %}

Skill 19 deals 80% damage to users (PvP nerf), normal damage to monsters. Skill 260 deals 150% damage across the board.

## Cross-File Dependencies

| Attribute                    | Related in                                                   |
| ---------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------ |
| `Skill`                      | [Skill.txt](/docs/data/skill.md)                             |
| Base formula constants       | [Skill.dat](/docs/gameserver/skill-dat.md)                   |
| Global damage scaling        | [Character.dat](/docs/gameserver/character-dat.md)           |
| Attack speed / delay scaling | [SkillSpeedScale.xml](/docs/data/plugins/skillspeedscale.md) |
| Cross-class combo list       | [CustomCombo.xml](/docs/data/plugins/customcombo.md)         |

## Common Issues

* **Skill does half damage unexpectedly** - entry here reduces it; check the row
* **Adding a row has no effect** - `Skill` index mismatch with Skill.txt
* **PvM value at `0`** - monsters take no damage from this skill; intended only for cosmetic skills
* **File edit ignored** - missing `end` terminator; parser drops the whole file