Tier 3: Mad / Crazy (Advanced Level)

This tier represents the absolute limit of normal MUGEN programming without crossing into engine exploits. Mad/Crazy cheapies are extremely overwhelming, visually chaotic, and very difficult to beat, but they still use legitimate code pushed to absurd extremes.

How to Make a Tier 3 (Mad / Crazy) Cheapie

1. Start with a Strong Base
   Use a well-coded Tier 2 cheapie or a solid mid-to-high tier character as your foundation.
2. Set Up True Hyper Armor
   In statedef -2 (the file that constantly runs), use NotHitBy controllers to make the character nearly unstoppable.
   Allow vulnerability to throws (NT or ST) so there is still some counterplay.
3. Flood the Screen with Projectiles
   Use Helper states to create massive amounts of projectiles.
   Make helpers clone themselves or automatically track the opponent.
   Set Trigger1 = 1 during special moves to create constant visual chaos and leave almost no safe space.
4. Implement Passive Life and Power Regen
   In statedef -2 or -3, add LifeAdd and PowerAdd controllers:
   type = LifeAdd
value = 5~10
trigger1 = 1
   Do the same for PowerAdd so the character can spam supers constantly.
5. Create Absurd Frame Data & AI
   In the .air file, reduce the duration of attacking frames to 1 or 2 frames (extremely fast).
   In the .cmd file, use strong AILevel triggers so the character executes complex combos the moment the opponent is vulnerable.
6. Test Extensively
   Test against multiple strong characters. Adjust projectile density and regen until it feels overwhelmingly strong but not completely broken.

Common Traits of Tier 3 Mad/Crazy Cheapies

• Near-constant hyper armor
• Screen-filling projectile spam
• Passive life and power regeneration
• Extremely fast frame data
• Aggressive AI that punishes every mistake

Tips for Tier 3

• Focus on overwhelming pressure rather than instant kills
• Keep some counterplay (throws, specific gaps, etc.)
• Always credit bases and templates
• Test against both human players and strong AI

Once your Tier 3 cheapie feels truly overwhelming, you’re ready to move on to Tier 4: God Tier.

— DJB Staff