> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://cjcrafter.gitbook.io/weaponmechanics/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://cjcrafter.gitbook.io/weaponmechanics/weapon-modules/shoot/recoil.md).

# Recoil

Recoil moves the player's screen horizontally and/or vertically. This simulates rifle recoil, and makes the gun harder to control.

More technically, every shot

```yaml
    Recoil:
      Mean_X: <number>
      Mean_Y: <number>
      Variance_X: <number>
      Variance_Y: <number>
      Speed: <number>
      Damping: <number>
      Damping_Recovery: <number>
      Smoothing: <number>
      Max_Accumulation: <number>
```

#### Mean\_X/Y

A base, guaranteed recoil offset on each shot. For example, `Mean_Y: 1.5` means each shot tends to push the view up by around 1.5 degrees. This is your "main recoil" config, and you tweak these values to increase/decrease the recoil.

This value is measured in degrees.

#### Variance\_X/Y

Adds random variation around the mean value. For example, if `Mean_X: 0.2` and `Variance_X: 0.3`, each shot can be anywhere from `-0.1` to `+0.5` horizontally. Larger variances = less predictable spread.

This value is measured in degrees.

#### Speed

How snappy or forceful the recoil "kick" is each tick. Higher values = stronger immediate kick.

Each tick, the difference between the current offset and the target offset is multiplied by this speed value. Typically, you might use a value in the range `[2, 6]`. An automatic weapon, or weapon with less recoil should probably have a value closer to 2. A larger caliber weapon, like a sniper rifle, should have a value closer to 6.

#### Damping

Each tick, the "target recoil" is multiplied by `(1 - damping)`. This prevents infinite buildup when shooting rapidly. For example, `Damping: 0.1` means each tick, the stored "target" recoil shrinks by 10%.

#### Damping\_Recovery

How quickly your *current* recoil recovers to 0. Larger values pull the camera back down faster after each shot.

#### Smoothing

A factory (0.0 to 1.0) that controls how "smoothly" the camera transitions to its new recoil offset. Lower values = more abrupt. Higher values = more fluid.

#### Max\_Accumulation

Maximum total recoil allowed before we clamp it off. Useful to stop a fully automatic weapon from pushing the camera infinitely high.

In general, you should prefer to use [#damping](#damping "mention") to limit the recoil.