Here are a bunch of maps showcasing how the generation is affected by the loop, branch, and size options

[Arcita]

I wanted to know how the loop and branch customization options interacted with each other, but all the information I could find about the topic were vague descriptions and outdated/deleted photo albums. So I made a bunch of test worlds myself to see what kind of maps generate based on all the possible combinations of loop and branch. I figured others might find this useful so I decided to upload the results on here. 

 

I used the default and huge sizes for each combination to increase the sample size of the tests. When I got a seemingly anomalous result I generated a third world. Every map is zoomed out the maximum distance, so the default maps are the smaller ones (obviously); you can quantify the difference in size between the huge and default maps by counting the squares in the background. 

 

I hope this helps on your quest to find the perfect world to play in.

 

(Out of curiosity, which combination makes for your perfect world? And why is that?)

 

Loop never:

 

Loop default:

 

Loop always:

[Nofuture]

I can never find my entire map...

[porps]

branch most seems to create my ideal maps judging from those pictures... i like to set up right in the centre biome with everything else branching off it.

[Direkappa]

Seems like "Branch most, loop never" is the best to go with. Since you could just build ur base in the middle and be close to everything.

[Mobbstar]

Branch and loop high are definitely appealing to me. I like the idea of not having to walk around for ages just to get form A to B, and loop assures the Lazy Explorer's is not useless outside of themMazirinth. The world's the most compact then too, which doesn't really matter but whatevs.

Oh, and I have hate Huge, too heavy specs-wise and it just spreads out valuable biome-specific resources (lots of rocks, pigmen, bees and the swamp are far away).

[acemurdock]

Ooh neat tests! Yeah, I'm a big fan of building cool forts, so I'm going to go with the branch most, loop never option. XD 

Only downside I see is that if you are trying to run from a giant, the escape path might lead straight through your camp. I had a bearger follow me for a full day, once. 

[Duplo]

Most curious!  Generally I never max out my maps, but it's always fun to admire 'em when they do get maxed.

[Arcita]

Most curious!  Generally I never max out my maps, but it's always fun to admire 'em when they do get maxed.

 

 

I can never find my entire map...

You both don't think I unveiled all of those maps manually, do ya? That would be quite the endeavor!

[TheVoiceInYourHead]

_{i think i like the branch never loop most option}

 

_{i like being safe in the center of everything}

[Direkappa]

_{i think i like the branch never loop most option}

 

_{i like being safe in the center of everything}

 

i think you mean branch most, loop never.

[Akrone]

Seems like "Branch most, loop never" is the best to go with. Since you could just build ur base in the middle and be close to everything.

 

I think the same, I like the easy access to all biomes, you never know what you might need... So the best for me is 'Branch most, Loop never'. Thanks for this post it's very interesting.

[Duplo]

Ha ha, nah, I didn't think you manually did it.  I just was stating it's always rather cool to see them maxed out, although I never do so myself. 

[Abenlen]

I've never played much with the map options, but this post as inspired me to try branch most, loop never.  I must say, I rather like it.  Thanks for posting your research on this this topic.

[cptCalavera]

I just tested this myself a few days ago. But this is more in depth than the few maps I created. Well done! I agree with most others in here. Branch most, loop never is perfect.

[Talavaj]

I personally prefer Loop never, Branch never. Branch most gives me things that are in a relative distance from each other but the area in between is a LOT of useless filler.

Branch/Loop on never almost always gives me Leafy Forest, Marsh, Desert or Tusk camp neighboring each other. (which are IMO by far the most important biomes)