Progression curves: linear, exponential and the space between

Cost curves define how long each step of progression takes. Get them wrong and you either flood players with power or wall them out.

Think in time, not numbers

Convert every cost into expected days of play per segment. That's the number designers and players actually feel.

Use piecewise curves

Gentle early slopes for onboarding, steeper mid-game where monetization lives, and a softer late-game cap to keep veterans from churning.