Set theory in osu!

A set (also known as beatmapset) is a collection of beatmaps.

Set theory in osu! relates to how a set as a whole is perceived. When players find your map in song select, how do they feel?

Full spread

A full spread is a set that consists of all difficulties for osu! players. Mappers tend to disagree with what defines a full spread, although common definitions include ENHI, ENHIX, NHI, and NHIX.

Some reasons for ENHIX as the definition of full spread include:

• Since players have gotten better over time, it's nice to have a difficulty above Insane in mapsets
• Due to the unique nature of how Easy difficulties are mapped, a set may not feel complete without one

Solo spread

A solo spread is when all difficulties in the set are made by the mapset host.

Solo spread is ideal when:

• You want players to play your maps and your maps only when they play the set
• You want to use a specific concept across all difficulties of the set

Collab set

A collab set is when part or all of the set is done in collaboration.

Examples of collab sets include:

• When all difficulties are a collab between two mappers
• When the top difficulty of a set is a collab

GD set

A GD set is when all of the difficulties in a set are done by different mappers.

Advantages:

• Mappers that specialize in mapping a certain way can bring unique content to the set
• The mapset host can focus on improving their difficulty instead of making new ones

Mixed set

A mixed set is one that features both GDs and more than one map made by the mapset host.

Some reasons mixed sets occur include:

• The mapset host wants to invite certain mappers to participate in their set
• The mapset host may not be interested in making other difficulties

High diffs only

A mapset that doesn't include an Easy or Normal is said to be high diffs only.

Common high diffs only sets include:

• Longer songs where the mapper wants to create a sense of difficulty

Low diffs only

A mapset that excludes Insane and above is said to be low diffs only.

Common low diffs only sets include:

• Slower songs that don't support complex rhythms

One difficulty

A mapset that consists of no more than one beatmap is said to be one difficulty.

One difficulty sets are ideal when:

• The song is long (e.g. marathon) and making other difficulties would take a while
• You want the player to feel like there's only one difficulty they have to clear