Enhancing User Experience in Torn: From Free Scripts to Paid Solutions
Introduction
In the world of online gaming, user experience is paramount. As a developer, I’m always on the lookout for ways to improve and streamline interactions within these complex environments. One such game that has provided a perfect playground for innovation is Torn, a text-based MMORPG with deep mechanics and a passionate player base.
Over time, I’ve built several tools—some public and free (scripts and gsheet), others custom and private—to enhance how players interact with Torn. These scripts address common pain points like communication delays, time zone confusion, and inefficient market browsing. While three of my scripts are available for everyone, 13 others were commissioned and sold as exclusive tools, crafted for specific use cases and limited in distribution.
In this article, I’ll walk you through a few highlights from both categories, showcasing how thoughtful scripting can transform the in-game experience.
Streamlining Communication with TornBuddy
What is TornBuddy?
TornBuddy makes it possible to favorite contacts for one-click messaging—no more searching through long chat logs or risking errors when time is of the essence. TornBuddy brings speed and ease to your everyday interactions.
💬 "Fantastic little script. Does exactly what it says on the tin and makes life easier when you're using the messaging system all day everyday. Wonderful job, beautifully executed, can't wait for more from you!" — Kaejiu
This tool illustrates how even the simplest UX improvements can have a big impact.
Before and After
- Before: Navigating to messages, searching for the right name, typing manually
- After: Click, type, send. That’s it.
📎 View the code, pictures and more info on Greasy Fork
Managing Global Coordination with TimeZoneTracker
The challenge
In Torn, everything operates in UTC+0, which can be disorienting for players around the globe. Enter TimeZoneTracker: a tool that lets players add custom time zones with nicknames, so they can easily see when their friends or faction members are online.
Whether you're planning a heist or syncing a chain, this tool removes the guesswork.
Key Benefits
- Personalized zone labels (e.g., "James 🇨🇦", "Team AUS")
- Multiple zones tracked simultaneously
- Updated UI to blend naturally into Torn’s interface
📎 View the code, pictures and more info on Greasy Fork
A Global Workflow for a Global Game
One of the most unique aspects of working on Torn tools is the truly international nature of the workflow. The players who use my scripts come from all around the world—from Afghanistan to Canada—and the development process often spans multiple time zones and cultures.
To streamline this, I work with a sales assistant based in Australia, who communicates with clients directly in English, acting as a bridge between myself and the end users. Whether I’m coding late at night in one part of the world or debugging early in the morning, someone is always awake to move the project forward.
RankedUps: A Client-Requested Plugin
A Client-Centric Creation
RankedUps was commissioned by a player interested in ranked war preparation. The challenge? Create a tool to scan Torn’s bazaar, filter and organize ranked items, and present the data in an accessible way.
What made this request unique was the communication flow: the client (based in West Asia) spoke through my Australian sales assistant, who translated the player’s needs into clear specifications. Despite cultural and time zone differences, we were able to deliver a solution that was fast, powerful, and user-friendly.
(this script hasn't been released publicly yet because the person who paid for the advanced version wasn't feeling it)
Core Features
- Real-time bazaar scraping by intercepting HTTP requests
- Grid layout with color-coded weapon and armor stats
- Sorting algorithm prioritizing critical gear
- Price formatting (1.5B, 900M, etc.)
- Show/hide toggle and copy to clipboard for easy sharing
Before and After
- Before: Scrolling endlessly through bazaar listings
- After: Instantly view ranked war-ready gear, sorted and color-coded
📎 View the code, pictures and more info on Greasy Fork
Note: This version is a simplified base and does not include the full client-specific features.
FastRevive: Automating the Grind Without Losing Control
The Problem
Reviving in Torn can become repetitive and slow—especially when clicking multiple times through different success chances or Early Discharge statuses.
The Script
FastRevive was designed to automate revive clicks and allow players to set a custom revive threshold. If a target has less than the defined chance, the script skips them—smart, fast, and focused.
Before and After
- Before: Required the client to concentrate when clicking buttons across the window while he already knew the end result
- After: In one click, the script handles the rest, allowing the player to focus on other tasks
📎 View the code, pictures and more info on Greasy Fork
Conclusion
From public tools like TornBuddy and TimeZoneTracker to exclusive commissions like RankedUps, each script I’ve built reflects a deep commitment to improving the Torn experience—whether that means faster messaging, smarter planning, or better market insights.
By combining user-centric design with technical efficiency, I’ve been able to deliver 13 paid scripts and several public tools that make Torn more enjoyable and intuitive. And thanks to a truly global workflow, I’ve been able to collaborate with players from all corners of the world, creating personalized solutions that go far beyond a one-size-fits-all approach.