Bridging from Version 3 to Version 4

.ḈḁṇṇḁḇḭṦḼ™ Version 4 introduced breedable special FX into the mix, along with a bunch of other cool features like color-coded banners and bulk updating from the HUD. However, to make these things work, we had to change some of the things that happen during the harvesting process. For this reason, you shouldn't directly update a Version 2 or 3 plant using the Version 4 ḈḁṇṇḁḇḭṦḼ™ Update Transmogrifier (CSLUT).

The Bridge CSLUT is red instead of black.

Instead, you need to use the ḈḁṇṇḁḇḭṦḼ™ Bridge Transmogrifier first, in a process that takes two generations (sometimes three, if your want to be extra careful). It's not much different from  a regular update; it just takes a little longer.

First, determine the version of the female plant you want to use as the "mother" (or "grandmother") for your updated breeding line. Just click "Stats" in the plant menu. The version number will show up near the end of the stats listing in chat.

Obviously, if the plant is Version 4 or higher, you can just go ahead and use the latest Version 4 CSLUT. (At the time of this writing, the latest version is 4.19.903b.) There's no need to bridge for those.

The Bridge Process

The purpose of the ḈḁṇṇḁḇḭṦḼ™ Bridge Transmogrifier is to insert a special purpose ovule into your older plants. This will give the offspring the ability to receive its genetic information from its older version mom during the harvesting process, while setting up the offspring plant to work as a Version 4 for future harvesting.

Since the overall process requires at least two harvestings, "bridging" a plant isn't something you can do the day of an auction. You need to plan your work strategically! And while the Bridge will work on any Version 2 or 3 plant, we strongly suggest that you update your plants to Version 3.03 (and have that version showing in stats) before proceeding.

1. Update your mother plant(s) using the ḈḁṇṇḁḇḭṦḼ™ Bridge Transmogrifier. This works like a regular update. Be sure that all other CSLUTs that you own are turned off. (CSLUTs are owner specific and work for the entire region.) Click the Bridge CSLUT to activate it -- the base will turn green as an indicator -- and then use the plant's Advanced menu and click "Update."
2. Verify the update by right-clicking the plant and selecting "Edit." Navigate to the Contents tab, select the ovule inside the plant, right-click and view its Properties. In the description of the ovule, you should see 3.03->4.19.5. This indicates that your mother plant has been "bridged."
3. Harvest your mother plant as usual. The offspring plant's stats will show 4.19.5 as its version. But inspecting the ovule will show that it still has the "bridge" version (3.03->4.19.5).
4. Update the offspring plants with the latest version CSLUT (currently 4.19.902). Once updated, they will show Version 4.19.5 in Stats and the ovule will be Version 4.19.902.
5. Harvest your offspring plants, and their offspring will be full Version 4.19.902!

Your new "bridged" plants will have all the latest functionality, including color-coded banner text, the expanded HUD (with Bulk Updating!), and compatibility during breeding with FX!


Be a Smart Buyer & Seller

As a closing note, learn to inspect those ovules! If you see a plant that displays a Version 2 or 3 number in stats but has a Version 4 ovule (other than the 3.03->4.19.5 "bridge"), there's no reason to panic. Just get a ḈḁṇṇḁḇḭṦḼ™ Bridge Transmogrifier and start the bridging process! That's right, you can "back up" if you need to!

Of course, as a seller, offering properly bridged plants will give you street creds and boost your reputation. Do it, and do it right!