Hi Francesco!
I think that most players would be happy even if the sort order was locked to alphabetical as long as it was consistent. That said, here is my feature wishlist for sorting.
Filters should be selectable in a drop-down style menu in the inventory screen. Storage Boxes and Recycling Stations should have an additional menu to sort storage contents. Perhaps controller users could click the respective thumbsticks to cycle through the lists.
Each tab of inventory and storage should remember its own filter, even between game sessions. This depreciates the need to fret too much over which filter is default.
If two or more items are tied when selecting a new filter, this should be resolved by respecting the previous filter. This allows players to achieve a more granular sort order which better suits them.
The set order of the “Equipped” tab is fine. In fact, static placement of each assignable slot would be nice. (i.e. First primary weapon always appears in the first slot, empty if not equipped. Sidearm always appears in the third slot, empty if not equipped. Etc.) The UI can support 7 inventory slots before scrolling is need and there are 7 assignable item slots.
Every tab should include:
- Alphabetical
-
Chronological (This one is tricky. It might be more practical to add new items to the top of the list as they are acquired after the filter is selected.)
One of these should probably be the default sort order for every tab. This maintains consistency for new players. - Weight
The “All” tab could also include:
- Type (Concatenate every other tab in order.)
- Quality
The “Primary Weapons” tab could also include:
- Type (Shotgun, Rifle, Heavy Weapon, etc.)
- Quality
The “Sidearms” tab could also include:
- Type (Handgun, Melee)
- Quality
The “Ammo” tab could also include:
- Type (HP, FMJ, AP, etc.)
-
Quantity
Note: Caliber of ammo is covered by Alphabetical.
The “Equipment” tab could also include:
- Type (Explosive, Distraction, Healing, etc.)
- Quantity
The “Attachments” tab could also include:
- Type (Barrel, Magazine, Scope, etc.)
- Quality
The “Resources” tab could also include:
- Quantity
On a tangent, it could also be nice to filter clothing by the type of bonus that it grants. Those extra percentage points of gas resistance or jump boost can come in handy once in a while!
I hope this feedback is useful and I look forward to seeing your implementation!