Game Modes

These are for different game types. If you are looking for the differences in play modes, go here: Play Modes

StepMania supports multiple game modes:

Dance
Your regular 4key game mode, used for simulating Dance Dance Revolution.

This mode uses SM, SSC, or DWI chart files.

Pump
Your regular 5key game mode, used for simulating Pump It Up. Four arrows are pointed diagonally, with an additional 5th step in the center.

This mode uses the same chart files as dance.

kb7
For simulating DJMax or O2Jam 7keys mode.

There are 7 circular buttons that you press, three on each side and one in the middle.

kickbox
???

lights
Used for testing the lights of a StepMania cabinet, or how you want your simfile to control the lights. It's not playable.

para
Para Para Paradise game mode, 5key.

beat
Simulates Beatmania or Beatmania IIDX, with 5+1key, 7+1key, or doubles for each. Most songs are keysounded.

This mode uses BMS chart files for songs.

Popn
Simulates Pop'n Music. 5key or 9key game mode. Some songs are keysounded.

This mode uses PMS chart files for songs.

Techno
TechnoMotion. 4key, 5key, 8key, 8(double), 10(double), and 16(double) is supported.

ds3ddx
Dance Station 3DDX, 4key + 4hand...

karaoke
nonfunctional karaoke gamemode.

Maniax
DanceManiax, 4 and 8key

horizon
Simulates Rhythm Horizon. Will be added in a future release. 9key and 18(double) supported