diff --git a/COMPILING.md b/COMPILING.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..bfcbf6bc2c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/COMPILING.md
@@ -0,0 +1,36 @@
+# Linux
+### 1. Requirements:
+Mono >= 5.4.0 (>= 5.8.0 recommended)
+Please check [here](http://www.mono-project.com/download/) for stable or [here](http://www.mono-project.com/download/alpha/) for an alpha release.  
+NuGet >= 4.4.0  
+msbuild  
+git
+
+### 2. Cloning project
+Clone the entire repository with submodules using
+```
+git clone https://github.com/ppy/osu --recursive
+```
+Then restore NuGet packages from the repository
+```
+nuget restore
+```
+### 3. Compiling
+Simply run `msbuild` where `osu.sln` is located, this will create all binaries in `osu/osu.Desktop/bin/Debug`.
+### 4. Optimizing
+If you want additional performance you can change build type to Release with
+```
+msbuild -p:Configuration=Release
+```
+Additionally, mono provides an AOT utility which attempts to precompile binaries. You can utilize that by running
+```
+mono --aot ./osu\!.exe
+```
+### 5. Troubleshooting
+You may run into trouble with NuGet versioning, as the one in packaging system is almost always out of date. Simply run 
+```
+nuget
+sudo nuget update -self
+```
+**Warning** NuGet creates few config files when it's run for the first time.
+Do not run NuGet as root on the first run or you might run into very peculiar issues.
diff --git a/osu-framework b/osu-framework
index 2438afea86..0c48da1d49 160000
--- a/osu-framework
+++ b/osu-framework
@@ -1 +1 @@
-Subproject commit 2438afea86d0ce1f91b1b2f01bca1cf8afdd4659
+Subproject commit 0c48da1d49f470d56aeab9b15651ce0a4f5ac261
diff --git a/osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu/Mods/OsuMod.cs b/osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu/Mods/OsuMod.cs
index 71349285b3..7b1f80f439 100644
--- a/osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu/Mods/OsuMod.cs
+++ b/osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu/Mods/OsuMod.cs
@@ -11,8 +11,11 @@ using System.Collections.Generic;
 using System.Linq;
 using osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.UI;
 using osu.Game.Rulesets.Scoring;
-using osu.Game.Rulesets.UI;
 using OpenTK;
+using osu.Game.Rulesets.Objects.Drawables;
+using osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.Objects.Drawables;
+using osu.Framework.Graphics;
+using osu.Game.Rulesets.Objects.Types;
 
 namespace osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.Mods
 {
@@ -23,13 +26,86 @@ namespace osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.Mods
 
     public class OsuModEasy : ModEasy
     {
-
     }
 
-    public class OsuModHidden : ModHidden
+    public class OsuModHidden : ModHidden, IApplicableToDrawableHitObjects
     {
         public override string Description => @"Play with no approach circles and fading notes for a slight score advantage.";
         public override double ScoreMultiplier => 1.06;
+
+        private const double fade_in_duration_multiplier = 0.4;
+        private const double fade_out_duration_multiplier = 0.3;
+
+        private float preEmpt => DrawableOsuHitObject.TIME_PREEMPT;
+
+        public void ApplyToDrawableHitObjects(IEnumerable<DrawableHitObject> drawables)
+        {
+            foreach (var d in drawables.OfType<DrawableOsuHitObject>())
+            {
+                d.ApplyCustomUpdateState += ApplyHiddenState;
+                d.FadeInDuration = preEmpt * fade_in_duration_multiplier;
+            }
+        }
+
+        protected void ApplyHiddenState(DrawableHitObject drawable, ArmedState state)
+        {
+            if (!(drawable is DrawableOsuHitObject d))
+                return;
+
+            var fadeOutStartTime = d.HitObject.StartTime - preEmpt + d.FadeInDuration;
+            var fadeOutDuration = preEmpt * fade_out_duration_multiplier;
+
+            // new duration from completed fade in to end (before fading out)
+            var longFadeDuration = ((d.HitObject as IHasEndTime)?.EndTime ?? d.HitObject.StartTime) - fadeOutStartTime;
+
+            switch (drawable)
+            {
+                case DrawableHitCircle circle:
+                    // we don't want to see the approach circle
+                    circle.ApproachCircle.Hide();
+
+                    // fade out immediately after fade in.
+                    using (drawable.BeginAbsoluteSequence(fadeOutStartTime, true))
+                        circle.FadeOut(fadeOutDuration);
+                    break;
+                case DrawableSlider slider:
+                    using (slider.BeginAbsoluteSequence(fadeOutStartTime, true))
+                    {
+                        slider.Body.FadeOut(longFadeDuration, Easing.Out);
+
+                        // delay a bit less to let the sliderball fade out peacefully instead of having a hard cut
+                        using (slider.BeginDelayedSequence(longFadeDuration - fadeOutDuration, true))
+                            slider.Ball.FadeOut(fadeOutDuration);
+                    }
+
+                    break;
+                case DrawableSpinner spinner:
+                    // hide elements we don't care about.
+                    spinner.Disc.Hide();
+                    spinner.Ticks.Hide();
+                    spinner.Background.Hide();
+
+                    using (spinner.BeginAbsoluteSequence(fadeOutStartTime + longFadeDuration, true))
+                    {
+                        spinner.FadeOut(fadeOutDuration);
+
+                        // speed up the end sequence accordingly
+                        switch (state)
+                        {
+                            case ArmedState.Hit:
+                                spinner.ScaleTo(spinner.Scale * 1.2f, fadeOutDuration * 2, Easing.Out);
+                                break;
+                            case ArmedState.Miss:
+                                spinner.ScaleTo(spinner.Scale * 0.8f, fadeOutDuration * 2, Easing.In);
+                                break;
+                        }
+
+                        spinner.Expire();
+                    }
+
+                    break;
+            }
+        }
     }
 
     public class OsuModHardRock : ModHardRock, IApplicableToHitObject<OsuHitObject>
@@ -51,11 +127,6 @@ namespace osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.Mods
             slider.ControlPoints = newControlPoints;
             slider.Curve?.Calculate(); // Recalculate the slider curve
         }
-
-        public void ApplyToHitObjects(RulesetContainer<OsuHitObject> rulesetContainer)
-        {
-
-        }
     }
 
     public class OsuModSuddenDeath : ModSuddenDeath
@@ -96,7 +167,6 @@ namespace osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.Mods
 
     public class OsuModPerfect : ModPerfect
     {
-
     }
 
     public class OsuModSpunOut : Mod
diff --git a/osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu/Objects/Drawables/DrawableHitCircle.cs b/osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu/Objects/Drawables/DrawableHitCircle.cs
index a973d2b580..7bdb6d04b6 100644
--- a/osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu/Objects/Drawables/DrawableHitCircle.cs
+++ b/osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu/Objects/Drawables/DrawableHitCircle.cs
@@ -6,7 +6,6 @@ using osu.Framework.Graphics;
 using osu.Game.Rulesets.Objects.Drawables;
 using osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.Objects.Drawables.Pieces;
 using OpenTK;
-using osu.Game.Rulesets.Objects.Types;
 using osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.Judgements;
 
 namespace osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.Objects.Drawables
@@ -21,7 +20,7 @@ namespace osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.Objects.Drawables
         private readonly NumberPiece number;
         private readonly GlowPiece glow;
 
-        public DrawableHitCircle(OsuHitObject h) : base(h)
+        public DrawableHitCircle(HitCircle h) : base(h)
         {
             Origin = Anchor.Centre;
 
@@ -48,7 +47,7 @@ namespace osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.Objects.Drawables
                 },
                 number = new NumberPiece
                 {
-                    Text = h is Spinner ? "S" : (HitObject.ComboIndex + 1).ToString(),
+                    Text = (HitObject.ComboIndex + 1).ToString(),
                 },
                 ring = new RingPiece(),
                 flash = new FlashPiece(),
@@ -88,25 +87,27 @@ namespace osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.Objects.Drawables
         {
             base.UpdatePreemptState();
 
-            ApproachCircle.FadeIn(Math.Min(TIME_FADEIN * 2, TIME_PREEMPT));
+            ApproachCircle.FadeIn(Math.Min(FadeInDuration * 2, TIME_PREEMPT));
             ApproachCircle.ScaleTo(1.1f, TIME_PREEMPT);
         }
 
         protected override void UpdateCurrentState(ArmedState state)
         {
-            double duration = ((HitObject as IHasEndTime)?.EndTime ?? HitObject.StartTime) - HitObject.StartTime;
-
-            glow.Delay(duration).FadeOut(400);
+            glow.FadeOut(400);
 
             switch (state)
             {
                 case ArmedState.Idle:
-                    this.Delay(duration + TIME_PREEMPT).FadeOut(TIME_FADEOUT);
+                    this.Delay(TIME_PREEMPT).FadeOut(500);
+
                     Expire(true);
+
+                    // override lifetime end as FadeIn may have been changed externally, causing out expiration to be too early.
+                    LifetimeEnd = HitObject.StartTime + HitObject.HitWindowFor(HitResult.Miss);
                     break;
                 case ArmedState.Miss:
                     ApproachCircle.FadeOut(50);
-                    this.FadeOut(TIME_FADEOUT / 5);
+                    this.FadeOut(100);
                     Expire();
                     break;
                 case ArmedState.Hit:
diff --git a/osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu/Objects/Drawables/DrawableOsuHitObject.cs b/osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu/Objects/Drawables/DrawableOsuHitObject.cs
index 3e0c23a1ab..f5f0300ae1 100644
--- a/osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu/Objects/Drawables/DrawableOsuHitObject.cs
+++ b/osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu/Objects/Drawables/DrawableOsuHitObject.cs
@@ -12,7 +12,13 @@ namespace osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.Objects.Drawables
     {
         public const float TIME_PREEMPT = 600;
         public const float TIME_FADEIN = 400;
-        public const float TIME_FADEOUT = 500;
+
+        /// <summary>
+        /// The number of milliseconds used to fade in.
+        /// </summary>
+        public virtual double FadeInDuration { get; set; } = TIME_FADEIN;
+
+        public override bool IsPresent => base.IsPresent || State.Value == ArmedState.Idle && Time.Current >= HitObject.StartTime - TIME_PREEMPT;
 
         protected DrawableOsuHitObject(OsuHitObject hitObject)
             : base(hitObject)
@@ -37,10 +43,7 @@ namespace osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.Objects.Drawables
             }
         }
 
-        protected virtual void UpdatePreemptState()
-        {
-            this.FadeIn(TIME_FADEIN);
-        }
+        protected virtual void UpdatePreemptState() => this.FadeIn(FadeInDuration);
 
         protected virtual void UpdateCurrentState(ArmedState state)
         {
diff --git a/osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu/Objects/Drawables/DrawableSlider.cs b/osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu/Objects/Drawables/DrawableSlider.cs
index 41d5ef1b02..022bedf1fd 100644
--- a/osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu/Objects/Drawables/DrawableSlider.cs
+++ b/osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu/Objects/Drawables/DrawableSlider.cs
@@ -17,23 +17,24 @@ namespace osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.Objects.Drawables
     {
         private readonly Slider slider;
 
-        private readonly DrawableHitCircle initialCircle;
+        public readonly DrawableHitCircle InitialCircle;
 
         private readonly List<ISliderProgress> components = new List<ISliderProgress>();
 
         private readonly Container<DrawableSliderTick> ticks;
         private readonly Container<DrawableRepeatPoint> repeatPoints;
 
-        private readonly SliderBody body;
-        private readonly SliderBall ball;
+        public readonly SliderBody Body;
+        public readonly SliderBall Ball;
 
-        public DrawableSlider(Slider s) : base(s)
+        public DrawableSlider(Slider s)
+            : base(s)
         {
             slider = s;
 
             Children = new Drawable[]
             {
-                body = new SliderBody(s)
+                Body = new SliderBody(s)
                 {
                     AccentColour = AccentColour,
                     Position = s.StackedPosition,
@@ -41,16 +42,15 @@ namespace osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.Objects.Drawables
                 },
                 ticks = new Container<DrawableSliderTick>(),
                 repeatPoints = new Container<DrawableRepeatPoint>(),
-                ball = new SliderBall(s)
+                Ball = new SliderBall(s)
                 {
                     Scale = new Vector2(s.Scale),
                     AccentColour = AccentColour,
                     AlwaysPresent = true,
                     Alpha = 0
                 },
-                initialCircle = new DrawableHitCircle(new HitCircle
+                InitialCircle = new DrawableHitCircle(new HitCircle
                 {
-                    //todo: avoid creating this temporary HitCircle.
                     StartTime = s.StartTime,
                     Position = s.StackedPosition,
                     ComboIndex = s.ComboIndex,
@@ -61,16 +61,16 @@ namespace osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.Objects.Drawables
                 })
             };
 
-            components.Add(body);
-            components.Add(ball);
+            components.Add(Body);
+            components.Add(Ball);
 
-            AddNested(initialCircle);
+            AddNested(InitialCircle);
 
             var repeatDuration = s.Curve.Distance / s.Velocity;
             foreach (var tick in s.NestedHitObjects.OfType<SliderTick>())
             {
                 var repeatStartTime = s.StartTime + tick.RepeatIndex * repeatDuration;
-                var fadeInTime = repeatStartTime + (tick.StartTime - repeatStartTime) / 2 - (tick.RepeatIndex == 0 ? TIME_FADEIN : TIME_FADEIN / 2);
+                var fadeInTime = repeatStartTime + (tick.StartTime - repeatStartTime) / 2 - (tick.RepeatIndex == 0 ? FadeInDuration : FadeInDuration / 2);
                 var fadeOutTime = repeatStartTime + repeatDuration;
 
                 var drawableTick = new DrawableSliderTick(tick)
@@ -87,7 +87,7 @@ namespace osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.Objects.Drawables
             foreach (var repeatPoint in s.NestedHitObjects.OfType<RepeatPoint>())
             {
                 var repeatStartTime = s.StartTime + repeatPoint.RepeatIndex * repeatDuration;
-                var fadeInTime = repeatStartTime + (repeatPoint.StartTime - repeatStartTime) / 2 - (repeatPoint.RepeatIndex == 0 ? TIME_FADEIN : TIME_FADEIN / 2);
+                var fadeInTime = repeatStartTime + (repeatPoint.StartTime - repeatStartTime) / 2 - (repeatPoint.RepeatIndex == 0 ? FadeInDuration : FadeInDuration / 2);
                 var fadeOutTime = repeatStartTime + repeatDuration;
 
                 var drawableRepeatPoint = new DrawableRepeatPoint(repeatPoint, this)
@@ -105,11 +105,17 @@ namespace osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.Objects.Drawables
         private int currentRepeat;
         public bool Tracking;
 
+        public override double FadeInDuration
+        {
+            get { return base.FadeInDuration; }
+            set { InitialCircle.FadeInDuration = base.FadeInDuration = value; }
+        }
+
         protected override void Update()
         {
             base.Update();
 
-            Tracking = ball.Tracking;
+            Tracking = Ball.Tracking;
 
             double progress = MathHelper.Clamp((Time.Current - slider.StartTime) / slider.Duration, 0, 1);
 
@@ -120,11 +126,11 @@ namespace osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.Objects.Drawables
                 currentRepeat = repeat;
 
             //todo: we probably want to reconsider this before adding scoring, but it looks and feels nice.
-            if (!initialCircle.Judgements.Any(j => j.IsHit))
-                initialCircle.Position = slider.Curve.PositionAt(progress);
+            if (!InitialCircle.Judgements.Any(j => j.IsHit))
+                InitialCircle.Position = slider.Curve.PositionAt(progress);
 
             foreach (var c in components) c.UpdateProgress(progress, repeat);
-            foreach (var t in ticks.Children) t.Tracking = ball.Tracking;
+            foreach (var t in ticks.Children) t.Tracking = Ball.Tracking;
         }
 
         protected override void CheckForJudgements(bool userTriggered, double timeOffset)
@@ -133,13 +139,13 @@ namespace osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.Objects.Drawables
             {
                 var judgementsCount = ticks.Children.Count + repeatPoints.Children.Count + 1;
                 var judgementsHit = ticks.Children.Count(t => t.Judgements.Any(j => j.IsHit)) + repeatPoints.Children.Count(t => t.Judgements.Any(j => j.IsHit));
-                if (initialCircle.Judgements.Any(j => j.IsHit))
+                if (InitialCircle.Judgements.Any(j => j.IsHit))
                     judgementsHit++;
 
                 var hitFraction = (double)judgementsHit / judgementsCount;
-                if (hitFraction == 1 && initialCircle.Judgements.Any(j => j.Result == HitResult.Great))
+                if (hitFraction == 1 && InitialCircle.Judgements.Any(j => j.Result == HitResult.Great))
                     AddJudgement(new OsuJudgement { Result = HitResult.Great });
-                else if (hitFraction >= 0.5 && initialCircle.Judgements.Any(j => j.Result >= HitResult.Good))
+                else if (hitFraction >= 0.5 && InitialCircle.Judgements.Any(j => j.Result >= HitResult.Good))
                     AddJudgement(new OsuJudgement { Result = HitResult.Good });
                 else if (hitFraction > 0)
                     AddJudgement(new OsuJudgement { Result = HitResult.Meh });
@@ -150,21 +156,21 @@ namespace osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.Objects.Drawables
 
         protected override void UpdateCurrentState(ArmedState state)
         {
-            ball.FadeIn();
+            Ball.FadeIn();
 
             using (BeginDelayedSequence(slider.Duration, true))
             {
-                body.FadeOut(160);
-                ball.FadeOut(160);
+                Body.FadeOut(160);
+                Ball.FadeOut(160);
 
                 this.FadeOut(800)
                     .Expire();
             }
         }
 
-        public Drawable ProxiedLayer => initialCircle.ApproachCircle;
+        public Drawable ProxiedLayer => InitialCircle.ApproachCircle;
 
-        public override Vector2 SelectionPoint => ToScreenSpace(body.Position);
-        public override Quad SelectionQuad => body.PathDrawQuad;
+        public override Vector2 SelectionPoint => ToScreenSpace(Body.Position);
+        public override Quad SelectionQuad => Body.PathDrawQuad;
     }
 }
diff --git a/osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu/Objects/Drawables/DrawableSpinner.cs b/osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu/Objects/Drawables/DrawableSpinner.cs
index 054a2067ec..30c9fb13d0 100644
--- a/osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu/Objects/Drawables/DrawableSpinner.cs
+++ b/osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu/Objects/Drawables/DrawableSpinner.cs
@@ -20,13 +20,13 @@ namespace osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.Objects.Drawables
     {
         private readonly Spinner spinner;
 
-        private readonly SpinnerDisc disc;
-        private readonly SpinnerTicks ticks;
+        public readonly SpinnerDisc Disc;
+        public readonly SpinnerTicks Ticks;
         private readonly SpinnerSpmCounter spmCounter;
 
         private readonly Container mainContainer;
 
-        private readonly SpinnerBackground background;
+        public readonly SpinnerBackground Background;
         private readonly Container circleContainer;
         private readonly CirclePiece circle;
         private readonly GlowPiece glow;
@@ -84,20 +84,20 @@ namespace osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.Objects.Drawables
                     RelativeSizeAxes = Axes.Y,
                     Children = new Drawable[]
                     {
-                        background = new SpinnerBackground
+                        Background = new SpinnerBackground
                         {
                             Alpha = 0.6f,
                             Anchor = Anchor.Centre,
                             Origin = Anchor.Centre,
                         },
-                        disc = new SpinnerDisc(spinner)
+                        Disc = new SpinnerDisc(spinner)
                         {
                             Scale = Vector2.Zero,
                             Anchor = Anchor.Centre,
                             Origin = Anchor.Centre,
                         },
                         circleContainer.CreateProxy(),
-                        ticks = new SpinnerTicks
+                        Ticks = new SpinnerTicks
                         {
                             Anchor = Anchor.Centre,
                             Origin = Anchor.Centre,
@@ -114,22 +114,22 @@ namespace osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.Objects.Drawables
             };
         }
 
-        public float Progress => MathHelper.Clamp(disc.RotationAbsolute / 360 / spinner.SpinsRequired, 0, 1);
+        public float Progress => MathHelper.Clamp(Disc.RotationAbsolute / 360 / spinner.SpinsRequired, 0, 1);
 
         protected override void CheckForJudgements(bool userTriggered, double timeOffset)
         {
             if (Time.Current < HitObject.StartTime) return;
 
-            if (Progress >= 1 && !disc.Complete)
+            if (Progress >= 1 && !Disc.Complete)
             {
-                disc.Complete = true;
+                Disc.Complete = true;
 
                 const float duration = 200;
 
-                disc.FadeAccent(completeColour, duration);
+                Disc.FadeAccent(completeColour, duration);
 
-                background.FadeAccent(completeColour, duration);
-                background.FadeOut(duration);
+                Background.FadeAccent(completeColour, duration);
+                Background.FadeOut(duration);
 
                 circle.FadeColour(completeColour, duration);
                 glow.FadeColour(completeColour, duration);
@@ -153,20 +153,20 @@ namespace osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.Objects.Drawables
         {
             normalColour = baseColour;
 
-            background.AccentColour = normalColour;
+            Background.AccentColour = normalColour;
 
             completeColour = colours.YellowLight.Opacity(0.75f);
 
-            disc.AccentColour = fillColour;
+            Disc.AccentColour = fillColour;
             circle.Colour = colours.BlueDark;
             glow.Colour = colours.BlueDark;
         }
 
         protected override void Update()
         {
-            disc.Tracking = OsuActionInputManager.PressedActions.Any(x => x == OsuAction.LeftButton || x == OsuAction.RightButton);
-            if (!spmCounter.IsPresent && disc.Tracking)
-                spmCounter.FadeIn(TIME_FADEIN);
+            Disc.Tracking = OsuActionInputManager.PressedActions.Any(x => x == OsuAction.LeftButton || x == OsuAction.RightButton);
+            if (!spmCounter.IsPresent && Disc.Tracking)
+                spmCounter.FadeIn(FadeInDuration);
 
             base.Update();
         }
@@ -175,14 +175,14 @@ namespace osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.Objects.Drawables
         {
             base.UpdateAfterChildren();
 
-            circle.Rotation = disc.Rotation;
-            ticks.Rotation = disc.Rotation;
-            spmCounter.SetRotation(disc.RotationAbsolute);
+            circle.Rotation = Disc.Rotation;
+            Ticks.Rotation = Disc.Rotation;
+            spmCounter.SetRotation(Disc.RotationAbsolute);
 
             float relativeCircleScale = spinner.Scale * circle.DrawHeight / mainContainer.DrawHeight;
-            disc.ScaleTo(relativeCircleScale + (1 - relativeCircleScale) * Progress, 200, Easing.OutQuint);
+            Disc.ScaleTo(relativeCircleScale + (1 - relativeCircleScale) * Progress, 200, Easing.OutQuint);
 
-            symbol.RotateTo(disc.Rotation / 2, 500, Easing.OutQuint);
+            symbol.RotateTo(Disc.Rotation / 2, 500, Easing.OutQuint);
         }
 
         protected override void UpdatePreemptState()
@@ -192,7 +192,7 @@ namespace osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.Objects.Drawables
             circleContainer.ScaleTo(spinner.Scale * 0.3f);
             circleContainer.ScaleTo(spinner.Scale, TIME_PREEMPT / 1.4f, Easing.OutQuint);
 
-            disc.RotateTo(-720);
+            Disc.RotateTo(-720);
             symbol.RotateTo(-720);
 
             mainContainer
diff --git a/osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu/Objects/Drawables/Pieces/SpinnerDisc.cs b/osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu/Objects/Drawables/Pieces/SpinnerDisc.cs
index ca75a61738..9f54ce3fa3 100644
--- a/osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu/Objects/Drawables/Pieces/SpinnerDisc.cs
+++ b/osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu/Objects/Drawables/Pieces/SpinnerDisc.cs
@@ -26,6 +26,8 @@ namespace osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.Objects.Drawables.Pieces
         private const float idle_alpha = 0.2f;
         private const float tracking_alpha = 0.4f;
 
+        public override bool IsPresent => true; // handle input when hidden
+
         public SpinnerDisc(Spinner s)
         {
             spinner = s;
diff --git a/osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu/Tests/TestCaseHitCircle.cs b/osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu/Tests/TestCaseHitCircle.cs
index ef0bffa14e..cdce19ad21 100644
--- a/osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu/Tests/TestCaseHitCircle.cs
+++ b/osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu/Tests/TestCaseHitCircle.cs
@@ -11,60 +11,106 @@ using osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.Objects;
 using osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.Objects.Drawables;
 using osu.Game.Tests.Visual;
 using OpenTK;
+using osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.Mods;
+using OpenTK.Graphics;
+using osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.Judgements;
+using System.Collections.Generic;
+using System;
 
 namespace osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.Tests
 {
     [Ignore("getting CI working")]
     public class TestCaseHitCircle : OsuTestCase
     {
+        public override IReadOnlyList<Type> RequiredTypes => new[]
+        {
+            typeof(HitCircle),
+            typeof(OsuModHidden),
+            typeof(DrawableHitCircle)
+        };
+
         private readonly Container content;
         protected override Container<Drawable> Content => content;
 
         private bool auto;
+        private bool hidden;
         private int depthIndex;
+        private int circleSize;
+        private float circleScale = 1;
 
         public TestCaseHitCircle()
         {
             base.Content.Add(content = new OsuInputManager(new RulesetInfo { ID = 0 }));
 
-            AddStep("Single", () => addSingle());
-            AddStep("Stream", addStream);
+            AddStep("Single", () => testSingle());
+            AddStep("Stream", testStream);
             AddToggleStep("Auto", v => auto = v);
+            AddToggleStep("Hidden", v => hidden = v);
+            AddSliderStep("CircleSize", 0, 10, 0, s => circleSize = s);
+            AddSliderStep("CircleScale", 0.5f, 2, 1, s => circleScale = s);
         }
 
-        private void addSingle(double timeOffset = 0, Vector2? positionOffset = null)
+        private void testSingle(double timeOffset = 0, Vector2? positionOffset = null)
         {
             positionOffset = positionOffset ?? Vector2.Zero;
 
             var circle = new HitCircle
             {
                 StartTime = Time.Current + 1000 + timeOffset,
-                Position = positionOffset.Value
+                Position = positionOffset.Value,
+                ComboColour = Color4.LightSeaGreen
             };
 
-            circle.ApplyDefaults(new ControlPointInfo(), new BeatmapDifficulty { CircleSize = 0 });
+            circle.ApplyDefaults(new ControlPointInfo(), new BeatmapDifficulty { CircleSize = circleSize });
 
-            var drawable = new DrawableHitCircle(circle)
+            var drawable = new TestDrawableHitCircle(circle, auto)
             {
                 Anchor = Anchor.Centre,
+                Scale = new Vector2(circleScale),
                 Depth = depthIndex++
             };
 
             if (auto)
                 drawable.State.Value = ArmedState.Hit;
 
+            if (hidden)
+                new OsuModHidden().ApplyToDrawableHitObjects(new [] { drawable });
+
             Add(drawable);
         }
 
-        private void addStream()
+        private void testStream()
         {
             Vector2 pos = Vector2.Zero;
 
             for (int i = 0; i <= 1000; i += 100)
             {
-                addSingle(i, pos);
+                testSingle(i, pos);
                 pos += new Vector2(10);
             }
         }
+
+        private class TestDrawableHitCircle : DrawableHitCircle
+        {
+            private readonly bool auto;
+
+            public TestDrawableHitCircle(HitCircle h, bool auto) : base(h)
+            {
+                this.auto = auto;
+            }
+
+            protected override void CheckForJudgements(bool userTriggered, double timeOffset)
+            {
+                if (auto && !userTriggered && timeOffset > 0)
+                {
+                    // pretend we really hit it
+                    AddJudgement(new OsuJudgement
+                    {
+                        Result = HitObject.ScoreResultForOffset(timeOffset)
+                    });
+                }
+                base.CheckForJudgements(userTriggered, timeOffset);
+            }
+        }
     }
 }
diff --git a/osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu/Tests/TestCaseSlider.cs b/osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu/Tests/TestCaseSlider.cs
index 7ce9c35bd5..5b6b357351 100644
--- a/osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu/Tests/TestCaseSlider.cs
+++ b/osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu/Tests/TestCaseSlider.cs
@@ -13,37 +13,52 @@ using osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.Objects;
 using osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.Objects.Drawables;
 using osu.Game.Tests.Visual;
 using OpenTK;
+using osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.Mods;
+using OpenTK.Graphics;
 
 namespace osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.Tests
 {
     [Ignore("getting CI working")]
     public class TestCaseSlider : OsuTestCase
     {
-        public override IReadOnlyList<Type> RequiredTypes => new[] { typeof(DrawableSlider) };
+        public override IReadOnlyList<Type> RequiredTypes => new[]
+        {
+            typeof(Slider),
+            typeof(HitCircle),
+            typeof(OsuModHidden),
+            typeof(DrawableSlider),
+            typeof(DrawableHitCircle),
+            typeof(DrawableSliderTick),
+            typeof(DrawableRepeatPoint)
+        };
 
         private readonly Container content;
         protected override Container<Drawable> Content => content;
 
+        private bool hidden;
+        private int repeats;
+        private int depthIndex;
+        private int circleSize;
+        private float circleScale = 1;
         private double speedMultiplier = 2;
         private double sliderMultiplier = 2;
-        private int depthIndex;
 
         public TestCaseSlider()
         {
             base.Content.Add(content = new OsuInputManager(new RulesetInfo { ID = 0 }));
 
-            AddStep("Single", () => addSingle());
-            AddStep("Repeated (1)", () => addRepeated(1));
-            AddStep("Repeated (2)", () => addRepeated(2));
-            AddStep("Repeated (3)", () => addRepeated(3));
-            AddStep("Repeated (4)", () => addRepeated(4));
-            AddStep("Stream", addStream);
-
-            AddSliderStep("SpeedMultiplier", 0.01, 10, 2, s => speedMultiplier = s);
-            AddSliderStep("SliderMultiplier", 0.01, 10, 2, s => sliderMultiplier = s);
+            AddStep("Single", () => testSingle());
+            AddStep("Stream", testStream);
+            AddStep("Repeated", () => testRepeated(repeats));
+            AddToggleStep("Hidden", v => hidden = v);
+            AddSliderStep("Repeats", 1, 10, 1, s => repeats = s);
+            AddSliderStep("CircleSize", 0, 10, 0, s => circleSize = s);
+            AddSliderStep("CircleScale", 0.5f, 2, 1, s => circleScale = s);
+            AddSliderStep("SpeedMultiplier", 0.1, 10, 2, s => speedMultiplier = s);
+            AddSliderStep("SliderMultiplier", 0.1, 10, 2, s => sliderMultiplier = s);
         }
 
-        private void addSingle(double timeOffset = 0, Vector2? positionOffset = null)
+        private void testSingle(double timeOffset = 0, Vector2? positionOffset = null)
         {
             positionOffset = positionOffset ?? Vector2.Zero;
 
@@ -51,32 +66,19 @@ namespace osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.Tests
             {
                 StartTime = Time.Current + 1000 + timeOffset,
                 Position = new Vector2(-200, 0) + positionOffset.Value,
+                ComboColour = Color4.LightSeaGreen,
                 ControlPoints = new List<Vector2>
                 {
                     new Vector2(-200, 0) + positionOffset.Value,
                     new Vector2(400, 0) + positionOffset.Value,
                 },
-                Distance = 400,
+                Distance = 400
             };
 
-            var cpi = new ControlPointInfo();
-            cpi.DifficultyPoints.Add(new DifficultyControlPoint { SpeedMultiplier = speedMultiplier });
-
-            var difficulty = new BeatmapDifficulty
-            {
-                SliderMultiplier = (float)sliderMultiplier,
-                CircleSize = 0
-            };
-
-            slider.ApplyDefaults(cpi, difficulty);
-            Add(new DrawableSlider(slider)
-            {
-                Anchor = Anchor.Centre,
-                Depth = depthIndex++
-            });
+            addSlider(slider);
         }
 
-        private void addRepeated(int repeats)
+        private void testRepeated(int repeats)
         {
             // The first run through the slider is considered a repeat
             repeats++;
@@ -89,6 +91,7 @@ namespace osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.Tests
             {
                 StartTime = Time.Current + 1000,
                 Position = new Vector2(-200, 0),
+                ComboColour = Color4.LightSeaGreen,
                 ControlPoints = new List<Vector2>
                 {
                     new Vector2(-200, 0),
@@ -99,32 +102,45 @@ namespace osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.Tests
                 RepeatSamples = repeatSamples
             };
 
+            addSlider(slider);
+        }
+
+        private void testStream()
+        {
+            Vector2 pos = Vector2.Zero;
+
+            for (int i = 0; i <= 1000; i += 100)
+            {
+                testSingle(i, pos);
+                pos += new Vector2(10);
+            }
+        }
+
+        private void addSlider(Slider slider)
+        {
             var cpi = new ControlPointInfo();
             cpi.DifficultyPoints.Add(new DifficultyControlPoint { SpeedMultiplier = speedMultiplier });
 
             var difficulty = new BeatmapDifficulty
             {
                 SliderMultiplier = (float)sliderMultiplier,
-                CircleSize = 0
+                CircleSize = circleSize
             };
 
             slider.ApplyDefaults(cpi, difficulty);
-            Add(new DrawableSlider(slider)
+
+            var drawable = new DrawableSlider(slider)
             {
                 Anchor = Anchor.Centre,
+                Scale = new Vector2(circleScale),
                 Depth = depthIndex++
-            });
-        }
+            };
 
-        private void addStream()
-        {
-            Vector2 pos = Vector2.Zero;
+            if (hidden)
+                new OsuModHidden().ApplyToDrawableHitObjects(new [] { drawable });
 
-            for (int i = 0; i <= 1000; i += 100)
-            {
-                addSingle(i, pos);
-                pos += new Vector2(10);
-            }
+            Add(drawable);
         }
     }
+
 }
diff --git a/osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu/Tests/TestCaseSpinner.cs b/osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu/Tests/TestCaseSpinner.cs
index 76cc70effd..c4ee56455a 100644
--- a/osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu/Tests/TestCaseSpinner.cs
+++ b/osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu/Tests/TestCaseSpinner.cs
@@ -1,11 +1,15 @@
 // Copyright (c) 2007-2017 ppy Pty Ltd <contact@ppy.sh>.
 // Licensed under the MIT Licence - https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ppy/osu/master/LICENCE
 
+using System;
+using System.Collections.Generic;
 using NUnit.Framework;
+using OpenTK;
 using osu.Framework.Graphics;
 using osu.Framework.Graphics.Containers;
 using osu.Game.Beatmaps;
 using osu.Game.Beatmaps.ControlPoints;
+using osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.Mods;
 using osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.Objects;
 using osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.Objects.Drawables;
 using osu.Game.Tests.Visual;
@@ -15,30 +19,47 @@ namespace osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.Tests
     [Ignore("getting CI working")]
     public class TestCaseSpinner : OsuTestCase
     {
+        public override IReadOnlyList<Type> RequiredTypes => new[]
+{
+            typeof(Spinner),
+            typeof(OsuModHidden),
+            typeof(DrawableSpinner)
+        };
+
         private readonly Container content;
         protected override Container<Drawable> Content => content;
 
+        private bool hidden;
         private int depthIndex;
+        private int circleSize;
+        private float circleScale = 1;
 
         public TestCaseSpinner()
         {
             base.Content.Add(content = new OsuInputManager(new RulesetInfo { ID = 0 }));
 
-            AddStep("Single", addSingle);
+            AddStep("Single", testSingle);
+            AddToggleStep("Hidden", v => hidden = v);
+            AddSliderStep("CircleSize", 0, 10, 0, s => circleSize = s);
+            AddSliderStep("CircleScale", 0.5f, 2, 1, s => circleScale = s);
         }
 
-        private void addSingle()
+        private void testSingle()
         {
             var spinner = new Spinner { StartTime = Time.Current + 1000, EndTime = Time.Current + 4000 };
 
-            spinner.ApplyDefaults(new ControlPointInfo(), new BeatmapDifficulty { CircleSize = 0 });
+            spinner.ApplyDefaults(new ControlPointInfo(), new BeatmapDifficulty { CircleSize = circleSize });
 
             var drawable = new DrawableSpinner(spinner)
             {
                 Anchor = Anchor.Centre,
+                Scale = new Vector2(circleScale),
                 Depth = depthIndex++
             };
 
+            if (hidden)
+                new OsuModHidden().ApplyToDrawableHitObjects(new [] { drawable });
+
             Add(drawable);
         }
     }
diff --git a/osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu/UI/OsuRulesetContainer.cs b/osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu/UI/OsuRulesetContainer.cs
index 7c9cbd63fc..f37b87e533 100644
--- a/osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu/UI/OsuRulesetContainer.cs
+++ b/osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu/UI/OsuRulesetContainer.cs
@@ -35,16 +35,13 @@ namespace osu.Game.Rulesets.Osu.UI
 
         protected override DrawableHitObject<OsuHitObject> GetVisualRepresentation(OsuHitObject h)
         {
-            var circle = h as HitCircle;
-            if (circle != null)
+            if (h is HitCircle circle)
                 return new DrawableHitCircle(circle);
 
-            var slider = h as Slider;
-            if (slider != null)
+            if (h is Slider slider)
                 return new DrawableSlider(slider);
 
-            var spinner = h as Spinner;
-            if (spinner != null)
+            if (h is Spinner spinner)
                 return new DrawableSpinner(spinner);
             return null;
         }
diff --git a/osu.Game/Overlays/Mods/ModButton.cs b/osu.Game/Overlays/Mods/ModButton.cs
index 77b7c3add2..35c2e9234d 100644
--- a/osu.Game/Overlays/Mods/ModButton.cs
+++ b/osu.Game/Overlays/Mods/ModButton.cs
@@ -204,13 +204,13 @@ namespace osu.Game.Overlays.Mods
             {
                 iconsContainer.AddRange(new[]
                 {
-                    backgroundIcon = new ModIcon(Mods[1])
+                    backgroundIcon = new PassThroughTooltipModIcon(Mods[1])
                     {
                         Origin = Anchor.BottomRight,
                         Anchor = Anchor.BottomRight,
                         Position = new Vector2(1.5f),
                     },
-                    foregroundIcon = new ModIcon(Mods[0])
+                    foregroundIcon = new PassThroughTooltipModIcon(Mods[0])
                     {
                         Origin = Anchor.BottomRight,
                         Anchor = Anchor.BottomRight,
@@ -220,7 +220,7 @@ namespace osu.Game.Overlays.Mods
             }
             else
             {
-                iconsContainer.Add(foregroundIcon = new ModIcon(Mod)
+                iconsContainer.Add(foregroundIcon = new PassThroughTooltipModIcon(Mod)
                 {
                     Origin = Anchor.Centre,
                     Anchor = Anchor.Centre,
@@ -259,5 +259,14 @@ namespace osu.Game.Overlays.Mods
 
             Mod = mod;
         }
+
+        private class PassThroughTooltipModIcon : ModIcon
+        {
+            public override string TooltipText => null;
+
+            public PassThroughTooltipModIcon(Mod mod) : base(mod)
+            {
+            }
+        }
     }
 }
diff --git a/osu.Game/Overlays/Profile/SupporterIcon.cs b/osu.Game/Overlays/Profile/SupporterIcon.cs
index 570d5a13bb..b5cd94e54b 100644
--- a/osu.Game/Overlays/Profile/SupporterIcon.cs
+++ b/osu.Game/Overlays/Profile/SupporterIcon.cs
@@ -1,20 +1,23 @@
-// Copyright (c) 2007-2017 ppy Pty Ltd <contact@ppy.sh>.
+// Copyright (c) 2007-2017 ppy Pty Ltd <contact@ppy.sh>.
 // Licensed under the MIT Licence - https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ppy/osu/master/LICENCE
 
 using OpenTK;
 using osu.Framework.Allocation;
 using osu.Framework.Graphics;
 using osu.Framework.Graphics.Containers;
+using osu.Framework.Graphics.Cursor;
 using osu.Framework.Graphics.Shapes;
 using osu.Game.Graphics;
 using osu.Game.Graphics.Backgrounds;
 
 namespace osu.Game.Overlays.Profile
 {
-    public class SupporterIcon : CircularContainer
+    public class SupporterIcon : CircularContainer, IHasTooltip
     {
         private readonly Box background;
 
+        public string TooltipText => "osu!supporter";
+
         public SupporterIcon()
         {
             Masking = true;
diff --git a/osu.Game/Rulesets/Mods/IApplicableToDrawableHitObject.cs b/osu.Game/Rulesets/Mods/IApplicableToDrawableHitObject.cs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..1024d5686d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/osu.Game/Rulesets/Mods/IApplicableToDrawableHitObject.cs
@@ -0,0 +1,20 @@
+// Copyright (c) 2007-2017 ppy Pty Ltd <contact@ppy.sh>.
+// Licensed under the MIT Licence - https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ppy/osu/master/LICENCE
+
+using System.Collections.Generic;
+using osu.Game.Rulesets.Objects.Drawables;
+
+namespace osu.Game.Rulesets.Mods
+{
+    /// <summary>
+    /// An interface for <see cref="Mod"/>s that can be applied to <see cref="DrawableHitObject"/>s.
+    /// </summary>
+    public interface IApplicableToDrawableHitObjects
+    {
+        /// <summary>
+        /// Applies this <see cref="IApplicableToDrawableHitObjects"/> to a list of <see cref="DrawableHitObject"/>s.
+        /// </summary>
+        /// <param name="drawable">The list of <see cref="DrawableHitObject"/>s to apply to.</param>
+        void ApplyToDrawableHitObjects(IEnumerable<DrawableHitObject> drawables);
+    }
+}
diff --git a/osu.Game/Rulesets/Objects/Drawables/DrawableHitObject.cs b/osu.Game/Rulesets/Objects/Drawables/DrawableHitObject.cs
index c118cd5bee..af038909d2 100644
--- a/osu.Game/Rulesets/Objects/Drawables/DrawableHitObject.cs
+++ b/osu.Game/Rulesets/Objects/Drawables/DrawableHitObject.cs
@@ -122,6 +122,9 @@ namespace osu.Game.Rulesets.Objects.Drawables
             {
                 UpdateState(state);
 
+                // apply any custom state overrides
+                ApplyCustomUpdateState?.Invoke(this, state);
+
                 if (State == ArmedState.Hit)
                     PlaySamples();
             };
@@ -243,9 +246,15 @@ namespace osu.Game.Rulesets.Objects.Drawables
 
             h.OnJudgement += (d, j) => OnJudgement?.Invoke(d, j);
             h.OnJudgementRemoved += (d, j) => OnJudgementRemoved?.Invoke(d, j);
+            h.ApplyCustomUpdateState += (d, s) => ApplyCustomUpdateState?.Invoke(d, s);
             nestedHitObjects.Add(h);
         }
 
+        /// <summary>
+        /// Bind to apply a custom state which can override the default implementation.
+        /// </summary>
+        public event Action<DrawableHitObject, ArmedState> ApplyCustomUpdateState;
+
         protected abstract void UpdateState(ArmedState state);
     }
 }
diff --git a/osu.Game/Rulesets/UI/ModIcon.cs b/osu.Game/Rulesets/UI/ModIcon.cs
index 5ca3d9521b..90f63aeab6 100644
--- a/osu.Game/Rulesets/UI/ModIcon.cs
+++ b/osu.Game/Rulesets/UI/ModIcon.cs
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ namespace osu.Game.Rulesets.UI
 
         private readonly ModType type;
 
-        public string TooltipText { get; }
+        public virtual string TooltipText { get; }
 
         public ModIcon(Mod mod)
         {
diff --git a/osu.Game/Rulesets/UI/RulesetContainer.cs b/osu.Game/Rulesets/UI/RulesetContainer.cs
index fe7c0c05ed..40a37c689b 100644
--- a/osu.Game/Rulesets/UI/RulesetContainer.cs
+++ b/osu.Game/Rulesets/UI/RulesetContainer.cs
@@ -260,6 +260,9 @@ namespace osu.Game.Rulesets.UI
             }
 
             Playfield.PostProcess();
+
+            foreach (var mod in Mods.OfType<IApplicableToDrawableHitObjects>())
+                mod.ApplyToDrawableHitObjects(Playfield.HitObjects.Objects);
         }
 
         protected override void Update()
diff --git a/osu.Game/Screens/Select/ImportFromStablePopup.cs b/osu.Game/Screens/Select/ImportFromStablePopup.cs
index 489ab79fa4..03e9462636 100644
--- a/osu.Game/Screens/Select/ImportFromStablePopup.cs
+++ b/osu.Game/Screens/Select/ImportFromStablePopup.cs
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ namespace osu.Game.Screens.Select
             HeaderText = @"You have no beatmaps!";
             BodyText = "An existing copy of osu! was found, though.\nWould you like to import your beatmaps?";
 
-            Icon = FontAwesome.fa_trash_o;
+            Icon = FontAwesome.fa_plane;
 
             Buttons = new PopupDialogButton[]
             {
diff --git a/osu.Game/osu.Game.csproj b/osu.Game/osu.Game.csproj
index 22191c98ab..6cb12430c3 100644
--- a/osu.Game/osu.Game.csproj
+++ b/osu.Game/osu.Game.csproj
@@ -310,6 +310,7 @@
     <Compile Include="Overlays\Profile\Sections\Ranks\DrawableTotalScore.cs" />
     <Compile Include="Overlays\Profile\Sections\Ranks\ScoreModsContainer.cs" />
     <Compile Include="Overlays\Settings\Sections\Maintenance\DeleteAllBeatmapsDialog.cs" />
+    <Compile Include="Rulesets\Mods\IApplicableToDrawableHitObject.cs" />
     <Compile Include="Screens\Select\ImportFromStablePopup.cs" />
     <Compile Include="Overlays\Settings\SettingsButton.cs" />
     <Compile Include="Rulesets\Edit\Layers\Selection\OriginHandle.cs" />