RPG ability database - Scriptable Object vs XML vs Prefab?

Hi Guys,

I'm pretty new to programming. I'm just a hobbyist and don't have any college/university background. I'm looking to develop an ability database for my game. I intend to have maybe over 100 abilities.

I was wondering what would be the correct way to store and load this information?

I have looked at different examples from other projects.

Some people have used a class for each ability and assigned it to a **game object/Prefab to instantiate in the game world.

Others have used an XML database and loaded the information into a List on initialisation. Then finding an ability in the list when required throughout the game.

I have also seen people using a similar method to the prefab, but using a scriptable object instead and loading that information into the game when required.

I am new to all of this, so I am unaware of all of the terms and common practices. I have heard that my database should be able to be edited without re-compiling. I have heard that it is also beneficial to have my individual abilities as individual objects (scriptable or prefab) to be able to version control and share the workload.

Could someone explain to me what they think might be the best way to approach this and why?

Thank you for any help you can provide.