Deeper Mechanics: Strategy, Math, and Logic

Beyond the elemental affinities, stances, and the strategic use of items lies a complex web of mechanics governing the New Arena. This depth ensures that every duel and battle is not just a test of raw power but a chess match requiring foresight, adaptability, and a keen understanding of underlying mathematics and logic.

The Shift to Elimination Format

We're evolving our competitive structure, moving away from traditional dueling to introduce an innovative Elimination format. Previously, our arenas were restricted to participant numbers that fit a power of two, limiting the diversity and size of our events. The new format allows for more flexibility, accommodating any number of fighters, whether it's 12, 24, or 50.

How Elimination Works

In the Elimination format, each fighter is paired for combat twice per match, offering ample opportunity to score and progress. After each match, a certain percentage of fighters are eliminated, sharpening the competition until only one champion remains. This cycle of combat is simulated in real-time, ensuring each round is dynamic and engaging. With this new format, we aim to provide a more inclusive and thrilling competitive experience for all participants.

Understanding the Combat Logic

At the heart of the New Arena's combat system is a series of calculations that determine the outcomes of each action. These calculations take into account a fighter's stamina, the effects of their chosen element and stance, and the strategic deployment of items. Here, we delve into the mathematical principles and logic that drive these crucial moments of combat.

Stamina and Its Impact on Combat

Stamina plays a pivotal role in a fighter's ability to execute and withstand attacks. The calculation for an attack's success or failure is influenced by the stamina differential between the attacker and their opponent:

• Basic Stamina Impact: When the stamina differential exceeds 50%, attackers face a 70% increased chance of missing. This pivotal mechanic compels fighters to weigh the risk of attacking against the potential benefit of conserving energy through defensive actions.

• Stamina Synergy: Engaging in combat affects stamina: delivering a hit consumes 15%, while a critical hit takes 20%. Conversely, if an opponent's attack misses or is dodged, the fighter recovers 5% and 10% stamina, respectively, reinforcing the strategic interplay of offense and defense.

• Recover Stamina: Defensive moves not only mitigate damage but also aid in stamina recovery: Buffs restore 10%, Focus 20%, and Healing moves, which are limited in use, can replenish 30% stamina, highlighting the importance of strategic decision-making in prolonged engagements.

if (fighter.stamina < 25) chanceToHit -= 50;

*it is important to note that the user does not interact with the fights directly, each fighter calculates their decisions without external interference.

Elemental and Stance Modifiers

The Arena's elemental and stance systems introduce additional layers of strategy through specific modifiers that affect combat outcomes:

• Elemental Boosts: Fighters wielding items that match their element receive a 25% boost to their elemental mechanics, enhancing their effectiveness in combat up to a 125% overdrive cap. For instance, a Metal-aligned fighter with a matching item could see a significant increase in critical hit chances.

if (fighter.element === item.element) elementalBoost += 25;

• Stance Effects: Each stance—Agility, Defense, Attack, and Endurance—alters a fighter's combat capabilities, from increasing dodge chances (Agility) to improving damage recovery (Endurance).

switch(fighter.stance) {
    case Stances.AGILITY: dodgeChance += 20; break;
    case Stances.DEFENSE: blockChance += 20; break;
    case Stances.ATTACK: attackBias += 20; break;
    case Stances.ENDURANCE: blockBias += 20; break;
}

Attack Outcome Calculations

The culmination of these factors is most visible in the attack outcome calculations, where the chance of hitting, blocking, or dodging an attack is determined:

• Calculating Hit Chance: The base chance to hit is modified by the stamina difference, elemental and stance bonuses, and any relevant item effects.

let chanceToHit = baseChance + staminaDiff + elementalBoost + stanceModifier;

• Determining Critical Hits: The chance of a critical hit is influenced by the fighter's focus and any elemental alignment with Metal or Dark, further modified by items in play.

if (getChance(baseCritChance + focusBonus + elementalCritBoost)) {
    if(Fighter.Dark && !Opponent.Light) crit += 1
    if(Fighter.Light && Opponent.Dark) crit += 1.4

    if(Fighter.Earth) crit -= 0.6;
    if(Fighter.Metal) crit += 0.6;
    
    if(Opponent.Buffed) crit -=1
    if(Opponent.Focused) crit -= 0.5
}

Dynamic Battle Flow

The arena battles are a masterclass in strategic adaptation, requiring fighters to continuously evolve their tactics in response to the unfolding dynamics of each round. Success hinges on a delicate balance of offensive and defensive maneuvers, informed by real-time assessments of stamina levels, the strategic deployment of elemental powers and stances, and the judicious use of items to gain a competitive edge. In this ever-changing battlefield, only those who can skillfully navigate these complex variables will emerge victorious.