Devlog: Meet the Smarter Arena AI!
Hello!
I’m excited to share one of the biggest updates yet: a complete overhaul of the enemy AI system. Every enemy you fight now thinks—and fights—differently, using unique tactics and personalities based on their archetype. Here’s a peek under the hood at how it works, and what you can expect in your next arena brawl:
Each enemy now belongs to an archetype—think of it as a combat “personality.” Instead of every enemy acting the same, their decisions are driven by a set of priorities, preferred maneuvers, and even quirks. This makes each match more unpredictable and challenging.
[h3]Archetype Highlights[/h3] Brute
The Brute charges in with no fear, using all their strength to overwhelm you. Expect relentless Total Attacks and double strikes, with little care for defense or cleverness. If you can’t outlast them, you’ll be trampled.
Rogue
Rogues are fast, tricky, and hate being pinned down. They prefer hit-and-run tactics, flanking, and escaping if things get too hot. If you’re not careful, they’ll bleed you dry before you can even get a solid hit in.
Guardian
The Guardian is the fortress. Heavy armor, a big shield, and patience—they wait for you to make a mistake, defending constantly and striking only to cripple or punish aggression.
Knight
Knights are a balanced mix of power and discipline. They press their advantage aggressively but will switch to defense if the tides turn. Don’t expect them to back down just because you’re ready for an attack.
Hunter
The master of distance, the Hunter kites you around the arena, firing from afar and only panicking if you close in. They’ll try to keep you at arm’s length as long as their arrows last.
Sentinel
Sentinels specialize in polearms and keeping you away. They maintain their reach, use the Ready action for opportunity attacks, and fall back on backup weapons or defense if you get too close.
Duelist
Duelists are all about rhythm and precision—mixing feints, aggressive combos, and careful retreats. If they have the upper hand, expect a flurry of blows. If not, they’ll play defensively and look for their moment.
Monk
Monks are relentless. They’ll try to disarm you, cripple your limbs, grapple to keep you from escaping, and alternate between punches and kicks. Don’t let them get in close!
Healer: Focuses on self-buffing and healing, playing defensively, and only attacking when fully prepared.
Elementalist: Uses long-range spells, tries to control the battlefield with area effects and status, and keeps their distance at all costs.
Controller: Specializes in debuffs and area denial—weakening you before going for the kill.
Battle Mage: Starts by stacking buffs, then charges into melee like an armored brute, using magic to boost strength and resilience.
[h3]What This Means for You[/h3]
Every enemy is now more than just a stat block—they have a strategy.
Some will test your defenses. Some will try to wear you down or outmaneuver you. And some will punish you for every mistake.
This update makes every fight feel unique, and I’m eager to hear which archetype gives you the most trouble—or which one is your favorite to beat!
As always, your feedback is super valuable—if you see enemies doing something weird or have ideas for even cooler AI tactics, let me know in the comments or the community page.
Back to the arena,
ChainsOnSand Dev
I’m excited to share one of the biggest updates yet: a complete overhaul of the enemy AI system. Every enemy you fight now thinks—and fights—differently, using unique tactics and personalities based on their archetype. Here’s a peek under the hood at how it works, and what you can expect in your next arena brawl:
How the New AI Works
Each enemy now belongs to an archetype—think of it as a combat “personality.” Instead of every enemy acting the same, their decisions are driven by a set of priorities, preferred maneuvers, and even quirks. This makes each match more unpredictable and challenging.
[h3]Archetype Highlights[/h3] Brute
The Brute charges in with no fear, using all their strength to overwhelm you. Expect relentless Total Attacks and double strikes, with little care for defense or cleverness. If you can’t outlast them, you’ll be trampled.
Rogue
Rogues are fast, tricky, and hate being pinned down. They prefer hit-and-run tactics, flanking, and escaping if things get too hot. If you’re not careful, they’ll bleed you dry before you can even get a solid hit in.
Guardian
The Guardian is the fortress. Heavy armor, a big shield, and patience—they wait for you to make a mistake, defending constantly and striking only to cripple or punish aggression.
Knight
Knights are a balanced mix of power and discipline. They press their advantage aggressively but will switch to defense if the tides turn. Don’t expect them to back down just because you’re ready for an attack.
Hunter
The master of distance, the Hunter kites you around the arena, firing from afar and only panicking if you close in. They’ll try to keep you at arm’s length as long as their arrows last.
Sentinel
Sentinels specialize in polearms and keeping you away. They maintain their reach, use the Ready action for opportunity attacks, and fall back on backup weapons or defense if you get too close.
Duelist
Duelists are all about rhythm and precision—mixing feints, aggressive combos, and careful retreats. If they have the upper hand, expect a flurry of blows. If not, they’ll play defensively and look for their moment.
Monk
Monks are relentless. They’ll try to disarm you, cripple your limbs, grapple to keep you from escaping, and alternate between punches and kicks. Don’t let them get in close!
Healer: Focuses on self-buffing and healing, playing defensively, and only attacking when fully prepared.
Elementalist: Uses long-range spells, tries to control the battlefield with area effects and status, and keeps their distance at all costs.
Controller: Specializes in debuffs and area denial—weakening you before going for the kill.
Battle Mage: Starts by stacking buffs, then charges into melee like an armored brute, using magic to boost strength and resilience.
[h3]What This Means for You[/h3]
Every enemy is now more than just a stat block—they have a strategy.
Some will test your defenses. Some will try to wear you down or outmaneuver you. And some will punish you for every mistake.
This update makes every fight feel unique, and I’m eager to hear which archetype gives you the most trouble—or which one is your favorite to beat!
As always, your feedback is super valuable—if you see enemies doing something weird or have ideas for even cooler AI tactics, let me know in the comments or the community page.
Back to the arena,
ChainsOnSand Dev