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Grid Guide: Understanding Platform Mechanics

Note: Grid systems are under heavy development. All features subject to change except the core RED/GREEN/SAFE platform layout.

Core Grid Architecture​

Platform Types​

The grid consists of different platform types:

  • RED Platforms: Predict price DOWN
  • GREEN Platforms: Predict price UP
  • GOLD Platforms: Successfully claimed (owned by player)
  • BURNED Platforms: Failed predictions (obstacles)
  • SAFE Platforms: Grid perimeter (no predictions)

How it works: Grid size scales dynamically from 6x6 to 12x12+ based on player count. The perimeter is always SAFE zones. Interior follows a checkerboard pattern of RED/GREEN platforms.

Strategic impact: Your position determines your prediction. Platform ownership creates territory. Burned platforms block movement paths.

Movement & Spatial Rules​

Basic Movement​

  • Move to adjacent platforms only (4 cardinal directions)
  • No diagonal movement currently
  • Cannot move through other players
  • Cannot occupy same platform as another player

How it works: During MOVEMENT phase, click adjacent platform to move. Your new position becomes your prediction. Movement is atomic - either succeeds completely or fails.

Strategic impact: Central positions offer more options but higher risk. Edge positions are safer but limit flexibility. Crowded areas create movement puzzles.

Collision Resolution​

When two players target the same platform:

  • Higher rank player wins the position
  • Lower rank player's movement fails
  • Platform ownership determines priority

How it works: Rank-based priority ensures fair conflict resolution. System checks all movements simultaneously then resolves conflicts.

Strategic impact: Higher ranks gain positioning advantage. Target alternatives when competing with higher-ranked players.

Safe Zones & Spawn System​

Safe Zone Mechanics​

Perimeter platforms with special rules:

  • No predictions possible
  • No lives lost for inactivity
  • No GP earned
  • Serve as spawn points

How it works: Dark outlined edge platforms. Always accessible for movement. Protect players from elimination but offer no rewards.

Strategic impact: Retreat to safety when surrounded. Use as staging areas between aggressive plays. Balance safety with opportunity cost.

Spawn Distribution​

Dynamic spawn assignment:

  • Edge midpoints (priority 1)
  • Corners (priority 2)
  • Edge quarters (priority 3)
  • Any available safe zone (fallback)

How it works: New players spawn at predetermined safe zone positions. Each player gets unique spawn they can return to if stuck.

Strategic impact: Spawn position affects early game options. Edge spawns offer quick center access. Corner spawns provide defensive positions.

Chip Effects on Grid​

ATTACK Chip​

  • Targets enemy GOLD platforms
  • Reverts to original RED/GREEN
  • Blocked by GUARD protection
  • Range limited by movement range

How it works: Select enemy GOLD within range. If prediction correct and unguarded, platform loses GOLD status. Owner's territory shrinks.

Strategic impact: Disrupt jackpot attempts. Break enemy territory. Force opponents to rebuild.

GUARD Chip​

  • Protects GOLD platforms
  • Persists until wrong prediction
  • Blocks all ATTACK attempts
  • Territory auto-protection at 5+ connections

How it works: Apply to your GOLD platform. Creates persistent shield. Automatically protects territory when you achieve large connections.

Strategic impact: Secure key jackpot platforms. Protect territory cores. Build unbreakable positions.

RESTORE Chip​

  • Converts BURNED to neutral
  • Reopens movement paths
  • Creates new opportunities
  • Range based on rank

How it works: Target any BURNED platform within range. Returns it to original RED/GREEN state. Anyone can claim restored platform.

Strategic impact: Unblock critical paths. Access isolated areas. Enable surprise flanking maneuvers.

Territory & Connections​

Platform Ownership​

When eliminated, player's platforms:

  • GOLD platforms - Available immediately
  • Can be claimed by any player
  • BURNED platforms - Remain as obstacles

How it works: Elimination instantly releases all GOLD territory. Other players can expand into freed space. Creates territory rush moments.

Strategic impact: Target weak players for territory grabs. Position near struggling players. Time eliminations for maximum gain.

Connection System​

Adjacent GOLD platforms form connections:

  • Horizontal, vertical, or diagonal
  • 3+ connection: Bonus GP
  • 5+ connection: Auto-protection radius
  • 7+ connection: Jackpot trigger

How it works: System continuously calculates largest connected component. Connections must be uninterrupted by enemy or burned platforms.

Strategic impact: Build multiple potential paths. Protect connection joints. Recognize jackpot threats early.

Advanced Systems (In Development)​

Fog of War​

Rank-based viewport scaling:

  • Rank 0-2: 6x6 view
  • Rank 3-4: 9x9 view
  • Rank 5-6: 12x12 view
  • Toggle between views

How it works: Higher ranks see more of the grid. Information advantage grows with success. Can zoom out for strategy, zoom in for tactics.

Strategic impact: Early ranks play locally. Higher ranks gain strategic overview. Information asymmetry creates advantages.

King of the Hill​

Special center platform mechanics:

  • Market logo at grid center
  • Surrounding platforms worth bonus GP
  • Creates hot zones for control
  • Periodic bonus events

How it works: Center platform becomes high-value target. Controlling surrounding area grants GP multipliers. Contest shifts focus to center.

Strategic impact: Risk/reward for center control. Defensive positions around edges. Timing pushes for center bonuses.

Path System​

Click-to-move navigation:

  • Set multi-step paths
  • Execute at movement speed
  • Cancel on obstacles
  • Speed based on progression

How it works: Click distant platform to auto-path. System calculates shortest route. Executes steps at tick rate. Blocked paths cancel entirely.

Strategic impact: Plan complex movements. React faster to opportunities. Set and forget navigation.

Grid Scaling​

Dynamic Expansion​

Grid grows with player count:

  • 6x6: 2-10 players
  • 9x9: 11-25 players
  • 12x12: 26-50 players
  • 15x15: 51-100 players

How it works: Server monitors player count and expands grid at thresholds. New platforms spawn at edges. Maintains RED/GREEN pattern.

Strategic impact: Early players claim center. Late joiners work from edges. Territory value shifts with expansion.

Room Capacity​

Maximum players per instance:

  • Current: 100 players
  • Multiple rooms per preset
  • Queue system for popular rooms
  • Automatic load balancing

How it works: When room fills, new instance created. Players can choose specific instances or auto-join. Popular rooms may have queues.

Strategic impact: Choose empty rooms for easier games. Join full rooms for maximum competition. Instance selection affects difficulty.

Respawn Mechanics​

Stuck Detection​

When player cannot move:

  • All adjacent platforms occupied/burned
  • No valid prediction platforms
  • Automatic respawn triggers
  • Return to spawn point

How it works: System detects when player has zero valid moves. Automatically teleports to original spawn position. Clears any pending paths.

Strategic impact: Can intentionally get stuck to escape. Opponents can trap you to force respawn. Spawn camping becomes tactical.

Burned Platform Reset (Testing)​

Potential mechanics:

  • Reset after 10 rounds
  • Reset when owner eliminated
  • Manual reset with special item
  • Permanent for match duration

How it works: Testing various reset timers for burned platforms. Balances permanent consequences with gameplay flow.

Strategic impact: Temporary burns encourage aggressive play. Permanent burns require careful planning. Reset timing affects strategy.

Remember: Grid mechanics create emergent gameplay. Master positioning before focusing on predictions. Control territory to control the game.