The below article mentions terms, mechanics, values, and other game features that are currently in development. All are subject to change.
In this article, you’ll learn how to play ARBO: Arena Tactics, a game that blends turn-based tactical strategy games with elements of collectible card games - creating a unique combat experience with infinite depth.
OVERVIEW
When a match begins, each Player (or Commander) starts with a prebuilt Deck of 15 Protocol Cards and a Squad of 3 Heroes in opposite corners of the Arena, near their Base, which is a Structure with a certain number of EP, or Energy Points. In order to win the match, a Commander must either knock out their opponent’s entire Squad or destroy their Base.
In the upper right and left corners of the screen, players can see the current total Energy levels of both Squads and Bases.
Every Round, both Commanders randomly draw a Protocol, and their Heroes take Turns moving and attacking. Note the Turn List on the left, which shows the order of all active units.
HEROES
Each Hero Class has a different level of Max Energy Points (or EP) - a dual-purpose resource that represents their health and is also used like mana to cast Protocols.
Every Hero Class also has a different number of Max Movement Points (or MP), which determines how many Hexes they can move during their Turns. Units regenerate some of their MP at the start of each Round, and this scarce resource must be carefully managed.
OPERATIONS
Each Hero is preloaded with 3 different Trait Operations (Ops) - basic offensive and defensive actions that they can use without consuming EP. Their top-most Tier 1 Op has no cooldowns between uses, but the more powerful and specialized Tier 2 and 3 Ops will incur cooldowns. Properly utilizing these “free” Ops is key to success in ARBO: Arena Tactics.
During each of their Turns, a Hero may use one of their Trait Ops, any Weapon Ops they have, and as many Protocols as their remaining EP can afford.
PROTOCOLS
Unlike Ops, Protocols are special high-risk/high-reward abilities that require specific EP Costs in order to use. Commanders designate one Card as their Alpha Protocol to hold in their hand at the start of the match, along with 2 other Protocols randomly drawn from their Deck.
Protocols designated as “Universal” may be used by any Class of Hero. But other Protocols are only usable by one or two Classes who have the proper Proficiency. Commanders must constantly leverage drawing the right Cards while reserving just enough EP for their Hero to use them at the right time.
Aside from enabling a variety of Melee, Ranged, AoE, and Lobbed Attacks, Protocols also feature an endless array of other combat abilities. For example, Encrypted Protocols let Heroes set secret mines and traps, and Grenades provide delayed effects that help zone enemies out of an area. When a Hero casts a Weapon Protocol and equips a Weapon, they can use an extra Weapon Op each Turn. Summon Protocols allow a Hero to welcome a variety of free-roaming Minions or stalwart Structures to increase their numbers on the battlefield. There are also Status Effects, Arena Effects, Shields, and Special Tactics, and we encourage you to explore the game and learn about all of them.
In one of the game’s most unique mechanics, the Fallen Ally Discount, anytime a Hero gets Knocked Out, the EP Costs of that player’s Protocols become 50% cheaper. If one of their other Heroes falls, their EP Costs get reduced by an additional 30%. The Fallen Ally Discount maximizes the potential for massive comebacks from players who find themselves at the biggest disadvantage as the match progresses.
The strategic depth of ARBO: Arena Tactics allows players to flex their intelligence to overcome challenging odds and unpredictable opponents. With enough bravery and creativity, any player can unlock the game’s richest tactical possibilities. Hopefully this article provided you with a solid foundation for your own ascension through the glorious ranks!
