> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.etherforge.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.etherforge.io/etherforge-core-gameplay/pvp-battle-system/ether-arena/game-design.md).
# Game Design
## 1/ Elemental Counter System
$$
Base Cycle: Earth → Water → Fire → Leaf → Earth
$$
### Special Elements
* **Light (Super):** Wins against all four natural elements but loses to Dark.
* **Dark (Unique):** Wins against all elements and only draws when facing another Dark unit.
| Attacker ↓ / Defender → | Earth | Leaf | Water | Fire | Light | Dark |
|---|
| Earth (Base) | Draw | Lose | Win | Lose | Lose | Lose |
| Leaf (Base) | Win | Draw | Lose | Win | Lose | Lose |
| Water (Base) | Lose | Win | Draw | Lose | Lose | Lose |
| Fire (Base) | Win | Lose | Win | Draw | Lose | Lose |
| Light (Super) | Win | Win | Win | Win | Draw | Lose |
| Dark (Unique) | Win | Win | Win | Win | Win | Draw |
> *Elemental mastery is key to predicting enemy choices and achieving chain victories.*
### Turn-Based RPG Mechanics
Ether Arena uses a lightweight turn-based combat system emphasizing team synergy and elemental counterplay.
Players must assemble balanced teams of Heroes and Monsters to maximize PvP performance.
* Win Element Duel: Character enters Attack State, dealing damage.
* Lose Element Duel: Character enters Hurt State, receiving damage.
* Draw Outcome: Both characters attack simultaneously, exchanging damage.
This system fuses resource management, elemental prediction, and stat optimization, creating an arena where strategy and production efficiency determine victory.
## 2/ Combo & Skill System
Combat in EtherForge features two layered damage mechanics, each rewarding skillful timing and consistent play.
### Standard Damage + Combo Mechanism
$$
\text{Actual Damage} = \Big( \text{ATK}{total} \times \frac{100}{100 + \text{DEF}{total}} \Big) \times \text{ComboMultiplier}
$$
### **Combo Multiplier Rules:**
| Consecutive Wins | Combo Multiplier | Description |
| :--------------: | :--------------: | :---------------------: |
| **1** | ×1 | Standard attack |
| **2** | ×2 | Minor combo bonus |
| **3** | ×3 | Full combo streak bonus |
This system rewards consistent performance, simulating combat momentum and rewarding skilled tactical play.
### Skill Power Mechanism
* Each round win grants +1 Power Point.
* Losing a round does not reset Power Points.
* Upon reaching 4 total wins, the next attack becomes a Skill Attack, dealing 3× damage, then resets the Power bar to 0.
## 3/ Victory Conditions
* A unit immediately loses when its HP ≤ 0.
* If the 3-minute timer expires and both players still have surviving units:
* The system compares Total HP + DEF of both teams.
* The side with a higher combined total wins.
* If totals are equal → Draw.