HOW_TO_PLAY.md

How to Play Ancient Beast

Table of Contents

• Getting Started
• Basic Concepts
• Game Flow
• Advanced Tactics

Getting Started

Web Play

1. Visit AncientBeast.com
2. Choose your preferred game mode (1v1 or 2v2)
3. Click "Play Game" to start

Playing Locally

1. Clone the repository
2. Install dependencies: npm install
3. Start the game: npm run start:dev

Basic Concepts

The Battlefield

• The game takes place on a hexagonal grid
• Units can span up to 3 hexagons long
• Some traps may alter unit movement

Units

• Each unit belongs to one of seven factions (based on the seven deadly sins)
• Units have unique stats:
  • Health Points (HP)
  • Energy Points
  • Movement Range
  • Special Abilities

Game Flow

Turn Structure

1. Start Phase

   • Gain energy
   • Reset action points
   • Activate any start-of-turn effects

2. Action Phase

   • Move units
   • Use abilities
   • Attack enemies
   • Each unit can act once per turn

3. End Phase

   • Resolve any end-of-turn effects
   • Pass turn to opponent

Movement

• Units can move within their movement range
• Usually you can't move through occupied hexes
• Some abilities may allow special type of movement

Combat

• Units can attack enemies within their attack range
• Different attacks may have different areas of effect
• Consider careful positioning for maximum effectiveness

Advanced Tactics

Squad Building

• Create balanced squads with complementary abilities
• Consider unit synergies when building your squad
• Adapt your strategy based on opponent's units

Unit Positioning

• Protect vulnerable units by shielding them
• Set up combos with area-of-effect abilities

Resource Management

• Manage your energy efficiently
• Plan ahead for powerful abilities
• Consider the action point cost of moves

Basic Tips

1. Learn your units' abilities thoroughly
2. Plan several turns ahead
3. Watch your positioning
4. Don't waste energy on weak attacks
5. Protect your valuable units
6. Learn to predict opponent moves

Controls

Mouse/Touch Controls

• Click/tap unit to select
• Click/tap valid hex to move
• Click/tap ability then target to use
• Right-click/long press to view detailed info

Keyboard Controls

• Arrow keys: Navigate
• Space: Confirm selection
• ESC: Cancel action
• QWER: Select abilities

Game Modes

1v1 Mode

• Classic duel between two players
• Full army control
• Strategic army building

2v2 Mode

• Team-based battles
• Coordinate with ally
• Shared victory conditions

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For more detailed information about specific units, abilities, and advanced strategies, visit our Wiki or join our Discord community.