How can you make combat mechanics more strategic in action games?

1 Define your core loop

The core loop is the basic cycle of actions that the player repeats throughout the game, and it should reflect your game's identity and goals. For example, in a stealth action game, the core loop might be: scout, plan, execute, escape. In a hack and slash game, it might be: dodge, attack, combo, loot. By defining your core loop, you can design your combat mechanics around it, and make sure they support and enhance it.

2 Balance risk and reward

One way to make combat more strategic is to introduce trade-offs and consequences for the player's choices. For example, you can make some attacks more powerful but also more risky, such as charging up, exposing yourself, or consuming resources. You can also make some enemies more rewarding but also more dangerous, such as dropping rare items, calling reinforcements, or having special abilities. By balancing risk and reward, you can create meaningful decisions and tension for the player.

3 Vary your enemies and environments

Another way to make combat more strategic is to diversify your enemies and environments, and make them interact with each other and the player. For example, you can design enemies with different behaviors, strengths, and weaknesses, such as ranged, melee, armored, agile, etc. You can also design environments with different features, hazards, and opportunities, such as cover, traps, platforms, etc. By varying your enemies and environments, you can create dynamic and emergent situations that require the player to adapt and improvise.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?