Random Number Generation, or RNG, is a highly debated topic in almost every competitive video game genre.
Understanding exactly where randomness factors into the equation allows top players to mitigate its negative effects.
Starting Hands and Card Rotation
The most prominent RNG element in card-based battlers is the initial four cards you are dealt at the start.
Professional players build their decks specifically to minimize the chances of a truly unplayable starting hand.
- Make the best play available with what you have.
- Remove the guesswork from the mid-game.
- Some RNG is healthy for the game.
Unit Targeting and Pathfinding
Sometimes a unit will retarget unexpectedly due to a micro-movement by another troop, completely ruining your defensive setup.
Leaving a slight margin for error in your defensive placements is the best way to handle AI unpredictability.
| Genre Type | RNG Dependency |
|---|---|
| Auto-Battlers | Extremely High - Relies entirely on shop rolls and item drops |
| Standard Tower Rush | Very Low - Only the starting hand is randomized |
Embracing the Chaos
The most important skill regarding RNG is learning how to control your emotions when luck inevitably turns against you.
Focus on improving your timing and placement, and let the RNG sort itself out in the long run.
