Monster battles

Starting a battle

Monsters wait at fixed points on the map. Tap one to open the battle screen. Starting a fight costs stamina; the amount is shown before you commit. A defeated monster disappears until its own respawn timer finishes, so victory changes the map for everyone.

Your four moves

• Attack: your dependable move. It uses no mana.
• Heavy strike: a stronger hit that costs mana. Save it for a short, decisive fight.
• Potion: restore health, but give up your whole turn.
• Retreat: attempt to leave before the fight gets expensive. It is a tactical choice, not a failure.

Damage and gear

Your worn weapon, armour and stats decide the outcome. Gear in your bag looks impressive, but it does not help until you equip it. Before challenging a tougher area, compare the monster level with yours and make sure your weapon and armour have kept up.

What you earn

Winning grants experience and gold from the monster's hit points: 25%-45% experience and 10%-20% gold. A monster at your level or above pays the full formula. A weaker one pays less: 10% off per level of gap, never more than 40%. Spending all your stamina on a fight you cannot finish is never a bargain. Health, mana and stamina recover over time, so the best route is the one you can repeat.

Smart fighting

1. Finish quick fights quickly. Use mana when it saves more health than it costs.
2. Count the turns. If the monster barely moves while your health collapses, retreat and upgrade.
3. Heal before the next attempt. A second fight at half health is rarely heroic.
4. Upgrade before you travel farther. New zones reward prepared heroes.

Ready for an opponent who can think back? Visit the player duels guide.