The War on Bugs development team has introduced new gameplay systems that expand strategic combat, including bug swarm encounters, an action point-based combat economy, and a card combo system.
War on Bugs is a single-player strategy title built on the Neo X TestNet. It combines procedurally generated maze exploration with card-based combat and a robust character progression system.
The game is aimed at delivering a comprehensive strategy experience by integrating RPG-style progression with tactical deck-building and dynamic navigation challenges.
Bug swarm encounters
Source: War on Bugs
Bugs can now appear in swarms of one to four enemies with a shared health pool. Each member of the swarm attacks independently, introducing new tactical considerations for players. During combat, a new swarm grid displays individual member health, enabling players to assess and respond to threats with greater precision.
Action points
Combat now runs on an Action Point system, which governs how many actions a player can take during a turn. Cards consume AP based on their mode, and combos also draw from this shared pool. Players may skip an attack phase to regenerate +2 AP for future turns, allowing for extended card chains or stronger plays.
Maximum AP can be increased through character upgrades, expanding tactical potential. If a player runs out of AP mid-turn, selected cards are retained and re-attempted later.
Additionally, counter windows and Miss Fortune strikes now respect the AP lock, ensuring the interface remains responsive and predictable while damage is resolved.
Card and combo system
The updated combo system is closely tied to the AP economy, allowing players to chain multiple cards per turn. With over 50 unique card combinations available, players are encouraged to experiment with different card types and modes.
Source: War on Bugs
Combos are categorized as Strong, Clashing, or Mixed:
- Strong: Deliver damage multipliers and impactful status effects.
- Clashing: Introduce risk with potential self-damage or debuffs
- Mixed: Provide tactical versatility with layered effects.
Successful combos may grant modifiers such as increased damage, enemy debuffs, or health and energy restoration.
New Character: SamNeo
Source: War on Bugs
The roster now includes SamNeo, described as a “Neo Architect and sharp businessman commanding the syntax of the digital world.” The character was inspired by a moderator from the Neo Discord server and introduces two unique perks:
- Community Architect: Heals the player and applies Weak to all visible bugs.
- Syntax Sovereign: Relocates all bugs within view to a random location outside the player’s field of vision.
The update expands War on Bugs’ core gameplay, offering expanded strategic depth and new content for players exploring the Neo X TestNet.
The full announcement can be found at the link below:
https://x.com/snakey_rob/status/1975581094440206412
About The Author: Dylan Grabowski
Dylan is a reformed urban planner with a passion for covering the Neo ecosystem. His objective as a writer for Neo News Today is to report news in an objective, fact-based, non-sensational manner. When not behind a computer screen, he can be found in the mountains rock climbing. Find Dylan on Twitter (@GrabowskiDylan).
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