Character Equipment
StarNode Character Armor and Items
Last updated
StarNode Character Armor and Items
Last updated
The StarNode equipment system offers deep customization options, allowing players to tailor their characters through gear that directly impacts core attributes and gameplay. Each item is represented with a clear notation combining a number (indicating strength) and a letter (denoting the type of bonus), making it easy to assess its influence on performance. This system integrates seamlessly with StarNode’s card-based combat mechanics, rewarding strategic loadout choices with powerful synergies.
Battlefield tactics are deeply influenced by the choice of equipment, creating layered strategic interactions. Players must carefully select gear that complements their card deck while countering their opponent’s loadout. Each piece of equipment offers unique strengths and weaknesses, enhancing tactical depth.
Armor modifies defensive capabilities and provides resistance or vulnerabilities to specific weapon types. Players must weigh their gear choices against expected threats.
Light Armor (L)
Strengths: Resistant to melee attacks.
Weakness: Vulnerable to pistol damage.
Additional Effects: Increases agility, aiding evasive tactics.
Medium Armor (M)
Strengths: Resistant to pistol attacks.
Weakness: Vulnerable to rifle fire.
Additional Effects: Balanced defense and mobility.
Heavy Armor (H)
Strengths: Resistant to rifle damage.
Weakness: Vulnerable to melee due to reduced mobility.
Additional Effects: Maximized protection but slower action recovery.
Weapons enhance attack cards tied to specific attributes and scale with corresponding Action Points (AP).
Pistols (P)
Strengths: Effective against Light Armor.
Weakness: Less effective against Medium and Heavy Armor.
Playstyle: Quick, mid-range attacks ideal for rapid offensive strategies.
Rifles (R)
Strengths: Effective against Medium Armor.
Weakness: Less effective against Heavy Armor.
Playstyle: Precision and long-range control, often paired with defensive decks.
Melee Weapons (M)
Strengths: Effective against Heavy Armor.
Weakness: Limited utility against evasive or ranged opponents.
Playstyle: High-impact, close-range combat, benefiting from aggressive tactics.
Dark Matter Staffs (DM)
Strengths: Scales with Corruption AP (CAP), powerful for status effects and battlefield control.
Weakness: Higher AP cost limits sustained usage.
Playstyle: Strategic disruption and high-risk, high-reward attacks.
Gravity Staffs (GR)
Strengths: Uses Logic AP (RAP) for area control and tactical suppression.
Weakness: Lower direct damage potential compared to other weapon types.
Playstyle: Manipulates movement, space, and time for strategic advantages.
Nexium Cubes (NC)
Strengths: Uses Corruption AP (CAP) for damage-over-time effects and health siphoning.
Weakness: Low damage against Medium and Heavy Armor, ineffective against high Stoicism characters.
Playstyle: Effective when combined with high-damage pistols; synergizes with Logic and Corruption actions as well as Dark Matter Staff abilities.
Drones (DR) – Provide tactical support, including targeting assistance, shield regeneration, and offensive capabilities.
Future Equipment Considerations:
Shield Emitters – Enhance damage resistance and reduce AP costs for certain defensive maneuvers.
Cybernetic Enhancements – Provide passive stat boosts and specialized abilities based on character class and attributes.
The StarNode team has undertaken extensive balancing efforts to ensure a fair and strategic combat experience across all classes and playstyles. To achieve this, the team has implemented:
Attribute Scaling Bonuses: Ensuring that all weapons and armor scale effectively with the corresponding attributes (e.g., Dark Matter Staffs scale with Corruption, Rifles scale with Logic).
Class-Specific Loadout Balancing: Preventing any single class from having a dominant gear combination while maintaining meaningful strengths and weaknesses.
Meta-Driven Tweaks: Adjusting weapons and armor allowing for organic game balance as StarNode evolves.
The StarNode equipment system is designed to offer meaningful tactical decisions, ensuring that gear selection impacts every aspect of combat and strategy. Players must carefully consider their character deck to maximize efficiency and adapt to various battlefield conditions.
