Combat System Design for Action-Adventure and Souls-Like Games

Creating a combat system that feels responsive, challenging, and rewarding is one of the hardest parts of game design. This text-based course guides you through the foundational principles of designing melee combat systems for action-adventure and tactical "Souls-like" games. You will transition from a player who enjoys great combat to a designer who understands how to construct it, learning to draft design documents, map out combat loops, and balance risk and reward. What you'll learn: - Understand the core elements of combat feel, including hitstop, visual cues, and animation timing. - Design balanced combat loops using stamina, posture, and resource management mechanics. - Map out enemy AI attack patterns, telegraphing cues, and behavioral states. - Configure weapon hitboxes, hurtboxes, and precise frame data for fair gameplay. - Apply modern accessibility and difficulty-scaling design principles to keep combat engaging. - Draft professional combat design documentation to clearly communicate your mechanics. Starting with basic game design terminology and core combat loops, this course guides you step-by-step through pacing, AI behaviors, and balancing frameworks. You will analyze classic combat encounters and complete practical written design exercises to build your portfolio. This course is designed for beginner game designers, planners, and indie developers with no prior programming or engine experience required. Start designing combat experiences that players cannot put down.