Understanding the Auto Battler Game Genre
An auto battler, also known as auto chess, is a subgenre of strategy video games that typically feature chess-like elements. In these games, players place characters on a grid-shaped battlefield during a preparation phase, and these characters then fight the opposing team’s characters without any further direct input from the player.
The genre was popularized by Dota Auto Chess in early 2019, which led to established studios releasing other games in the genre such as Teamfight Tactics, Dota Underlords, and Hearthstone’s Battlegrounds.
Gameplay in auto battler games generally involves:
- Multiple players competing against each other as individuals, somewhat resembling a battle royale.
- Each player fields a team of units, sometimes called minions, assembling the strongest possible team.
- After selecting initial units, players are paired off randomly for a series of 1-versus-1 battles.
In January 2019, a group of Chinese developers, known as Drodo Studio, released Dota Auto Chess, a community-made custom game mode for Dota 2. The popularity of the mod—over eight million players by May 2019—led to the creation of the auto battler genre and the release of several other games.
Additionally, auto battlers typically feature:
- A set number of players going head-to-head in one-vs-one matches on a playing field.
- Randomly assigned enemy matchups between player pools, with autonomous gameplay where units fight each other automatically without player input.
- At the onset of each round, players can select the number of units they wish to place on the board. After each round, units return to their original positions, allowing players to begin placing pieces for the next wave.
Furthermore, the auto battler’s roots can be traced back to the fanmade Dota 2 mod called Dota Auto Chess, which began gaining popularity in early 2019. This strategy game debuted in January 2019 and gathered eight players to play a modified version of classic chess. By May 2019, it had amassed over 8 million players, leading to a standalone version called Auto Chess, developed by the same team, which stripped away Dota elements. Essentially, many titles following Dota Auto Chess adopt a similar format with name changes and minor alterations.
Notably, Riot Games’ Teamfight Tactics is an auto battle game mode for the popular MOBA League of Legends, having debuted in June 2019. This game offers 8-player free-for-all tactical strategy, where players recruit and deploy champions from League of Legends. Similarly, Dota Underlords, Valve’s take on the auto battler, matches players online against seven others, allowing them to recruit characters from the Dota universe and upgrade them to gain advantages.
In this innovative gameplay, players can build a squad of characters or units, each with distinct abilities and strengths. Autonomous gameplay is at the core of auto battlers, giving players the tools to stage epic fights between hero characters and opponents on grid-based playfields.
How to Strategize in Auto Battler Games
Embark on a captivating journey into the realm of auto battler games, a subgenre that has breathed new life into the world of strategy gaming. In this innovative gameplay, players get to build a squad of characters or units, each boasting distinct abilities and prowess.
As the battle unfolds, players have a slender grip on their units’ maneuvers. The game chiefly runs on autopilot, with the AI steering the battle’s tide based on the units’ stats and capabilities. Players are at the helm, deciding which units to enlist, strategizing their positioning on the battlefield, and tweaking their game plan in real-time as they lock horns with other players or AI adversaries.
Much like in chess, where players tactically maneuver their pieces across the board aiming to outwit and seize their opponent’s pieces, auto battlers too have players strategically placing their units on a battlefield with the goal of overpowering their adversaries. The arrangement of units along with their capabilities significantly influences the battle’s outcome, mirroring the way movement and positioning of chess pieces do.
Furthermore, auto battlers present a distinct gameplay blend of strategy, a touch of luck, and brisk action. The exhilaration of witnessing your squad of units duke it out on the battlefield, while making on-the-fly decisions to adjust to evolving scenarios, crafts a lively and captivating gameplay narrative.
Autobattler games, also known as auto chess games, have become a popular genre in the gaming world. Originating from a Dota 2 mod called Dota Auto Chess, this strategy-based genre offers players the challenge of managing resources, positioning characters, and strategically setting up teams for automated battles.
- Focus on synergies: Synergies are powerful effects that can be activated when you have certain minions on the board together. Look for minions that complement each other to maximize your team’s effectiveness in battles.
- Upgrade heroes wisely: The meat of the tactics pie lies in choosing which heroes to upgrade as the fight goes on, and learning when to spend gold, and when to save it.
- Balance archetypes: The key is building up an army that gives you a good balance of its three main archetypes, including skirmisher attackers and ranged units.
Top Auto Battler Games You Should Play
The auto chess and auto battler genre may have been a flash in the pan, but it’s been a fascinating one to watch. It all started with Dota Auto Chess, a custom game mode for Dota 2 which then spun off to do its own thing, simply called Auto Chess. Valve took notice and decided to create the ill-fated Dota Underlords.
Despite auto chess falling off slightly in recent years, the genre continues to evolve with games like The Last Flame and Tales & Tactics, showcasing innovation and popularity. Notably, Tales and Tactics is a new entry into the genre in 2024, following a successful early access period. While many of the original or classic auto battlers on this list are based on classic heroes, Tales and Tactics takes on a tabletop RPG theme. Fans of Dungeons and Dragons, Baldur’s Gate, and other similar games will enjoy the feel of this one.
Furthermore, Riot’s take on auto chess is Teamfight Tactics. The basic loop of playing is the same as its obvious competitors, but where Auto Chess and Underlords both stick to the original Dota Auto Chess formula, TFT changes some things up. Of course, it’s based on League of Legends and features very different champions.
Here are some notable auto battler games:
- Unnamed Space Idle – 4,665 players
- Alpha League – 4,066 players
- Incremental Epic Hero 2 – 3,262 players
- Mechabellum – 2,471 players
Auto Battlers vs Traditional Strategy Games: What’s the Difference?
Auto Battlers are a popular genre in the gaming industry that combines elements of strategy, role-playing, and competitive gameplay. In an auto-battler game, players assemble a team of characters or units. They watch as these units automatically battle against other players’ teams or computer-controlled opponents. The outcome of the battles is determined by various factors such as unit placement, team composition, and strategic decision-making.
Furthermore, auto-battler games provide a blend of strategy and luck, making them accessible to both casual and hardcore gamers. The growing popularity of these games has led to the emergence of esports tournaments and professional competitions, thus boosting the gaming industry’s growth. Therefore, understanding auto-battler games is crucial for both gamers and individuals operating gaming businesses.
By comprehending the significance of auto-battler games, gaming businesses can better position themselves to capitalize on the opportunities presented by this genre. These games have introduced new gameplay mechanics and strategic elements that have reshaped the gaming landscape. Consequently, implementing best practices is essential for gaming businesses to leverage the potential of auto-battler games and achieve success in the industry.
In terms of gameplay structure:
- Auto battler games typically feature multiple players competing against each other as individuals, similar to a battle royale.
- Each player fields a team of units, sometimes called minions, with the player tasked to assemble the strongest possible team.
- This genre allows players to set their pieces on a grid and let the combat play out automatically.
- Additionally, auto battlers are strategy games that feature a set number of players going head-to-head with enemies in one-vs-one matches on a playing field.
In comparison, traditional strategy games generally involve some level of symmetry between sides, contrasting other genres such as action or adventure games where one player takes on many enemies. Notably, while the overland map and general strategy in auto-battlers may remind players of games like HOMM, there are significant differences beneath the surface.
Platforms for Playing Auto Battlers: PC, Xbox, and Mobile
Platforms on which auto battler games can be played include:
- PC
- Mobile
- Xbox
Examples of popular auto battler games available on these platforms are:
- Teamfight Tactics
- Dota Underlords
- Auto Chess
- Super Auto Pets
- Just King
- Despot’s Game: Dystopian Battle Simulator
Each of these games features multiplayer gameplay, strategy elements, and fantasy themes. They cater to players looking for engaging tactical experiences.
Specifically, Teamfight Tactics (TFT), developed and published by Riot Games, is a spinoff of League of Legends and is based on Dota Auto Chess. In this game, players compete online against seven other opponents by building a team to be the last one standing.
Notably, Despot’s Game: Dystopian Army Builder is available on multiple systems including:
- Xbox Series S
- Xbox Series X
- PS5
- PS4
- PC
- Xbox One
The Rise of Auto Battler Card Games
The Rise of Auto Battler Card Games
Auto battler, also known as auto chess, is a subgenre of strategy video games. Typically, it features chess-like elements where players place characters on a grid-shaped battlefield during a preparation phase. These characters then fight the opposing team’s characters without any further direct input from the player. The genre was popularized by Dota Auto Chess in early 2019. Subsequently, other games in the genre were released by more established studios, such as Teamfight Tactics, Dota Underlords, and Hearthstone’s Battlegrounds.
Auto battler games generally involve multiple players competing against each other as individuals, akin to a battle royale. Each player fields a team of units, sometimes referred to as minions, and is tasked with assembling the strongest possible team. After each player has selected some initial units, they are randomly paired off for a series of 1-versus-1 battles. In combat, both players’ units are placed on the board and automatically battle each other, typically without player input.
At the start of each round, players can purchase units. These units can be combined to create stronger versions of the same unit. It is worth noting that units may be categorized, with combat bonuses awarded for stacking multiple units of the same type. Moreover, each round allows players to position their purchased units on their half of the board. After positioning, the units will automatically battle against the opponent’s units, with the loser taking damage.
In terms of mechanics, auto battler card games require players to build their teams by selecting units. Additionally, players can buy units during the battle phase to combine and upgrade them by acquiring copies of the same hero. Combining units of the same type yields combat bonuses and enhances overall team strength. Losing health when units are defeated leads to elimination if all health is lost, culminating in a match won by the last player standing.
Finally, auto battler games incorporate card drafting mechanics, providing players with a selection of cards. Players must choose one card and pass the remaining cards to the next player, which necessitates strategic decisions based on available options and long-term objectives.
What Makes Auto Battler Games Addictive?
Auto battler games are designed to be tactical and competitive, focusing on drafting characters to stay ahead of opponents. Each match requires players to defeat waves of units as they compete against seven others to craft the perfect squad of fighters. A notable mechanic in Teamfight Tactics is its drafting approach, where players at the bottom of the standings get first pick each round, giving them a fair chance for a comeback.
Additionally, games fusing roguelike and auto battler mechanics, such as Astronarch, stand out with distinctive pixel art aesthetics. Players recruit a team of three from a pool of 21 enigmatic heroes, each with unique abilities that influence strategy based on placement and items carried. Each playthrough presents a fresh adventure with randomized boss encounters across three distinct subareas.
Another example is Hearthstone Battlegrounds, which draws from the Warcraft series’ lore. It plays like most auto battlers, with players recruiting minions from a random selection and battling against seven others at the tavern. However, the game is still being balanced due to its relatively recent release.
The Dungeon Beneath adds variety with its tactical roguelike approach. Players assemble a party of heroes from diverse classes as they navigate enemy-filled dungeons. Successful battles reward players with new artifacts and equipment, enhancing their minions’ power. Each hero can hold three items, leading to numerous possible character combinations.
In terms of gameplay mechanics, players place units on a battlefield grid and watch them engage in combat. Although this may seem simple, mastering the various mechanics takes time. The evolving genre has introduced different settings and unit rosters while retaining the fundamental gameplay formula.
For instance, Super Auto Pets allows players to form a team of animals and fight against others. It features an Arena mode for relaxed, asynchronous multiplayer, as well as a Versus mode for fast-paced, synchronous battles that challenge quick decision-making.
Hadean Tactics offers a unique experience, resembling the acclaimed Slay the Spire. Players traverse a procedurally generated map, selecting heroes with distinct decks at the start of each run. Unlocking more variants encourages experimentation with different playstyles.
Furthermore, the auto battler genre has expanded with many smaller developers producing high-quality titles, innovating on the genre. This evolution creates a rich environment for strategic decision-making, a key factor in the addictiveness of these games.
Lastly, games like Super Auto Pets and Automon provide unique strategic elements that keep players engaged. The combination of strategy and enjoyment within these titles fosters a loop of engagement, as players continuously seek to improve their performance and strategies.
Auto Battler Game Mechanics Explained
Auto-battler games have gained significant relevance in the gaming industry due to their unique gameplay mechanics and widespread popularity. These games offer a different experience from traditional gaming genres, attracting a wide range of players. Moreover, auto-battler games provide a blend of strategy and luck, making them accessible to both casual and hardcore gamers.
Understanding auto-battler games is crucial for both gamers and individuals operating gaming businesses. For gamers, these games offer a unique and immersive gameplay experience. By familiarizing themselves with the mechanics and strategies involved in these games, players can enhance their skills and increase their chances of success.
An auto battler is a subgenre of strategy video games where players assemble a team of characters or units and watch as they automatically battle against other player’s teams or computer-controlled opponents. Typically, these games feature chess-like elements where players place characters on a grid-shaped battlefield during a preparation phase. Once positioned, the characters fight the opposing team’s characters without any further direct input from the player.
Furthermore, auto battlers are strategy games that feature a set number of players going head-to-head with enemies in one-vs-one matches on a playing field. While there are variations in how auto battlers may be played, there are usually similar rules across the genre for each.
