Random Number Generation, or RNG, is a highly debated topic in almost every competitive video game genre.
However, it still exists in subtle ways that can completely alter the outcome of a very close match.
The Luck of the Draw
If your opponent rushes the bridge and all your cheap defensive counters are at the bottom of your deck, you lose the tower.
Professional players build their decks specifically to minimize the chances of a truly unplayable starting hand.
- Flexibility is a skill.
- Remove the guesswork from the mid-game.
- It prevents matches from feeling perfectly scripted.
Unit Targeting and Pathfinding
Another subtle layer of RNG comes from the slight inconsistencies in how the game's AI handles pathfinding.
Relying on a unit's aggro range down to the exact pixel is risky because tiny bumps can alter their trajectory.
| Genre Type | Level of Luck |
|---|---|
| Drafting Games | Skill comes from long-term statistical management |
| Standard Tower Rush | Highly skill-dependent after the first 30 seconds |
The Mental Game
The most important skill regarding RNG is learning how to control your emotions when luck inevitably turns against you.
Focus on improving your timing and placement, and let the RNG sort itself out in the long run.
