Website link is here

https://dark-forest-replay.netlify.app/

In 2021, we explored the dark.

In 2025, I found a way back.

I built a time machine for Dark Forest

not a recording, but something living.

✨

It’s alive.

✨

August 2021.

Ethereum was chaos in motion.

NFTs were exploding into culture.

DeFi felt infinite, every protocol a frontier.

✨

And somewhere beyond the noise,

a small group of explorers entered a different kind of space.

A world not hosted, but emerged.

✨

Planets, artifacts, portals — all onchain, all alive.

It wasn’t just a game.

It was the first glimpse of a new kind of universe.

✨

That world would end nine days later,

on August 22, 2021,

the final hour of Dark Forest v0.6 Round 3: “Grape Extra-Small.”

✨

But for many of us, it never really ended.

Because we were there

friends, rivals, wanderers in the fog

Fighting for space, building stories no block explorer could ever show.

✨

Now, years later, I’ve done something I once thought impossible.

✨

I built a Replay Time Machine

A complete reconstruction of that round

every tick, every planet, every heartbeat of the chain.

✨

This isn’t a video

It’s a temporal simulation

Time itself rebuilt.

✨

Two realities: real-time and simulated-time

You can reverse, accelerate, or pause the universe

Speed, direction, state — all under control

And when you hit Enter

you return to that exact moment

08/22/2021 — the last hour before the darkness

It wasn’t easy

Time systems are fragile; one misstep and the world could collapse

UI, logic, contracts — each rebuilt piece by piece

Weeks blurred into work

And somewhere, between the world we know and the world I was recreating

time started to move again

But it wasn’t just a system coming to life

It was a memory returning, quietly unfolding

reviving what I thought I had lost

And when it did, I realized

what I missed most wasn’t only the game

It was the people

Those who shared that strange, beautiful silence of the Dark Forest

both enemies and friends

and sometimes, both at once

This replay isn’t just a technical artifact

It’s a way to remember

A way to return

A way to feel it all again

To the devs and dreamers of @darkforest_eth

to the exceptional explorers who have carried the legacy forward @DFArchon

to everyone who ever got lost in the fog

thank you

Some rounds are too beautiful to fade

Now that we can replay the past

maybe it’s time to imagine new worlds again

Because the past isn’t gone

It’s just waiting to be rediscovered

Welcome back to Dark Forest

And forward — to whatever comes next

“The past is never dead. It’s not even past.” — William Faulkner

The official Dark Forest team maintained the project for approximately two and a half years, from 2020 to 2022 Q1.

During that time, they launched a total of 8 public test rounds: versions 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, and 0.6.1 through 0.6.5. Each testing round typically lasted one to two weeks. Player numbers generally grew steadily throughout the official team’s involvement, which reflected a healthy trajectory for the project. Unfortunately, after the two-week-long round 0.6.5, the official team never launched another public round. According to some secondhand sources, key members of the office Dark Forest team had moved on to pursue new paths in life.

The success of Dark Forest can be analyzed from two perspectives: external conditions and the inherent characteristics of the project.

From an external perspective, the development of the Dark Forest project happened to align with favorable market conditions. At the time, NFTs were the dominant trend in the crypto space, a strong bull market was underway, and confident market participants were actively searching for the next alpha opportunity. The market also needed broader narratives to support the growing NFT hype, and metaverse or gaming projects naturally became attractive themes. In this environment, where market attention was expanding and external conditions were relatively favorable, Dark Forest, an experimental project with forward-thinking design, gradually gained traction. In 2021, there were not many fully onchain games. Projects such as Dark Forest, conquest.eth, and ISAAC (developed by the Topology team) stood out. Dark Forest was able to capture a portion of the early attention thanks to its first-mover advantage. In mid-2022, however, a sharp drop in major cryptocurrency prices triggered a broader market crash. After that point, the official Dark Forest team no longer released new public rounds.

From the perspective of its inherent characteristics, Dark Forest possesses many highly attractive features. All of the game’s logic is implemented through smart contracts, with every player action recorded onchain, giving it a very geeky and cool appeal. While blockchain state information is typically public, Dark Forest leverages zero-knowledge (ZK) technology to conceal planet coordinates. In fact, Dark Forest appeared even earlier than the Tornado Cash, making it a representative project that combines ZK technology with blockchain. The Ethereum community’s strong interest in ZK technology also helped promote Dark Forest’s recognition. The game’s design is inspired by the Three-Body Problem novel, and it includes the broadcasting of planet coordinates within gameplay, serving as a perfect tribute to the Dark Forest theory from the book. Players in Dark Forest control planets within the same universe to attack one another, and the social attributes of this massively multiplayer online real-time strategy (MMORTS) game are also highly engaging.

Moving the timeline to 2022, after the official team disappeared, the overall player community remained quite active. Throughout the entire year of 2022, various teams continuously organized Dark Forest community rounds (for details, you can refer to the series of articles titled Dark Forest - A Revision of Previous Community Rounds by classicj). During the years 2021 to 2022, our team, DFArchon, was an active and hardcore player team. We set a long-term goal of developing fully automated interaction bots (this video represents the milestones we have achieved). At the same time, we also open-sourced many plugins that addressed player operation needs. Playing through the official rounds and the various community-organized rounds was a very enjoyable experience for us, and we had a great time.

At the beginning of 2023, we realized that the official Dark Forest team might have left for good. We decided to proactively take on the role of ecosystem promoters and continue development through an open-source, community-driven approach. From then until now, it has been exactly two and a half years. Overall, we have continued with the mindset of building experimental applications, advancing a new version every 2 to 3 months followed by 1 to 2 weeks of public testing. From 2023 until July 2025, we have conducted a total of eight public testing rounds.

Secondary development based on open-source projects often faces certain awkward challenges. Moreover, with the market downturn, the industry as a whole has yet to establish widespread recognition and confidence in fully onchain games, which has led to difficulties for our team in acquiring external resources. Despite this, we have chosen not to give up and have persisted in development to this day. Our idea is simple: as long as we continue to hold periodic gaming events, we can maintain community activity, and when the next bull market arrives, the project will experience another major breakthrough. Over these two and a half years, we have gained a lot. In the summer of 2024, we rebuilt Dark Forest based on MUD, making many optimizations from the ground up. Although we operate in a distributed development model, our team now possesses the experience and capability to independently develop a complete game project. On the other hand, we have also actively explored and learned about various projects within the ecosystem, witnessing the rise and fall of many fully onchain games, while gradually refining and enriching the narrative of onchain reality. It is possible that in the near future, we will launch new projects to further express our ideas.

Facing reality, the world has not developed as we imagined. Although the price of BTC has been climbing steadily, the Ethereum ecosystem has not prospered again as many expected. The much-anticipated altcoin season has yet to arrive. Projects within the fully onchain gaming ecosystem that we once had high hopes for have one by one announced they are halting development. The market attention we hoped would spill over again has not appeared, and the large influx of players we imagined has not materialized. Market focus has been taken over by AI and meme coins, and the blockchain industry seems to be experiencing unprecedented challenges.

This is the situation up to now. We will continue to explore and push forward with development. As long as we keep exploring, there is always hope.

In 2021, we were captivated by Dark Forest, a fully onchain MMORTS built on zero-knowledge (ZK) technology. Inspired by its potential, we developed intricate plugin systems and a crowdsourcing platform centered around the game.

At the beginning of 2023, we published Decentralized Game —The Experiment Must Go On! , committing to advancing the development of Dark Forest as a community-driven initiative. Over two years of development, we have continuously innovated and tested game mechanics, accumulating a wealth of composable gameplay features and modules. Through active engagement with the player community, we have also refined our perspectives on onchain gaming.

In the summer of 2024, we migrated the core modules of Dark Forest to the MUD engine, naming the project Dark Forest MUD.

By the winter of 2024, we had compiled and published Onchain Reality Maximalism, a book documenting the ideological aesthetics of fully onchain games in the post-Dark Forest golden age. This work not only captured the evolution of the ecosystem but also laid the foundation for the next phase of exploration and progress within the DFArchon community.

As we move into 2025, we are committed to forging ahead.

This article serves as a record of our community’s intense discussions, outlining various proposals and exploratory directions for the future.

1. Dark Forest MUD

User-Friendly Features: Wallet management, onboarding pages, page optimization

proposal 1: Expanding the universe radius by 100 times and extending the game duration by 100 times: Page optimization, map deletion functionality, and planet adjustments.

proposal 2: Seasonal System: Each season lasts for 2 weeks.

2.1 Introduce daily tasks for players (such as treasure hunting to earn in-game silver or artifacts).

2.2 Enhance guilds with ownership mechanics and collective decision-making through voting features.

2.3 Introduce artifacts that persist across seasons.

2.4 Implement collectible functional fragments that span multiple seasons. These fragments can be assembled into specific functional card sets (leveraging ERC-6551).

proposal 3: multiverse, artifacts and silver mines from different rounds can be interoperable. Design different themed universes where players can travel between them, such as setting up a farming universe with more Foundry planets.

2. AI Agent x Crypto Game

AI tools for information analysis and decision support in Dark Forest

proposal 1: Intelligent Operation Assistance

Provide path planning to help players optimize planet migration and resource collection efficiency.

Intelligent recommendations: Offer real-time suggestions based on player goals, such as expansion, combat, or resource accumulation.

proposal 2: Autonomous Gameplay AI

Automated execution based on strategy priorities: Allow players to preset strategies, such as “prioritize attacking nearby enemies” or “focus on economic development.”

Learning AI: Continuously improve decision-making logic by observing player operation habits and opponent behaviors.

3. Functional Programming

Learning the principles of functional programming to guide the design of subsequent protocols.

4. Middlewares based on MUD

Develop middleware based on the MUD engine to better support Dark Forest and other projects we aim to develop.

Transaction sending management queue

Account and delegation management module

AI agent integration module

etc..

5. buidl first Onchain Reality Protocol

Our interpretation of Onchain Reality: Onchain Reality Maximalism

We aim to organize and design a cosmic-themed evolution system through a protocol-based approach, using fewer rules to support more diverse and rich content, thus attracting the first batch of residents and developers for the onchain reality. The basic rules of this cosmic evolution system protocol will reference the planetary operation rules from the Dark Forest game, while we will also introduce more rules to support a grander worldview setting.

It is important to emphasize that what we want to build is not a simple simulation of the current real universe we inhabit. We hope to introduce many creative settings to construct a differentiated experience. The universe evolution system constructed based on different on-chain reality rules will have different evolutionary paths. We hope to find rule sets that are more engaging and participatory, and try to build a system with a stronger future-oriented direction.

Of course, the construction of onchain reality protocols has more diverse themes beyond the universe, and we are also internally discussing the development of applications for other themes for exploration. More important than constructing rules is finding the rules that define, guide, or constrain other rules, which we typically refer to as meta-rules. Throughout the design and exploration of different themes, we will attempt to summarize and generalize the meta-rules for constructing onchain reality, and share our thoughts with you through articles or code.

Conclusion

Thank you for reading this far! If you share our vision and believe that blockchain applications can break boundaries to create a broader future, we warmly invite you to join us!

This is not just a community, but a journey of transformation. Whether you are a developer, artist, community operator, player, or a friend willing to provide financial support, every contribution will be a driving force for innovation.

We invite you to step into this adventure with us!Find us via cherryblue :

https://t.me/cherryblue1024

In the fast-paced world of blockchain gaming, Dark Forest has emerged as first crypto archetype a standout an innovative experience that merges strategy with groundbreaking technology. It goes beyond typical gaming, acting as a gateway into decentralized systems, zero-knowledge cryptography, and the expanding crypto space. By combining strategic gameplay with blockchain mechanics and cryptographic puzzles, Dark Forest gives us a glimpse into the future of both gaming and decentralized technologies.

The Premise of Dark Forest

At its heart, Dark Forest is a real-time strategy (RTS) game set in universe. Players start by controlling planet, and their goal is to build and expand their empires by capturing other planets, all while competing against others. The game’s twist lies in its hidden universe. Much of the game’s universe is concealed behind a "fog of war" —a powerful metaphor for the vast unknowns of space. Players can only see regions that are decrypted by GPU or CPU within their exploration computation, which creates an atmosphere of uncertainty and tension.

Inspired by Liu Cixin’s The Three-Body Problem, the game's title refers to the "Dark Forest Theory". This theory suggests that the universe is a dangerous place where civilizations must remain hidden to avoid destruction. In the game, much of the tension comes from navigating this hidden universe, where an enemy could be right beyond your line of sight preparing for an invasion, or perhaps a planet ripe for expansion lies ahead. It’s a balance of strategy and risk, emphasizing exploration and the forgotten unknown behind it.

The Technology Behind Dark Forest

What sets Dark Forest apart from other games is its innovative use of blockchain technology. Built on EVM compatible and incorporating zk-SNARKs (zero-knowledge succinct non-interactive arguments of knowledge), it’s showcases how advanced cryptographic techniques can be applied to gaming in creative ways.

1. EVM and Smart Contracts:

Dark Forest operates on a blockchain ecosystem, specifically the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). The game's mechanics and updates are driven by smart contracts, meaning no central authority governs the game. Instead, everything happens in a decentralized manner, and every action can be verified on the blockchain. This marks a significant departure from traditional gaming models, where control typically rests with centralized platforms. Here, the blockchain introduces concepts like true ownership of in-game assets, transparency in mechanics, and a level playing field.

2. Zero-Knowledge Proofs:

One of the most remarkable aspects of Dark Forest’s tech stack is its use of zk-SNARKs. This cryptographic technique allows players to interact with the game while keeping certain details private. For instance, when a player sends energy movement, the exact details remain hidden from others if they doesn't see on their map a source planet of movement. This preserves both the strategic depth of the game and the player's privacy. It’s a novel use of zero-knowledge proofs in gaming, enhancing both gameplay and trust in decentralized systems.

3. Onchain State and Lazy Update

One challenge of building decentralized games within EVM is scalability. Network may struggle with large-scale games due to current limitations. To address this, Dark Forest uses lazy update mechanism. This allows complex planet state calculations to be simulated off-chain, with forced state updates on the smart contract only when a player performs specific actions on the planet. The lazy update design helps avoid excessive calls, thereby saving RPC resources.

4. Open Source and Community Involvement

One of the key features that sets Dark Forest apart is its open-source nature. Developers and enthusiasts from around the world can actively contribute to its codebase, design plugins, and create tools that enhance the gaming experience. This community-driven approach is deeply aligned with the key principles of decentralization and innovation, empowering players and developers alike to shape the evolution of the game.

Several community-led rounds have been initiated based on these foundations, continually pushing forward the development of the game. Our team next development plan is to port Dark Forest's original code, which uses Diamond standard, into the MUD framework. This transition aims to simplify the connection between smart contracts and the game client, allowing developers to focus on game logic rather than the complexity of integrating these layers. By reducing the binding complexities, the community will unlock new experimental possibilities, offering a wider range of opportunities to explore and innovate with today's emerging technologies.

Lessons Beyond Gaming

Dark Forest transcends the boundaries of gaming, offering valuable insights into the broader world of blockchain technology. The game’s mechanics closely mirror real-world challenges in areas such as finance and governance, all of which are beginning to explore the use of zero-knowledge proofs and decentralized architectures. By engaging with Dark Forest, players and developers alike gain hands-on experience with these advanced concepts in a gamified environment, sharpening their understanding of decentralized systems.

Moreover, the game serves as a model for how decentralized virtual worlds might operate as Autonomous Worlds. As digital spaces become more complex and immersive, mastering the ability to manage resources, form unions, and navigate competition will become essential skills. Dark Forest acts as a testing ground for these skills, providing a sandbox environment where players can explore decentralized collaborative innovation.

Additionally, Dark Forest emphasizes the importance of "DYOR" (Do Your Own Research) a principle often highlighted in the blockchain and crypto communities. The game encourages players to continuously learn and adapt, as strategies, technologies, and opportunities evolve rapidly. It teaches that progress, whether in gaming or in the real world, requires curiosity, initiative, and self-education. By diving deeper into the technologies that power the game and experimenting with new ideas, players not only improve their in-game performance but also cultivate valuable skills and knowledge that can be applied far beyond the game, helping them grow both as individuals and professionals.

Conclusion

Dark Forest is more than just a game it’s a platform that merges strategic gameplay with advanced cryptographic and decentralized technologies. Whether you're playing to master its strategic depths or exploring the tech behind it, Dark Forest offers a rich environment for learning about blockchain, cryptography, and the future of decentralized systems. As gaming and technology continue to evolve, Dark Forest stands out as a pioneering example of what’s possible when these worlds intersect.

Introduction

ddy: To start, could you please introduce yourself briefly?

Elf: Hello everyone, I’m Elf. I first encountered the blockchain industry around 2018 and have been actively involved ever since. Currently, I work as a product manager for a wallet, and I am also a member of both P DAO and 33 DAO. In my spare time, I focus primarily on mining and have a strong interest in PoW and PoS-related topics.

ddy: What type of organization is P DAO?

Elf: Since I frequently participate in testnet activities and many people would ask me related questions, I created P DAO for us to exchange ideas and engage in various projects together. P DAO has over 30 members and is, to some extent, a very closed DAO. We haven’t had any new members join for the past two years, even though many have expressed interest in joining. However, adding new members involves a trust cost because the existing members are all very familiar with each other and have met multiple times offline. We are involved in a wide range of fields, from various types of mining to many GameFi projects. Overall, P DAO is a team of friends with a high level of trust.

ddy: Can you give some examples of the testnet activities you’ve been involved in?

Elf: We’ve been involved in various PoW and PoS-related testnets. Initially, we ran Ethereum nodes, and later we participated in testnets for projects like Mina, Casper, Marlin, Filecoin, Chia, as well as Spacemesh and Aleo.

Thrilling and Intense Battle Years

ddy: What prompted you to deeply engage with playing Dark Forest?

Elf: It was quite an intriguing journey. Initially, I noticed some friends from the community playing the game, which led me to join the player chat group. The atmosphere there was vibrant, with discussions about how enjoyable the project was and various screenshots being shared. Intrigued by the buzz, I decided to try the game myself. However, I soon found myself being overwhelmed by enemies in the universe. Frustrated, I began exploring various plugins and scripts, including GPU map mining tool, and started strategizing with friends who had spawned in the same region on how to mount a defense. This process proved to be immensely engaging, and I recognized the value of teamwork, prompting me to invite more friends to join the game.

ddy: The official testing phase of Dark Forest coincided with a bull market, and the time commitment required for highly collaborative participation was quite substantial. What motivated you to engage so deeply despite this?

Elf: The primary reason was that I was genuinely captivated by the game. The gameplay itself was incredibly enjoyable. At that time, we didn’t have well-developed plugins, so we established a 24-hour schedule. Team members on night shifts would remotely monitor the computers of others. If someone’s planet was under attack, we would call them to wake them up. Another factor was the project’s appealing background. The game had a very geeky and cool vibe, and participating in the test provided an opportunity to win Valhalla NFTs. Additionally, there was the anticipation of receiving airdrops as early testers, which added to the incentive.

ddy: P DAO is somewhat mysterious and low-key. I’m curious, at the height of your participation in Dark Forest, how many members from P DAO were involved, and what was your general strategy?

Elf: P DAO has over 30 members, and at the peak, more than 20 were actively participating Dark Forest. As for our strategy, we chose to forgo competing for the first and second places and instead focused on getting as many team members as possible into the top 63, as those in the top 63 would receive special reward NFTs. At the beginning, everyone spawned randomly in the universe, and our goal was to group together and develop in the same area. During the mid-game, some members ended up near high-level planets (level 8 or 9), and we established these high-level planets as our main base, providing protection to nearby teammates. We also coordinated scores within the team, which could be somewhat controversial. For example, I reached third place, but the gap to fourth was substantial, and moving up to second was unlikely. In such cases, the points from activating artifacts or capturing planets didn’t significantly affect my ranking. Therefore, we coordinated within the team to distribute the energy from some planets, allowing other members in the community to capture them and gain points. By the end, I recall that over 20 of our team members were in the top 63.

ddy: That’s quite impressive. I recall that after v0.6.5, there were various opinions and discussions in the community about the Gatling incident. During v0.6.5, it was possible to significantly increase energy regeneration speed by having multiple ships land on the same planet, with the effect stacking. Initially, it was expected that up to five ships could land on a single planet, but the smart contract allowed for up to ten ships, resulting in a 1024x increase in energy regeneration speed. What is your view on this issue?

Elf: Objectively, I think this is problematic, but at the time, the official team did not declare this behavior as a violation. Given that Gatling had already emerged in the universe and was deemed acceptable by the officials, we decided to participate. We used small planets with speed bonuses to gather our team’s ships and created our own Gatling setup. However, I personally think this kind of gameplay isn’t very enjoyable and, theoretically, it should have been prohibited.

ddy: As a team of around 20 players, were there ever instances where there were differing opinions or ideas about a strategic decision in the game? How did you handle strategic decision-making at the team level?

Elf: I don’t recall any such instances. Since our team members are quite familiar with each other and have established deep connections, we generally approached the game with a relaxed attitude, treating it more as a game than a high-stakes competition. This made it easier to manage strategic decisions collaboratively without major disagreements.

ddy: Dark Forest is a competitive game where only the top 63 players in each round can earn reward NFTs. Besides internal team management and coordination, P DAO must interact with other guilds or players. What kind of diplomatic strategies does P DAO typically employ during gameplay?

Elf: We prefer to focus on our own team, aiming to get as many of our members into the top 63 as possible. During the game, we do interact with other DAOs or players, and I recall there was at least one argument. In a war-themed game like this, the primary objective for a player guild is to maximize their advantage—pushing down anyone blocking our progress, as long as they aren’t part of our team. This is the ideal strategy in a competitive game. However, Dark Forest differs from traditional strategy games in that it involves practical communication. For example, if you happen to be in front of us and there are several players nearby, including one with a level 9 planet, we would typically want to eliminate you directly if we can win. But due to Twitter account verification, some players recognized us or our friends, leading to private messages asking us not to attack. In such cases, we had to cease fire, spend more time finding alternative routes, or look for other high-level planets instead.

ddy: How do you balance game objectives with personal relationships in such situations?

Elf: When we encountered this issue, we tried to anonymize all Twitter accounts as much as possible. However, some friends still knew who we were. If the communication was good and someone asked us not to attack, we might have let it go, especially since the area we occupied was quite large and the points were sufficient. The reason we pushed others out later on was that we didn’t want to overexert ourselves. Given the finite number of points available, once we had secured the points in our surrounding area, there was no need to engage in further battles.

Discussion on Game Features

ddy: Dark Forest is a fully onchain game compatible with EVM, where each player can only submit a few transactions per minute. Do you think this will affect the enjoyment of the game?

Elf: I don’t think so. For example, in Dark Forest 0.6.5, the game lasted for two weeks, and after the second day, each move operation took a long time—sometimes several hours. So, a slower transaction rate doesn’t matter much. However, sometimes onchain transactions can be lost, but switching RPCs usually improves the situation. Frequent transaction losses can significantly impact the gaming experience.

ddy: From a player’s perspective, what are the major differences between playing a fully onchain game that utilizes zero-knowledge proofs and other games?

Elf: Personally, I don’t think there’s a significant difference. If Dark Forest had a centralized version with its backend hosted on centralized servers, I don’t think it would be a major issue. The integration with blockchain is certainly cool, but it feels more like a neat feature rather than an essential necessity.

ddy: Given that the use of zero-knowledge proofs to shape the fog of war enables some players to use GPUs or even higher-performance hardware to uncover large portions of the map, do you think this creates an unfair advantage for those players?

Elf: I don’t consider it unfair. I see it as one of the core highlights of the game. Dark Forest is a war game, and just as some players excel in social interactions and team-building, utilizing GPUs to reveal the map or writing scripts for automated attacks is part of how players can leverage their advantages within the existing rules. This is a strategic choice for participating in the game. The rules are public, so it’s not that only some players are secretly using GPUs to reveal the map. If others are using them, you can do the same. For us, we can reveal the entire map within the first 1-2 days of each game round by renting dozens of servers. Essentially, we start with a full map view.

ddy: Are you concerned that new players might perceive the game as too difficult and decide not to participate?

Elf: Yes, I do have some concerns. From a purely gaming perspective, it boils down to the difference between paying players and regular players. Paying players can rent GPUs or hire developers to create specific plugins, which is a normal phenomenon and not a core blocking issue. The real barrier is whether new players are interested in researching or participating in the game. Given the current state of the blockchain industry, it’s somewhat pessimistic to say that only projects with significant airdrop potential or returns can attract players. If there’s an expectation of such airdrops, no matter how complex the game is, there will always be a group of people eager to dive in.

ddy: Regarding plugins, Dark Forest’s client has implemented open interfaces that allow for the creation of various functionalities. Some players have even developed large-scale semi-automated expansion plugins using these interfaces. What impact do you think plugins have on the game’s ecosystem?

Elf: Overall, I think plugins are a positive development. Without plugins, the game would be unplayable for many players who might be managing hundreds or thousands of planets. Automation plugins provide significant assistance in this regard. Unless the entire interaction model of the game changes, plugins are likely to remain necessary. On the other hand, with the advancement of AI technology, I wonder if we might see AI similar to AlphaGo emerge in the Dark Forest ecosystem, though this would likely require substantial costs.

Future Visions and Possibilities

ddy: Compared to Web2 or Web2.5 games, what do you think are the prominent advantages and disadvantages of Dark Forest?

Elf: The standout advantage of Dark Forest is its playability. I’m a big fan of strategy games and have played many, but I believe Dark Forest is the best strategy game I’ve ever played. What really impresses me is the role of small planets in combat. When attacking an enemy, directly using cannons to target high-level planets can easily lead to a counterattack. Thus, using small planets to advance is often necessary. I send frontline troops to capture a small part of the enemy’s planets, then hold those planets. This involves a lot of strategic decisions between small planets, which I find very interesting.

The disadvantage of Dark Forest is the poor user guidance and interaction experience. Compared to the detailed tutorials in Web2 games, Dark Forest’s tutorial is quite rudimentary. For instance, while the game mentions that there are many open-source plugins available, it lacks details on how to use them, their effects, potential issues, and troubleshooting steps. New players have limited resources to resolve these issues, as there is little technical material available online. Usually, members of the community help adjust things, but new players who aren’t part of these groups may find it difficult to solve their problems.

ddy: From a player’s perspective, have you considered how to improve Dark Forest?

Elf: I think introducing fatigue mechanics similar to Web2 games could be beneficial. For example, limiting each account to a maximum of 1000 actions per day would make players more mindful of their action points. In this scenario, players might spend 1-2 hours each day to complete their strategic deployments. During conflicts with other players, they would also think more carefully about each action’s impact on the war situation, treating each move with greater consideration.

ddy: Dark Forest has previously not considered any economic aspects. If you were to add an economic layer to a game like Dark Forest, what kind of economic model would be most suitable?

Elf: We’ve considered a few preliminary ideas. The first is to implement a model similar to a paid Web2.5 game, introducing some centralized services and using Dark Forest’s token as a payment medium. For example, moving the fog of war to a centralized server and making planetary information a service. Of course, this involves trade-offs, potentially removing some of the zero-knowledge proof aspects. I believe Dark Forest’s core game mechanics are excellent and are a major draw for players.

The second idea is to tokenize in-game resources. For example, the energy and silver mines previously transmitted between planets could be abstracted as ERC20 tokens. We could design mechanisms for their release and consumption, implement taxes at various liquidity points, or introduce mining mechanisms.

ddy: Could the economic aspects of Dark Forest conflict with its gameplay, and how should they be balanced?

Elf: I think this issue could be informed by the successful experiences of Web2 games. Frankly, Dark Forest isn’t a game where spending money translates directly into significant advantages; it primarily relies on players spending time to engage in intensive operations. In games involving economic models, it’s inevitable that large studios might come in, hiring many players to seek optimal arbitrage solutions. This is a normal situation in both Web2 and Web3 environments, as long as it remains balanced.

Ideally, you would design and create a complex web of interests where different players choose various strategies to compete or collaborate, ensuring that the game remains balanced.

Please note that our team members are not ZK experts. The content we discuss is more based on perspectives from game application product development, so the concepts we share may have some inaccuracies.

Dark Forest is a decentralized, real-time strategy game that operates entirely on the EVM blockchain. The game leverages zkSNARKs to enable private and scalable transactions. Players explore a procedurally generated universe, capture planets, and compete against each other in a zero-sum conquest.

The reason we consider Dark Forest a decentralized game is that its entire logic runs on smart contracts. Players interact directly with the blockchain, making the game tamper-proof and resistant to central control.

In an interstellar dominance game, the coordinates of planets are crucial pieces of information. As we know, data on the blockchain is entirely public (except Monero and other privacy chain). By using zkSNARKs (Zero-Knowledge Succinct Non-Interactive Arguments of Knowledge), it is possible to verify the existence of planets and the validity of energy transfer moves between planets without revealing their coordinates. This achieves the “fog of war” effect. It sounds very much like a magic trick of deception!

In this article, we will analyze the fundamental ZK architecture of Dark Forest, discuss the modifications made to the ZK circuits during the development of Dark Forest Ares (AKA DFAres, a community-run forked version of Dark Forest) , and share some ideas for future development.

Dark Forest ZK Architecture

Since the release of Dark Forest v0.3 in August 2020, many articles and videos introducing the application of zero-knowledge proof technology in Dark Forest have been published. Here, we provide some articles and videos that we consider excellent introductions.

https://blog.zkga.me/intro-to-zksnarks

https://blog.zkga.me/df-init-circuit

https://trapdoortech.medium.com/dark-forest-one-interesting-game-with-zk-snark-technology-47528fa7691e

https://naavik.co/deep-dives/dark-forest-beacon-of-light/

This article introduces the application of Perlin noise in fully onchain games. In Dark Forest, Perlin Noise validation is handled within the ZK circuits. Reading this article will help in understanding this aspect.

https://0xparc.org/blog/procgen

Modifications to ZK in Dark Forest Ares

Dark Forest Ares is forked version of Dark Forest maintained by DFArchon since early 2023. We aim to explore different game mechanics in the direction of onchain MMO. Through in-depth interactions with the player community, we find that the game mechanic of advancing towards the center of the universe to claim the central position is highly welcomed by players. This mechanic is initially introduced in Dark Forest v0.6.3, but two aspects need optimization. On one hand, the original Dark Forest map is completely random, which often leads to players encountering a level 9 planet blocking their progress towards the center. On the other hand, players’ familiarity with the game varies, resulting in OG players frequently capturing the center of the universe on the first day of a week-long game.

To optimize the game mechanics, we introduce a new variable, distanceFromOrigin, in the ZK circuits. By introducing this variable, we can set custom planet levels and space types based on the distance from the center of the universe. As shown in the figure below, planets closer to the center have higher levels, and we set a deep blue player spawn area at the edge of the center. We also introduce an inner radius that starts with a larger value and gradually decreases to zero as the game progresses. Players can only operate within the region between the inner radius and the outer ring radius, greatly enhancing game balance.

signal input targetDistFromOriginSquare;
targetDistFromOriginSquare === x2Sq + y2Sq;

This approach leaks the distance between planets and the center of the universe but does not reveal the specific coordinates of the planets. Therefore, the game remains a fog-of-war game, and game balance is significantly improved. After careful consideration, we believe this trade-off is acceptable in the short term. In the long term, we are also discussing internally whether this validation can be integrated directly into the zero-knowledge proof circuits.

Future Designs Discussion

During previous rounds, we found that players’ temporal habbits in different timezone around the world may cause an unfair competition. For example, round start time may be late at night in certain time zones, and players in these time zones will need to stay up late to make progress in the very important early game stage. Therefore we need a set of rules for players in all time zones around the world. A relatively effective way is to seperate the space into 24 areas according their position if we see the space as a giant circular clock.

where t is UTC time and r_w is the world radius. We can also seperate the space in less areas like 12 or 6 depending on different granularity requirement.

Then each sector will get speed buff(+150%) in turn when realworld time flies. For example, when it is 8am in UTC+2 timezone, planets in blue area above will get a buff that last 1 hour to send energy or artifact. Another way is to freeze those areas not in allowed time period. Practically, it maybe apropriate to have 4 sectors in total, that players in each area on need 24/4=6 hours per day to focus on the game protecting our players’ livers from staying up.

This new feature requires some modification in former ZK circuits. The specific implementation still needs to be discussed.

Layered difficulties control of space map mining

We also noticed that the flat map mining way may be not the best practice. Flat map mean wherever the location is in space, the mining diffcultiy stay unchanged. Apparently, if the goal of a round is to conquer the central planet in space, the mining diffculties should be harder and harder when players approaching space center. Since map mining is actually to calculate the hash and perlin given (x,y) , we can develope a variable diffculty method to dynamically control the speed of map mining. Currently DF uses MiMC algorithm with 220 rounds calculation. A preliminary idea is to introduce a variable round. Anyway, everything needs to be discussed carefully.

Summary

This article introduces the Dark Forest game and the ZK technology architecture used, then provides a detailed analysis of our explorations and considerations regarding adjustments to the ZK circuits for game balance during the development of Dark Forest Ares. Finally, we discuss and introduce two interesting ideas: clock-like space sharding and layered difficulties control of space map mining. To offer a starting point for discussion, we welcome everyone to join us in exploring the integration of ZK and onchain gaming !

Introduction: In this article, we review the development of Dark Forest Ares over the past year and more, analyzing the foundational design architecture and scalability of Dark Forest as an onchain MMO game. We also discuss the concept of “Function as Entity”, which represents a new attempt in our efforts to port Dark Forest to MUD.

Dark Forest is a fully onchain MMORTS game that utilizes zkSNARKs and operates on EVM-compatible chains. Since the release of Dark Forest v0.6.5 in early 2022, the official team has not introduced new rounds. Driven by our belief in the onchain MMO vision and our passion for Dark Forest, our team (DFArchon) decided to continue maintaining Dark Forest Ares, an community-maintained sovereign version of Dark Forest.

Ares, the god of war, symbolizes the power of conflict and battle. As the son of Zeus and Hera, he is often associated with fighting and the chaos of warfare. We chose this name to emphasize the free-for-all (FFA) style features, reflecting the intense competition and strategic elements within onchain MMO games.

From early 2023 to mid-2024, we released 4 different game versions of DFAres, from v0.1.1 to v0.1.4.

In July 2023, we released DFAres v0.1.1: Magic Artifacts, where we introduced artifacts like Fire Link and Ice Link for long-range interactions. Players had to face challenges not only from nearby opponents but also from threats emerging from various corners of the universe.

In January 2024, DFAres v0.1.2: Pink Ship was released, featuring the pink ship that throws bombs to create pink circles. Any planets within these circles could be destroyed. Additionally, we modified the ZK circuits to enable controllable generation of cosmic resources without revealing the exact coordinates of the planets.

In May 2024, DFAres v0.1.3: Kardashev was introduced, which brought the Kardashev artifact. Activating this artifact generates a blue circle that enables planets within it to instantly transfer energy and silver to the circle’s center planet, facilitating rapid resource mobilization. We also implemented preliminary economic model features, including the functions to purchase planets, artifacts, and skins, as well as introducing a bounty system where players, known as “bounty hunters,” can attack specific planets to earn bounties set by sponsors.

In August 2024, DFAres v0.1.4: Union was released. This version introduced a union system, allowing players within unions to send energy to support each other. Additionally, we implemented a dynamically shrinking inner radius to prevent top players from rapidly capturing the center of the universe, thereby ensuring a more balanced game pace.

Our next development plan involves porting Dark Forest to MUD. Here are some of our thoughts on game architecture and scalability. The core idea is to attach state transition functions to the artifacts within the game, using artifacts as a bridge to connect all entities in the game. This approach aims to leverage the composability advantages of fully onchain games as much as possible. We are drawing inspiration from functional programming concepts to guide the development.

0. Time & Space

In game design, time and space are two key elements.

Time is an input for all state transition functions and progresses with the generation of new blockchain blocks. To achieve speedup or slowdown, we need to introduce a time factor.

The space is represented as a circular universe on a two-dimensional plane. The universe is a container for planets.

We enjoy infinite games, and blockchain inherits our expectations and aspirations for infinity. However, due to limited blockchain computing resources and challenges in consensus synchronization, we need to set constraints on time and space to define the scope of the game. The time constraint is the timestamp, and the spatial constraint is the radius of the circular universe.

Please note that the timestamp does not represent the end of the game. The timestamp indicates that player actions will be summarized at this milestone, but players can still interact with the game universe. The radius of the space can also be expanded or contracted based on the progression of time.

1. Energy & Silver

In the universe, the fundamental entities are planets. A planet is a resource carrier that has specific spatial coordinates.

The primary resource is energy, and derivative resources include silver. We can also introduce more types of resources.

Energy is generated on planets and can be transferred between them.

Silver is generated on planets, and silver can be transported along during the process of energy transfer.

For planets, we can categorize their attributes into three types: Constant, Config, and State.

Constant refers to attributes that remain almost unchanged during the game, such as the planet’s coordinates and type.

To implement fog of war effects, zkSNARKs is used to validate that the move operations of transferring energy between planets are valid while keeping the planet coordinates hidden.

Config refers to attributes that occasionally change during the game, such as a planet’s range, speed, and defense. Planets can upgrade by consuming silver mines or meeting other requirements, and these upgrades will change the planet’s config attributes.

State refers to attributes that frequently change during the game, such as the planet’s owner, energy, and silver. For discrete state values like the planet’s owner, updates can be made promptly when players submit transactions. For attributes that continuously change over time, such as energy and silver, a lazy update mechanism is used for updating them.

Typically, the initial values for Config and State are generated from global game parameters and the planet’s Constants.

When we want to expand the game, a convenient method is to store the information that the planet Entities need to record as State attributes.

2. Player control a set of planets

Part of the gameplay is to collect planets. Players send energy to attack other planets to expand their collection, while enemies send energy to attack my planets to reduce the number of planets in my collection.

Attributes attached to player entities can be categorized into two types. The first type includes records of player operations, such as initialization time, the number of planets owned, and score statistics based on specific rules. The second type records the relationships between players and other entities, such as homePlanetId and unionId. These player attributes can also be used to impose certain constraints on subsequent player actions, such as using timestamps to control cooldown times for specific actions.

Regarding the expansion of player entities, the first areas to address are the development of the whitelist module and the player invitation mechanism module.

For operational convenience, fully onchain game clients often use burner wallets. The private keys of burner wallet accounts are stored in the browser’s memory, which is relatively insecure and carries risks of loss and leakage. On the other hand, important items generated during the game are best stored in more secure accounts. Therefore, developing modules for delegated calls or permission management is also essential.

Game players also have real-world social needs, such as sharing game content or performance on social media, which helps in promoting the game more broadly. Therefore, it is necessary to develop interaction modules with social media platforms like Twitter or Facaster, or integrate with ENS.

3. Union is a group of players

A union is essentially a collection of players.

In MMO games, the union system is crucial as it is a key way to shape player identity and a sense of belonging. Unions can hold resources within the game, and union members need to work together to decide how to use these resources to maximize the union’s benefits. Different DAO governance structures can be introduced to enrich the depth of the game, providing simplified versions of various political systems.

4. The artifact carries state transition functions

The artifact is the concretization of game state transition functions. This is the most important part of this article.

In terms of external composability, artifacts are represented as NFTs defined by the ERC721 standard, which means artifacts can fully enjoy liquidity within all base services built on the ERC721 standard.

In terms of internal composability within the game, artifacts can serve as highly flexible bridges, connecting all entities within the game.

Artifacts revolve around planets and move by consuming energy, allowing them to be transferred between different planets.

The artifact can alter the state of an individual planet.

The artifact can alter the state of two planets. For example, the wormhole artifact can link two planets, and shorten the distance for energy transfer between them, while another artifact can make an ice link that would freeze both planets.

Additionally, the artifact could affect a group of planets, such as a nuclear explosion creating a pink circle that destroys all planets within the affected area.

The artifact carries state transition functions. At the same times, artifact is entity within the game. the state of artifacts can serve as input to state transition functions. This somewhat recursive structure implies that extremely complex game rules and mechanics can be built around artifacts, greatly leveraging the advantages of interoperability and composability in fully onchain games.

We can encapsulate operations of other game entities (such as planets, players, etc.) into a foundational protocol, with the state transition functions carried by artifacts being developed as game modules based on this underlying protocol.

We can develop systems for artifact synthesis, implement mechanisms for balancing artifacts, or utilize artifacts to create economic models and honor systems for player unions.

Players can even create their own desired functionalities based on the foundational protocol for interactions between planets and players entities, and materialize these functionalities as ERC20 or ERC721 tokens. We believe that function as entity is a significant embodiment of the composability advantages in fully onchain games.

5. Economics model

The economic model layer can fully leverage the latest advancements in DeFi protocols. Recently, we have been particularly interested in exploring the application of flash loans in fully onchain games or autonomous worlds. This could unlock innovative possibilities for economic interactions within these environments.

6. Ranking Mechanism

As analyzed in Composable Game as a Service , different ranking systems can significantly impact players’ gaming experiences. We believe that ranking mechanisms can generally be categorized into three main orientations: honor shaping, entertainment, and incentives. We will focus on developing a ranking system centered around honor shaping.

This concludes the content of this article. Our goal is to achieve a proof of concept within this year to validate our ideas. Building on our experience and accumulated knowledge, we intend to develop a larger-scale onchain MMO game. We warmly invite you to join us.

We hold Dark Forest Ares Round 4 on Redstone Mainnet 🏁🔴🪨 Thank you to Redstone for providing infrastructure support!

Dark Forest Ares is a forked version of classic Dark Forest maintained by DFArchon team. From early 2023 to mid-2024, we released 4 different game versions.

In the next phase, we are preparing to port Dark Forest to MUD. If you would like to provide funding support or participate in development, please contact us asap.

Prizes

1. Union Rewards

1300 USDC Prize Pool provided by DFArchon

300 USDC Prize Pool provided by AGLD DAO

We will transfer the funds directly to the union leader, who will then distribute them among the union members.

AGLD will contribute a prize pool of 1500 USDC for the player community 300 USDC will be allocated to the top three unions in DFAres v0.1 R4.

Thank you very much to AGLD DAO for your support !

more information please check here: Adventure Gold DAO and DFArchon Partnership Announcement

2. player prizes

2.1 Artifacts

You can send the artifacts to Spacetime Rip and withdraw artifacts. The artifacts NFT will be transferred from the game to your game address.t.

2.2 Ares Epic NFT

In round 4, players who claim planets to earn score can mint.

step 1. open https://dfares.xyz/

step 2. open Ares Epic Mint plugin

step 3. input the main account (required) Input the name. NOTE: We will send the bonus to the main account provided here.

step 4. click [Mint Ares Epic] to mint Ares Epic NFT for you.https://www.redstone.market/collection/0x04aa4eca2a4cc7f9a911440a614392a52da98167 You can use redstone.market to transfer the Ares Epic NFT.

3. social media promotion awards

Twitter promotion prize pool 100 USDC

@Markkos89 @davidryan59 @hopeee_www @BenGiove 
@crisgarner @joseebasanta @koheingt @HabacucMX
@cheng_weipeng @scsuab @shyampkira @FilosofiaCodigo 
@apatriksvensson @inoob359

Farcaster promotion prize pool 100 USDC

@scsuab

It is true, on Farcaster, we only received one tweet from a player.

Let’s congratulate this player win the entire prize pool.

Highlights

Thank you for playing in Dark Forest Ares v0.1.4: Union! We’ll see you in next round :-D

— DFArchon Team

This is a wonderful journey 👨‍💻👨‍💻👨‍💻 !

On August 2, 2020, the Dark Forest official team announced the first beta edition of Dark Forest: Dark Forest v0.3. https://blog.zkga.me/announcing-darkforest

On August 2, 2024, We are excited to announce the Dark Forest Ares v0.1 Round 4!

Dark Forest Ares is a fork version of classic Dark Forest powered by DFArchon team. We have previously released three different game versions, and today we are announcing the launch of the fourth version!

Round 4: Union 🌸 will begin on Sunday, August 11, at 2PM UTC. The round will run for roughly 6 days and will end on Saturday, August 17, at 2PM UTC.

Note that we will take a snapshot of the scoreboard on the end time, you’ll still be able to play in the Dark Forest Ares universe afterwards.

Objective & Change log

This round, we’re thrilled to introduce the functionality to form unions! In previous Dark Forest rounds, player interactions were always hostile, but unions change the game! 🎉 Now, you can truly team up with your friends, guilds, or alliances, and even form peace pacts with your neighbors. 🤝 All movements between players within the same union will be friendly. Yes, you can now send energy to help a friend’s planet! 🌟 (and hopefully they would do the same in return)!

No more sleepless nights… as long as you trust your allies! 🤠

Just like in Dark Forest Ares Round 3, individual players need to aim for the center of the universe. This concept was first explored in Dark Forest v0.6 Round 3: Grape Extra-Small. 🚀

In Round 4, rewards are determined by union rankings. Union points are based on the individual rankings of union members. Here’s the conversion table for individual rankings to union points:

For example, if a union has members ranked 1st, 5th, and 40th, the total points would be: 200 + 100 + 60 = 360. 🌟

Union rankings are based on the total points. In case of a tie, we’ll use the highest individual player ranking within the union to decide the ranking. 🏆

Union rankings will determine the distribution of USDC and the rarity of NFTs.

The USDC prizes will go directly to the union leader, who can distribute the funds within the union as they see fit. Please note, the amounts listed below are for the entire union, not individual players. ⚠️

For the reward NFTs, each player will need to mint their own fully onchain NFTs after the game ends. 🌟

More details about the union mechanism and adjustments to game features will be announced before the game begins. Please stay tuned in to our Discord and Twitter for more info! 🚀

Resources

There are a handful of fantastic tools and resources out there for everyone:

classic Dark Forest Github: https://github.com/darkforest-eth

classic Dark Forest Website: https://zkga.me/

classic Dark Forest Blog: https://blog.zkga.me/

dev-guides: https://dev-guides.zkga.me/

Plugin Dev Serve: https://github.com/projectsophon/df-plugin-dev-server = > A great helper for developing plugins

DFAres Round 3 Guide: DFAres Round 3 Guide

Plugins showcase website: https://dfares-plugins.netlify.app/

Plugins:  https://github.com/dfarchon/plugins

We deploy DFAres R3 code on Redstone Garnet

Highly recommend everyone familiarize themselves with the game and plugins here

🫱 https://dfares-round3-daily.netlify.app 🫲

Start your engines, because the race begins in just a few days.

Best of luck in the Dark Forest Ares! 🌸

Declaration

Dark Forest Ares is still early and unaudited. We expect to be moving quickly on new (breaking) features, and you should expect assets in these first Dark Forest Ares universes to be unlikely to persist for very long as we build out the first full game. We’ll be keeping the community updated as we progress.

How to support

As a community team, we face the risk of lacking funds to advance development projects. Donations are welcome.

We can offer the following services in return:

Onchain Gaming Insights & Consulting: Since 2021, we have been focusing on fully onchain games and are very familiar with the ecosystem. We can provide consulting services on the latest information in the fully onchain gaming space.

Custom Dark Forest game services: We can develop a customized version of Dark Forest in a relatively short period of time.

Introduction

ddy: Please introduce yourselves briefly.

Frank: Hello everyone, I am Frank, a 5G system engineer in real life. I have been experiencing financial losses since the EOS era.

classicj: Hello, I am classicj! I have been playing games since I was a young boy and have since developed a strong interest in cryptocurrency and freely extensible games. Though in real life, I drive boats.

Entry into Crypto and Dark Forest

ddy: How did you get access to the crypto industry and Dark Forest?

classicj: I first encountered the cryptocurrency space around 2018 or 2019 when I purchased a couple hundred dollars of Bitcoin, which I promptly forgot about. I continued happily with my life over the next two years, but then in 2020, I became much more interested and involved, particularly in Ethereum, which I found more exciting than Bitcoin.

As for Dark Forest, I started from being a Reddit user. One day, while browsing the daily thread on r/EthFinance, I came across a comment near the bottom with an invitation to try out a game called Dark Forest. I decided to log on and spent a portion of the afternoon exploring the game for about an hour or two. I found it extremely challenging and vowed never to play it again. This was during v0.6 Round 3. However, a few months later, I received an email from the team with an invite code for the next round. Having forgotten my previous experience, I decided to give it another try and ended up falling in love with the game.

Frank: My entry into the crypto industry began with the EOS ICO. Regarding Dark Forest, I started playing during version 0.5. I first learned about the game through a Chinese WeChat group maintained by Keke and Erica, who provided me with an invite code to join.

ddy: Oh, EOS is indeed a relic of the past era, isn’t it?

Most Memorable Experiences

ddy: What is your most memorable experience in the game? I know that you two have fought against each other before, so feel free to share some details!

Frank: There was a conflict between me and classicj during the community round organized by 277DAO. However, the most memorable event for me was my first major war in the game, which took place during Round 0.5. At that time, I was still learning how to effectively attack and defend my planets. I ended up in a prolonged conflict with my neighbor, who was quite skilled. Despite my attempts to negotiate and end the fight by reaching out to him on Twitter, he refused to cease hostilities, leading to a continued battle between us. Interestingly, I later discovered that this individual was a well-known figure and had blacklisted my Twitter account (classicj and ddy both laugh 😄). In a twist of fate, years later, I found myself in the same WeChat group as this person. When I mentioned Dark Forest, he responded, and I realized that he was the same individual I had battled during Round 0.5. Eventually, we ended up becoming friends.

classicj: During the rounds, I considered myself somewhat of a collector. I knew I didn’t have much of a chance to secure a top position, but I enjoyed collecting the various artifacts. I created a comprehensive spreadsheet cataloging all the different types and rarities of artifacts and would mark them off as I acquired them. I particularly remember an instance in version 0.6 Round 4, I think, when I spotted a legendary artifact moving across the screen close to me. I was determined to capture it, and after spending about an hour and a half chasing it across numerous small planets, I finally succeeded. It turned out to be ordengg, who was maneuvering the artifact across the tiny planets. Acquiring that legendary artifact felt like such a significant achievement and a very memorable moment for me.

ddy: Actually, after version 0.6.5, MJ contacted us to form a secret group called ZKForest, with one of our goals being to challenge ordengg. Interestingly, classicj later joined ordengg. (😄)

Gameplay Strategies

ddy: What are your strategies for playing the game? Do you prefer to engage in combat, negotiate for peace, or perhaps deceive your enemies?

Frank: I prefer a defensive strategy. Engaging in war can be unpredictable — you don’t always know who you’re fighting against or who their allies might be. War can be time-consuming and requires constant attention, as being offline often means being vulnerable. I also avoid extensive social interactions with other players, as knowing them can complicate matters. For example, if you know the owner of a planet or artifact, you may hesitate to attack or steal from them. Therefore, I prefer to maintain anonymity and avoid unnecessary conflicts.

ddy: A brief question: What is the longest duration of a war you have experienced?

Frank: I don’t recall the exact duration, but it was at least two days. On one occasion, I was expanding my planets and encroached upon some of ordengg’s territory. This led to a prolonged conflict, as he persistently chased and attacked me (classicj and ddy both laugh 😄). He had one level 9 double-range planets, which made the situation even more challenging. I remember being on the verge of going offline for a meal, but I had to stay active to avoid significant disadvantages. During this period, I had to stay up very late and fight continuously.

ddy: How much did you approximately sleep during that time?

Frank: During the war, I might have slept only about 3 hours a day.

ddy: And how about you, classicj?

classicj: I tend to prefer an offensive approach.

ddy: The first time I encountered you, you sent a Titan to my planet to disrupt its energy accumulation. (classicj laughs 😄)

classicj: Yeah, I did that to several players, lol. Due to the fog of war, you can’t see where other players are or who is around. The fog of war means you don’t know the locations of other players, and hopefully they don’t know yours. If they are “reasonable”, they typically play for a maximum of about 8 hours a day. This creates an opportunity where, with me being in a different time zone, I often played when others were asleep. I used this to my advantage, targeting planets when players were offline. I also focused on less obvious strategies, such as attacking smaller supporting planets to disrupt consistent energy generation rather than focusing solely on larger, more intimidating planets. This approach allowed me to win many battles by leveraging strategies that were less conventional.

Playing with Friends vs. Playing Solo

ddy: What is the difference in experience between playing Dark Forest with friends and playing solo?

classicj: I played official rounds solo, but most of the community rounds I’ve participated in have been with friends. Playing with friends definitely offers a different experience. When you’re working with friends, there’s a lot more to manage. You might feel obligated to assist them if they’re in need or if you’ve taken their planets. This dynamic requires you to have a broader perspective on the overall game, as you must consider not just your own strategy but also coordinate with your teammates. In contrast, when playing solo, all the information you need is directly available on your screen, and there’s less to manage in terms of coordination and communication.

ddy: I recall a time when we participated in a Dark Forest community round organized by 277DAO as a team. Towards the end of the game, I was overwhelmed with managing many planets and couldn’t keep up with the messages on Discord. When I eventually checked the messages, I saw that classicj was quite frustrated (classicj laughs 😄) because we had differing views on the game situation and our next steps. Fortunately, we were able to resolve the misunderstanding through communication and ended up performing well in that community round.

Frank: I always play solo. In some community rounds, I often recognize who I’m competing against for the top positions. When we know each other well, we sometimes avoid direct conflict. Occasionally, I create two accounts to try to get both of them into the rankings.

Thoughts on Multiple Accounts

ddy: What are your thoughts on creating multiple accounts? Do you think it provides a significant advantage? Do you prefer playing with multiple accounts or focusing on just one? How do you feel about sybils for onchain games overall?

Frank: Using multiple accounts can provide a strategic advantage because it allows for resource sharing, particularly with artifacts. I typically focus on keeping my main account at the top of the leaderboard and use a secondary account to also achieve a high ranking. This approach helps me accounts secure better positions in the game, contributing to overall success.

classicj: Personally, I’ve only created additional accounts for Dark Forest in v0.6 Round 5, primarily due to the introduction of the Mothership and its mechanics. Before that, I only played with one account and sent my other invites codes to irl friends, though unfortunately none stuck around. The mechanics of Junk limiting expansion also prompted me to create these secondary accounts to transfer more Junk to my main account. Although managing multiple accounts can be complex, it can provide some advantages, depending on the games configuration. I prefer for games to steer away from providing advantages for multiple accounts, and I expect most players agree. Games probably need to steer towards exponential power increases on single accounts to reduce the long-term effectiveness of multiple accounts, and attempt to minimize the unique bonuses granted to accounts, such as the single mothership that was given to an account in Dark Forest.

Plugins and zkSNARKs

ddy: Does the plugin system improve or worsen the game?

classicj: In my opinion, plugins are fantastic. Having used mods in games like Civilization, Skyrim, and City Skylines, I find plugins enhance the gameplay experience. For example, plugins that provide maps or automate repetitive tasks are incredibly useful. However, I can see how automation bots can undermine the game’s challenge and enjoyment, as playing against a bot is less engaging than competing with real players.

Frank: Plugins are beneficial in various scenarios, but they can create an imbalance for newcomers who may not know how to use them effectively. Veteran players often have access to more plugins and may even develop their own, putting newcomers at a disadvantage. For a game to be fair, it should ensure an equal playing field for all players. Thus, I believe games should avoid giving experienced players an unfair edge through plugins.

classicj: While plugins do provide an advantage, I feel that they are almost a part of the learning curve in these games. Dark Forest had a range of plugins available to everyone, which was incredibly helpful. With recent advancements in AI tools, it’s now easier for those without significant coding experience to create their own simple plugins. To me, this encourages learning and can be a engaging aspect of the gameplay.

ddy: Moving on to zkSNARKs. As we know, Dark Forest is a multiplayer online real-time strategy game that utilizes zkSNARKs. For players who are not familiar with the technology, how does zero-knowledge proof affect the gaming experience?

classicj: For those who aren’t aware, the zkSNARKs technology is what allows Dark Forest to have “ZK fog of war”, which hides information about the game state. Players make moves in the universe, but you only see information relevant to the coordinates you have explored. While this is an intriguing proof of concept, it can make the game unfair. For instance, I once saw someone with high-end GPUs hashing the map thousands of times faster than I could due to my low-end PC. This created a significant gap between players with different hardware capabilities, leading to an imbalance based on economic access.

ddy: If we removed plugins and zkSNARKs, would it improve the game?

classicj: Removing zkSNARKs might disappoint those interested in the technology’s application, but it could make the game more enjoyable for players by providing a complete view of the map from the start. Removing the in-game plugins menu, on the other hand, would not completely solve the issue as game mechanics would still be reverse-engineered and custom clients could be created. Making plugins more accessible and easy to use is a good approach to lessen the advantage for more technically skilled players.

Frank: You can adjust the API before the game starts, then even experienced players will cost time to adapt to plugins. However, for very short rounds, it’s often better to focus on gameplay rather than technical modifications. Onchain games are generally more about gameplay than technical tweaking.

Tips for new players

ddy: Do you have any tips to share with new players, and any thoughts on your contributions to the community?

classicj: My advice for new players is to spend time testing and exploring the game. Dark Forest is about space exploration after all, and experiencing the vastness of the game can be very exciting. Since v0.6 Round 5, I’ve been a moderator for the Dark Forest Discord, helping new players understand the game and guiding them as they progress, and with my limited technical knowledge, I’ve done what I can to connect new developers who are interested Dark Forest to continue the experiment in their own way.

Frank: For newcomers, it’s crucial to maximize your playtime, especially on the first day. Focus on capturing key locations and higher-level targets. My primary advice is to persist and not give up easily. Even if faced with challenges from top players like ordengg, staying active and defending yourself can make a difference.

classicj: Definitely, stock up on coffee ( ddy and Frank laugh 😁).

Future plans

Frank: I hope we can attract more new players and make the game more accessible. Innovation and ideas to engage newcomers would be beneficial.

classicj: I’m excited to see what new mechanics will be implemented. I feel that the overall number of resources in the game is relatively low compared to other games; here, we mainly have energy, silver, and artifacts. I am looking forward to seeing some innovation in this aspect. I’m also excited to see how the game itself might experiment with different formats, such as shorter rounds, like 24 or 48 hours. We’ve also had events like 30-minute rounds or speedrun competitions before. As of now, I am not aware of any permanent Dark Forest universe, so I think creating a permanent Dark Forest universe could be an interesting idea. It could allow anyone to join and continue for many years, or indefinitely, and we could see how it plays out over a long period, observing how different players rise and fall, how their interest grows and wanes.

TL;DR

Submit round 3 player survey:

https://forms.gle/TS4UMXeNRqP7o18Z8

Open Ares Epic Mint Plugin in https://dfares.xyz/ to mint Ares Epic NFT. In this process, you need to input the main account, We will distribute bonus to your main account.

Specific ways to publish different prizes.

1. Overview

DF ARES v0.1 Round 3 was held from  May.6, 2024, 3:00:00 PM (UTC+0) to May.28, 2024, 3:00:00 PM (UTC+0). This round last for 144 hours.

Round 3 Guide: Round 3 Guide

We notice that Zenbit VG DAO Participated in Dark Forest Ares Round 3 as a team.

Hope to see more teams participate in Dark Forest Ares Rounds. 🤠

https://twitter.com/zenbitMX/status/1790047178217378273

2. Player survey

We will improve the game mechanics based on everyone's feedback.

Here is the player survey link:

https://forms.gle/yMey42osKyfGBS377

3. Scoring & Rewards

NOTE: We will distribute ETH and USDC on Redstone Mainnet.

3.1 Artifacts NFT & Ares Epic NFT

You can send the artifacts to Spacetime Rip and withdraw artifacts. The artifacts NFT will be transferred from the game to your game address.

For Ares Epic NFT

step 1. open https://dfares.xyz/

step 2. open Ares Epic Mint plugin

step 3. input the main account (required) Input the name and team name (optional) NOTE: We will send the bonus to the main account provided here.

step 4. click [ mint Ares Epic] to mint Ares Epic NFT for you.

3.2 Ranking Bonus Pool

1536 USDC prize pool Distributed according to player ranking

Final Rank: Round 3 final rank

We will send the bonus to the main account you submit when mint Ares Epic NFT.

Please remember to mint Ares Epic NFT first 👨‍💻

3.3 Bounty Hunter Bonus

0.154 ETH in Bounty Hunter Plugin

Guide: 4.1 Plugin: Bounty Hunter

Don’t forget to withdraw ETH to your account.

3.3 DarkSea Market Bonus

0.01 ETH in Darksea Market Plugin

We have released the offer for purchasing 100 common artifacts (0.0001 ETH for each one ) during the game.

Don’t forget to unlist your artifacts in DarkSea Market. Don’t forget to withdraw ETH to your account.

3.4 social bonus pool

The social bonus pool (200 USDC） is distributed to friends who tweet about the DFAres event on Twitter.

Please DM DFArchon in Discord your burner wallet account

twitter handle are here:

@luisotravez_eth @koheingt @0xshora @lib_defi @shyampkira @cheng_weipeng @ZhangXiang_BIM @Rdy2B @Gink5814 @Fxxdao @Claude_Zheng @liheact @QuineRoss70314 @vclil @scsuab @davidryan59

Highlight: a very good writing !

https://twitter.com/luisotravez_eth/status/1788765144165621956

Closing remarks

Please all players and contributors mint Ares Loot asap.

The round 3 bonus will be sent to main account soon.

Thank you for playing in Dark Forest Ares v0.1 Round 3 🔷

Hope to see you again in the next round !!

DFArchon Team

TL;DR

submit round 2 player survey: https://forms.gle/hdcuzKAbMFTS8x5J8

open Ares Loot Plugin in dfares.xyz to mint Ares Loot NFT & submit main account

bonus will be distributed to main accounts

1. Overview

DF ARES v0.1 Round 2 was held from Jan.24, 2024, 8:00:00 AM (UTC+0) - Jan.28, 2024, 12:00:00PM (UTC+0). This round last for 100 hours.

In last blog we share the interesting thing in DFAres round 2 in the first 50 hours.

https://mirror.xyz/dfarchon.eth/A_8Yg6iOukHBT6oAkr5Fa0RivrHHIuMqHmN1xX18EyY

There are 19 pink circles in last 50 hours. 💣

The center of the universe becomes everyone's first choice for dropping bombs 👾

The game gets very intense at the end.

2. Player Survey

Players are welcome to provide feedback on round 2.

We will improve the game mechanics based on everyone's feedback.

Here is the player survey link:

https://forms.gle/hdcuzKAbMFTS8x5J8

3. Scoring & Rewards

There are 5 part of rewards for players & contributors.

3.1 Main Ranking Bonus

In the later stages of the game, player rankings change rapidly, and the introduction of pinkship also increases the uncertainty of the game rankings. We obtain data from the blockchain to determine the final ranking results.

The Final Rank (remove admin account)

There are a total of 51 player accounts.

1 0x0797846bdb85e3303ad745e9d4e7d563a8ca1702 972
2 0x1f35f385dffca67700b8d8ef629a223cc939ff84 1541
3 0x66ee3f3578cda1a597fe11b6ea1bb5fdafbce281 2142
4 0x46f5b30a829e94b884e77f54be8c146262134cfa 2272
5 0xbad180ac21e78ebc396f09797a75bb7699e4a8e3 2542
6 0xb1776502d6414cecc2a4a02051bc7cf69c30fd49 2647
7 0xc1c52726d5adf3ff06b2c8c8872ec4651e86fba1 3039
8 0x6ffc057f24eb85f91819dfc1caa45942ebeff395 3281
9 0xe5dce7a26c9721e74576707ba7f573e0f9c8d256 3407
10 0xec2d9ed00fc164c77962bf7488d35ea7d5873141 4089
11 0xab261196fb80c1bc9d314bbd52a9bac126df61b5 4135
12 0x96476054386e16caf357c73ea20c7349b3be67ed 4574
13 0x30c52cf8ed58fcf6021fce3f5a5c2de3f2480a90 4622
14 0xc633e7af82986c875285f8dea25ddb2528830a9f 4748
15 0xfd9b9400b42cd0ca43f2f0632a982dc5c258b6f5 5036
16 0x6413681657334485fa741d14c03c40abaf08a49a 5047
17 0x234af91778a2dde77465184b828f1baff207a8f6 5114
18 0xc26c0c33f0e8c871cb23fe31c586f9a1ee410c29 5233
19 0xc030c7c9e9ba9919d1e715ff15e09dc948a62ee0 5466
20 0x81b99bbcf48f3630dfbd30be5084df42638171c9 6186
21 0x4d543d6d0cea1f92c9d78bc0f6fed2a45a8e24e5 6705
22 0x471ba964ae8ef246aadd706c9bf382212f5dd3bd 28419
23 0x36ebd29167dd766862c03c0015b0c1b9178562a5 49659
24 0x6f12bc21cf000b5cc4875e164a452b368ebd90a9 49900
25 0xbd4e0f460042384a6d5e2543107edcc22ea474c5 54711
26 0xcb36009bfc448fe20841513f6f2468b97f5ae2f6 57073
27 0xd1922d121043a33704fd2b71c99813df86681495 74992
28 0x1787b2e8f0327aff332a1a6170e118d9de95f152 77218
29 0xf98473a6faa827461b67ee8535ab7d87622a3cf8 80424
30 0x6cd6efb31c91b0caf66abbaa8f612632ff073109 92694
31 0x108a988171c9aff4cedebde19f0efcaf2b879997 102655
32 0x70a825665b8083ea75f0f0e843a020d336659f54 106494
33 0xbbc99129651a9f13d67661af1a49a917d968c440 109026
34 0xc8e52eee157b5bf8aef30bdfcc1d20bb7360473d 111786
35 0x5807d96534ffefa78ba3584fe253357837c37b2c 112741
36 0x3def8f7b41e1ce6de249ec41c42c85097d75ad77 115005
37 0x05cb6ccabe020a94aed2aa2a3a8cdc6a9628ad03 117032
38 0x26c6ec5f8a89180a82ba236a20ea8c8d45b51050 117110
39 0xadd4132d38534b71a408d1c0f2f9b16eca55150d 117411
40 0x6edd66342bbfef893deb3099d426571f23b9c8ca 117441
41 0xfeb11386b859ea60d9035b623e42ef7a5aa0c888 117563
42 0xb51b48008453213c78f9a3e65985776ee17cca65 118821
43 0x4906504b624065bdaab16d8aa3a9054024344d7a 119770
44 0x7bb5410695fd540b40e8227a427fe89ab98658f8 122044
45 0xb1d56433c2922cc8ff99e1df201eb5b6838e356a 124660
46 0xdcb96d288a437d5a12f05883d00280dec1252e3b 126754
47 0x017f10eb3a1b358db6765e107910a619cb5beba9 127696
48 0xfbfc32a2bfb68847e0b1ec4f5fc5e767ef3f31aa 131419
49 0x705aefbf89d7a05a1ac500163f5563ba0fc55a0f 134556
50 0x6b148cdce438c8d66d79c35ecec6fdf67d4bea2d 135308
51 0x0ef3263bac5a34fa5d410ef2d7253fe695d5e8ba 149840

We decide to distribute bonuses to all players who got score.

What’s more, all players who got score will get the Cyber Glasses,Thanks for MetaGamiMall ‘s donation.

3.2 Hidden Achievements

This round also contain hidden achievements, which will be revealed as players complete them. So you know we aren’t lying (we would never!), we have hashed the sentence explaining the win condition before the round, and will reveal the hash once they are won.

The three hidden achievements are:

• The first player to: 0F47256588CCB9A4E1C0AF86CCF3080B6F63A8292A4EC74C1E391524B8FFA3A7 The revealed task: capture the planet at the center of the universe! Prize: $100 Winner: n/a

https://twitter.com/DFArchon/status/1750445043033510148

• The first player to: 17F04E05C88A753D6E038FD8398A99F3B9EE69F6752FE8DACC3477F61F9DFB7F

• The revealed task: prospect the first mythic-rarity artifact! Prize: $100 Winner: 0xc26C0c33F0e8c871cb23FE31C586F9A1Ee410C29

https://twitter.com/DFArchon/status/1750399416962605562

• The first player to: 9ACF5CFE23335B662C25FD067AE124C89558C9E2CA987B6112D72B3AD7E50B32

• The revealed task: activate the new pinkship! Prize: $100 Winner: 0x0797846bDb85e3303AD745e9d4e7d563A8Ca1702

https://twitter.com/DFArchon/status/1750418151723213018

3.3 Contributor/Developer bonus

$1000

Contributions include writing plugins, tutorials, and helping to maintain the discord community by assisting new players, or helping veterans understand the new mechanics

**** —— help maintaining groups $160

**** —— develop dfarchon website $160

https://github.com/dfarchon/DFArchon-Main-Website

modukon —— develop Pink-It plugin & help people in the discord $280

https://github.com/dfarchon/plugins/pull/2

lory —— deeply involved in the design of the round2 artifact mechanism $260

**** —— translate some blogs/articles to Chinese $40

**** —— help to maintain the information of FOCGs $40

kathy —— help translating when holding meetings $40

Claude_Zheng —— repeat and help test the spaceship disappear bugs $20

3.4 Publicity and incentives

The destruction of 'Rain School', the lvl9 planet at the center of the universe, has rained debris across the universe. The original capture reward of $100 has been increased to $150, and will now be shared to those who:

1. Link their twitter to their in-game address, and

2. Post a screenshot of the universe, and

3. Tag @DFArchon @darkforest_eth and @redstonexyz in their tweet.

Here are all the twitter accounts: Sleep3zz, DracoWang, zoojoo_art, OneDaydada, ChanglongY, HabacucMX, 818biz, cheng_weipeng, 0xjialin, lemontesting11, davidryan59, no1harm, CryptoF1470, ZhangXiang_BIM, dudendy, deuchainn, yuppieventures

Those players share the $150

3.5 Secret Prizes

Ares Loot is the ticket to new world.

code link: https://github.com/dfarchon/AresLoot

Step 1. enter https://dfares.xyz

Step 2. open Ares Loot Plugin Step

3. input main account & mint Ares Loot

Please all players and contributors mint Ares Loot asap.

The round 2 bonus will be sent to main account soon.

Thank you for playing in Dark Forest Ares v0.1 Round 2: Pinkship ! We’ll see you in the next round.

DFArchon Team

Welcome to DFAres Interstellar Universe News Live Room!!!!

This round is a race to the center of the universe, with all players spawning near the edge of universe. The score is dependent on how close the player can get to the center (0,0) of the universe.

We introduced a very powerful spaceship — Pinkship.

Players can use Pinkship to drop bomb, a pink circle will show up. 1 hour later, the bomb dropper can then Pink (destroy) all the planets in the pink circle.

Now that about half of the game (50 hours) has passed, a total of 6 pink circles have appeared. Let us take a look at what is happening in the universe!

1. (231,104)

operator: dudendy / 0x0797….1702

This round contain hidden achievements, which were revealed as players completed them. We hashed the sentence explaining the win condition before the round, and revealed the hash once they were won. The achievements are:

1. capture the planet at the center of the universe!

2. prospect the first mythic-rarity artifact!

3. activate the new Pinkship!

After task 2 and task 3 are completed by others, dudendy predicted that task 1 was to ‘destroy the planet at the center of universe!’

Alas, dudendy Pinked (destroyed) the center lvl 9 planet, and lost 100$ hidden achievement 😪

2. (9417,-3682)

operator: 0xc030….2ee0

dudendy's statement attracted the attention of an anonymous player: 0xc030…2ee0

At that time, there were two strong competitors in the center of the universe, dudendy and ZhangXiang.

Anonymous player 0xc030…2ee0 maybe wanted to give dudendy some challenges or maybe he is one of ZhangXiang's friends.

This player choose to destroy lot of dudendy‘s planets close to the center of the universe.

In the process, he flew his spaceship to a destroyed planet. Due to the feature/bug of the smart contract, his spaceship disappeared in the universe.

An admin also issued an urgent announcement to all players:

dudendy begun shifting his empire to the lower left

3. (89539,8516)

operator: davidryan59 / 0xd1922….1495

At the same time, anonymous player 0xc030…2ee0 and davidryan59 were neighbors.

davidryan59 chose to release a ‘defensive’ nuclear bomb on the front line of the battle, between the two sides, which provided him with favorable conditions to capture a large, level 7 planet.

A clever choice! Using pink circle to protect the big planet and deter other players from wasting their energy fighting for it!

4. (1137,-20697)

operator: 0xc26c….0c29

Another player very close to the center of the universe is ZhangXiang / 0x66ee….e281 ZhangXiang purchased an AltLayer hat to show his gratitude to AltLayer.

However, ZhangXiang ‘s behavior attract the attention of anonymous player 0xc26c…0c29.

Player 0xc26c…0c29 choose to attack the big planets around ZhangXiang to hinder ZhangXiang’s development.

5. (12823,8771)

operator: ZhangXiang / 0x66ee...e281

ZhangXiang quickly realized this and quickly fought back!!

Deploying a Pinkship in response to anonymous player 0xc26c…0c29.

6. (2801,5871)

operator: 0xfd9b…b6f5

anonymous player 0xc26c...0c29 also bought a lot of hats in the center of the universe, apparently showcasing their appreciation of our round, and the infrastructure behind it.

But this soon attracted the attention of another anonymous player 0xfd9b…b6f5, bringing another blow to anonymous player 0xc26c…0c29.

The wonderful stories continue…

These are the current standings of the universe - who will be next to deploy their Pinkship, and who (or what) might they be targeting?

There are 50+ hours left in the game to end.

stay tuned in to our Discord and Twitter for more info 👾

If you wan to play round 2, please join our Discord and leave messages in #general-en channel.

enthusiastic volunteers will be here to answer your questions.

https://discord.com/invite/XpBPEnsvgX

There will be many new space stories and legends unfolding here 🔥

Hope to see you in Dark Forest Ares Universe !

More info about Round 2: Pinkship can now be revealed!

DF ARES v0.1 Round 2 will be held in Jan.24, 2024, 8:00:00 AM (UTC+0) - Jan.28, 2024, 12:00:00PM (UTC+0).

end time in Timestamp: 1706443200

end time in ISO 8601: 2024-01-28T12:00:00.000Z

This round will last for 100 hours.

Game website：

https://dfares.xyz/

Registration

Please ensure you have submitted the form: https://forms.gle/GB9kb1pHduiNuXi68

We will add accounts to the whitelist in the time order of registration.

The entry fee is 1 holesky ETH - please visit the faucets and get some ETH before the round begins.

More information about registration can be found here:

https://mirror.xyz/dfarchon.eth/VkfBZcWWsdVqwPKctPX6GGzrpf_TY__hRUTQ13Ohd4c

Game Mechanics

You can get a rough idea of the innovative mechanics of the game by watching the video, and the documentation for the specific rules of the game is currently being compiled.

Win Conditions & Rewards

Total Bonus $3260 + Secret Prizes

Main Ranking Bonus

This rounds primary win condition is proximity to the center of the universe. This idea was first explored in Dark Forest v0.6 Round 3: Grape Extra-Small.

Players can claim one planet every 4 hours, and their score will update to reflect how far away it is from the center of the universe. Be careful though, as if the planet is destroyed, then its score wont count, and your score will update to your next closest claimed planet.

Please note, that only planets of level 3+ can be claimed for score. You will need to fight for the closest planets, or maybe considering destroying your enemies planets!

Hidden Achievements

This round will also contain secondary, hidden achievements, which will be revealed as players complete them. So you know we aren’t lying (we would never!), we have hashed the sentence explaining the win condition before the round, and will reveal the hash once they are won.

The three hidden achievements are:

• The first player to: 0F47256588CCB9A4E1C0AF86CCF3080B6F63A8292A4EC74C1E391524B8FFA3A7

  Prize: $100 Winner: n/a

• The first player to: 17F04E05C88A753D6E038FD8398A99F3B9EE69F6752FE8DACC3477F61F9DFB7F

  Prize: $100 Winner: n/a

• The first player to: 9ACF5CFE23335B662C25FD067AE124C89558C9E2CA987B6112D72B3AD7E50B32

  Prize: $100 Winner: n/a

Make sure you follow our X/Twitter and join our Discord to be notified when the achievements are completed, and if you’re the lucky winner, your wallet address/linked name (if applicable) will be announced!

Contributor/Developer bonus

$1000

Contributions include writing plugins, tutorials, and helping to maintain the discord community by assisting new player, or helping veterans understand the new mechanics.

Secret Prizes

The detail of secret prizes is still being adjusted.

stay tuned in to our Discord and Twitter for more info 👾

If you have any questions, welcome to join DF Archon Community Discord

and find # general-en / #general-cn channel

enthusiastic volunteers will be here to answer your questions.

https://discord.com/invite/XpBPEnsvgX

Hope to see you in Dark Forest Ares Universe ！

v0.1 Round 2 - Pinkship will begin on the RedStone Testnet next week (exact release date tbd, stay tuned in to our Discord and Twitter for more info closer to the time)!

Dark Forest ARES is a series of Dark Forest community rounds hosted by the DF Archon team.

We hope to develop and explore fresh, new game mechanics whilst maintaining the original style and excitement of Dark Forest .

We believe there will be many new space stories and legends unfolding here. 😎

We will discuss and explain 5 sections:

1. Rewards

This section mainly introduces the rewards available for players & developers.

2. Pre-registration

This section is mainly for individual players, introducing pre-registration and how to prepare for the round.

3. Cooperation

This chapter is mainly for Guilds, Donors and Sponsors, introducing how to register as a game team and how to donate or sponsor.

4. General plan

Introducing our general plan for v0.1 Round 2 - Pinkship.

5. Acknowledgements

Thanks to all the teams who supported us before.

1. Rewards

ERC20 + Secret Prizes ;)

Player Prize Pool:

2000 USDT

The player prize pool will be distributed according to the player's ranking & mysterious tasks in the game.

Contributor/Developer bonus:

1000 USDT

Contributions include writing plugins, tutorials, and helping to maintain the discord community by assisting new player, or helping veterans understand the new mechanics.

Secret Prizes

The detail of secret prizes is still being adjusted.

2. Pre-registration

There are 3 steps you will need to follow

Step 1

Open https://dfares.xyz/ and generate your game account (either a burner wallet, or you can import your own private key).

The private key is saved in browser memory, which is somewhat unsafe.

Please do not store assets with high value in this account.

Please do not clear the browser cache of this website before you save the private key (found in the in-game settings or in your browsers local-storage) or your account will disappear and be unrecoverable.

How to how to get my burner wallet ‘s Private Key?

open console use F12 & input below command into console :

localStorage.getItem('skey-0xxxxxxxxxxxxxx') 

(0xxxxxxxxxxxxx is your public key)

and you will get the private key.

Don’t share this private Key with anyone

Step 2

a) Follow our Twitter @DFArchon

b) Join DF Archon Community discord

c) Submit Pre-Registration Form

Step 3

Get HoleskyETH:

https://holesky-faucet.pk910.de/ (recommended)

https://faucet.quicknode.com/ethereum

https://stakely.io/en/faucet/ethereum-holesky-testnet-eth

Deposit you HoleskyETH to Redstone Holesky Testnet:

Redstone bridge: https://redstone.xyz/deposit

To prevent sybil attack we may set entry fee,

Please prepare ‘enough’ HoleskyETH in advance!

3. How to cooperate

Who?

If you are game guild with gamers who love to try fully onchain games.

If you want to sponsor more USD into prize pool.

If you want to donate to the core development team.

How?

Please Join DF Archon Community discord

Find #Roles channel and click [development] button.

Open a ticket in #business-dev-support .

Please briefly introduce your team and cooperation proposal in the ticket.

We will respond to you as soon as possible!

4. General plan

We will make decisions on the following issues based on community feedback:

1. When to hold round 2

2. How long it will last

3. Entry fee plan

4. Whitelist distribution

5. ……

Please be patient and wait for our notifications which will be posted on Twitter/X and Discord : -)

Acknowledgements

DF Archon would like to express our gratitude to all our partners who have supported us before.

Thank you to every friend in the Dark Forest community, and in particular, to the official Dark Forest team, ordengg, DFDAO, marrowDAO, and 277DAO for their help and support.

Thanks to Mask Network and AGLD DAO for their donation to the DF ARES rounds, and to every friend on Gitcoin who donated to us.

Thanks to Lattice team for their support and help as we deploy DF Ares v0.1 Round 2 contract on Redstone.

Thanks to Altlayer, briq, Weirdo Ghost Gang and other teams for providing prizes of DF Ares v0.1 Round 1.

Thanks to AltLayer for providing the support of the underlying blockchain platform as we held DF Ares v0.1 Round 1.

Thanks to Web3MQ for providing technical support.

Thanks to all the partners of DF Ares v0.1 Round 1.

We also appreciate the many player groups who participated in the first community round and those who provided help with publicizing the event through social media.

Everyone's support is the unrelenting, driving force for our continued development.

Decentralized Game — The Experiment Must Go On!

Foreword

Welcome back to the concluding installment of our voyage through the captivating universe of Dark Forest Community Rounds. In previous articles, we traversed a galaxy of innovations, strategies, and community-driven events, each round unveiling its unique charm and challenges. From the collaborative endeavors of DAOs to the pulse-racing excitement of speedrun competitions, we have seen the Dark Forest community push the boundaries of blockchain gaming with creativity and enthusiasm.

As we embark on this final leg of our journey, we prepare to delve into the most recent three rounds of Dark Forest, each promising its own blend of intrigue and strategic depth. These rounds not only represent the ongoing evolution of gameplay within Dark Forest but also the ever-growing ingenuity and spirit of its player community.

In this article, we'll explore how these rounds continued to redefine the concept of victory, introduced new forms of rewards, and further diversified the gameplay options. As we reflect on these final rounds, we'll piece together the overarching narrative of innovation and community that has become the hallmark of Dark Forest.

So join me once more as we chart the unexplored territories of this digital cosmos, uncovering the final pieces of a saga that has captivated players and spectators alike. Let's dive into the concluding chapters of this grand adventure in the Dark Forest universe.

AltLayer’s Rounds

AltLayer.io’s Rounds (1-2) - September 2022 & February 2023

In the latter part of 2022 and early 2023, the Dark Forest universe served as a testing ground for AltLayer.io’s technology through two distinct rounds. These sessions were not just regular gameplay events; they were deployed on the RaaS (Rollup as a Service) chains developed by AltLayer, marking a step in blockchain gaming infrastructure.

The primary objective of these rounds was to conduct a rigorous stress test of AltLayer's RaaS chains. Players were drawn into these trials with the promise of unique rewards: pieces from the AltLayer OG and Oh Ottie! NFT collections. This incentive structure added an extra layer of excitement and motivation, as participants were not only competing within the game's universe but also contributing to the development of more robust blockchain infrastructure.

While these rounds did not introduce new gameplay mechanics, their significance lay in the underlying technology being tested. Dark Forest has often faced challenges such as spiking gas fees and reverted transactions, which can detract from the player experience. AltLayer.io’s initiative used the game as a benchmark to test their services under the strains of a popular, fully onchain game. This move was a vital step towards addressing some of the persistent issues in blockchain and demonstrated how Dark Forest has been instrumental in advancing cryptographic technology.

DFArchon’s DFAres v0.1 Round 1 “Magic Artifacts”

DFArchon’s DFAres v0.1 Round 1 - July 2023

DFArchon’s DFAres v0.1 Magic Artifacts Round Daily Test - September 2023

Bringing in an extension to the artifacts within the Dark Forest universe, DFArchon's DFAres v0.1 “Magic Artifacts” round brought a wave of changes to the game's artifact system. This round was notable for introducing new artifacts, each adding a unique strategic element to gameplay, as well as revising existing ones.

Among the fresh introductions was the 'Ice Link' artifact, which opened up the tactical possibility of freezing opponents’ planets. This was complemented by its counter, the 'Fire Link,' allowing players to unfreeze their planets, adding a dynamic of offense and defense to the game. In a nod to the original developers' 'Black Domain' artifact, which obliterated planets, the Ice Link and complimentary Fire Link were a more restrained version, balancing destructive power with strategic play.

Further changes were made to existing artifacts like the Photoid Cannon and the Bloom Filter, enhancing their functionality and impact in the game. Additionally, the round addressed the previously controversial stacking effect of Motherships and Whales, moving towards a more balanced set of starting ships, where only one of these would be active at a time.

Perhaps one of the more intriguing aspects of this round (particularly for those involved in building onchain games) was the experimentation with in-game financialization. Players were given the ability to purchase artifacts using testnet tokens, albeit with limitations. This move wasn’t just about adding a new layer to the game; it was a strategic test for potential financial mechanisms that could support ongoing community development. DFArchon’s DFAres v0.1 “Magic Artifacts” round thus stands out as a significant milestone in exploring new ways to enhance gameplay while considering the sustainability and growth of the Dark Forest community.

DFDAO’s Arena Speedruns

DFDAO’s Arena Speedruns - 2024

The latest iteration of DFDAO's ‘classic’ speedrun competition, originally introduced in 2022, has brought perpetuality to the Dark Forest Community Rounds roster. Unlike previous rounds that typically lasted 1-2 weeks, these bi-weekly events are designed to be an ongoing challenge, adding a new layer of endurance to the game.

One of the most notable changes in this deployment is the decision to host the rounds on Gnosis Mainnet - the original chain upon which Dark Forest ran (and which Lobbies still do). This move was strategic, anticipating the longevity of the chain, expected to endure for years, if not decades. It signifies a shift back towards more ‘legitimized’ gameplay, where each move carries an inherent transaction cost - whereas recently, many community rounds have been hosted on testnets.

However, this transition to mainnet isn't without its drawbacks. Players now face the unpredictability of fluctuating gas fees, which can lead to delayed or reverted transactions – a critical factor in a game mode where speed is paramount. As the game progresses, with only one map released so far, future map designs might necessitate strategies focused on minimizing moves to keep transaction costs manageable. This would also add an intriguing layer of complexity, making the discovery of the optimal path more challenging.

As players adapt to this new format, it will be fascinating to see how strategies evolve and how the community navigates the balance between speed, cost, and efficiency in this ever-changing landscape.

Wrapping Up

As we reach the end of this installment, reflecting on the range of rounds from AltLayer.io's stress tests, to the artifact enhancements in DFArchon’s DFAres v0.1 Round 1, and the endurance challenge of DFDAO’s Arena Speedruns, it's evident that the Dark Forest universe continues to be a fertile ground for creativity and strategic evolution. Each round, with its unique set of challenges and innovations, has contributed to expanding the boundaries of what one blockchain game can offer.

These rounds have not only tested the skills and adaptability of players but have also continued to showcase the potential of blockchain technology in gaming. From the deployment on stable and enduring platforms like Gnosis Mainnet to the tests of financial elements integrated in gameplay, we've seen how Dark Forest has become a pioneering space for exploring new possibilities in the gaming world.

As players and developers alike push the limits of strategy, technology, and community engagement, Dark Forest stands as a testament to the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of blockchain gaming. What we've seen in these rounds is just a glimpse of the potential that lies ahead. The game continues to unfold, inviting us to ponder on the future possibilities and the next chapters in this digital cosmos.

Signing Off

Our journey through the Dark Forest universe across these articles has been a deep dive into a world where strategy, innovation, and community converge in a dynamic tableau of blockchain gaming. From the tactical team battles of MarrowDAO's 'For Pioneers' Red vs Blue to the enduring challenge of DFDAO’s Arena Speedruns in 2024, each round we’ve explored represents a unique facet of the game's ever-evolving nature.

We’ve seen how Dark Forest transcends the traditional boundaries of gaming, with experiments integrating elements of finance, strategy, and community building. The introduction of novel artifacts, the strategic deployment on platforms like Gnosis Mainnet, and the inclusion of NFTs as rewards have not only enhanced the gameplay experience but have also made front-and-center the blockchain technology involved in creating immersive and sustainable gaming ecosystems.

These community rounds have redefined the concept of 'winning' in Dark Forest. No longer confined to just territorial conquest, victory in this universe may take on many forms – from strategic alliances and innovative resource management to endurance and adaptability in continuously evolving conditions. The diversity of prizes and incentives, ranging from stablecoins to unique NFTs, has enriched the competitive spirit and engagement within the community.

What stands out most, however, is the community's role in shaping the game. The rounds we've examined illustrate a vibrant, collaborative environment where players, developers, and organizers collectively contribute to the game’s growth and direction. This collaborative spirit is a testament to the strength and potential of decentralized gaming communities.

As we conclude this series, it’s clear that the Dark Forest universe is more than just a game; it’s an ecosystem driven by the creativity and passion of its community. The rounds we’ve explored are not just isolated events but stepping stones towards the future. Dark Forest continues to expand, inviting us all to be a part of its unfolding story, to explore, to strategize, and to build – together.

About Dark Forest ARES

We will be hosting Dark Forest ARES v0.1 Round 2 on RedStone soon 😎

We hope to innovate fresh game mechanics while maintaining the original style of Dark Forest.

Everyone is welcome to follow our Twitter & join our Discord 😉

We are open to various forms of cooperation and partnership!

If you are interested in Dark Forest ARES, please contract with us asap 🚀🚀🚀

Welcome Back!

…to our interstellar journey through the Dark Forest universe, where the realms of strategy, innovation, and community collide to create a gaming experience unlike any other. In our last exploration, we delved into the intricacies of three distinct community rounds - MarrowDAO’s 'For Pioneers' Red vs Blue, DFDAO’s 'Death of the Universe', and Neronzz’s Saturday Team Battles - each a testament to the creative and competitive spirit that fuels this blockchain-based odyssey.

If you haven't had the chance to read about these initial rounds, I encourage you to start here and join us on this adventure from the beginning. For those who have been following along, prepare to dive deeper as we uncover three more rounds that have shaped the skies of Dark Forest.

In this installment, we continue our expedition, unearthing the myriad ways in which 'winning' can manifest in this vast universe. From varying objectives to diverse rewards, each round we discuss will reveal another layer of the community's ingenuity. We'll explore how these rounds have not only challenged players but also pushed the boundaries of what a fully onchain game can be.

Join me as we journey further into the Dark Forest, where innovation is the norm, and the community's imagination is the only limit. Let's embark on this next chapter, where new gameplay options, unexpected challenges, and unique prizes await.

277dao’s Seasons 1-3

https://mirror.xyz/277dao.eth

In the early part of 2022, the Dark Forest universe witnessed a series of captivating rounds hosted by the Chinese DAO, 277dao. These three consecutive seasons, while maintaining the traditional scoring mechanisms, brought a fresh wave of excitement and competition to the community.

What set these rounds apart was the significant prize pool offered in xDAI, a factor that attracted a wide array of players, eager to claim their share of the rewards. But 277dao's initiative wasn’t just about the grandeur of prizes; it offered a nod to the classic Dark Forest Prize Planets, awarding the top contenders their distinct interpretation which can be viewed in their collection. This approach mirrored the allure of the renowned Valhalla Prize Planets, creating a link between traditional elements and new ventures.

Enhancing the round's appeal was the organizer's novel approach to in-game item exchanging for xDAI prizes. Previously, player-to-player exchanges of xDAI were common, but 277dao introduced a new dynamic by distributing rewards to players for these in-game items. This initiative opened a new avenue for rewards, extending beyond the traditional player-driven market dynamics. It allowed participants from all levels, particularly those with smaller empires, to actively engage with the prize pool. This shift was more than just an economic innovation; it was a strategic inclusion by the organizers to ensure a more equitable distribution of rewards, recognizing and valuing the efforts of a diverse range of players, not solely those at the top of the leaderboard.

Another pioneering effort by 277dao was their sponsorship of gas for players. Recognizing the challenges faced by new players, especially those transitioning to a different blockchain, 277dao provided xDAI for gas to whitelisted accounts. This gesture not only eased the financial burden for newcomers but also showcased a commitment to growing the Dark Forest community by making the game more accessible.

Through these three seasons, 277dao demonstrated a blend of generosity and innovation. Whilst the core gameplay remained familiar, their approach to prizes and player support marked a significant contribution to the evolving narrative of Dark Forest, making these rounds a memorable chapter in the game’s history.

277dao + DFDAO’s Special Round

https://twitter.com/d_fdao/status/1529997253015916547

Whilst the gameplay did not introduce groundbreaking innovations, the excitement of this round stemmed from the collaboration. It was a convergence of ideas and resources from two prominent groups, creating a wave of anticipation and engagement within the Dark Forest community. This partnership illustrated the game’s potential for future collaborations, highlighting the strength and unity within its player base.

The 277dao + DFDAO’s Special Round stands as a testament to the collaborative spirit of Dark Forest, underscoring the game's ability to bring together diverse groups for a shared experience. It will be remembered not just for the strategic gameplay but as a milestone in community-driven collaboration and innovation in the expansive world of Dark Forest.

DFDAO’s Galactic League/Grand Prix

https://medium.com/dfdao

September 2022 saw DFDAO introducing a groundbreaking concept to the Dark Forest universe with their Galactic League/Grand Prix - a single-player speedrun competition that deviated significantly from the traditional MMO-RPG style gameplay. This event brought an electrifying twist, transforming the familiar multiplayer strategy setting into a fast-paced, individual race against time and space.

In this unique format, each participant was thrust into an identical mini universe, freshly redeployed at the start of every race. The challenge lay in navigating this universe as quickly and efficiently as possible, with competitors vying to find optimal pathways. The races were brief yet intense, lasting anywhere from 2 to 20 minutes, depending on the map, and the speed and strategy of the runners.

Adding to the competitive fervor was an upheaval to the scoring mechanism, which was tested during the season. This update encouraged players to complete their runs using fewer moves combined with fast times, adding a layer of tactical depth to the races. The emphasis on efficiency and precision made the Grand Prix not just a test of speed, but of strategic planning and quick decision-making.

DFDAO’s Grand Prix boldly stood out as a fresh and innovative addition to the Dark Forest lineup. It wasn't just a race; it was a high-speed chase through the cosmos, blending the thrill of speedrunning with the strategic complexity of Dark Forest. This round was a testament to the game's versatility and the community's appetite for diverse and dynamic gameplay experiences.

https://mirror.xyz/dfarchon.eth/46iAru2fe_yAGiaVj-FZYhCR4n5oL5srsXnht3KrFbY

Wrapping up

As we conclude our exploration of these rounds in the Dark Forest universe, we continue to uncover the rich diversity and ingenuity that define this digital cosmos. From the strategic alliances in 277dao's seasons to the pioneering collaboration in the 277dao + DFDAO’s Special Round, and the adrenaline-fueled excitement of DFDAO’s Grand Prix, each round has contributed a unique thread to the ever-evolving tapestry of Dark Forest.

These rounds not only illustrate the variety of approaches to gameplay and competition but also reflect the vibrant community that drives this game. The spirit of innovation, whether through collaborative efforts or through reimagining the game's format, underscores the boundless potential of Dark Forest. Each round, with its distinct challenges and rewards, has not only provided a fresh gaming experience but also inspired new ways of thinking about strategy and competition in a blockchain-based universe.

As we look forward to the final installment of our series, we remain curious and excited about what lies ahead. There are still more rounds to delve into, each promising to reveal further aspects of creativity and community engagement within Dark Forest. What new gameplay innovations will we discover? How will these future rounds continue to shape the landscape of the extended game? Stay tuned for the final article, where we'll explore these questions and more, continuing our journey through the remarkable and ever-changing world of Dark Forest.

About Dark Forest ARES

We will be hosting Dark Forest ARES v0.1 Round 2 on RedStone soon 😎

We hope to innovate fresh game mechanics while maintaining the original style of Dark Forest.

Everyone is welcome to follow our Twitter & join our Discord 😉

We are open to various forms of cooperation and partnership!

If you are interested in Dark Forest ARES, please contract with us asap 🚀🚀🚀

Foreword

In the expansive cosmos of Dark Forest, players find themselves navigating a universe shrouded in mystery and strategy. This isn't just any game; it's a fully onchain experience where every action unfolds within a dark, star-speckled expanse brimming with hidden adversaries and untold secrets. The core of this game lies in its clever use of zero-knowledge proofs, a feature that artfully conceals player movements until they unveil new sectors of the star map. This mechanic ensures that surprises lurk around every nebula, especially when an unsuspected player emerges from the shadows of the cosmos.

Dark Forest is more than a game of simple resources and actions; it's a realm where complexities arise like constellations in the night sky, captivating players who delve into its depths. Engaging in battles, forming alliances, and devising strategies becomes an interstellar ballet, set against the backdrop of a universe where every decision can tip the scales of galactic dominance.

As we embark on this journey, our focus shifts to the myriad of Community Rounds that have punctuated the Dark Forest landscape over the past two years. Orchestrated by various groups, DAOs, and organizations, these rounds have introduced a kaleidoscope of new features, ingenious ideas, and alluring rewards. They are not just events; they are the heartbeats of the Dark Forest community, each round adding a unique twist to the game's fundamental allure. Below, we will explore some of these pivotal rounds, diving into the rich tapestry they have woven into the Dark Forest universe. Please note, this list is comprehensive yet non-exhaustive, as the ever-expanding universe of Dark Forest is always ripe with new discoveries and overlooked treasures.

MarrowDAO’s ‘For Pioneers’ Red vs Blue

https://buidl.mirror.xyz/ABCf2087XIy6UvULA1njY7c9Fx01LQt5Ky9k8C6Mobk

In December 2021, the Dark Forest universe witnessed an intriguing twist with the first community-made round; MarrowDAO’s ‘For Pioneers’ Red vs Blue” round. This round was not just a battle for territory and resources but also a clash of the emergent strategies between two predefined enemies: the Red Team and the Blue Team. Adding a extra layer of complexity, unaligned players also roamed the universe, serving as wild cards that both teams had to strategically consider.

What set this round apart from a usual Dark Forest round, was the introduction of “side-quests”, a novel concept that added extra depth to the gameplay. These quests offered a range of rewards, incentivizing players for specific achievements like being the first to broadcast certain planets or maintaining control of key planets until the round's end. These objectives provided players with unique challenges and opportunities, ensuring that the gameplay was about more than just total domination by one team.

The primary goal, however, was the collective effort focused on team scores. Here, players weren't just individual competitors; they were members of a team, striving together to achieve a the highest score. The sense of camaraderie and shared objectives brought forth, to previously solo players and different guilds-alike, an exciting team dynamic. The rewards were not just individualist accolades but a shared bounty, distributed based on each player's contribution to their team’s success.

DFDAO’s Death of the Universe

DFDAO’s Death of the Universe (January 2022)

The fireworks of the new year on 1 January 2022 brought a dramatic and thrilling twist to the Dark Forest universe with DFDAO's 'Death of the Universe' round. In this cosmic challenge, players faced an ever-shrinking universe, a intriguing concept that added a layer of urgency and strategy unseen in previous rounds. As the universe contracted, players found their empires at risk of elimination if they were caught beyond the shrinking boundaries, adding another real-time survival element to their strategic planning.

This round was distinguished by its unique scoring system, divided into three separate rankings to intensify competition and diversify strategies. The first objective harkened back to 'Grape Extra-Small', the third round from Dark Forest v0.6, where players vied to position their empires as close to the center of the universe as possible, constantly weighing the risks of the closing universe, against the risks of moving towards the war-torn center.

The second element built upon a different layer of gameplay: planetary destruction. Players could obliterate planets, and a new leaderboard tracked those who excelled in this (with scores adjusted according to the rarity of the planets destroyed). This feature increased the aggressive, offensive strategy of the game, where players had to balance expansion with tactical warfare and destruction.

Lastly, the round included the classic scoring mechanism familiar to Dark Forest enthusiasts. Players increased their scores by finding artifacts and extracting silver from Spacetime Rips, maintaining the core elements of exploration and resource management that players had grown to love.

The 'Death of the Universe' round was not just a test of survival and expansion; it was a multifaceted challenge that required players to adapt to an ever-changing environment, balance multiple objectives, and outmaneuver opponents in a universe that was literally enveloping them.

Neronzz’s Saturday Team Battles

In the early months of 2022, the Dark Forest universe buzzed with the energy of Neronzz’s Saturday Team Battles. These rounds, marked by their tempo and competitiveness, offered a departure from the usual expansive timelines of a Dark Forest round. Each battle, lasting approximately an hour, condensed the excitement and strategic depth of Dark Forest into a high-octane experience.

Echoing the dynamics of popular MOBAs, these rounds grouped players into teams of four, pitting them against another quartet in a quest for supremacy within a miniature universe. This team-based format not only tested individual prowess but also emphasized the importance of collaborative communication, strategy and synergy.

The implementation of these rounds was made possible by a significant update from the original Dark Forest developers – the introduction of Lobbies. This feature allowed for the creation of custom universes, granting players and organizers unprecedented control over the game’s environment and conditions.

Though these team battles only ran for a few weekends, they left a lasting impact on the dedicated community. They were more than just a series of games; they were a glimpse into the potential future of Dark Forest, hinting at what a structured matchmaking and ELO rating system could bring to its competitive landscape. These battles not only provided exhilarating gameplay but also showcased the evolving nature of the community within the Dark Forest universe.

Wrapping up

As we close the chapter on these first three groundbreaking, experimental rounds of the Dark Forest Community Round saga, we begin to see the contours of a broader narrative emerging. These initial forays – MarrowDAO’s 'For Pioneers' Red vs Blue, DFDAO’s 'Death of the Universe', and Neronzz’s Saturday Team Battles – have each carved out their distinct niche in the Dark Forest lore. They showcased a diverse interpretation of 'winning', from team-based triumphs to survival against the odds, each round redefining victory in its unique way.

Yet, this is just the beginning. Our exploration into the myriad of community rounds of Dark Forest is far from complete. In the upcoming article, we will delve into three more rounds (and even seasons!), each bringing its own flavor of innovation, challenge, and reward. We will continue to uncover the various prizes that have been up for grabs – ranging from cash and NFTs, to communal accolades – and the constant evolution of gameplay that keeps the Dark Forest universe engaging.

These rounds are not just isolated events; they are the building blocks of a continuously evolving game, each contributing to the ever-expanding universe of possibilities within Dark Forest. What new gameplay options have emerged? How have different rounds challenged the conventional notions of strategy and collaboration? Stay tuned for the next installment, where we'll explore these questions and more, further unraveling the rich tapestry of community-driven innovation that defines the Dark Forest experience.

https://mirror.xyz/dfarchon.eth/3u4sL21BgCI8WCpVild7AXW57CS9Nph6Kk8sOBryY84

https://mirror.xyz/dfarchon.eth/46iAru2fe_yAGiaVj-FZYhCR4n5oL5srsXnht3KrFbY

About Dark Forest ARES

We will be hosting Dark Forest ARES v0.1 Round 2 on RedStone soon 😎

We hope to innovate fresh game mechanics while maintaining the original style of Dark Forest.

Everyone is welcome to follow our Twitter & join our Discord 😉

We are open to various forms of cooperation and partnership!

If you are interested in Dark Forest ARES, please contract with us asap 🚀🚀🚀

Recently we were very excited to hear that Lattice releases REDSTONE —— a Plasma-inspired Alt-DA chain, built on the OP Stack.After preliminary analysis, if we take gas price = 0.00000005 gwei & single operation gas limit = 2,000,000 as an estimate, 1ETH can support players to carry out 10,000,000,000 operations, which is very good hardware support for large-scale fully on-chain games and the construction of autonomous worlds.

Daily Test

We deploy the DF ARES v0.1 Round 1 (Magic Artifacts Round) code on REDSTONE to conducting preliminary test for the follow-up development of DF ARES.

If you are interested in Dark Forest, welcome to participate in our daily tests & give us feedback.

Test Wesite: https://dfares-redstone.netlify.app

DF ARES v0.1 Round 1 is a modified version of Dark Forest v0.6.5, here are the main updates.

1. Add some magic artifacts: Fire Link, Ice Link, Stellar Sheild, Avatar artifacts.

2. Add the function of buying artifacts.

3. Modification of Block Domain, Photoid Cannon, Bloom Filter functions.

4. Add the cooldown time to activcate artifacts.

5. Add the limit on the max number of mothership on 1 planet

6. Increase the income & outcome move’s speed of Qusar

7. Added new cute hat styles.

More Detailed Intro about Game Mechanics:

https://mirror.xyz/dfarchon.eth/EYLcpOhwSlqfbQmVc5CZlYQOpm0PSrg_5UUN75Dws2Q

More player-friendly docs will be released soon : -)

Future Plan

1. Fork plugins.zkge.me & maintain plugins dev library - DF GAIA , try to attract more devs & players.

2. Release DF ARES v0.1.2 code & hold community round.

3. Release Black Paper of DF ARES.

4. Discuss the feasibility of porting DF to Mud with active members of the Dark Forest community.

5. Release a stable version of ChatFusion (chat app in DF client built on web3mq)

6. Post some reports from our recent survey of games built based on mud and dojo.

Welcome to follow our office twitter and join our discord

Welcome to communicate with us 👨🏻‍💻

Welcome to donate and support our projects 🙉

Welcome to cooperate with us in various ways 🐼

To Guard Decentralized Game with Decentralized Faith.

Dark Forest ARES v0.1 Round 1 will start at 11 am (UTC+0) on July 19th and end at 3 pm (UTC+0) on July 23rd. This round will last for 100 hours.

Players can enter the game by clicking on the DF ARES logo in the center of the official website: https://dfares.vercel.app

Objective

1. This community round introduces new balance mechanism between artifacts, hoping to increase the level of game play between players.

2. Some optimizations and adjustments have been made to the game balance.

Change Log

The following improvements have been made to this event compared to v0.6.5:

1. Added Fire Link, Ice Link, Stellar Sheild, Avatar artifacts;

2. Added the function of buying artifacts;

3. Modification of Block Domain, Photoid Cannon, Bloom Filter functions;

4. Remove Monolith, Colossus, Spaceship, Pyramid artifacts;

5. Added a waiting time to activate artifacts (except Avatar), for every 10 minutes that the player enters the game, the maximum number of artifacts that can be activated +1;

6. Added a waiting time to buy artifacts, for every 60 minutes that the player enters the game, the number of artifacts that can be bought +1;

7. Avatar artifacts cannot be withdrawn;

8. There can only be one mothership on the same planet;

9. Removed Whale spaceship;

10. The total number of spaceships and artifacts on the same planet is up to 5;

11. The speed of moving out of Quasar-type planets is twice as fast as before, and if the target planet of the move is Quasar, the speed of that move will also be twice as fast as before;

12. A planet can accept up to 8 moves from his/her own planets and up to 8 moves from others;

13. Added new hat styles.

1.Black Domain VS. Planetary Shield

Players can only use Black Domain to attack planets with owner;

When using Black Domain, the level of the source planet needs to be ≥ the level of the target planet;

If the target planet has activated Planetary Shield, then Black Domain needs to be higher rarity than this Planetary Shield.

The planet that activates the artifact and the artifact need to meet: artifact rarity *2>= planet level;

After Black Domain is activated successfully, the target planet will be destroyed and this Block Domain will disappear.

Black Domain needs to be activated on its own planet and can only select other planets as targets for destruction.

Notice that the planet added by admin can not be destoryed.

2. Photoid Cannon VS. Stellar Shield

Players can fire after activating Photoid Cannon for 2 hours, and it will arrive at the target planet in 10 minutes.

If Stellar Shield is activated on the target planet, it can withstand one attack from Photoid Cannon fired by others; Photoid Cannon will disappear after deactivation;

Stellar Shield will not disappear after deactivation.

3. Ice Link VS. Fire Link

Ice Link needs to be activated on its own planet and can only connect to other players‘ planet;

The level of the source planet ≥ the level of the target planet;

If Planetary Shield is activated on the other planet, Ice Link needs to be higher rarity to attack;

The planet that activates the artifact and the artifact need to meet: artifact rarity *2>= planet level;

After activation, both source planet and target planet will be frozen, and no operation can be performed, but the player can choose to deactivate at any time; Ice Link will disappear after deactivation.

Notice that the planet added by admin can not be frozen.

Fire Link needs to be activated on its own planet and can only connect to other player’s planet that have activated Ice Link;

The level of source planet ≥ the level of target planet; Fire Link’s rarity needs to be ≥ Ice link’s rarity;

The planet that activates the artifact and the artifact need to meet: artifact rarity *2≥ planet level;

After activation, it will cancel Ice Link’s activation effect, and Fire Link will disappear after activation.

4. Avatar-type artifacts

Avatar-type artifacts can display different images on planets after activation.

Underlying blockchain & $RES

DF ARES v0.1 Round 1 uses Altlayer’s rollup service, which will be closed shortly after the game ends. In the game, players need to use $RES, which is native token of this rollup service, to pay for gas. Players can get $RES through two ways.

Method one: Airdrop

We provide free $RES Token airdrop quota for players who register through various different channels, as follows:

Users who register through DeGame and submit their game address can get 1 $RES.

The first 1024 players who bind Twitter in the game can get 2 $RES.

The first 1024 players who win score points can get 3 $RES.

The first 1024 players who interact with the game contract more than 256 times can get 4 $RES.

The first 1024 players who interact with the game contract more than 1024 times can get 5 $RES.

The first 1024 players who interact with the main game contract more than 4096 times can get 6 $RES.

Method two: Exchange $MATIC to $RES by minting ARES Loot NFT on Polygon

The exchange ratio of $RES is 10 $RES = 1 $MATIC. Players can use $MATIC on Polygon to interact with the ARESLoot contract, and the automated program will send the corresponding $RES to the game address.

Use $MATIC to exchange for $RES, operate the contract address:

https://polygonscan.com/address/0x9bebb27dc0b9540da9a74bd3e6bfeece6d001ba7#code

After the game is over, a unified exchange of $RES to $MATIC will be carried out, and players who meet specific conditions can submit an application before 10 am (UTC+0) on July 26, 2023.

The specific exchange rules are as follows:

1. Exchange ratio: 10 $RES=1 $MATIC;

2. The score of the player’s game address > 0;

3. The number of interactions between the game address and the main game contract ≥ 100 times;

4. The exchange amount is an integer multiple of the remaining RES amount of the player (the balance below 1 $RES will not be refunded);

5. The player’s game address needs to appear in at least one ARESLoot.

After the game is over, players who meet the above conditions can send the remaining $RES to a specific account, and then the team will send back the corresponding $MATIC to the player’s game address.

ARES Loot

All friends who participate in the game can free mint ARES Loot NFT.

The meaning of each line of this NFT is as follows:

Ticket: The minting number of this NFT;

Burner Wallet Address: Fill in the player’s address in the game;

Player Name;

Team Name;

Gold: The amount of MATIC recharged by the player in the game;

Glory: The amount of MATIC donated by the player to the DF ARES;

Rank: The player’s ranking in the game, updated by admin after the game;

ARES Loot is an important ticket to enter the new world.

We are waiting for you in the new world : - )

For more details, please check:

https://github.com/dfarchon/ARESLoot

Prizes

We provide a total of 1024USD and 25% of the remaining $MATIC after completing the refund as a basic prize pool, and players will receive rewards based on their final score ranking. The distribution of rewards is as follows:

The total reward that each player can get is: reward weight/1024*(basic prize pool 1024 USD + 25% of remaining $MATIC after completing refund)

In addition, prizes from sponsors who provide sponsorship for this event will also be distributed according to ranking, as shown in the table below:

Enjoy the game !

If you have any questions, welcome to join DF Archon Community Discord

and find #ask-questions channel,

our enthusiastic volunteers will be here to answer your questions!

https://discord.com/invite/f3FrFA4T25