Author: ClassicJ & Editor: CherryBlue

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

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

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

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.

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 🚀🚀🚀