{"id":46840416,"title":"Show HN: Warlocks – Browser wizard duels with server-authoritative multiplayer","points":2,"user":"iCeGaming","time":1769890921,"time_ago":"10 hours ago","type":"link","content":"

I originally posted Warlocks about a month ago as a quick learning project for real-time multiplayer in the browser. \nIt didn't get much attention then, so trying again with a slightly different angle.\nQuick recap: Warlocks is a fast-paced, last-wizard-standing arena battler.

Real-time 1v1 quick matches (with bot fallback if no opponent)\nCustom lobbies for 2–8 players (great for playing with friends)\nCore mechanic: Move around, charge spells (fireballs), knock opponents into lava\nServer-authoritative over WebSockets (handles movement, collisions, cooldowns, matchmaking)\nPlays smoothly in browser—no installs, works on desktop + mobile (tap controls)\nGoal: Push rivals into lava while dodging their spells

Since the first post:

Tweaked matchmaking to reduce wait times (more bot games when queue is empty)\nImproved mobile touch controls for spell targeting\nAdded a small Discord for feedback/bug reports: https://discord.com/invite/xHzP7Gh3NR\nExperimented with latency compensation tweaks (still room for improvement—curious about HN thoughts on this)

Tech-wise it's Phaser JS + WebSockets on the client, authoritative RUST backend. \nKept it simple to focus on the networking feel.\nWould love honest feedback on:

Gameplay balance (fireball knockback too strong/weak? fun factor?)\nNetworking/lag handling (does it feel responsive? any rubber-banding?)\nMobile experience\nIdeas for new spells/modes (ice walls? healing? team variants?)

Play here: https://warlocks.icegaming.org/\n(Quick Match button to jump in instantly)\nThanks for any plays/comments!","url":"https://warlocks.icegaming.org/","domain":"warlocks.icegaming.org","comments":[],"comments_count":0}