Frontline

Game Mode Type: Pre-Battle Construction with Territory Control
Player Count: 32v32 (64 players)
Match Duration: 60-90 minutes (5-min setup + 55-85 min combat)
Difficulty: Advanced - Requires strategic planning and construction coordination

Overview

Frontline revolutionizes territorial warfare by letting teams design the battlefield itself before combat begins. In a 5-minute setup phase, both teams simultaneously construct their defensive networks, define strategic road systems extending into enemy territory, and place three critical objectives that will determine victory. Once construction completes, teams battle for control of the infrastructure they’ve collaboratively created, where every road, settlement, and objective placement reflects pre-battle strategic decisions.

Inspired by Source Forts’ construction mechanics, Frontline emphasizes strategic foresight over reactive tactics. Teams must balance defensive depth with offensive positioning, infrastructure connectivity with resource efficiency, and fortification strength with construction speed. The battlefield becomes a living testament to both teams’ strategic philosophies, creating unique match experiences every time.

Construction Phase

Setup Period (5 Minutes)

Simultaneous Construction:

Both teams construct independently
Cannot see enemy construction progress
Fog of war during setup phase
Must complete minimum requirements before combat begins

Construction Teams:

All players participate in construction
No combat during setup phase
Commander coordinates team efforts
Squad Leaders manage sector construction

Failure Conditions:

If minimum requirements not met by 5-minute mark:
- Auto-generate missing elements (suboptimal placement)
- 30-second penalty added to setup timer
- Team that fails loses strategic initiative

Map Structure

Blank Canvas:

Starting State: Empty neutral territory
Map Size: 4km x 4km
Team Spawn Zones: Fixed (opposite ends of map)
Separation Distance: 3km between main bases
Construction Zone: 80% of map (neutral space)

Territorial Divisions:

Friendly Zone: 15% (own side, fully controlled)
Neutral Zone: 70% (contested space)
Enemy Zone: 15% (enemy side, highly risky)

Construction Requirements

Road Network (Mandatory)

Primary Roads (Team Must Build 3):

Definition: Major supply routes extending from main base toward enemy
Purpose: Vehicle movement, supply logistics, objective connections
Width: 8 meters (two-lane traffic)
Extension Requirement: Must cross into enemy zone (minimum 500m penetration)
Interconnection: All 3 roads must connect to each objective (directly or via secondary roads)

Construction Mechanics:

Placement: Commander/Squad Leaders mark road paths
Engineers: Execute construction
Build Rate: 10 meters/second (all Engineers working)
Cost: Free (primary strategic infrastructure)
Vulnerability: Destructible post-combat (can be cratered/blocked)

Road Types:

Primary Roads (Mandatory 3):

Width: 8 meters
Speed: 100% vehicle speed
Durability: 1,000 HP per 10-meter section
Purpose: Main offensive/defensive arteries

Secondary Roads (Optional, Unlimited):

Width: 4 meters
Speed: 80% vehicle speed
Durability: 500 HP per 10-meter section
Purpose: Inter-objective connections, flanking routes
Cost: 200 LP per 50 meters

Tactical Roads (Optional, Unlimited):

Width: 2 meters (infantry only)
Speed: Infantry normal speed
Durability: 250 HP per 10-meter section
Purpose: Concealed infantry movement
Cost: 100 LP per 50 meters

Road Placement Rules:

Cannot overlap with objectives
Must maintain 15-meter spacing from other roads (parallel)
Cannot cross water bodies (bridges cost extra LP)
Maximum grade: 15% slope (avoid steep hills)

Objectives (Mandatory 3)

Critical Capture Points:

Count: Exactly 3 per team (6 total on map)
Purpose: Victory condition targets, spawn points
Placement: Team decision within constraints
Type: Varies by strategic intent

Objective Placement Constraints:

Minimum Distance from Own Base:

500 meters (prevents defensive clustering)
Forces projection into neutral/enemy territory

Maximum Distance from Own Base:

2,000 meters (prevents unreachable placements)
Ensures objectives are contestable

Inter-Objective Spacing:

300 meters minimum between own team objectives
200 meters minimum between own and enemy objectives
Prevents objective clustering

Road Connection Requirement:

Each objective must connect to at least 1 primary road
Connection via secondary roads acceptable
Maximum 100 meters from nearest road

Objective Types (Team Chooses):

Type A: Town Center

Structure: Multi-building urban complex
Capture Radius: 50 meters
Capture Time: 3 minutes uncontested
Spawn Function: Yes (after capture)
Resource Generation: +150 LP/minute
Fortification: Medium (pre-built walls, some cover)

Type B: Military Outpost

Structure: Fortified compound with guard towers
Capture Radius: 40 meters
Capture Time: 4 minutes uncontested
Spawn Function: Yes (after capture)
Resource Generation: +100 LP/minute
Fortification: High (reinforced walls, elevated positions)

Type C: Supply Depot

Structure: Warehouse complex with vehicle access
Capture Radius: 60 meters
Capture Time: 2 minutes uncontested
Spawn Function: No (resupply only)
Resource Generation: +200 LP/minute
Fortification: Low (minimal walls, open layout)

Settlements (Optional)

Additional Structures:

Definition: Smaller buildings/fortifications near objectives
Purpose: Provide cover, defensive positions, spawn points
Placement: Within 200 meters of objectives
Cost: 500-2,000 LP depending on structure type
Build Time: 30-120 seconds

Settlement Types:

Small Garrison:

Cost: 500 LP
Build Time: 30 seconds
Features: Single building, basic cover
Spawn: Squad spawn point only
Resource: None

Fortified Checkpoint:

Cost: 1,000 LP
Build Time: 60 seconds
Features: Walls, gate, 2 buildings
Spawn: Squad spawn point
Resource: +25 LP/minute

Forward Base:

Cost: 2,000 LP
Build Time: 120 seconds
Features: Multiple buildings, walls, towers
Spawn: Team spawn point (after main objective)
Resource: +50 LP/minute

Placement Rules:

Maximum 2 settlements per objective
Cannot block road movement
Must maintain 50-meter spacing from each other

Combat Phase

Match Start

Fog of War Lifted:

Both teams see complete battlefield layout
All roads, objectives, settlements revealed
30-second observation period before combat begins
Teams assess enemy strategic decisions

Strategic Evaluation:

Enemy road positions
Objective placement patterns
Settlement fortifications
Adjust tactics based on enemy layout

Victory Conditions

Primary: Objective Control

Control 4 of 6 total objectives for 5 continuous minutes
Captures own 3 + 1 enemy objective = Victory
Most common victory condition

Secondary: Objective Domination

Control all 6 objectives simultaneously for 60 seconds
Instant victory
Rare but decisive

Tertiary: Time Limit

90-minute timer expires
Team controlling more objectives wins
Tiebreaker: Higher total LP reserves

Objective Capture Mechanics

Standard Capture:

Presence-based: 2+ players in radius
Contested: Opposing players halt capture
Progressive: Capture progress saved if interrupted
Visual: Flag/indicator shows control status

Capture Benefits:

Spawn Point: Team can respawn at captured objective
Resource Generation: Continuous LP income
Strategic Position: Territorial advantage
Defensive Fortification: Pre-built infrastructure

Recapture:

Enemy can recapture owned objectives
Same capture time as initial capture
Losing objective stops resource generation
Respawn disabled at lost objectives

Strategic Construction Patterns

Aggressive Forward Deployment

Road Layout:

3 primary roads extend deep into enemy territory (1.5km+)
Straight, direct routes for rapid advance
Minimal secondary roads

Objective Placement:

All 3 objectives placed 1,200-1,500m from own base
Forward positioning near enemy roads
Type: 2x Military Outpost, 1x Supply Depot

Settlements:

Limited to 1-2 Forward Bases
Positioned between objectives for mutual support

Strategy:

Early aggression, rapid territorial expansion
Risk: Overextension, difficult to defend all objectives
Reward: Pressure enemy from match start

Defensive Depth Strategy

Road Layout:

3 primary roads with extensive secondary connections
Complex road network with multiple routes
Roads curve, create multiple approach vectors

Objective Placement:

All 3 objectives placed 600-900m from own base
Clustered positioning (within connection rules)
Type: 3x Town Center or 2x Town + 1x Military Outpost

Settlements:

4-6 Fortified Checkpoints between objectives
Layered defensive positions
Overlapping fields of fire

Strategy:

Consolidated defense, difficult for enemy to penetrate
Risk: Surrender early territorial control
Reward: Strong defensive positions, easier to hold

Hybrid Projection Strategy

Road Layout:

2 primary roads extend forward (offensive)
1 primary road defensive (fallback route)
Secondary roads connect all objectives

Objective Placement:

2 objectives forward (1,000-1,200m)
1 objective defensive (700m)
Mixed types: 1x Military Outpost, 1x Town, 1x Supply Depot

Settlements:

2 Forward Bases (at forward objectives)
2 Fortified Checkpoints (defensive objective)

Strategy:

Balanced approach, options for offense and defense
Risk: Jack of all trades, master of none
Reward: Adaptable to enemy strategy

Road Warfare Tactics

Road Control

Importance:

Vehicle Speed: +100% on roads vs. off-road
Supply Lines: LP generation routes
Predictable Movement: Ambush opportunities

Offensive Road Use:

Rapid vehicle deployment to objectives
Armored columns via primary roads
Infantry support via tactical roads

Defensive Road Denial:

Crater roads (explosives create 10m gaps)
Ambush positions at choke points
Roadblocks (deployable barriers)

Road Interdiction

Denial Tactics:

Engineers place explosives on enemy roads
Destroy 10-meter sections (1,000 HP)
Repair Time: 2 minutes (enemy Engineers)
Strategic: Disrupt enemy supply/reinforcement

Counter-Interdiction:

Patrol road networks
Engineers on standby for repairs
Alternative routes via secondary roads

Resource System

Logistics Points (LP)

Generation Sources:

Base Generation:

Main Base: +100 LP/minute
Captured Objectives: +100-200 LP/minute (type dependent)
Settlements: +25-50 LP/minute (type dependent)

Construction Costs (Recap):

Secondary Roads: 200 LP per 50m
Tactical Roads: 100 LP per 50m
Settlements: 500-2,000 LP (type dependent)
Defensive Structures: 200-800 LP (varies)

Combat Costs:

Respawns: 50-200 LP (escalating)
Equipment: 40-500 LP (varies)
Vehicles: 400-5,000 LP (type dependent)
Commander Abilities: 300-1,000 LP (varies)

Team Roles

Construction Phase Roles

Commander:

Strategic vision: Road layout planning
Objective type selection and placement
Resource allocation for optional structures
Coordinate team construction efforts

Squad Leaders:

Sector construction management
Road segment assignments
Settlement placement
Engineer coordination

Engineers (Critical):

Execute all construction
Minimum 8 Engineers recommended
Rotate between road and settlement construction
Post-setup: Transition to repair/fortification

Infantry:

Provide security during setup (minimal threat)
Scout planned construction zones
Assist with light construction tasks

Combat Phase Roles

Objective Assault Teams:

Capture enemy objectives
Clear defensive positions
Utilize road networks for rapid deployment

Objective Defense Teams:

Hold captured objectives
Repel enemy assaults
Maintain spawn point availability

Road Interdiction Teams:

Engineers + Infantry escort
Destroy enemy road sections
Plant ambushes at choke points

Mobile Reaction Force:

Rapid response to enemy breakthroughs
Reinforce threatened objectives
Counter-attack enemy weak points

Map Design Requirements

Terrain Features

Mostly Flat Construction Space:

70% of map suitable for road construction
Flat areas for objective placement
Minimal elevation changes (under 10m)

Natural Obstacles (30%):

Rivers/lakes: Require bridge construction
Hills: Limit direct road paths
Forests: Provide cover but slow construction
Rocky areas: Cannot build on, must route around

Aesthetic Environment:

Neutral setting (grasslands, plains, light forests)
Post-setup: Structures appear fully constructed
Dynamic: Destruction alters battlefield appearance

Advanced Tactics

Deceptive Objective Placement

Feint Objective:

Place 1 objective exposed and weakly defended
Concentrate defenses on other 2 objectives
Enemy wastes resources attacking “bait” objective
Counter-attack while enemy overcommitted

Road Network Traps

Channelization:

Design road network to funnel enemy vehicles
Ambush positions at convergence points
Mines, AT positions covering predictable routes

Settlement Surprise

Hidden Forward Bases:

Place Forward Bases in unexpected locations
Use terrain (forests, hills) to conceal
Surprise spawn points behind enemy lines

Adaptive Construction

Mid-Match Building:

Use remaining LP to build new secondary roads
Construct additional settlements as needed
Adapt infrastructure to emerging tactical needs

Developer Notes

Design Pillars

Strategic Foresight: Pre-planning determines battlefield
Creative Freedom: Teams design own infrastructure
Asymmetric Battlefields: No two matches identical
Infrastructure Warfare: Roads and settlements have value
Combined Arms: Construction and combat skills both essential

Balance Testing Focus

Metrics:

Construction completion rates
Objective capture frequency by placement pattern
Road usage intensity
Settlement survival duration
Victory condition distribution

Adjustment Vectors:

Construction time limits
LP costs for optional structures
Road durability values
Objective spacing requirements
Capture time balancing

Future Expansion

Advanced Construction

Bridges:

Cross rivers/gaps
Cost: 1,000 LP per bridge
Build Time: 90 seconds
Vulnerable: Can be destroyed, cuts route

Tunnels:

Underground passages
Cost: 2,000 LP per 50m
Build Time: 120 seconds
Advantage: Concealed movement, hard to interdict

Defensive Lines:

Pre-built trench systems
Cost: 1,500 LP per 100m
Build Time: 60 seconds
Benefit: Strong defensive positions

Dynamic Weather

Construction Phase Weather:

Rain: +50% construction time (muddy ground)
Clear: Standard construction rates
Fog: Limited visibility during planning

Combat Phase Weather:

Affects vehicle speed on roads
Alters visibility for ambushes
Damage to roads from heavy weather

Conclusion

Frontline transforms players from soldiers into battlefield architects, where strategic vision during the setup phase determines tactical options throughout the combat phase. Teams must think like military engineers, designing infrastructure networks that support their intended strategy while anticipating enemy plans.

The mode’s emphasis on pre-battle planning creates a unique blend of creative construction and competitive combat. Every road placement, objective selection, and settlement location reflects strategic intent, rewarding thoughtful design while punishing hasty decisions. The battlefield becomes a physical manifestation of competing strategic philosophies.

Frontline is architectural warfare: build the battlefield, then dominate it.

Document Version: 1.0
Last Updated: November 2025
Status: Post-MVP Expansion - Design Complete
Target Implementation: Month 36+