Building a Final Fantasy-Inspired Turn-Based Combat System

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Video Demonstration

The video below provides a narrated walkthrough of the combat system, explaining the action timer mechanics, turn-based combat flow, and attack execution in real time.

Introduction

For my coursework, I chose to develop a turn-based combat system inspired by Final Fantasy’s Active Time Battle (ATB) system. As a longtime fan of turn-based RPGs, I wanted to experiment with an action timer mechanic and analyze its effectiveness in gameplay.

The system was originally built in Unreal Engine blueprints using a tutorial by Ryan Laley, then fully converted into C++ to enhance modularity and efficiency. This project was an opportunity to gain deeper insights into turn-based mechanics and explore the challenges of implementing a structured combat loop.

Gameplay Overview

The system features a three-player party vs. three-enemy battle setup, where each character has:

• An action timer that fills up based on their speed stat.
• A command menu for attacking, using items (planned), or running (planned).
• A targeting system where players choose an enemy before executing an action.

Once a character’s action timer fills, they take their turn. Enemies also attack when their own timers are ready, meaning battles are not strictly turn-based but instead dynamic.

How the Combat System Works:

1. Speed-Based Turn Order – All characters are sorted into an initiative queue based on their speed stat.
2. Action Timers – Each character’s action timer fills up over time.
3. Executing Commands – When ready, the player selects an attack and chooses a target.
4. Stat-Based Combat Calculations – Attack damage is determined by a formula that factors in strength, endurance, and a randomized modifier.
5. Animations & Feedback – Attacks trigger animations, damage calculations, and hit reactions.
6. Round Progression – Turns cycle through the queue until all characters have acted, then the next round begins.

This system introduces strategic depth, as enemies can attack at any time, forcing players to react quickly and plan their moves efficiently.

Technical Development

The project was built using Unreal Engine 5, incorporating a mix of C++ classes and blueprints.

Key C++ Components:

• BattleGameMode – Manages combat flow, turn order, and player/enemy data.
• BaseUnit (Player & Enemy) – Defines character stats, health, and combat logic.
• CombatManager – The core battle system, handling speed calculations, action timers, attack execution, and damage calculations.
• HUD & UI Widgets – Displays action timers, player health, and target selection menus.

Challenges & Solutions:

• Blueprint-to-C++ Conversion – Initially developed in blueprints, then rewritten in C++ to improve scalability and performance.
• Stat Calculation Complexity – Balancing strength, endurance, and speed mechanics required multiple iterations to create a fair combat system.
• UI Interactions – Implementing a clean, intuitive menu system for turn selection.

Final Thoughts

This project was an incredible learning experience that deepened my understanding of:

• Turn-based combat mechanics and how to structure gameplay loops.
• C++ programming in Unreal Engine and blueprint-to-code conversion.
• Balancing character stats and enemy AI logic.

While I originally planned to include items, buffs, and debuffs, time constraints required me to prioritize the core combat system. However, I plan to expand on this system in the future, refining its mechanics and adding more strategic depth.

This was a challenging but rewarding project, and I’m excited to push my Unreal Engine development skills even further!