cataclysm

a hex-based multiplayer strategy game. you manage a deck of 25 cards—troops, buildings, and instincts—to fight on a hexagonal grid and destroy the opponent's cat tree.

the roster is mostly anime-inspired cats. they don't just upgrade linearly; they evolve mid-match based on specific triggers. some evolve after dying, some evolve after taking enough lifetime damage, and some evolve when you play specific catalyst cards on them.

tech stack

• frontend: svelte + vite
• backend: node.js and websockets
• core logic: shared typescript

the combat engine lives in the shared/ directory. both the client and server run the exact same simulation code to ensure state stays perfectly synced and predictive pathing works without latency. the engine handles phase-based combat, so all movements are locked in and attacks resolve transitively based on unit speed stats.

running it locally

requires node.js (v18+).

git clone https://github.com/fakeplastic-tree/catnip.git
cd catnip
npm install
npm run dev

this spins up both the frontend (localhost:5173) and the websocket server (localhost:3000) concurrently.

mechanics

• deckbuilder: standard decks need exactly 25 cards and at least one stage 1 unit or building to be playable on turn 1. stage 2 and stage 3 units cannot be played directly.
• matchmaking: global queue for quick matches or 4-letter room codes for private games.
• active abilities: units have active skills ranging from lifesteal to marking delayed-execution countdowns on enemy units. these resolve via dedicated command queues.