When Faster Means Weaker: Rethinking Movement Speed in Arena Fighters

[versed lily]

Skilled players often prefer fighters with low movement speed (MS) in mirror matchups. Slower fighters arrive at the center later and target enemy fighters, who are already surrounding their own tank. Faster fighters hit the tank first, making them vulnerable—enemy fighters arrive shortly after and take them down.

MS isn't just the least important trait for fighters—it can actually be harmful. That’s counterintuitive, especially for high-spending players expecting better performance from higher stats.

It also undermines TPI, which should reflect overall strength in a clear, intuitive way.
Buyers expect “big number = good” and we want that to hold true.

Solution

Remove MS bonuses from genetics for fighters at the start of the round. Keep their standard MS for around 8 sec then allow MS bonuses to activate afterward—when movement matters for repositioning between attacks.

This keeps the game intuitive and ensures higher stats always feel valuable, supporting a stronger in-game economy where “more stats = better”.

[pale willow]

Its true that you would prefer low MS fighters in a fighter vs fighter comp but i think changing or alternating the stats for a specific class only makes it complicated

I also dont think it is necessary as higher MS is better against the rest of the teams, although still pretty meaningless

[velvet sable]

@versed lily Hi Sota,
I understand what you're saying and I see your point of view.

However, I’m concerned that this might unnecessarily complicate the gameplay for new players.

I think it’s better to keep things as they are. I believe that proper positioning partially solves the issue.

[buoyant zealot]

it's not only fighters, for psions it's even worse, this stat is complete trash no idea why it even exists