Is StarCraft 2 good for your brain?

Unlock your brain’s potential with StarCraft II! A study revealed that expert StarCraft II players exhibit enhanced brain connectivity in regions crucial for attention, reasoning, and motor skills. This isn’t just about reflexes; the strategic depth, multitasking demands, and rapid decision-making required in StarCraft II actively challenge and strengthen cognitive functions. Think of it as a mental workout, pushing your brain to its limits and improving its overall performance. Mastering the intricate mechanics and complex strategies fosters problem-solving abilities transferable to real-world scenarios. From resource management and efficient planning to adapting to dynamic situations and making split-second decisions under pressure, StarCraft II offers a unique and engaging pathway to cognitive enhancement.

Beyond the cognitive benefits, the game fosters resilience and perseverance. Overcoming challenging matches and learning from defeats builds mental toughness and strengthens problem-solving skills. The competitive aspect also boosts strategic thinking and planning, while the community fosters collaboration and teamwork – essential skills for success in many aspects of life.

So, are you ready to sharpen your mind and conquer the galaxy? Dive into the strategic world of StarCraft II and experience the cognitive benefits firsthand!

Was StarCraft 2 a success?

StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty’s initial success was undeniable. The record-breaking 1.8 million copies sold within 48 hours cemented its place as a major commercial triumph, surpassing all previous strategy game launches. This strong opening demonstrated significant market demand and effectively revitalized the RTS genre, which had experienced a relative decline. However, a nuanced assessment requires considering the game’s long-term performance. While subsequent expansions, Heart of the Swarm and Legacy of the Void, maintained a dedicated player base, they didn’t replicate the explosive initial sales. The transition to a free-to-play model later in its lifecycle also significantly impacted its revenue stream, shifting the emphasis from initial sales to microtransactions and ongoing engagement. Further, the competitive scene, a crucial aspect of StarCraft’s longevity, thrived, establishing a globally recognized esports league and consistently producing highly skilled professional players. This sustained competitive ecosystem, coupled with the initial sales figures, contributes to a more complete picture of StarCraft II’s overall success, highlighting both its exceptional launch and the evolution of its business model throughout its lifespan.

Is StarCraft more difficult than chess?

The difficulty comparison between StarCraft and chess is nuanced. While chess boasts immense strategic depth explored over centuries, StarCraft presents a unique challenge combining real-time strategic thinking with demanding micro-management. Chess’s complexity lies primarily in its strategic foresight and positional understanding; a static, turn-based environment. StarCraft, however, demands rapid decision-making under pressure, requiring both macro-strategic planning (base building, army composition, resource management) and incredibly precise micro-control (unit maneuvering, targeting, and efficient use of abilities) in a dynamic, ever-changing battlefield.

Action per minute (APM), a key metric in StarCraft, highlights the sheer volume of actions a player executes per minute, often exceeding hundreds. This illustrates the physical dexterity component absent in chess. While chess masters possess exceptional pattern recognition and strategic intuition, StarCraft pros must possess that, alongside lightning-fast reflexes and exceptional multitasking abilities. The sheer volume of information processing dwarfs that of chess, requiring players to assess their own progress, anticipate opponent actions, adapt to dynamic situations, and manage resources simultaneously.

Although StarCraft’s individual actions are arguably simpler than intricate chess combinations, the combination of these actions within a dynamic environment, coupled with the time pressure, results in a vastly more complex decision space. The sheer number of possible unit combinations, strategies, and build orders exponentially surpasses the number of opening variations in chess. This dynamic complexity makes it exceptionally difficult to analyze and master StarCraft at the highest levels. The strategic depth is different but, in its own right, equally profound. In essence, it’s not just about knowing what to do, but also when and how to execute it flawlessly under extreme pressure.

Is StarCraft 2 harder than Warcraft 3?

StarCraft 2’s difficulty surpasses Warcraft 3 significantly due to its demanding micro-management and intense multitasking requirements. While both games require strategic thinking, StarCraft 2 elevates the mechanical skill ceiling considerably.

Key Differences Driving Difficulty:

Higher APM (Actions Per Minute): StarCraft 2 necessitates far higher APM than Warcraft 3. This demands precise, rapid execution of actions like unit production, building construction, and combat maneuvers.
More Complex Unit Control: Managing large armies effectively in StarCraft 2 requires intricate micro-control, including kiting, flanking, and utilizing unit abilities strategically. Warcraft 3’s unit control, while important, is less demanding.
Steeper Learning Curve: The sheer number of units, buildings, upgrades, and strategies in StarCraft 2 creates a much steeper learning curve. Mastering even the basics takes considerable time and practice.
Faster Pace: Games in StarCraft 2 generally progress at a faster pace than in Warcraft 3, leaving less room for error and demanding quicker decision-making.

Focusing on Improvement:

Practice Micro-Management: Dedicate time to practicing basic micro-mechanics, such as unit selection, moving, attacking, and using abilities efficiently.
Master Hotkeys: Learn and utilize extensive hotkeys to drastically improve APM and reduce reliance on mouse clicks.
Watch Replays and Analyze Gameplay: Observe professional players and analyze your own replays to identify areas for improvement in both macro and micro strategies.
Focus on One Race Initially: Mastering one race before branching out to others is crucial, as each race has unique mechanics and strategies.
Understand Counter-Strategies: Familiarize yourself with common counter-strategies to your favored units and builds, preparing for opponent’s actions.

In short: StarCraft 2 demands a higher level of mechanical skill and precision, alongside strategic depth. While strategic thinking is important in both games, the increased pressure on rapid, precise execution makes StarCraft 2 considerably harder to master.

Is StarCraft 3 coming out?

The question of StarCraft 3’s release remains shrouded in speculation. While Blizzard hasn’t offered a concrete announcement, industry analysts, considering Blizzard’s historical development cycles for major titles and the general industry landscape, posit a release window somewhere between 2025 and 2027. This timeframe, however, is far from certain. Blizzard’s current focus on other projects and the inherent complexities of developing a modern RTS, especially one expected to meet the high bar set by its predecessors, significantly influence this estimation. The absence of any official statement shouldn’t be misinterpreted as confirmation of a cancellation; rather, it reflects the typical prolonged pre-announcement phase for AAA titles, especially those carrying the legacy of a beloved franchise.

Several subtle indicators hint at the possibility of StarCraft 3 in development. These include continued community engagement around StarCraft II, Blizzard’s persistent exploration of RTS mechanics in other titles, and the enduring popularity and competitive scene surrounding StarCraft II. However, these are circumstantial clues at best; concrete evidence remains scarce. Ultimately, a definitive answer hinges on Blizzard’s official communication. Until then, fans will likely continue their speculation based on educated guesses and hope.

Beyond the release date, the actual gameplay and features of a potential StarCraft 3 are purely speculative. Will it maintain the core mechanics that defined the series, or will it incorporate significant changes to cater to modern gaming trends? Will it focus on single-player storytelling, competitive multiplayer, or a balanced blend of both? These are questions that only Blizzard can answer, and their silence leaves a fertile ground for imaginative, and sometimes unrealistic, predictions.

Is StarCraft 2 completely free now?

StarCraft II’s free-to-play model grants access to a substantial portion of the game. You can jump straight into the action with:

All multiplayer units and maps for Terran, Zerg, and Protoss. This allows you to dive into ranked and unranked ladder matches, honing your skills against other players worldwide.
The full single-player Wings of Liberty campaign. Experience the epic story of Jim Raynor’s fight against the Dominion and the Zerg Swarm. This alone offers dozens of hours of gameplay.
Limited access to Co-op Missions. You can play a selection of co-op commanders, but the full roster requires unlocking via purchase or progression.

What you need to purchase for the full experience:

Heart of the Swarm and Legacy of the Void campaigns: To unlock the complete single-player storyline, you’ll need to purchase these expansions.
Additional Co-op Commanders: Unlock the full selection of challenging and unique co-op commanders, each offering a different playstyle.
Cosmetic items: Customize your profile with various skins, portraits, and decals. This is purely cosmetic and doesn’t affect gameplay.

In short: The base game offers a complete multiplayer experience and a significant portion of the single-player campaign, making it extremely accessible. However, purchasing the expansions and additional content unlocks the full breadth of StarCraft II’s rich and varied gameplay.

What is the average age of StarCraft 2 players?

Determining the average age of StarCraft II players is tricky, as precise data is scarce. While publicly available statistics often focus on competitive scenes, they don’t represent the broader player base. The competitive scene, however, gives us some insight. Studies, like the one referencing an average age of 23.0 in 2010 (around the game’s release), suggest a relatively young, but experienced, core of competitive players. This isn’t surprising, considering the game’s demanding strategic depth and high skill ceiling. It’s important to note that this age is likely to have shifted upwards over the years as the game has matured; the initial wave of young players will naturally be older now. Consider comparable titles: Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) and Super Smash Bros. Wii U show similar averages (23.4 and 23.2 respectively), indicating a consistent demographic across several popular competitive games. League of Legends, however, sits slightly younger at 21.2, possibly due to its more accessible entry point. This suggests that while StarCraft II‘s competitive player base might have started young, its longevity attracts and retains players across a broader age range than initial data alone suggests. The reality is likely a skewed distribution, with a core of highly skilled veterans balanced against a fluctuating number of newer, younger players.

In short: While a 2010 estimate placed the average competitive age around 23, the current average is likely higher, influenced by the game’s age and ongoing player base evolution. Direct comparison to other competitive titles like CS:GO and Super Smash Bros. suggests the competitive player demographic is fairly consistent across these games.

Why is StarCraft so hard?

StarCraft’s difficulty isn’t just about APM; that 450 APM figure, while impressive, only scratches the surface. It’s the multitasking involved – simultaneously managing your economy, army production, scouting, unit micro, and strategic decision-making under immense pressure. You’re not just clicking buttons; you’re making split-second decisions with far-reaching consequences. Every second counts, and a single mistake can snowball into a devastating defeat.

The game’s complexity stems from its intricate systems. Understanding unit matchups, counter-strategies, map awareness, and building orders requires thousands of hours of practice. Even mastering one race – Terran, Zerg, or Protoss – is a monumental task. Each has unique units, structures, and playstyles requiring a deeply nuanced understanding. Forget simply learning the game; you’re constantly adapting to evolving meta-strategies and your opponent’s unique approach. It’s not just a game of reflexes, it’s a test of strategic thinking, adaptability, and mental fortitude.

APM is a flawed metric. While high APM often correlates with skill, it’s not the sole indicator. Efficient APM, focused on high-impact actions, matters far more than mindless button mashing. The true challenge lies in maximizing your effectiveness within that APM, executing precise maneuvers, and anticipating your opponent’s moves several steps ahead. That’s what separates the pros from the casual player.

The learning curve is brutally steep. Expect countless losses, frustrating defeats, and moments of intense self-doubt. But that’s part of the allure. The rewards of mastering even a small facet of this incredibly complex game are immense. The intellectual stimulation and the competitive thrill are unlike anything else in gaming. It’s a marathon, not a sprint; a constant journey of learning and refinement.

What is the hardest race to play in StarCraft 2?

The question of which StarCraft II race is hardest is subjective, but Terran often tops the list for experienced players. The common perception that Terran is “easy” due to their straightforward units is misleading. Mastering Terran requires a deep understanding of micro, macro, and strategic nuances often overlooked by beginners.

Terran’s core challenge lies in its reactive nature. Unlike Zerg’s organic adaptability or Protoss’ strategic flexibility, Terran’s strength relies heavily on effective army composition and precise execution.

Limited Reinforcements: Terran lacks the rapid, cheap unit production of Zerg. Losing units translates to a significant drop in combat effectiveness, demanding precise engagements and minimizing losses.
High reliance on Macro: Efficient macro is paramount. Failing to maintain a steady supply of units and upgrades leaves Terran vulnerable to aggressive pushes.
Complex Unit Interactions: Mastering Terran requires understanding the intricacies of unit synergy. This involves skillful use of medivacs for healing and repositioning, effective use of siege tanks, and smart application of various support units like ghosts and liberators.
Vulnerability to early aggression: Terran’s early game defenses are comparatively less potent than those of Protoss, meaning efficient scouting and quick responses to aggressive openings are essential.

Why Experienced Players Find Terran Challenging:

Precise Micro: The need for precise control over numerous units during engagements presents a steep learning curve. Simple clicking is insufficient; players need to master kiting, flanking, and efficient use of unit abilities.
Strategic Depth: Beyond simple unit production, skilled Terran play involves adapting strategies based on opponent’s choices, map characteristics, and game timings. It’s less about reacting to what happens than anticipating and setting up your own advantages.
Resource Management: Terran’s reliance on building structures makes effective resource management crucial. A single missed upgrade or inefficient base expansion can severely impact late-game performance.

In short: While Terran might appear easier initially, mastering the race demands superior macro game, impeccable micro skills, and deep strategic understanding. It’s the combination of these aspects that makes Terran arguably the most challenging race to master in StarCraft II.

What is the least popular race in StarCraft 2?

While exact numbers fluctuate, Zerg consistently registers as the least popular race in StarCraft II over the past two years. This isn’t due to inherent weakness; rather, a confluence of factors contributes to its lower player base.

One key element is the higher skill ceiling. Mastering Zerg requires exceptional multitasking and micro-management, demanding a steeper learning curve compared to Terran’s more straightforward macro game or Protoss’s powerful, but often more linearly strategic, units.

Recent patches, while aiming for balance, have sometimes inadvertently impacted Zerg negatively. Changes affecting key units or strategies can disproportionately affect the already smaller player pool, leading to a sense of frustration and potentially contributing to players switching races.

The meta also plays a role. While Zerg can be incredibly powerful in the right hands, certain meta shifts can make the race feel less effective compared to others, discouraging new players and even pushing experienced players towards different factions.

This lower player base creates a smaller pool of high-level Zerg players to learn from. Finding high-quality replays and guides specifically focusing on Zerg can be more challenging than for Terran or Protoss. This further reinforces the perceived difficulty and contributes to the smaller player base.

The perception of higher difficulty, combined with potentially less readily available high-level content and occasional balance shifts, creates a feedback loop, resulting in Zerg remaining the least popular race in StarCraft II.

Does anyone still play StarCraft 2?

The question of whether StarCraft II still has a player base is complex. While it’s free-to-play, that’s only part of the picture. The “free” aspect certainly contributes to a larger player pool, lowering the barrier to entry for newcomers. However, the game’s longevity isn’t solely defined by accessibility.

Here’s a breakdown of contributing factors, beyond the free-to-play model:

Competitive Scene: StarCraft II boasts a highly competitive scene with ongoing professional leagues and tournaments. This sustained competitive ecosystem keeps veteran players engaged and attracts aspiring professionals.
Deep Gameplay: The game’s strategic depth is legendary. Mastering its mechanics, unit combinations, and macro management takes immense dedication, providing endless replayability and a constant learning curve.
Dedicated Community: A large and passionate community thrives around StarCraft II. This community fosters learning, provides resources, and keeps the game vibrant through custom maps, guides, and ongoing discussion.
Regular Updates (though less frequent now): Blizzard, while scaling back development, continues to provide balance patches and occasional content updates. This keeps the metagame dynamic and prevents stagnation.
Legacy and Nostalgia: For many, StarCraft II represents a significant part of their gaming history. The feeling of returning to a familiar and beloved title shouldn’t be underestimated. This sense of nostalgia can be a powerful driver for continued play.

Therefore, the “free” aspect isn’t the sole reason for continued play. It’s the combination of competitive spirit, deep gameplay, a dedicated community, and the game’s legacy that sustains its player base. The perception that it’s dead is inaccurate; it’s a niche title with a dedicated and active community.

How long does it take to finish StarCraft 2?

StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void’s playtime is surprisingly flexible. A focused player, laser-beamed on the main campaign, can blitz through in roughly 13 hours. This is a speedrun-esque experience, prioritizing mission completion above all else.

However, the real meat of Legacy of the Void lies in exploration. Unlocking all achievements, exploring optional objectives, and delving into the rich lore via cutscenes and hidden details will easily balloon your playtime to 32 hours. This deeper dive unveils a much richer, more rewarding experience.

Consider these factors influencing your overall playtime: difficulty setting (harder difficulties extend playtime significantly), replayability (different unit builds and strategies encourage multiple playthroughs), and optional content (like co-op missions, which offer virtually limitless playtime). The game offers a compelling campaign whether you’re short on time or eager to fully immerse yourself.

The 13-hour estimate applies solely to the main story missions. If you’re a completionist, add another 19 hours to that – nearly doubling your commitment. This is typical of Blizzard’s campaigns: initially shorter and story-focused, but with a hidden depth of replayability and optional content.

What is the most beginner friendly race in StarCraft 2?

While Zerg’s overwhelming early game aggression and Terran’s complex macro mechanics can be daunting for new players, Protoss offers a surprisingly accessible entry point into StarCraft II. Their powerful units and strategic depth might seem intimidating at first glance, but the core gameplay loop is less micromanagement-intensive than the other races. This makes it easier to grasp fundamental concepts like base building and army composition.

The key advantage for beginners lies in Protoss’s relatively straightforward unit composition in the early and mid-game. Focusing on a core army of Zealots and Stalkers allows players to learn efficient macro – the process of managing your economy and production – without getting bogged down in intricate unit control. The emphasis on strategic positioning and utilizing powerful abilities, like the powerful Psi Storm, replaces the need for constant micro-management present in the other factions.

However, Protoss isn’t without its challenges. Their reliance on powerful, but expensive, late-game units means efficient macro is still crucial for success. Mastering gateway units and transitioning to late game compositions requires understanding of timings and counter-strategies. While Protoss simplifies the micro aspect, the macro and strategic decision-making still require learning and practice.

In conclusion, while not entirely “easy,” Protoss provides a smoother learning curve by easing players into the game’s complexities. The less demanding micro allows beginners to focus on core mechanics before diving into the more nuanced control needed for Zerg and Terran.

Is StarCraft a hard game?

StarCraft’s difficulty isn’t just about APM; while that 450 APM figure – over 7 actions per second – is mind-boggling and shows the sheer dexterity involved, it only scratches the surface. It’s a multifaceted beast.

Strategic Depth: It’s not just clicking buttons. You need to master macro (managing your economy, building structures, producing units) and micro (controlling individual units in combat). Mastering both simultaneously is incredibly demanding. You’re constantly multitasking – scouting, expanding, building, fighting, all while reacting to your opponent’s strategies.

Opponent Adaptability: StarCraft’s highly competitive nature means constantly adapting your strategies. You’re not just playing against the AI; you’re playing against another human mind trying to outsmart you. They’ll adapt to your style, forcing you to learn and counter-adapt. This constant mental chess match is exhausting.

Game Knowledge: APM is a skill, but underlying it is a vast understanding of the game. You need to know unit matchups, build orders, counter-strategies, map awareness, and the implications of every decision. It’s years of dedication, not just talent.

Build Order Memorization: Pro players often memorize intricate build orders, sequences of actions that optimize resource gathering and unit production.
Unit Synergies: Understanding how different units work together – their strengths, weaknesses, and optimal combinations – is crucial.
Map Awareness: Knowing the layout of the map and predicting opponent movements is key to victory.

Beyond APM: While APM is a measure of skill, it’s not the sole determinant of success. Game sense, strategic thinking, and adaptability are just as important, if not more so. A player with high APM but poor strategy will consistently lose to a more strategically sound player.

The Learning Curve: StarCraft has a notoriously steep learning curve. It takes immense dedication and practice to even reach a moderate level of competence. The path to mastery is incredibly long and challenging.

Do people still play StarCraft 2?

StarCraft II’s continued popularity, despite its age, is multifaceted. A key factor is its free-to-play model. This drastically lowers the barrier to entry, allowing players to experience the core gameplay without financial commitment. This accessibility attracts a broad player base, including casual players and those exploring the RTS genre.

Beyond the free-to-play aspect, several other elements contribute to its longevity:

Active Competitive Scene: StarCraft II boasts a dedicated and highly competitive esports scene. Major tournaments and leagues continue to thrive, providing a platform for professional players and attracting viewers. This sustains community engagement and encourages continued play.
Deep and Rewarding Gameplay: The game’s intricate mechanics, strategic depth, and high skill ceiling offer a continuously engaging experience. Mastering the game requires significant time investment and skill, providing long-term player retention.
Regular Updates and Content: While not as frequent as during its peak, Blizzard still provides updates, balance patches, and occasional new content. This demonstrates continued support and keeps the game fresh.
Strong Community: A large and active community fosters a thriving ecosystem of online resources, guides, and forums. This facilitates player interaction, knowledge sharing, and helps newcomers integrate into the game.

However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that StarCraft II’s player base isn’t what it once was. The decline is partially attributed to the rise of other popular esports titles and evolving gaming trends. Nonetheless, the combination of free access, a dedicated community, and consistently engaging gameplay continues to ensure StarCraft II remains a relevant and played game within the RTS genre.

Does anyone still play sc2?

The question “Does anyone still play StarCraft II?” deserves a multifaceted answer, going beyond a simple “yes” or “no.” While the game is free-to-play, this accessibility alone doesn’t fully explain its current player base. Let’s explore some key contributing factors:

1. The Free-to-Play Model: A Double-Edged Sword

The free-to-play model, while increasing accessibility, introduces its own challenges. It dilutes the player pool with a higher number of casual players, potentially impacting the competitive scene. While newcomers are easily drawn in, the lack of a significant financial barrier might lead to lower player retention compared to a premium model.

2. Competition from Other RTS Games and Genres

Emergence of new RTS titles: The RTS genre itself has seen the rise of newer competitors, vying for player attention and resources. These newer titles may offer different gameplay mechanics or a more modern aesthetic.
Shifting gaming landscape: The overall gaming landscape has drastically changed since StarCraft II’s initial release. The rise of battle royale games, MOBA games, and other genres has diverted many gamers’ attention.

3. The Steep Learning Curve

Micro-management complexity: StarCraft II is renowned for its demanding micro-management requirements, which can be incredibly challenging for new players.
Strategic depth and mastery: Reaching a high level of skill in StarCraft II demands significant time investment and dedication, potentially deterring casual players.
Community and resources: While a dedicated community exists, the learning curve can be steep for newcomers navigating the game’s intricacies without sufficient guidance and resources.

4. Blizzard’s Support and Content Updates

The frequency and nature of content updates play a crucial role in maintaining player engagement. Regular patches, new units, maps, and balance changes can revitalize the player base. Conversely, a lack of substantial updates might lead to stagnation and player attrition.

Can I start with StarCraft 2?

Yeah, sure, you can *start* with SC2. The free-to-play offering is a decent entry point, giving you access to the campaign’s prologue and a limited multiplayer experience. But let’s be real, that’s just scratching the surface. The real meat is in the Wings of Liberty, Heart of the Swarm, and Legacy of the Void campaigns; they’re masterful in their own right, representing a unique blend of RTS strategy and compelling narrative. Don’t expect to waltz through them – they’ll test your multitasking and strategic thinking like few other games can. And multiplayer? Forget what you think you know about competitive gaming – SC2’s ladder is a brutal, unforgiving crucible of APM and macro management. Prepare to spend countless hours mastering your chosen race, studying builds, analyzing replays, and accepting the inevitable losses as part of the learning process. If you’re truly serious about mastering StarCraft II, be ready for a substantial time commitment. It’s not a game you casually pick up; it demands dedication. Consider starting with the campaign – it’ll teach you the basics while delivering a fantastic story. Then, and *only then*, prepare for the real challenge of the ladder. Good luck, you’ll need it.

What race is best for beginners StarCraft 2?

Protoss, for beginners? Amateur hour. While the “less micromanagement” claim holds *some* water – their early game is relatively straightforward – that’s misleading. The apparent simplicity masks a deep strategic layer requiring precise macro and adept unit control later. Their reliance on powerful, but expensive, units means mistakes are punished brutally. Zerg’s overwhelming early game aggression teaches vital resource management and quick reaction skills far more effectively. Terran’s diverse unit composition and flexible build orders force adaptable strategic thinking, crucial for higher levels. Protoss’s seemingly forgiving early game only delays the inevitable learning curve, making the later transition significantly steeper. Choosing Protoss because it’s “easy” is a crutch that’ll hinder long-term progress. Mastering Zerg’s micro or Terran’s macro will provide a far more solid foundation.

The “variety of units and buildings” argument is also weak. That’s a double-edged sword; overwhelming choices for a newbie are paralyzing. Terran’s more intuitive tech tree and diverse unit roles are better suited for learning fundamental strategic principles like army composition and flanking maneuvers. Zerg’s early aggression forces proactive decision-making, sharpening instincts critical for any race. The Protoss illusion of simplicity is an illusion, and a dangerous one at that. Don’t fall for it.

Ultimately, the “best” race is subjective. But for a truly effective foundation, beginners should embrace the challenges of Zerg or Terran to build a robust understanding of StarCraft 2’s core mechanics.