Echoes of the Ash
A post-apocalyptic survival RPG - Browser-based MUD-style game
🎮 What is Echoes of the Ash?
Echoes of the Ash is a browser-based RPG set in a dark, post-apocalyptic world. Inspired by classic MUD (Multi-User Dungeon) games, it combines text-driven exploration with visual elements, real-time combat, and survival mechanics.
🌟 Current Game Features
Core Systems
| Feature | Status | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Character System | ✅ Complete | Create characters with 4 stats (Strength, Agility, Endurance, Intellect) |
| Health & Stamina | ✅ Complete | HP/Stamina management with visual progress bars |
| Leveling & XP | ✅ Complete | XP-based progression with stat point allocation |
| Inventory | ✅ Complete | Weight/volume-based carrying capacity |
| Equipment | ✅ Complete | Weapon, armor, and backpack slots |
| Combat (PvE) | ✅ Complete | Turn-based combat with visual effects |
| Combat (PvP) | ✅ Complete | Player vs Player combat system |
| Real-time Updates | ✅ Complete | WebSocket-based live game state |
Exploration & Interaction
| Feature | Status | Description |
|---|---|---|
| World Map | ✅ Complete | Graph-based location system with connections |
| Movement | ✅ Complete | Navigate between connected locations |
| Interactables | ✅ Complete | Search containers, objects for loot |
| Enemy Spawning | ✅ Complete | Static and wandering NPCs |
| Corpse Looting | ✅ Complete | Loot fallen enemies and players |
| Dropped Items | ✅ Complete | Pick up items on the ground |
Crafting & Economy
| Feature | Status | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Workbench | ✅ Complete | Craft, repair, and salvage items |
| Crafting System | ✅ Complete | Create items from materials |
| Repair System | ✅ Complete | Restore durability to equipment |
| Salvage System | ✅ Complete | Break down items for materials |
Social & Multiplayer
| Feature | Status | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Accounts | ✅ Complete | Registration, login, JWT authentication |
| Multiple Characters | ✅ Complete | Create up to 3 characters per account |
| Leaderboards | ✅ Complete | Rankings by level, kills, XP |
| Player Profiles | ✅ Complete | View player stats and equipment |
| Online Players | ✅ Complete | See who's currently online |
Platforms
| Platform | Status | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Web Browser | ✅ Complete | Play at any time via modern browser |
| PWA (Mobile) | ✅ Complete | Install as app on mobile devices |
| Electron Desktop | ✅ Complete | Standalone Windows/Mac/Linux app |
| Steam Integration | 🔧 Setup | Steamworks SDK ready for deployment |
🎯 What Can Players Do?
Getting Started
- Create an Account - Register with username and password
- Create a Character - Name your survivor and choose starting stats
- Enter the World - Spawn at the starting location
Gameplay Loop
- Explore - Move between connected locations to discover new areas
- Scavenge - Search containers, corpses, and interactables for supplies
- Fight - Engage hostile NPCs in turn-based combat
- Craft - Use workbenches to create, repair, or salvage items
- Level Up - Gain XP from combat and allocate stat points
- Survive - Manage HP, stamina, and inventory weight
Combat
- Attack enemies with equipped weapons
- Use Items during battle (healing, buffs)
- Flee when outmatched (success based on Agility)
- PvP - Challenge other players in combat
Character Progression
- 4 Core Stats: Strength, Agility, Endurance, Intellect
- Equipment: Weapons, armor, backpacks
- Stat Points: Earn 1 per level to customize your build
🛠️ Technical Stack
Frontend (PWA)
- Framework: React 18 + TypeScript
- Build Tool: Vite
- State Management: Zustand
- Real-time: WebSocket connections
- Styling: Custom CSS with dark theme
Backend (API)
- Framework: FastAPI (Python)
- Database: SQLite (development) / PostgreSQL (production)
- Cache: Redis for real-time state
- Auth: JWT tokens
Desktop (Electron)
- Framework: Electron 28
- Steam SDK: steamworks.js integration
- Builds: Windows (NSIS, Portable), Linux (AppImage, DEB), macOS
📊 Asset Summary
| Category | Count | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Location Images | 14 | - |
| Item Images | 40 | - |
| NPC Images | 5 | - |
| Interactable Images | 8 | - |
| Icon Sets | 1 | - |
| Total Images | 134 files | ~79 MB |
| Sound Effects | 0 | 0 |
| Music | 0 | 0 |
🗺️ Roadmap
In Progress
- Sound effects and ambient music
- Quest/mission system
- NPC dialogue trees
Planned Features
- Crafting recipes expansion
- Faction/reputation system
- Player trading
- Housing/storage
- Skill tree system
- Status effects (poison, bleeding, etc.)
- Weather/day-night cycle
- Achievements
🚀 Running the Game
Web/PWA (Docker)
docker compose up echoes_of_the_ashes_pwa echoes_of_the_ashes_api
Electron Development
cd pwa
npm install
npm run electron:dev
Build Electron Apps
npm run electron:build:win # Windows
npm run electron:build:linux # Linux
npm run electron:build:mac # macOS
📝 Additional Documentation
- Game Mechanics - Detailed gameplay systems
- API Documentation - Backend endpoints reference
- Development Guide - Contributing and architecture
- Map Editor - World building tools
Version: 1.0.0-alpha
Last Updated: December 2025