Hexen’s armor system, a crucial element of gameplay, often confuses players. This article delves into the mechanics of armor points (AC), damage reduction, and degradation in Ac Hexen, providing a clear understanding of how armor functions in the game. We’ll break down the formulas and calculations behind these systems.
Understanding Armor Points in Hexen
Each character class in Hexen (Fighter, Cleric, Mage) begins with base armor points and gains additional points from equipping armor pieces (Plate, Helmet, Shield, Amulet). These points are not arbitrary integers but fixed-point fractional values, meaning degradation occurs continuously.
Here’s a breakdown of base and armor-specific points for each class:
- Fighter (Base 15): Plate = 25, Helmet = 15, Shield = 20, Amulet = 5
- Cleric (Base 10): Plate = 10, Helmet = 5, Shield = 25, Amulet = 20
- Mage (Base 5): Plate = 5, Helmet = 10, Shield = 15, Amulet = 25
A character’s total armor points are the sum of their base points and the points from each equipped armor piece. A fully equipped Fighter boasts 80 points, a Cleric 70, and a Mage 60.
Damage Reduction Calculation in AC Hexen
Total armor points directly influence damage reduction, calculated using the following formula:
Damage Absorbed = Minimum of ( (Total Damage * (Total Armor Points / 100)), Total Armor Points * 2)This formula signifies that damage reduction is a percentage of total armor points, but it’s capped at twice the total armor points. Effectively, damage exceeding 200 points won’t be reduced further. For instance, a fully equipped Fighter with 80 points enjoys 80% damage reduction, maximizing at 160 points absorbed from attacks dealing 200 or more damage. This cap likely addresses high-damage scenarios like telefrags.
Armor Degradation in AC Hexen
Armor degradation is more intricate, determined by this formula:
Current Armor Points = Current Armor Points - (Total Damage * (Starting Armor Points / 300))
If (Current Armor Points < 2), then Current Armor Points = 0This formula indicates that each armor piece has an effective “health” of 300 hit points. However, once an armor piece degrades below 2 points, it breaks entirely. Consequently, armor with higher starting points possesses slightly greater durability.
Here’s a table illustrating the effective hit points for different starting armor values:
| Starting Armor Points | Effective Hit Points |
|---|---|
| 5 | 180 |
| 10 | 240 |
| 15 | 260 |
| 20 | 270 |
| 25 | 276 |
Since armor points govern both damage reduction and degradation, a degrading armor piece absorbs progressively less damage. The rate of degradation, however, remains constant regardless of the current armor points.
AC in the Status Bar
The AC displayed on the status bar is simply the total armor points divided by 5, rounded down. It provides a quick reference to your current level of protection.
Conclusion
Understanding the interplay between armor points, damage reduction, and degradation is essential for effective gameplay in AC Hexen. By grasping these mechanics, players can make informed decisions regarding armor selection and combat strategies. This knowledge empowers players to maximize their survivability and dominate the demonic hordes of Hexen.
