Complete Gameplay Experiences
Reticle Cold War currently delivers 20+ distinct gameplay experiences.
Understanding the List
Gameplay experiences are the specific activities you can engage in. Some are entire modes (like Combat Operations), while others are embedded systems (like Echo Terminal cognitive challenges, which are encountered during missions).
Primary gameplay modes are the top-level activity categories listed in What You Can Do. Experiences are the full overview of everything you can do in the game.
The 20 Gameplay Experiences
Combat & Warfare
| # | Experience | Description | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Territorial Warfare | Broker-assigned tactical command with time windows and performance ratings | Combat Overview |
| 2 | Terminal Combat Strategy | Terminal-based strategic combat challenges with tactical decision-making | Combat Operations |
Narrative & Story
| # | Experience | Description | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Live Scenarios | AI-driven agent interactions with dynamic, lore-grounded responses | Missions |
| 4 | Pre-Built Scenarios | Authored branching choose-your-own-adventure narratives with embedded challenges | Missions |
Intelligence & Idle Gameplay
| # | Experience | Description | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | SIGINT Intercepts | Time-limited signals intelligence challenges -- intercept and decrypt intel, lead location-based missions | SIGINT |
| 6 | After-Action Cases | Mini-missions generated based on your actions during live scenarios -- follow up within response windows -- from a few hours to days | After-Action |
| 7 | Numbers Broadcast Decryption | Numbers-station style cipher decoding | Numbers Broadcast |
Cognitive Training Games
| # | Experience | Description | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | Confluence | Full digital strategic card game with 6 deck archetypes | Confluence |
| 9 | TriDyak | Spatial reasoning board game with neural network AI | TriDyak |
| 10 | Chronotrate | Time-pressure network penetration and cognitive challenges | Chronotrate |
Echo Terminal Cognitive Challenges
The Echo Terminal is a special command line interface develpoed by the Collective. It is the main interface players can use to complete skill-based cognitive challenges during pre-developed missions.
| # | Experience | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | Pattern Matcher | Mathematical and cryptographic pattern solving |
| 12 | Circuit Solver | Security protocol logic configuration |
| 13 | Navigation / Maze | Grid navigation and spatial challenges |
| 14 | Resource Manager | Turn-based resource and action planning |
| 15 | Sequence Solver | Dependency-order execution challenges |
Terminal Combat Strategy (experience #2) is also delivered through the Echo Terminal system, providing tactical decision-making challenges accessible via the Combat Operations section of Echo Hub. Combat strategy challenges test your ability to analyze battlefield situations and make optimal tactical decisions under constraints.
Economy & Crafting
| # | Experience | Description | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | Item Crafting | Blueprint-gated manufacturing with skill checks and time delays | Crafting |
| 17 | Memory Machine Competition | Great Sync contribution strategy for faction rewards | Memory Machine |
| 18 | Vault Planning | Committed FP savings to achieve long-term goals | Vaults |
| 19 | Marketplace Trading | Player-driven buying, selling, and market positioning | Marketplace |
Discovery
| # | Experience | Description | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | Hidden Content & Easter Eggs | Discoverable secrets, achievements, and reward hooks | Throughout the game |
How Experiences Connect
These experiences form an interconnected web:
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ YOUR GAMEPLAY SESSION │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ │
│ CYOA NARRATIVE MISSIONS ──────► ECHO TERMINAL CHALLENGES │
│ │ │ │
│ ▼ ▼ │
│ FACTION STANDING ◄──── SKILL DEVELOPMENT ────► CRAFTING │
│ │ │ │ │
│ ▼ ▼ ▼ │
│ COMBAT OPS ◄───────── SIGINT/INTEL ────────► MARKETPLACE │
│ │ │ │ │
│ ▼ ▼ ▼ │
│ TERRITORY CONTROL MEMORY MACHINE ◄── VAULT GOALS │
│ │
│ ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════ │
│ COGNITIVE TRAINING: Confluence | TriDyak | Chronotrate │
│ (Train skills used across all other experiences) │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Playstyle Mapping
If you want narrative/CYOA gameplay:
- Live Scenarios + Pre-Built Scenarios + AI Agents + Skills
If you want idle/asynchronous gameplay:
- SIGINT + Forge Engine + After-Action Cases + Vault Planning
If you want deep strategic challenges:
- Confluence + TriDyak + Chronotrate + Echo Terminal Challenges
If you want territory warfare:
- Combat Ops + Broker Ladder + Sub-faction standing
If you want economy/meta gameplay:
- Economic Reports + Vaults + Marketplace + Memory Machine Competition
Why This Matters
Reticle Cold War delivers:
- 20 playable experiences
- Each experience has depth and mechanics
- Everything interconnects to create emergent gameplay