As one of the core modes of Arithmetic Arena, the Competitive Mode has undergone extensive development and is now entering a limited limited test rollout.
Only a select number of players currently qualify for the Competitive Mode. Active game records, solid in-game conduct, and an ELO score of 1500 or above (Rank C+ or higher) are required to be eligible for automatic access.
How to enter Competitive Mode?
Players who qualify for Competitive Mode will also gain access to the Brand-New Lobby. You can click “Enter New Lobby” at the bottom-right corner of the main screen or launch the game with the parameter -ModernLobby to access the new lobby. The new lobby will launch in full-screen borderless window mode by default. You can manually switch between full-screen and windowed modes in the settings, and adjust graphics options and resolution to your preference.
Once in the new lobby, click “Competitive Mode” to open the mode page. You may invite friends to form a team or enter solo-queue; the system will match you with suitable teammates or opponents.
Note: Because the new lobby uses more resources compared to our minimalist original lobby and may conflict with our goal of extremely fast startup and load times, we will evaluate player feedback and may retain, adjust, or simplify parts (for example lowering visual quality on lower-end devices).
How Competitive Mode works?
[Basics]
Competitive Mode uses a 2v2 round-based structure. In each round both teams receive the same challenge. When one player submits an answer, that answer is used for their team. The system compares it to the correct answer. If it’s correct, their team wins the round; if incorrect, they lose and the other team wins. Then the next round begins immediately.
Each round has a time limit. If neither team submits within the time limit, the round is void. If the number of void rounds in a match reaches 3, the match ends immediately and is decided by the current score. (This rule is disabled in overtime.)
The first team to win 15 rounds wins the match.
[Overtime]
When both teams reach 14 points, the game will automatically proceed to overtime.
During the limited test phase, there are three overtime variants—triggered by player vote in-match; if tied vote, the mode will be selected randomly. Based on feedback and performance we may later keep all, one, or discard them entirely.
Variant 1: When the score reaches 14:14, both teams will resume play after 30 seconds. The first team to win 3 rounds will be declared the winner. If both teams win 2 rounds each, the match will proceed to overtime until a winner is determined.
*Overload protection: When the total number of rounds reaches 60, the next round will enter a sudden death mode. The challenge rules, content, and mechanics in sudden death mode differ from those in regular competitive mode challenges.
Variant 2: When the score reaches 14:14, both teams will receive 10 challenges at once. Players on the same team will share each other's entered answers. In this mode, answers cannot be submitted early but can be pre-submitted. After pre-submission, editing and modification are still possible. After the time limit ends, the winner will be determined based on the number of correct and incorrect answers from both sides.
*Overload protection: If no winner is determined after 3 overtime rounds, the next round will enter the Decisive Victory Mode. The challenge rules, content, and mechanics in this mode differ from those of regular competitive mode challenges.
Variant 3: When the score reaches 14:14, both teams will continue the match after 60 seconds. Once a player submits an answer, it will be counted as their faction's answer. The system will not announce the round winner; both sides will immediately proceed to the next round. After completing 6 rounds, a round settlement will occur to determine the winning faction. If both teams win 3 rounds each, the match will proceed to overtime until a winner is determined.
*Overload protection: If no winner is determined after 30 overtime rounds, the next round will enter a sudden-death mode. The challenge rules, content, and mechanics in sudden-death mode differ from those of regular competitive mode challenges.
[Surrender Mechanism]
Not enabled in this limited test phase; players will not see a surrender option.
[Disconnect Protection & Tactical Pause]
If a player temporarily leaves or quits due to network or other issues, the match will not automatically be forfeited; the player may reconnect any time before the match ends.
Tactical Pause: Any player may initiate a tactical pause. After click, you may choose or input pause duration manually. The entire team shares this pause time; each team may use up to 240 seconds in total. In overtime, the total pause time limit is removed.
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Please note: The Competitive Mode in this limited test stage does not reflect final form. We will continuously optimize and adjust based on testing results.
During the limited test, you can submit feedback at any time during a match or from the post-match results panel. Please use the feedback button to share your suggestions or bug reports about Competitive Mode or the new lobby.