Risk / Reward in Khazad-dûm

Whether you're trying to shoot the moon in Hearts or deciding whether to dodge or parry an attack in Expedition 33, Risk / Reward decisions are some of the most exciting moments in games - and that makes sense as these gameplay moments mimic some of the most difficult decisions we make in our everyday lives: Do I do something that is safe and reliable that is likely to lead to modest long term success, or should I do something riskier that may lead to greater or more immediate reward?

Speed vs Safety

One of the most common risk / reward scenarios in games is asking players to choose between speed and safety. In Khazad-dûm, players have many choices about how to approach the dungeon's main hall. Skillful players who are looking to clear the dungeon as quickly as possible (for example Mythic+ players) can run straight down the central path. This is the most direct path, but it features the most difficult pull in the dungeon. 6 enemies at once with a risk of additional patrols. Meanwhile, more cautious players can take the more circuitous green route in the image. With careful observation and some patience with pulling patrols, these players can get through the entire main hall without having to pull more than 4 enemies at once, the safest path through the area.

Additionally, right before the dungeon's first boss there is an opportunity for players to skip an encounter. In doing so, players can complete the dungeon faster, but they'll be have to be careful during the boss fight - if they wander too close to the skipped encounter while dodging the boss's AoE attacks, they risk aggroing the skipped enemies.

Choose your risk

Another fun way to let players deal with risk is to let them choose their risk. In Khazad-dûm, I challenge players to choose between timing risks & spatial risks.

In this encounter players have a choice between fighting this goblin encampment in their campsite or at the landing of this bridge. The risk? There is a patrol that periodically visits the camp. Players can either fight in the camp and risk the patrol returning or they can fight on the landing and risk falling to their death when they must dodge enemy attacks.

Push your luck

The Balrog is coming!

My favorite risk / reward mechanism is pushing your luck. Players can take more risk for greater rewards. In Khazad-dûm, players have a choice of which floor to enter the Dwarven Halls. Floor 1 is shorter with fewer encounters, but Floor 2 features an optional boss with exciting loot. The decision of which route to take is punctuated by the level's unique mechanic: the Balrog's advance. After players defeat the cave troll, players must stay ahead of the Balrog to survive. The added time pressure adds significant stakes to this decision! A group that is firing on all cylinders will enjoy the added challenge, but a group that is struggling can avoid unnecessary frustration.