diff --git a/assets/graphics/vfx/tile_vfx_freeze/freezeatas.png b/assets/graphics/vfx/tile_vfx_freeze/freezeatas.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9e572de
Binary files /dev/null and b/assets/graphics/vfx/tile_vfx_freeze/freezeatas.png differ
diff --git a/assets/graphics/vfx/tile_vfx_freeze/freezeatas.png.import b/assets/graphics/vfx/tile_vfx_freeze/freezeatas.png.import
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..28b24f9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/assets/graphics/vfx/tile_vfx_freeze/freezeatas.png.import
@@ -0,0 +1,40 @@
+[remap]
+
+importer="texture"
+type="CompressedTexture2D"
+uid="uid://dhxg7146rcgnk"
+path="res://.godot/imported/freezeatas.png-bf12d086ba74eeafdcd33ce2cbe77666.ctex"
+metadata={
+"vram_texture": false
+}
+
+[deps]
+
+source_file="res://assets/graphics/vfx/tile_vfx_freeze/freezeatas.png"
+dest_files=["res://.godot/imported/freezeatas.png-bf12d086ba74eeafdcd33ce2cbe77666.ctex"]
+
+[params]
+
+compress/mode=0
+compress/high_quality=false
+compress/lossy_quality=0.7
+compress/uastc_level=0
+compress/rdo_quality_loss=0.0
+compress/hdr_compression=1
+compress/normal_map=0
+compress/channel_pack=0
+mipmaps/generate=false
+mipmaps/limit=-1
+roughness/mode=0
+roughness/src_normal=""
+process/channel_remap/red=0
+process/channel_remap/green=1
+process/channel_remap/blue=2
+process/channel_remap/alpha=3
+process/fix_alpha_border=true
+process/premult_alpha=false
+process/normal_map_invert_y=false
+process/hdr_as_srgb=false
+process/hdr_clamp_exposure=false
+process/size_limit=0
+detect_3d/compress_to=1
diff --git a/assets/graphics/vfx/tile_vfx_freeze/freezebawah.png b/assets/graphics/vfx/tile_vfx_freeze/freezebawah.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..598af30
Binary files /dev/null and b/assets/graphics/vfx/tile_vfx_freeze/freezebawah.png differ
diff --git a/assets/graphics/vfx/tile_vfx_freeze/freezebawah.png.import b/assets/graphics/vfx/tile_vfx_freeze/freezebawah.png.import
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..562bdb5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/assets/graphics/vfx/tile_vfx_freeze/freezebawah.png.import
@@ -0,0 +1,42 @@
+[remap]
+
+importer="texture"
+type="CompressedTexture2D"
+uid="uid://byh7506oksbhb"
+path.s3tc="res://.godot/imported/freezebawah.png-6da5f32f6dc1d9aab209331638cef664.s3tc.ctex"
+path.etc2="res://.godot/imported/freezebawah.png-6da5f32f6dc1d9aab209331638cef664.etc2.ctex"
+metadata={
+"imported_formats": ["s3tc_bptc", "etc2_astc"],
+"vram_texture": true
+}
+
+[deps]
+
+source_file="res://assets/graphics/vfx/tile_vfx_freeze/freezebawah.png"
+dest_files=["res://.godot/imported/freezebawah.png-6da5f32f6dc1d9aab209331638cef664.s3tc.ctex", "res://.godot/imported/freezebawah.png-6da5f32f6dc1d9aab209331638cef664.etc2.ctex"]
+
+[params]
+
+compress/mode=2
+compress/high_quality=false
+compress/lossy_quality=0.7
+compress/uastc_level=0
+compress/rdo_quality_loss=0.0
+compress/hdr_compression=1
+compress/normal_map=0
+compress/channel_pack=0
+mipmaps/generate=true
+mipmaps/limit=-1
+roughness/mode=0
+roughness/src_normal=""
+process/channel_remap/red=0
+process/channel_remap/green=1
+process/channel_remap/blue=2
+process/channel_remap/alpha=3
+process/fix_alpha_border=true
+process/premult_alpha=false
+process/normal_map_invert_y=false
+process/hdr_as_srgb=false
+process/hdr_clamp_exposure=false
+process/size_limit=0
+detect_3d/compress_to=0
diff --git a/assets/models/meshes/box_block.tscn b/assets/models/meshes/box_block.tscn
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..cb27c1c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/assets/models/meshes/box_block.tscn
@@ -0,0 +1,5 @@
+[gd_scene format=3 uid="uid://d3m0u8gl5odhw"]
+
+[ext_resource type="PackedScene" uid="uid://b6xusldnaa288" path="res://assets/models/props/box_block.gltf" id="1_okim6"]
+
+[node name="box_block" unique_id=1480078977 instance=ExtResource("1_okim6")]
diff --git a/assets/models/props/Box_block_2.gltf b/assets/models/props/box_block.gltf
similarity index 100%
rename from assets/models/props/Box_block_2.gltf
rename to assets/models/props/box_block.gltf
diff --git a/assets/models/props/Box_block_2.gltf.import b/assets/models/props/box_block.gltf.import
similarity index 78%
rename from assets/models/props/Box_block_2.gltf.import
rename to assets/models/props/box_block.gltf.import
index 73d477d..ddd587b 100644
--- a/assets/models/props/Box_block_2.gltf.import
+++ b/assets/models/props/box_block.gltf.import
@@ -4,12 +4,12 @@ importer="scene"
 importer_version=1
 type="PackedScene"
 uid="uid://b6xusldnaa288"
-path="res://.godot/imported/Box_block_2.gltf-6b278c07bb52956b8b62d9b428e8f6a6.scn"
+path="res://.godot/imported/box_block.gltf-4e37264bb9b1903a1ad0284c85551176.scn"
 
 [deps]
 
-source_file="res://assets/models/props/Box_block_2.gltf"
-dest_files=["res://.godot/imported/Box_block_2.gltf-6b278c07bb52956b8b62d9b428e8f6a6.scn"]
+source_file="res://assets/models/props/box_block.gltf"
+dest_files=["res://.godot/imported/box_block.gltf-4e37264bb9b1903a1ad0284c85551176.scn"]
 
 [params]
 
diff --git a/scenes/lobby.gd b/scenes/lobby.gd
index 19525c7..636c3dd 100644
--- a/scenes/lobby.gd
+++ b/scenes/lobby.gd
@@ -140,6 +140,10 @@ var _bot_names: Dictionary = {}
 # Room list filter ("" = all, "Freemode", "Stop n Go", etc.)
 var _room_mode_filter: String = ""
 
+# Re-entry guard for the async host flow (prevents double-click from starting
+# two overlapping create_match() calls).
+var _is_hosting: bool = false
+
 # =============================================================================
 # Chat System
 # =============================================================================
@@ -248,6 +252,13 @@ func _ready():
 	# Connect UserProfileManager signals
 	UserProfileManager.profile_loaded.connect(func(_p): _sync_room_profile_card())
 	UserProfileManager.profile_updated.connect(func(): _sync_room_profile_card())
+
+	# Clear the host re-entry guard whenever the host flow concludes — success,
+	# failure, or leaving the room.
+	LobbyManager.room_joined.connect(func(_r): _is_hosting = false)
+	LobbyManager.room_left.connect(func(): _is_hosting = false)
+	NakamaManager.match_join_error.connect(func(_e): _is_hosting = false)
+	NakamaManager.connection_failed.connect(func(_e): _is_hosting = false)
 	
 	# Connect Mailbox UI
 	if MailManager:
diff --git a/scenes/main.gd b/scenes/main.gd
index 2f148e9..18b5f79 100644
--- a/scenes/main.gd
+++ b/scenes/main.gd
@@ -1919,6 +1919,144 @@ func sync_grid_item(x: int, y: int, z: int, item: int):
 		if enhanced_gridmap.has_method("update_grid_data"):
 			enhanced_gridmap.update_grid_data()
 		
+@rpc("any_peer", "call_local", "reliable")
+func play_freeze_floor_vfx(center_x: int, center_z: int, radius: int, duration: float) -> void:
+	# Spawns a flat freeze-floor AnimatedSprite3D that covers the (2*radius+1)^2
+	# frozen area, centered on the given grid cell and sitting just above the
+	# floor surface. The template under vfxController/AnimatedSprite3D (hidden) is
+	# laid flat and sized for ~1 tile; we duplicate it, then size it to the area
+	# from its measured footprint. Runs on every peer.
+	var vfx_root := get_node_or_null("vfxController")
+	if not vfx_root:
+		return
+	var template := vfx_root.get_node_or_null("AnimatedSprite3D") as AnimatedSprite3D
+	if not template:
+		return
+
+	var enhanced_gridmap = $EnhancedGridMap
+	if not enhanced_gridmap:
+		return
+	var cell: Vector3 = enhanced_gridmap.cell_size
+
+	var vfx := template.duplicate() as AnimatedSprite3D
+
+	# --- Scale to cover the whole area -------------------------------------
+	# The template's world footprint = its local sprite size (texture * pixel_size,
+	# from the AABB) times each basis axis length. Scale each flat axis (X = width,
+	# Y = depth, since the sprite is rotated to lie flat) so it spans the area.
+	# AREA_SIZE_FACTOR oversizes slightly so the visible art (which has transparent
+	# padding inside the frame) actually fills the (2*radius+1)-tile region — tune
+	# this if it reads a touch small or large.
+	const AREA_SIZE_FACTOR := 1.25
+	var aabb := template.get_aabb()
+	var b := template.transform.basis
+	var base_w: float = absf(aabb.size.x) * b.x.length()
+	var base_d: float = absf(aabb.size.y) * b.y.length()
+	var want_w: float = float(2 * radius + 1) * cell.x * AREA_SIZE_FACTOR
+	var want_d: float = float(2 * radius + 1) * cell.z * AREA_SIZE_FACTOR
+	if base_w > 0.0001:
+		b.x = b.x * (want_w / base_w)
+	if base_d > 0.0001:
+		b.y = b.y * (want_d / base_d)
+
+	# --- World center of the freeze area -----------------------------------
+	# X/Z use the same convention players use (grid_to_world): cell center =
+	# index*size + half a cell. Y is taken from the template's own position in the
+	# scene, so the height can be tuned in the editor (move vfxController/
+	# AnimatedSprite3D up/down) without touching code. vfxController/Main sit at
+	# the origin, so this local point is also the world point.
+	var world_center := Vector3(
+		center_x * cell.x + cell.x * 0.5,
+		template.position.y,
+		center_z * cell.z + cell.z * 0.5
+	)
+
+	# Assign basis + origin together in one shot so nothing overwrites the position.
+	vfx.transform = Transform3D(b, world_center)
+	vfx.visible = true
+	vfx_root.add_child(vfx)
+	vfx.play()
+
+	print("[FreezeVFX] center cell=(%d,%d) -> world=%s, scale=(%.2f x %.2f)" % [center_x, center_z, world_center, want_w, want_d])
+
+	await get_tree().create_timer(duration).timeout
+
+	if is_instance_valid(vfx):
+		vfx.queue_free()
+
+@rpc("any_peer", "call_local", "reliable")
+func play_block_floor_vfx(cells: PackedVector2Array, duration: float) -> void:
+	# Spawns one box_block VFX per blocked cell (each covers 1x1), autoplaying its
+	# wall animation. The template under vfxController/box_block (hidden) is sized
+	# for one cell; we duplicate it per cell, keeping its Y/scale from the scene so
+	# height can be tuned in the editor. Runs on every peer.
+	var vfx_root := get_node_or_null("vfxController")
+	if not vfx_root:
+		return
+	var template := vfx_root.get_node_or_null("box_block")
+	if not template:
+		return
+
+	var enhanced_gridmap = $EnhancedGridMap
+	if not enhanced_gridmap:
+		return
+	var cell: Vector3 = enhanced_gridmap.cell_size
+
+	var spawned: Array = []
+	for c in cells:
+		# DUPLICATE_USE_INSTANTIATION so the instanced glb subtree (incl. its
+		# AnimationPlayer) is recreated in the copy rather than dropped.
+		var box := template.duplicate(DUPLICATE_USE_INSTANTIATION)
+		# X/Z = cell center (same convention as players), Y/scale kept from template.
+		var pos := Vector3(
+			int(c.x) * cell.x + cell.x * 0.5,
+			template.position.y,
+			int(c.y) * cell.z + cell.z * 0.5
+		)
+		box.transform = Transform3D(template.transform.basis, pos)
+		box.visible = true
+		vfx_root.add_child(box)
+		_autoplay_vfx_animation(box)
+		spawned.append(box)
+
+	await get_tree().create_timer(duration).timeout
+
+	for box in spawned:
+		if is_instance_valid(box):
+			box.queue_free()
+
+func _autoplay_vfx_animation(node: Node) -> void:
+	# Find the AnimationPlayer Godot creates for an imported glb/scene and play its
+	# first clip once (one-shot) when the VFX is spawned.
+	var anim_player := node.get_node_or_null("AnimationPlayer") as AnimationPlayer
+	if not anim_player:
+		for child in node.get_children():
+			if child is AnimationPlayer:
+				anim_player = child
+				break
+	if not anim_player:
+		return
+	var list := anim_player.get_animation_list()
+	if list.is_empty():
+		return
+	var anim_name: String = list[0]
+	var anim := anim_player.get_animation(anim_name)
+	if anim:
+		anim.loop_mode = Animation.LOOP_NONE
+	anim_player.play(anim_name)
+
+func play_playerboard_scatter_vfx() -> void:
+	# One-shot "scatter" animation over the local player's board UI. Triggered for
+	# the player whose tiles were scattered (caught outside the safe zone in
+	# Stop n Go). The clip is already non-looping in the SpriteFrames.
+	var vfx := get_node_or_null("PlayerBoardUI/AnimatedSprite2D") as AnimatedSprite2D
+	if not vfx:
+		return
+	vfx.visible = true
+	vfx.play("scatter")
+	await vfx.animation_finished
+	vfx.visible = false
+
 @rpc("any_peer", "call_local", "reliable")
 func sync_grid_items_batch(data: Array):
 	# data is an array of dictionaries: [{x: int, y: int, z: int, item: int}, ...]
diff --git a/scenes/main.tscn b/scenes/main.tscn
index f6fd109..ac5fed4 100644
--- a/scenes/main.tscn
+++ b/scenes/main.tscn
@@ -2,6 +2,8 @@
 
 [ext_resource type="MeshLibrary" uid="uid://kcv6ans86ug7" path="res://addons/enhanced_gridmap/meshlibrary/default.tres" id="1_110wo"]
 [ext_resource type="Script" uid="uid://co1ads72by6na" path="res://scenes/main.gd" id="1_xcpe3"]
+[ext_resource type="Texture2D" uid="uid://byh7506oksbhb" path="res://assets/graphics/vfx/tile_vfx_freeze/freezebawah.png" id="2_2cjbq"]
+[ext_resource type="PackedScene" uid="uid://d3m0u8gl5odhw" path="res://assets/models/meshes/box_block.tscn" id="2_chjal"]
 [ext_resource type="Script" uid="uid://bja8ixryvthu0" path="res://addons/enhanced_gridmap/enhanced_gridmap.gd" id="2_hbe1v"]
 [ext_resource type="Environment" uid="uid://jbptgqvstei3" path="res://assets/main-environment.tres" id="4_ky38j"]
 [ext_resource type="StyleBox" uid="uid://dlw1ogamn741n" path="res://assets/styles/box_flat.tres" id="5_dvx6y"]
@@ -14,6 +16,7 @@
 [ext_resource type="Texture2D" uid="uid://68x88jj25yxg" path="res://assets/textures/Adjacent.png" id="9_6gcb6"]
 [ext_resource type="Texture2D" uid="uid://dasaeaytvhll0" path="res://assets/models/pboard/AdjacentRect.tres" id="9_aspsw"]
 [ext_resource type="FontFile" uid="uid://xnjx058n4tsw" path="res://assets/fonts/Nougat-ExtraBlack.ttf" id="13_j8jky"]
+[ext_resource type="Texture2D" uid="uid://cmoyhmh4jpep0" path="res://assets/graphics/vfx/playerboard_scatter.png" id="14_5poiv"]
 [ext_resource type="Texture2D" uid="uid://bafocgx2apwjm" path="res://assets/graphics/gui/stop_timer/Segment0_empty.png" id="14_fv21b"]
 [ext_resource type="Texture2D" uid="uid://c4xpg3j7p7g33" path="res://assets/graphics/gui/global_match_timer/timer.png" id="14_tel4y"]
 [ext_resource type="Texture2D" uid="uid://73ayhl1lqdpt" path="res://assets/graphics/gui/gauge/PowerLabel.png" id="14_vxglm"]
@@ -41,6 +44,316 @@
 [ext_resource type="Script" uid="uid://b54tfa0n6kogi" path="res://scripts/managers/touch_controls.gd" id="touch_manager"]
 [ext_resource type="Script" uid="uid://djiml4sh61dc1" path="res://scripts/ui/virtual_joystick.gd" id="virtual_joystick"]
 
+[sub_resource type="AtlasTexture" id="AtlasTexture_0loja"]
+atlas = ExtResource("2_2cjbq")
+region = Rect2(0, 0, 500, 500)
+
+[sub_resource type="AtlasTexture" id="AtlasTexture_ids8r"]
+atlas = ExtResource("2_2cjbq")
+region = Rect2(500, 0, 500, 500)
+
+[sub_resource type="AtlasTexture" id="AtlasTexture_dnhof"]
+atlas = ExtResource("2_2cjbq")
+region = Rect2(1000, 0, 500, 500)
+
+[sub_resource type="AtlasTexture" id="AtlasTexture_1v6qk"]
+atlas = ExtResource("2_2cjbq")
+region = Rect2(1500, 0, 500, 500)
+
+[sub_resource type="AtlasTexture" id="AtlasTexture_augu2"]
+atlas = ExtResource("2_2cjbq")
+region = Rect2(2000, 0, 500, 500)
+
+[sub_resource type="AtlasTexture" id="AtlasTexture_tm6hj"]
+atlas = ExtResource("2_2cjbq")
+region = Rect2(2500, 0, 500, 500)
+
+[sub_resource type="AtlasTexture" id="AtlasTexture_kf5aa"]
+atlas = ExtResource("2_2cjbq")
+region = Rect2(0, 500, 500, 500)
+
+[sub_resource type="AtlasTexture" id="AtlasTexture_t5ykj"]
+atlas = ExtResource("2_2cjbq")
+region = Rect2(500, 500, 500, 500)
+
+[sub_resource type="AtlasTexture" id="AtlasTexture_e755i"]
+atlas = ExtResource("2_2cjbq")
+region = Rect2(1000, 500, 500, 500)
+
+[sub_resource type="AtlasTexture" id="AtlasTexture_ro3en"]
+atlas = ExtResource("2_2cjbq")
+region = Rect2(1500, 500, 500, 500)
+
+[sub_resource type="AtlasTexture" id="AtlasTexture_od4ux"]
+atlas = ExtResource("2_2cjbq")
+region = Rect2(2000, 500, 500, 500)
+
+[sub_resource type="AtlasTexture" id="AtlasTexture_xhfw6"]
+atlas = ExtResource("2_2cjbq")
+region = Rect2(2500, 500, 500, 500)
+
+[sub_resource type="AtlasTexture" id="AtlasTexture_1epgm"]
+atlas = ExtResource("2_2cjbq")
+region = Rect2(0, 1000, 500, 500)
+
+[sub_resource type="AtlasTexture" id="AtlasTexture_152kg"]
+atlas = ExtResource("2_2cjbq")
+region = Rect2(500, 1000, 500, 500)
+
+[sub_resource type="AtlasTexture" id="AtlasTexture_r4e17"]
+atlas = ExtResource("2_2cjbq")
+region = Rect2(1000, 1000, 500, 500)
+
+[sub_resource type="AtlasTexture" id="AtlasTexture_y57op"]
+atlas = ExtResource("2_2cjbq")
+region = Rect2(1500, 1000, 500, 500)
+
+[sub_resource type="AtlasTexture" id="AtlasTexture_mlv25"]
+atlas = ExtResource("2_2cjbq")
+region = Rect2(2000, 1000, 500, 500)
+
+[sub_resource type="AtlasTexture" id="AtlasTexture_a82wo"]
+atlas = ExtResource("2_2cjbq")
+region = Rect2(2500, 1000, 500, 500)
+
+[sub_resource type="AtlasTexture" id="AtlasTexture_gdvew"]
+atlas = ExtResource("2_2cjbq")
+region = Rect2(0, 1500, 500, 500)
+
+[sub_resource type="AtlasTexture" id="AtlasTexture_kjtvk"]
+atlas = ExtResource("2_2cjbq")
+region = Rect2(500, 1500, 500, 500)
+
+[sub_resource type="AtlasTexture" id="AtlasTexture_xrs0c"]
+atlas = ExtResource("2_2cjbq")
+region = Rect2(1000, 1500, 500, 500)
+
+[sub_resource type="AtlasTexture" id="AtlasTexture_xljpf"]
+atlas = ExtResource("2_2cjbq")
+region = Rect2(1500, 1500, 500, 500)
+
+[sub_resource type="AtlasTexture" id="AtlasTexture_j4bwh"]
+atlas = ExtResource("2_2cjbq")
+region = Rect2(2000, 1500, 500, 500)
+
+[sub_resource type="AtlasTexture" id="AtlasTexture_ksmap"]
+atlas = ExtResource("2_2cjbq")
+region = Rect2(2500, 1500, 500, 500)
+
+[sub_resource type="AtlasTexture" id="AtlasTexture_ygd8o"]
+atlas = ExtResource("2_2cjbq")
+region = Rect2(0, 2000, 500, 500)
+
+[sub_resource type="AtlasTexture" id="AtlasTexture_2s0kr"]
+atlas = ExtResource("2_2cjbq")
+region = Rect2(500, 2000, 500, 500)
+
+[sub_resource type="AtlasTexture" id="AtlasTexture_xaipn"]
+atlas = ExtResource("2_2cjbq")
+region = Rect2(1000, 2000, 500, 500)
+
+[sub_resource type="AtlasTexture" id="AtlasTexture_ndrjj"]
+atlas = ExtResource("2_2cjbq")
+region = Rect2(1500, 2000, 500, 500)
+
+[sub_resource type="AtlasTexture" id="AtlasTexture_ih3m7"]
+atlas = ExtResource("2_2cjbq")
+region = Rect2(2000, 2000, 500, 500)
+
+[sub_resource type="AtlasTexture" id="AtlasTexture_11yus"]
+atlas = ExtResource("2_2cjbq")
+region = Rect2(2500, 2000, 500, 500)
+
+[sub_resource type="SpriteFrames" id="SpriteFrames_5poiv"]
+animations = [{
+"frames": [{
+"duration": 1.0,
+"texture": SubResource("AtlasTexture_0loja")
+}, {
+"duration": 1.0,
+"texture": SubResource("AtlasTexture_ids8r")
+}, {
+"duration": 1.0,
+"texture": SubResource("AtlasTexture_dnhof")
+}, {
+"duration": 1.0,
+"texture": SubResource("AtlasTexture_1v6qk")
+}, {
+"duration": 1.0,
+"texture": SubResource("AtlasTexture_augu2")
+}, {
+"duration": 1.0,
+"texture": SubResource("AtlasTexture_tm6hj")
+}, {
+"duration": 1.0,
+"texture": SubResource("AtlasTexture_kf5aa")
+}, {
+"duration": 1.0,
+"texture": SubResource("AtlasTexture_t5ykj")
+}, {
+"duration": 1.0,
+"texture": SubResource("AtlasTexture_e755i")
+}, {
+"duration": 1.0,
+"texture": SubResource("AtlasTexture_ro3en")
+}, {
+"duration": 1.0,
+"texture": SubResource("AtlasTexture_od4ux")
+}, {
+"duration": 1.0,
+"texture": SubResource("AtlasTexture_xhfw6")
+}, {
+"duration": 1.0,
+"texture": SubResource("AtlasTexture_1epgm")
+}, {
+"duration": 1.0,
+"texture": SubResource("AtlasTexture_152kg")
+}, {
+"duration": 1.0,
+"texture": SubResource("AtlasTexture_r4e17")
+}, {
+"duration": 1.0,
+"texture": SubResource("AtlasTexture_y57op")
+}, {
+"duration": 1.0,
+"texture": SubResource("AtlasTexture_mlv25")
+}, {
+"duration": 1.0,
+"texture": SubResource("AtlasTexture_a82wo")
+}, {
+"duration": 1.0,
+"texture": SubResource("AtlasTexture_gdvew")
+}, {
+"duration": 1.0,
+"texture": SubResource("AtlasTexture_kjtvk")
+}, {
+"duration": 1.0,
+"texture": SubResource("AtlasTexture_xrs0c")
+}, {
+"duration": 1.0,
+"texture": SubResource("AtlasTexture_xljpf")
+}, {
+"duration": 1.0,
+"texture": SubResource("AtlasTexture_j4bwh")
+}, {
+"duration": 1.0,
+"texture": SubResource("AtlasTexture_ksmap")
+}, {
+"duration": 1.0,
+"texture": SubResource("AtlasTexture_ygd8o")
+}, {
+"duration": 1.0,
+"texture": SubResource("AtlasTexture_2s0kr")
+}, {
+"duration": 1.0,
+"texture": SubResource("AtlasTexture_xaipn")
+}, {
+"duration": 1.0,
+"texture": SubResource("AtlasTexture_ndrjj")
+}, {
+"duration": 1.0,
+"texture": SubResource("AtlasTexture_ih3m7")
+}, {
+"duration": 1.0,
+"texture": SubResource("AtlasTexture_11yus")
+}],
+"loop": false,
+"name": &"freeze_floor",
+"speed": 15.0
+}]
+
+[sub_resource type="AtlasTexture" id="AtlasTexture_2cjbq"]
+atlas = ExtResource("14_5poiv")
+region = Rect2(0, 0, 357, 340)
+
+[sub_resource type="AtlasTexture" id="AtlasTexture_chjal"]
+atlas = ExtResource("14_5poiv")
+region = Rect2(357, 0, 357, 340)
+
+[sub_resource type="AtlasTexture" id="AtlasTexture_cjqg0"]
+atlas = ExtResource("14_5poiv")
+region = Rect2(714, 0, 357, 340)
+
+[sub_resource type="AtlasTexture" id="AtlasTexture_vchkt"]
+atlas = ExtResource("14_5poiv")
+region = Rect2(1071, 0, 357, 340)
+
+[sub_resource type="AtlasTexture" id="AtlasTexture_txyw0"]
+atlas = ExtResource("14_5poiv")
+region = Rect2(0, 340, 357, 340)
+
+[sub_resource type="AtlasTexture" id="AtlasTexture_vc5cj"]
+atlas = ExtResource("14_5poiv")
+region = Rect2(357, 340, 357, 340)
+
+[sub_resource type="AtlasTexture" id="AtlasTexture_nvyfr"]
+atlas = ExtResource("14_5poiv")
+region = Rect2(714, 340, 357, 340)
+
+[sub_resource type="AtlasTexture" id="AtlasTexture_ty1g6"]
+atlas = ExtResource("14_5poiv")
+region = Rect2(1071, 340, 357, 340)
+
+[sub_resource type="AtlasTexture" id="AtlasTexture_j2jfr"]
+atlas = ExtResource("14_5poiv")
+region = Rect2(0, 680, 357, 340)
+
+[sub_resource type="AtlasTexture" id="AtlasTexture_bjg73"]
+atlas = ExtResource("14_5poiv")
+region = Rect2(357, 680, 357, 340)
+
+[sub_resource type="AtlasTexture" id="AtlasTexture_bu4jf"]
+atlas = ExtResource("14_5poiv")
+region = Rect2(714, 680, 357, 340)
+
+[sub_resource type="AtlasTexture" id="AtlasTexture_o7ddy"]
+atlas = ExtResource("14_5poiv")
+region = Rect2(1071, 680, 357, 340)
+
+[sub_resource type="SpriteFrames" id="SpriteFrames_0loja"]
+animations = [{
+"frames": [{
+"duration": 1.0,
+"texture": SubResource("AtlasTexture_2cjbq")
+}, {
+"duration": 1.0,
+"texture": SubResource("AtlasTexture_chjal")
+}, {
+"duration": 1.0,
+"texture": SubResource("AtlasTexture_cjqg0")
+}, {
+"duration": 1.0,
+"texture": SubResource("AtlasTexture_vchkt")
+}, {
+"duration": 1.0,
+"texture": SubResource("AtlasTexture_txyw0")
+}, {
+"duration": 1.0,
+"texture": SubResource("AtlasTexture_vc5cj")
+}, {
+"duration": 1.0,
+"texture": SubResource("AtlasTexture_nvyfr")
+}, {
+"duration": 1.0,
+"texture": SubResource("AtlasTexture_ty1g6")
+}, {
+"duration": 1.0,
+"texture": SubResource("AtlasTexture_j2jfr")
+}, {
+"duration": 1.0,
+"texture": SubResource("AtlasTexture_bjg73")
+}, {
+"duration": 1.0,
+"texture": SubResource("AtlasTexture_bu4jf")
+}, {
+"duration": 1.0,
+"texture": SubResource("AtlasTexture_o7ddy")
+}],
+"loop": false,
+"name": &"scatter",
+"speed": 30.0
+}]
+
 [sub_resource type="StyleBoxTexture" id="StyleBoxTexture_c6pm6"]
 content_margin_bottom = 20.0
 texture = ExtResource("14_tel4y")
@@ -104,6 +417,20 @@ texture = SubResource("CompressedTexture2D_chjal")
 [node name="Main" type="Node3D" unique_id=864552263]
 script = ExtResource("1_xcpe3")
 
+[node name="vfxController" type="Node3D" parent="." unique_id=968868013]
+
+[node name="box_block" parent="vfxController" unique_id=1480078977 instance=ExtResource("2_chjal")]
+transform = Transform3D(0.5, 0, 0, 0, 0.5, 0, 0, 0, 0.5, 0.5, 0.35, 0.5)
+visible = false
+
+[node name="AnimatedSprite3D" type="AnimatedSprite3D" parent="vfxController" unique_id=1360317189]
+transform = Transform3D(0.2, 0, 0, 0, -8.742278e-09, 0.15, 0, -0.2, -6.5567085e-09, 0.5, 0.4, 0.5)
+visible = false
+sprite_frames = SubResource("SpriteFrames_5poiv")
+animation = &"freeze_floor"
+frame = 29
+frame_progress = 1.0
+
 [node name="EnhancedGridMap" type="GridMap" parent="." unique_id=1838552857]
 mesh_library = ExtResource("1_110wo")
 cell_size = Vector3(1, 0.2, 1)
@@ -1077,6 +1404,14 @@ theme_override_fonts/font = ExtResource("13_j8jky")
 theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 32
 text = "X0"
 
+[node name="AnimatedSprite2D" type="AnimatedSprite2D" parent="PlayerBoardUI" unique_id=390404299]
+visible = false
+position = Vector2(117.56293, 165.96373)
+sprite_frames = SubResource("SpriteFrames_0loja")
+animation = &"scatter"
+frame = 11
+frame_progress = 1.0
+
 [node name="GlobalMatchTimer" type="PanelContainer" parent="." unique_id=1714357974]
 custom_minimum_size = Vector2(372, 162)
 anchors_preset = 5
diff --git a/scenes/player.gd b/scenes/player.gd
index 473928d..cf89590 100644
--- a/scenes/player.gd
+++ b/scenes/player.gd
@@ -413,6 +413,18 @@ func play_scatter_knock():
 		await vfx_scatter_knock.animation_finished
 		vfx_scatter_knock.visible = false
 
+@rpc("any_peer", "call_local", "reliable")
+func play_playerboard_scatter():
+	"""Show the one-shot scatter VFX over the playerboard UI, but only on the
+	local human player's own client (the board UI belongs to them)."""
+	var is_local = name == str(multiplayer.get_unique_id())
+	var is_bot_check = is_bot or is_in_group("Bots")
+	if not is_local or is_bot_check:
+		return
+	var main = get_tree().get_root().get_node_or_null("Main")
+	if main and main.has_method("play_playerboard_scatter_vfx"):
+		main.play_playerboard_scatter_vfx()
+
 func _init_managers():
 	movement_manager = load("res://scripts/managers/player_movement_manager.gd").new()
 	movement_manager.name = "MovementManager"
diff --git a/scenes/static_tekton.tscn b/scenes/static_tekton.tscn
index 4b91ab8..0b5ea12 100644
--- a/scenes/static_tekton.tscn
+++ b/scenes/static_tekton.tscn
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
 
 [ext_resource type="Script" uid="uid://dyovwailce5tf" path="res://scripts/tekton.gd" id="1_tekton"]
 [ext_resource type="Script" uid="uid://c67yq846u8y68" path="res://scripts/tekton_controller.gd" id="2_controller"]
-[ext_resource type="PackedScene" uid="uid://statictektonmesh001" path="res://scenes/static_tekton_mesh.tscn" id="3_d2kpk"]
+[ext_resource type="PackedScene" uid="uid://df7h7y7y7y7y7" path="res://scenes/static_tekton_mesh.tscn" id="3_d2kpk"]
 [ext_resource type="Texture2D" uid="uid://biun2yvglxgij" path="res://assets/graphics/touch_control/grab_tekton.png" id="4_grab_icon"]
 
 [sub_resource type="BoxShape3D" id="BoxShape3D_tekton"]
@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@ script = ExtResource("2_controller")
 [node name="Visuals" type="Node3D" parent="." unique_id=1698719440]
 
 [node name="tekton" parent="Visuals" unique_id=2052742928 instance=ExtResource("3_d2kpk")]
+transform = Transform3D(-0.2, 0, -1.7484556e-08, 0, 0.2, 0, 1.7484556e-08, 0, -0.2, 0, 0, 0)
 
 [node name="HitArea" type="Area3D" parent="." unique_id=2139590311]
 collision_layer = 4
diff --git a/scenes/ui/lobby_main_menu.gd b/scenes/ui/lobby_main_menu.gd
index a8c2ad3..dd95960 100644
--- a/scenes/ui/lobby_main_menu.gd
+++ b/scenes/ui/lobby_main_menu.gd
@@ -72,6 +72,13 @@ func on_create_room_pressed() -> void:
 	lobby._sync_room_profile_card()
 
 func host_room(game_mode: String) -> void:
+	# Guard against double-clicks: the create flow is async, and a second press
+	# before it finishes re-enters create_match() while the bridge is still
+	# JOINING, which throws "Cannot create match when state is JOINING".
+	if lobby._is_hosting:
+		return
+	lobby._is_hosting = true
+
 	if AuthManager.is_guest:
 		if LobbyManager.local_player_name.is_empty() or LobbyManager.local_player_name == "Player":
 			LobbyManager.local_player_name = NameGenerator.generate_guest_name()
@@ -92,6 +99,7 @@ func host_room(game_mode: String) -> void:
 		var ok = await LobbyManager.create_room_lan(room_label)
 		if not ok:
 			lobby.connection_status.text = "Failed to start LAN room. Check port 7777."
+			lobby._is_hosting = false
 	else:
 		lobby.connection_status.text = "Creating Nakama room..."
 		var room_label := "%sRoom %d" % [mode_prefix, randi_range(1000, 9999)]
diff --git a/scripts/managers/special_tiles_manager.gd b/scripts/managers/special_tiles_manager.gd
index 6e17e0b..26e1719 100644
--- a/scripts/managers/special_tiles_manager.gd
+++ b/scripts/managers/special_tiles_manager.gd
@@ -389,6 +389,14 @@ func _execute_area_freeze(target_pos: Vector2i = Vector2i(-9999, -9999)):
 	
 	SfxManager.rpc("play_rpc", "freeze")
 
+	# Floor VFX: cover the whole frozen area on every peer.
+	var main_vfx = get_node_or_null("/root/Main")
+	if main_vfx and main_vfx.has_method("play_freeze_floor_vfx"):
+		if multiplayer.has_multiplayer_peer() and multiplayer.multiplayer_peer.get_connection_status() == MultiplayerPeer.CONNECTION_CONNECTED:
+			main_vfx.rpc("play_freeze_floor_vfx", center_pos.x, center_pos.y, radius, FREEZE_SLOW_DURATION)
+		else:
+			main_vfx.play_freeze_floor_vfx(center_pos.x, center_pos.y, radius, FREEZE_SLOW_DURATION)
+
 	if hit_count > 0 and player.is_multiplayer_authority():
 		var is_sng = LobbyManager.is_game_mode(GameMode.Mode.STOP_N_GO)
 		if not is_sng:
@@ -403,44 +411,9 @@ func _execute_area_freeze(target_pos: Vector2i = Vector2i(-9999, -9999)):
 		else:
 			NotificationManager.send_message(player, "Hit %d Players!" % hit_count, NotificationManager.MessageType.GOAL)
 
-	# Visual Feedback (Layer 0 - Ground Level, matching Wall logic)
-	if player.is_multiplayer_authority():
-		var main_node = get_node_or_null("/root/Main")
-		if main_node and main_node.has_method("sync_grid_items_batch"):
-			var batch_data = []
-			var restoration_data = [] # Stores {pos, item} to restore later
-			
-			for rx in range(-radius, radius + 1):
-				for rz in range(-radius, radius + 1):
-					var cx = center_pos.x + rx
-					var cz = center_pos.y + rz
-					var pos = Vector3i(cx, 0, cz)
-					
-					# Get original ground item to restore later
-					var original_ground = enhanced_gridmap.get_cell_item(pos)
-					
-					# Ignore if it is an immutable tile (Safe Zone 2, Wall 4, etc)
-					if original_ground in [1, 2, 3, 4, 15, 16]: continue
-					
-					restoration_data.append({"pos": pos, "item": original_ground})
-					batch_data.append({"x": cx, "y": 0, "z": cz, "item": 5})
-			
-			if not batch_data.is_empty():
-				main_node.rpc("sync_grid_items_batch", batch_data)
-				
-				# Removal timer with accurate restoration
-				get_tree().create_timer(FREEZE_SLOW_DURATION).timeout.connect(func():
-					var cl_node = get_node_or_null("/root/Main")
-					if not cl_node: return
-					var clear_batch = []
-					for entry in restoration_data:
-						var p = entry.pos
-						# Only restore if it is STILL our Freeze tile
-						if enhanced_gridmap.get_cell_item(p) == 5:
-							clear_batch.append({"x": p.x, "y": 0, "z": p.z, "item": entry.item})
-					if not clear_batch.is_empty():
-						cl_node.rpc("sync_grid_items_batch", clear_batch)
-				)
+	# Visual feedback is the freeze-floor VFX (play_freeze_floor_vfx above). The
+	# blue layer-0 highlight tiles were removed so only the VFX shows; the slow
+	# effect is driven by active_freeze_zones / layer-2 checks, not these tiles.
 
 
 func _execute_block_floor(target_pos: Vector2i = Vector2i(-999, -999)):
@@ -474,31 +447,40 @@ func _execute_block_floor(target_pos: Vector2i = Vector2i(-999, -999)):
 		var main = get_node_or_null("/root/Main")
 		if main and main.has_method("sync_grid_items_batch"):
 			var batch_data = []
+			var vfx_cells := PackedVector2Array()
 			for n in neighbors:
 				var pos = n.position
 				if _is_position_blocked_by_stand(pos): continue
-				
+
 				var block_pos = Vector3i(pos.x, 0, pos.y)
 				var original_item = enhanced_gridmap.get_cell_item(block_pos)
-				
+
 				# PROTECTED FLOOR CHECK: avoid overwriting Start (1), Safe (2), Finish (3), or Wall (4)
 				var is_immutable = false
 				if "immutable_items" in enhanced_gridmap:
 					if original_item in enhanced_gridmap.immutable_items:
 						is_immutable = true
 				if original_item in [1, 2, 3, 4, 15, 16] or is_immutable: continue
-				
+
 				batch_data.append({"x": block_pos.x, "y": 0, "z": block_pos.z, "item": 4})
-				
+				vfx_cells.append(Vector2(block_pos.x, block_pos.z))
+
 				# Record for restoration
 				blocked_tiles.append({
 					"position": block_pos,
 					"original_item": original_item,
 					"timer": BLOCK_DURATION
 				})
-			
+
 			if not batch_data.is_empty():
 				main.rpc("sync_grid_items_batch", batch_data)
+
+			# Block VFX: one box_block per cell, animated, on every peer.
+			if not vfx_cells.is_empty() and main.has_method("play_block_floor_vfx"):
+				if multiplayer.has_multiplayer_peer() and multiplayer.multiplayer_peer.get_connection_status() == MultiplayerPeer.CONNECTION_CONNECTED:
+					main.rpc("play_block_floor_vfx", vfx_cells, BLOCK_DURATION)
+				else:
+					main.play_block_floor_vfx(vfx_cells, BLOCK_DURATION)
 	
 	# Notify
 	SfxManager.rpc("play_rpc", "wall")
diff --git a/scripts/managers/stop_n_go_manager.gd b/scripts/managers/stop_n_go_manager.gd
index 6ebcdae..c126707 100644
--- a/scripts/managers/stop_n_go_manager.gd
+++ b/scripts/managers/stop_n_go_manager.gd
@@ -1025,6 +1025,14 @@ func _scatter_player_tiles(player_node: Node):
 	# Notify the player
 	SfxManager.rpc("play_rpc", "tile_scatter")
 	NotificationManager.send_message(player_node, "Not in Safe Zone! Tiles scattered!", NotificationManager.MessageType.WARNING)
+
+	# Playerboard scatter VFX: one-shot, only on the affected player's own UI.
+	# Routed through the player node (same pattern as play_scatter_knock) because
+	# the player-node name is not a valid network peer ID for rpc_id here.
+	if can_rpc():
+		player_node.rpc("play_playerboard_scatter")
+	else:
+		player_node.play_playerboard_scatter()
 	
 	# Screen shake and animation
 	if can_rpc():
diff --git a/scripts/managers/user_profile_manager.gd b/scripts/managers/user_profile_manager.gd
index bb33166..d5a8fea 100644
--- a/scripts/managers/user_profile_manager.gd
+++ b/scripts/managers/user_profile_manager.gd
@@ -491,6 +491,12 @@ func submit_to_leaderboard() -> void:
 
 func get_display_name(fallback: String = "Guest") -> String:
 	if not is_profile_loaded:
+		# Profile storage (inventory/stats/fragments) may still be loading, but
+		# AuthManager.current_user is populated before auth_completed fires, so the
+		# real name is already available — prefer it over the guest fallback to
+		# avoid a logged-in host being registered as "Guest" when acting quickly.
+		if AuthManager.current_user.has("display_name"):
+			return AuthManager.current_user["display_name"]
 		return fallback
 	return profile.get("display_name", fallback)
 
diff --git a/scripts/nakama_manager.gd b/scripts/nakama_manager.gd
index 8cba8e7..5a25f62 100644
--- a/scripts/nakama_manager.gd
+++ b/scripts/nakama_manager.gd
@@ -187,11 +187,21 @@ func host_game(room_meta: Dictionary = {}):
 	if not bridge:
 		printerr("Cannot host: Bridge not initialized")
 		return
-	print("Hosting match via Nakama Bridge...")
-	var result = await bridge.create_match()
-	if result and result.is_exception():
-		emit_signal("match_join_error", result.get_exception().message)
+
+	# Guard against re-entry: create_match() rejects any state other than
+	# DISCONNECTED. A double-click on the mode button (or a retry after a stalled
+	# attempt) can re-enter here while a prior create_match() is still JOINING.
+	if bridge.match_state == NakamaMultiplayerBridge.MatchState.CONNECTED:
+		print("[NakamaManager] Already hosting a match; ignoring duplicate host request.")
 		return
+	if bridge.match_state != NakamaMultiplayerBridge.MatchState.DISCONNECTED:
+		# Stranded mid-join (e.g. previous attempt never resolved). Reset so the
+		# bridge is idle before we try again.
+		print("[NakamaManager] Bridge busy (%s); resetting before hosting." % NakamaMultiplayerBridge.MatchState.keys()[bridge.match_state])
+		await bridge.leave()
+
+	print("Hosting match via Nakama Bridge...")
+	await bridge.create_match()
 	# Store room metadata in Nakama storage so other players can see it in listings
 	if session and current_match_id and room_meta.size() > 0:
 		var meta_json = JSON.stringify(room_meta)
diff --git a/scripts/tekton_fishing_autoplay.gd b/scripts/tekton_fishing_autoplay.gd
index 5abb802..cb72ad9 100644
--- a/scripts/tekton_fishing_autoplay.gd
+++ b/scripts/tekton_fishing_autoplay.gd
@@ -1,10 +1,15 @@
 extends Node3D
 
-## Autoplays all animations in the AnimationPlayer simultaneously and loops them.
-## Attach to any node that has an AnimationPlayer child (e.g. tekton_fishing_animation instances).
+## Merges every animation in the AnimationPlayer into a single looping clip and
+## plays it, so meshes driven by different animations (e.g. ted_bones and
+## fishing_acc) all animate simultaneously instead of overwriting each other.
+## Attach to any node that has an AnimationPlayer child.
 
 @onready var anim_player: AnimationPlayer = $AnimationPlayer
 
+const MERGED_LIB := "merged"
+const MERGED_NAME := "merged/all"
+
 func _ready() -> void:
 	if not anim_player:
 		push_warning("tekton_fishing_autoplay: No AnimationPlayer found")
@@ -13,13 +18,52 @@ func _ready() -> void:
 	# Wait one frame for the scene tree to settle
 	await get_tree().process_frame
 
-	# Play every animation simultaneously, all looping
-	for anim_name in anim_player.get_animation_list():
-		anim_player.play(anim_name)
-		anim_player.advance(0.0)  # ensure it starts
+	var source_names := anim_player.get_animation_list()
+	if source_names.is_empty():
+		return
 
-	# Set all to loop
-	for anim_name in anim_player.get_animation_list():
-		var anim: Animation = anim_player.get_animation(anim_name)
-		if anim:
-			anim.loop_mode = Animation.LOOP_LINEAR
+	var merged := _build_merged_animation(source_names)
+	if not merged:
+		return
+
+	var lib := AnimationLibrary.new()
+	lib.add_animation("all", merged)
+	if anim_player.has_animation_library(MERGED_LIB):
+		anim_player.remove_animation_library(MERGED_LIB)
+	anim_player.add_animation_library(MERGED_LIB, lib)
+
+	anim_player.play(MERGED_NAME)
+
+
+## Combines the tracks of every source animation into one Animation. The source
+## animations target disjoint node sets, so simply concatenating their tracks
+## drives all meshes at once.
+func _build_merged_animation(source_names: Array) -> Animation:
+	var merged := Animation.new()
+	merged.loop_mode = Animation.LOOP_LINEAR
+
+	var max_length := 0.0
+	for anim_name in source_names:
+		var src: Animation = anim_player.get_animation(anim_name)
+		if not src:
+			continue
+		max_length = max(max_length, src.length)
+		for t in src.get_track_count():
+			_copy_track(src, t, merged)
+
+	merged.length = max_length
+	return merged
+
+
+func _copy_track(src: Animation, src_track: int, dst: Animation) -> void:
+	var new_track := dst.add_track(src.track_get_type(src_track))
+	dst.track_set_path(new_track, src.track_get_path(src_track))
+	dst.track_set_interpolation_type(new_track, src.track_get_interpolation_type(src_track))
+	dst.track_set_interpolation_loop_wrap(new_track, src.track_get_interpolation_loop_wrap(src_track))
+	dst.track_set_enabled(new_track, src.track_is_enabled(src_track))
+
+	for k in src.track_get_key_count(src_track):
+		var time := src.track_get_key_time(src_track, k)
+		var value = src.track_get_key_value(src_track, k)
+		var transition := src.track_get_key_transition(src_track, k)
+		dst.track_insert_key(new_track, time, value, transition)