Gauntlet UI fixes and cleanser improvements

patch.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,6 @@
+@rpc("any_peer", "call_local")
+func remove_slow_effect():
+	slow_timer = 0.0
+	self.is_slowed = false
+	if movement_manager:
+		movement_manager.set_speed_multiplier(1.0)

patch_gauntlet.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,6 @@
+@rpc("authority", "call_local", "reliable")
+func sync_clear_sticky_cell(pos: Vector2i) -> void:
+	sticky_cells.erase(pos)
+	mark_cleansed(pos)
+	if gridmap:
+		gridmap.set_cell_item(Vector3i(pos.x, 2, pos.y), -1)

patch_hud.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,68 @@
+[gd_scene load_steps=2 format=3]
+
+[ext_resource type="FontFile" uid="uid://xnjx058n4tsw" path="res://assets/fonts/Nougat-ExtraBlack.ttf" id="1_font"]
+
+[node name="GauntletHUD" type="CanvasLayer"]
+layer = 5
+visible = false
+
+[node name="TopContainer" type="CenterContainer" parent="."]
+anchors_preset = 5
+anchor_left = 0.5
+anchor_right = 0.5
+offset_top = 70.0
+grow_horizontal = 2
+
+[node name="SlowMoLabel" type="Label" parent="TopContainer"]
+layout_mode = 2
+theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 18
+theme_override_colors/font_color = Color(0.3, 0.5, 1.0, 1)
+theme_override_colors/font_outline_color = Color(0, 0, 0, 1)
+theme_override_constants/outline_size = 4
+theme_override_fonts/font = ExtResource("1_font")
+text = "SLOW-MO"
+horizontal_alignment = 1
+visible = false
+
+[node name="BottomContainer" type="CenterContainer" parent="."]
+anchors_preset = 7
+anchor_left = 0.5
+anchor_top = 1.0
+anchor_right = 0.5
+anchor_bottom = 1.0
+offset_top = -120.0
+grow_horizontal = 2
+grow_vertical = 0
+
+[node name="VBoxContainer" type="VBoxContainer" parent="BottomContainer"]
+layout_mode = 2
+theme_override_constants/separation = 4
+
+[node name="PhaseLabel" type="Label" parent="BottomContainer/VBoxContainer"]
+layout_mode = 2
+theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 24
+theme_override_colors/font_color = Color(1, 0.6, 0.8, 1)
+theme_override_colors/font_outline_color = Color(0, 0, 0, 1)
+theme_override_constants/outline_size = 6
+theme_override_fonts/font = ExtResource("1_font")
+text = "🍬 OPEN ARENA"
+horizontal_alignment = 1
+
+[node name="CleanserHBox" type="HBoxContainer" parent="BottomContainer/VBoxContainer"]
+layout_mode = 2
+theme_override_constants/separation = 6
+alignment = 1
+
+[node name="CleanserIcon" type="TextureRect" parent="BottomContainer/VBoxContainer/CleanserHBox"]
+layout_mode = 2
+custom_minimum_size = Vector2(20, 20)
+stretch_mode = 5
+
+[node name="CleanserLabel" type="Label" parent="BottomContainer/VBoxContainer/CleanserHBox"]
+layout_mode = 2
+theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 20
+theme_override_colors/font_outline_color = Color(0, 0, 0, 1)
+theme_override_constants/outline_size = 6
+theme_override_fonts/font = ExtResource("1_font")
+text = "[E] Cleanser (0)"
+horizontal_alignment = 1

patch_particles.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,48 @@
+func _spawn_cleanser_particles(pos: Vector2i) -> void:
+	"""Spawn bright cleansing particles when sticky is cleared."""
+	if not main_scene or not gridmap:
+		return
+	
+	var world_pos = Vector3(
+		pos.x * gridmap.cell_size.x + gridmap.cell_size.x / 2.0,
+		0.5,
+		pos.y * gridmap.cell_size.z + gridmap.cell_size.z / 2.0
+	)
+	
+	var particles = GPUParticles3D.new()
+	particles.emitting = true
+	particles.one_shot = true
+	particles.amount = 12
+	particles.lifetime = 0.6
+	particles.explosiveness = 0.9
+	
+	var material = ParticleProcessMaterial.new()
+	material.emission_shape = ParticleProcessMaterial.EMISSION_SHAPE_SPHERE
+	material.emission_sphere_radius = 0.3
+	material.direction = Vector3(0, 1, 0)
+	material.spread = 180.0
+	material.initial_velocity_min = 3.0
+	material.initial_velocity_max = 5.0
+	material.gravity = Vector3(0, -5.0, 0)
+	material.scale_min = 0.05
+	material.scale_max = 0.15
+	
+	var mesh = SphereMesh.new()
+	mesh.radius = 0.2
+	mesh.height = 0.4
+	var spatial_mat = StandardMaterial3D.new()
+	spatial_mat.albedo_color = Color(0.2, 1.0, 1.0) # Cyan/Blue for cleanser
+	spatial_mat.emission_enabled = true
+	spatial_mat.emission = Color(0.2, 1.0, 1.0)
+	spatial_mat.emission_energy_multiplier = 3.0
+	mesh.material = spatial_mat
+	particles.draw_pass_1 = mesh
+	
+	particles.process_material = material
+	particles.position = world_pos
+	
+	main_scene.add_child(particles)
+	
+	await get_tree().create_timer(1.2).timeout
+	if particles and is_instance_valid(particles):
+		particles.queue_free()

patch_player.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,24 @@
+func _find_valid_drop_position() -> Vector2i:
+	# Try random adjacent cells
+	var neighbors = enhanced_gridmap.get_neighbors(current_position, 0)
+	neighbors.shuffle()
+	
+	for neighbor in neighbors:
+		var pos = neighbor.position
+		# Check item layer
+		var item_cell = Vector3i(pos.x, 1, pos.y)
+		if enhanced_gridmap.get_cell_item(item_cell) == -1:
+			if not is_position_occupied(pos):
+				# Gauntlet Mode explicit overrides
+				var gm = null
+				var main_gauntlet = get_tree().root.get_node_or_null("Main")
+				if main_gauntlet and main_gauntlet.get("gauntlet_manager"):
+					gm = main_gauntlet.gauntlet_manager
+				if gm and gm.is_active:
+					if pos.x == 0 or pos.x == gm.ARENA_COLUMNS - 1 or pos.y == 0 or pos.y == gm.ARENA_ROWS - 1:
+						continue
+					if gm._is_npc_zone(pos):
+						continue
+				return pos
+					
+	return Vector2i(-1, -1)

patch_player2.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,8 @@
+@rpc("any_peer", "call_local")
+func remove_slow_effect():
+	slow_timer = 0.0
+	self.is_slowed = false
+	if movement_manager:
+		# INSTANT response: restore speed multiplier to 1.0 immediately
+		movement_manager.set_speed_multiplier(1.0)
+	print("Player %s slow effect removed early" % name)

patch_player_sed.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,25 @@
+/func _find_valid_drop_position/,/return Vector2i(-1, -1)/c\
+func _find_valid_drop_position() -> Vector2i:\
+	# Try random adjacent cells\
+	var neighbors = enhanced_gridmap.get_neighbors(current_position, 0)\
+	neighbors.shuffle()\
+	\
+	for neighbor in neighbors:\
+		var pos = neighbor.position\
+		# Check item layer\
+		var item_cell = Vector3i(pos.x, 1, pos.y)\
+		if enhanced_gridmap.get_cell_item(item_cell) == -1:\
+			if not is_position_occupied(pos):\
+				# Gauntlet Mode explicit overrides\
+				var gm = null\
+				var main_gauntlet = get_tree().root.get_node_or_null("Main")\
+				if main_gauntlet and main_gauntlet.get("gauntlet_manager"):\
+					gm = main_gauntlet.gauntlet_manager\
+				if gm and gm.is_active:\
+					if pos.x == 0 or pos.x == gm.ARENA_COLUMNS - 1 or pos.y == 0 or pos.y == gm.ARENA_ROWS - 1:\
+						continue\
+					if gm._is_npc_zone(pos):\
+						continue\
+				return pos\
+					\
+	return Vector2i(-1, -1)

scenes/candy_cannon.tscn

@@ -1,13 +1,78 @@
-[gd_scene load_steps=3 format=3 uid="uid://ddy2r7xto80gq"]
+[gd_scene load_steps=10 format=3 uid="uid://ddy2r7xto80gq"]
 
 [ext_resource type="Script" path="res://scripts/controllers/candy_cannon_controller.gd" id="1_canon"]
 
-[sub_resource type="BoxMesh" id="BoxMesh_canon"]
-size = Vector3(1.5, 3, 1.5)
+[sub_resource type="StandardMaterial3D" id="StandardMaterial3D_base"]
+albedo_color = Color(0.15, 0.15, 0.2, 1)
+metallic = 0.8
+roughness = 0.2
+
+[sub_resource type="CylinderMesh" id="CylinderMesh_base"]
+material = SubResource("StandardMaterial3D_base")
+top_radius = 0.8
+bottom_radius = 1.2
+height = 0.5
+
+[sub_resource type="StandardMaterial3D" id="StandardMaterial3D_tank"]
+albedo_color = Color(1, 0.4, 0.8, 1)
+metallic = 0.2
+roughness = 0.1
+emission_enabled = true
+emission = Color(1, 0.4, 0.8, 1)
+emission_energy_multiplier = 2.0
+
+[sub_resource type="SphereMesh" id="SphereMesh_tank"]
+material = SubResource("StandardMaterial3D_tank")
+radius = 0.9
+height = 1.8
+
+[sub_resource type="StandardMaterial3D" id="StandardMaterial3D_pipe"]
+albedo_color = Color(0.7, 0.7, 0.8, 1)
+metallic = 1.0
+roughness = 0.2
+
+[sub_resource type="CylinderMesh" id="CylinderMesh_pipe"]
+material = SubResource("StandardMaterial3D_pipe")
+top_radius = 0.25
+bottom_radius = 0.4
+height = 1.5
+
+[sub_resource type="TorusMesh" id="TorusMesh_ring"]
+material = SubResource("StandardMaterial3D_pipe")
+inner_radius = 0.95
+outer_radius = 1.15
+rings = 32
+tube_segments = 12
 
 [node name="CandyCannon" type="Node3D"]
 script = ExtResource("1_canon")
 
-[node name="MeshInstance3D" type="MeshInstance3D" parent="."]
-transform = Transform3D(1, 0, 0, 0, 1, 0, 0, 0, 1, 0, 1.5, 0)
-mesh = SubResource("BoxMesh_canon")
+[node name="Base" type="MeshInstance3D" parent="."]
+transform = Transform3D(1, 0, 0, 0, 1, 0, 0, 0, 1, 0, 0.25, 0)
+mesh = SubResource("CylinderMesh_base")
+
+[node name="Tank" type="MeshInstance3D" parent="."]
+transform = Transform3D(1, 0, 0, 0, 1, 0, 0, 0, 1, 0, 1.4, 0)
+mesh = SubResource("SphereMesh_tank")
+
+[node name="Pipe" type="MeshInstance3D" parent="."]
+transform = Transform3D(1, 0, 0, 0, 1, 0, 0, 0, 1, 0, 2.7, 0)
+mesh = SubResource("CylinderMesh_pipe")
+
+[node name="Ring1" type="MeshInstance3D" parent="."]
+transform = Transform3D(1, 0, 0, 0, 1, 0, 0, 0, 1, 0, 1.4, 0)
+mesh = SubResource("TorusMesh_ring")
+
+[node name="Ring2" type="MeshInstance3D" parent="."]
+transform = Transform3D(0.707107, 0.707107, 0, -0.707107, 0.707107, 0, 0, 0, 1, 0, 1.4, 0)
+mesh = SubResource("TorusMesh_ring")
+
+[node name="Ring3" type="MeshInstance3D" parent="."]
+transform = Transform3D(0.707107, -0.707107, 0, 0.707107, 0.707107, 0, 0, 0, 1, 0, 1.4, 0)
+mesh = SubResource("TorusMesh_ring")
+
+[node name="OmniLight3D" type="OmniLight3D" parent="."]
+transform = Transform3D(1, 0, 0, 0, 1, 0, 0, 0, 1, 0, 1.8, 0)
+light_color = Color(1, 0.4, 0.8, 1)
+light_energy = 3.0
+omni_range = 8.0

scenes/gauntlet_hud.tscn

@@ -13,44 +13,6 @@ anchor_right = 0.5
 offset_top = 70.0
 grow_horizontal = 2
 
-[node name="PhaseLabel" type="Label" parent="TopContainer"]
-layout_mode = 2
-theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 24
-theme_override_colors/font_color = Color(1, 0.6, 0.8, 1)
-theme_override_colors/font_outline_color = Color(0, 0, 0, 1)
-theme_override_constants/outline_size = 6
-theme_override_fonts/font = ExtResource("1_font")
-text = "🍬 OPEN ARENA"
-horizontal_alignment = 1
-
-[node name="BottomContainer" type="CenterContainer" parent="."]
-anchors_preset = 7
-anchor_left = 0.5
-anchor_top = 1.0
-anchor_right = 0.5
-anchor_bottom = 1.0
-offset_top = -90.0
-grow_horizontal = 2
-grow_vertical = 0
-
-[node name="CleanserHBox" type="HBoxContainer" parent="BottomContainer"]
-layout_mode = 2
-theme_override_constants/separation = 6
-
-[node name="CleanserIcon" type="TextureRect" parent="BottomContainer/CleanserHBox"]
-layout_mode = 2
-custom_minimum_size = Vector2(20, 20)
-stretch_mode = 5
-
-[node name="CleanserLabel" type="Label" parent="BottomContainer/CleanserHBox"]
-layout_mode = 2
-theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 20
-theme_override_colors/font_outline_color = Color(0, 0, 0, 1)
-theme_override_constants/outline_size = 6
-theme_override_fonts/font = ExtResource("1_font")
-text = "Cleanser: 0"
-horizontal_alignment = 1
-
 [node name="SlowMoLabel" type="Label" parent="TopContainer"]
 layout_mode = 2
 theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 18
@@ -61,3 +23,46 @@ theme_override_fonts/font = ExtResource("1_font")
 text = "SLOW-MO"
 horizontal_alignment = 1
 visible = false
+
+[node name="BottomContainer" type="CenterContainer" parent="."]
+anchors_preset = 7
+anchor_left = 0.5
+anchor_top = 1.0
+anchor_right = 0.5
+anchor_bottom = 1.0
+offset_top = -120.0
+grow_horizontal = 2
+grow_vertical = 0
+
+[node name="VBoxContainer" type="VBoxContainer" parent="BottomContainer"]
+layout_mode = 2
+theme_override_constants/separation = 4
+
+[node name="PhaseLabel" type="Label" parent="BottomContainer/VBoxContainer"]
+layout_mode = 2
+theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 24
+theme_override_colors/font_color = Color(1, 0.6, 0.8, 1)
+theme_override_colors/font_outline_color = Color(0, 0, 0, 1)
+theme_override_constants/outline_size = 6
+theme_override_fonts/font = ExtResource("1_font")
+text = "🍬 OPEN ARENA"
+horizontal_alignment = 1
+
+[node name="CleanserHBox" type="HBoxContainer" parent="BottomContainer/VBoxContainer"]
+layout_mode = 2
+theme_override_constants/separation = 6
+alignment = 1
+
+[node name="CleanserIcon" type="TextureRect" parent="BottomContainer/VBoxContainer/CleanserHBox"]
+layout_mode = 2
+custom_minimum_size = Vector2(20, 20)
+stretch_mode = 5
+
+[node name="CleanserLabel" type="Label" parent="BottomContainer/VBoxContainer/CleanserHBox"]
+layout_mode = 2
+theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 20
+theme_override_colors/font_outline_color = Color(0, 0, 0, 1)
+theme_override_constants/outline_size = 6
+theme_override_fonts/font = ExtResource("1_font")
+text = "[E] Cleanser (0)"
+horizontal_alignment = 1

scenes/player.gd

@@ -1054,6 +1054,16 @@ func apply_slow_effect(duration: float = 3.0):
 	
 	print("Player %s is slowed for %.1f seconds" % [name, duration])
 
+@rpc("any_peer", "call_local")
+@rpc("any_peer", "call_local")
+func remove_slow_effect():
+	slow_timer = 0.0
+	self.is_slowed = false
+	if movement_manager:
+		# INSTANT response: restore speed multiplier to 1.0 immediately
+		movement_manager.set_speed_multiplier(1.0)
+	print("Player %s slow effect removed early" % name)
+
 func playerboard_is_empty() -> bool:
 	for item in playerboard:
 		if item != -1:
@@ -1131,6 +1141,16 @@ func _find_valid_drop_position() -> Vector2i:
 		var item_cell = Vector3i(pos.x, 1, pos.y)
 		if enhanced_gridmap.get_cell_item(item_cell) == -1:
 			if not is_position_occupied(pos):
+				# Gauntlet Mode explicit overrides
+				var gm = null
+				var main_gauntlet = get_tree().root.get_node_or_null("Main")
+				if main_gauntlet and main_gauntlet.get("gauntlet_manager"):
+					gm = main_gauntlet.gauntlet_manager
+				if gm and gm.is_active:
+					if pos.x == 0 or pos.x == gm.ARENA_COLUMNS - 1 or pos.y == 0 or pos.y == gm.ARENA_ROWS - 1:
+						continue
+					if gm._is_npc_zone(pos):
+						continue
 				return pos
 					
 	return Vector2i(-1, -1)

scripts/controllers/candy_cannon_controller.gd

@@ -3,44 +3,97 @@ class_name CandyCannonController
 
 @export var is_static_turret: bool = true
 
+@onready var ring1 = $Ring1 if has_node("Ring1") else null
+@onready var ring2 = $Ring2 if has_node("Ring2") else null
+@onready var ring3 = $Ring3 if has_node("Ring3") else null
+@onready var tank = $Tank if has_node("Tank") else null
+
 func _ready() -> void:
 	pass
 
+func _process(delta: float) -> void:
+	if ring1: ring1.rotate_y(delta * 1.5)
+	if ring2: ring2.rotate_x(delta * -1.0)
+	if ring3: ring3.rotate_z(delta * 1.2)
+	
+	if tank and tank.mesh and tank.mesh.material:
+		var mat = tank.mesh.material as StandardMaterial3D
+		if mat:
+			# Gentle pulse of the candy tank
+			var pulse = (sin(Time.get_ticks_msec() / 300.0) + 1.0) * 0.5
+			mat.emission_energy_multiplier = 1.0 + (pulse * 2.0)
+
 @rpc("authority", "call_local", "reliable")
 func play_animation_rpc(anim_name: String) -> void:
 	# Stub for future model animations
 	pass
 
-@rpc("authority", "call_local", "reliable")
-func spawn_projectile_rpc(target_world_pos: Vector3, duration: float) -> void:
+func spawn_projectile(target_world_pos: Vector3, duration: float) -> void:
 	var projectile = MeshInstance3D.new()
-	var sphere = BoxMesh.new()
-	sphere.size = Vector3(0.4, 0.4, 0.4)
+	var sphere = SphereMesh.new()
+	sphere.radius = 0.3
+	sphere.height = 0.6
 	projectile.mesh = sphere
+	
 	var mat = StandardMaterial3D.new()
 	mat.albedo_color = Color(1.0, 0.4, 0.8) # Candy pink for Gauntlet
+	mat.emission_enabled = true
+	mat.emission = Color(1.0, 0.4, 0.8)
+	mat.emission_energy_multiplier = 3.0
 	projectile.material_override = mat
 	
 	get_tree().get_root().add_child(projectile)
 	
 	# Start projectile slightly above the cannon center
-	projectile.global_position = global_position + Vector3(0, 2.0, 0)
+	projectile.global_position = global_position + Vector3(0, 3.0, 0)
 	
 	var tween = create_tween()
 	if not tween:
 		projectile.queue_free()
 		return
 		
+	# VFX trail
+	var particles = GPUParticles3D.new()
+	var pmat = ParticleProcessMaterial.new()
+	pmat.emission_shape = ParticleProcessMaterial.EMISSION_SHAPE_SPHERE
+	pmat.emission_sphere_radius = 0.3
+	pmat.gravity = Vector3(0, 0, 0)
+	pmat.scale_min = 0.1
+	pmat.scale_max = 0.3
+	particles.process_material = pmat
+	
+	var pmesh = SphereMesh.new()
+	pmesh.radius = 0.1
+	pmesh.height = 0.2
+	var spatial_mat = StandardMaterial3D.new()
+	spatial_mat.albedo_color = Color(1.0, 0.6, 0.9)
+	spatial_mat.emission_enabled = true
+	spatial_mat.emission = Color(1.0, 0.6, 0.9)
+	pmesh.material = spatial_mat
+	particles.draw_pass_1 = pmesh
+	
+	particles.amount = 16
+	particles.lifetime = 0.4
+	projectile.add_child(particles)
+		
 	tween.set_parallel(true)
 	tween.tween_property(projectile, "global_position:x", target_world_pos.x, duration).set_trans(Tween.TRANS_LINEAR)
 	tween.tween_property(projectile, "global_position:z", target_world_pos.z, duration).set_trans(Tween.TRANS_LINEAR)
 	
 	var mid_y = max(global_position.y, target_world_pos.y) + 4.0
 	var tween_y = create_tween()
-	tween_y.tween_property(projectile, "global_position:y", mid_y, duration / 2.0).set_trans(Tween.TRANS_QUAD).set_ease(Tween.EASE_OUT)
+	tween_y.tween_property(projectile, "global_position:y", mid_y, duration / 2.0).set_trans(Tween.TRANS_SINE).set_ease(Tween.EASE_OUT)
 	tween_y.tween_property(projectile, "global_position:y", target_world_pos.y, duration / 2.0).set_trans(Tween.TRANS_QUAD).set_ease(Tween.EASE_IN).set_delay(duration / 2.0)
 	
-	tween.chain().tween_callback(projectile.queue_free)
+	# Add some spin to the projectile
+	var spin_tween = create_tween()
+	spin_tween.set_loops()
+	spin_tween.tween_property(projectile, "rotation", Vector3(PI*2, PI*2, PI*2), 0.5).as_relative()
+	
+	tween.chain().tween_callback(func():
+		spin_tween.kill()
+		projectile.queue_free()
+	)
 
 func can_rpc() -> bool:
 	if not multiplayer.has_multiplayer_peer(): return false

scripts/managers/gauntlet_manager.gd

@@ -413,13 +413,15 @@ func _apply_arena_setup() -> void:
 			
 			# Center 3x3 block: NPC obstacle (Candy Pump)
 			if _is_npc_zone(pos):
-				gridmap.set_cell_item(Vector3i(x, 0, z), TILE_OBSTACLE)
+				# Make the floor walkable visually instead of obstacle red
+				gridmap.set_cell_item(Vector3i(x, 0, z), TILE_WALKABLE)
 				gridmap.set_cell_item(Vector3i(x, 1, z), -1)
 				continue
 			
 			# Boundary walls: perimeter (row 0, row 19, col 0, col 19)
 			if x == 0 or x == ARENA_COLUMNS - 1 or z == 0 or z == ARENA_ROWS - 1:
-				gridmap.set_cell_item(Vector3i(x, 0, z), TILE_OBSTACLE)
+				# Also make border walls visually walkable floors instead of red blocks
+				gridmap.set_cell_item(Vector3i(x, 0, z), TILE_WALKABLE)
 				gridmap.set_cell_item(Vector3i(x, 1, z), -1)
 				continue
 			
@@ -511,9 +513,13 @@ func _spawn_mission_tiles() -> void:
 			if _is_npc_zone(pos):
 				continue
 			
-			# Check base floor — don't spawn on obstacles or void
+			# Check base floor — don't spawn on void (or walls if they were still obstacles)
 			var base_tile = gridmap.get_cell_item(Vector3i(x, 0, z))
-			if base_tile == TILE_OBSTACLE or base_tile == -1:
+			if base_tile == -1:
+				continue
+			
+			# Ensure we don't spawn powerups on the perimeter walls even though they look like floors
+			if x == 0 or x == ARENA_COLUMNS - 1 or z == 0 or z == ARENA_ROWS - 1:
 				continue
 			
 			# Skip if something already exists on Layer 1
@@ -851,6 +857,15 @@ func sync_growth_telegraph(cells: Array) -> void:
 		# Telegraph overlay tile on Layer 2 (still passable).
 		gridmap.set_cell_item(Vector3i(pos.x, 2, pos.y), TILE_TELEGRAPH)
 		_spawn_telegraph_highlight(pos)
+		
+		# NEW: Throw projectile from pump for normal growth
+		if pump_instance and pump_instance.has_method("spawn_projectile"):
+			var target_world_pos = Vector3(
+				pos.x * gridmap.cell_size.x + gridmap.cell_size.x / 2.0,
+				0.5,
+				pos.y * gridmap.cell_size.z + gridmap.cell_size.z / 2.0
+			)
+			pump_instance.spawn_projectile(target_world_pos, telegraph_duration)
 
 	# Audio: warning pulse
 	if SfxManager:
@@ -958,6 +973,17 @@ func _spawn_impact_particles(targets: Array) -> void:
 		material.gravity = Vector3(0, -9.8, 0)
 		material.scale_min = 0.1
 		material.scale_max = 0.3
+		
+		# Define visual mesh
+		var mesh = BoxMesh.new()
+		mesh.size = Vector3(0.2, 0.2, 0.2)
+		var spatial_mat = StandardMaterial3D.new()
+		spatial_mat.albedo_color = Color(1.0, 0.6, 0.8) # Candy pink
+		spatial_mat.emission_enabled = true
+		spatial_mat.emission = Color(1.0, 0.6, 0.8)
+		spatial_mat.emission_energy_multiplier = 2.0
+		mesh.material = spatial_mat
+		particles.draw_pass_1 = mesh
 
 		particles.process_material = material
 		particles.position = world_pos
@@ -970,8 +996,57 @@ func _spawn_impact_particles(targets: Array) -> void:
 			particles.queue_free()
 
 # =============================================================================
-# Sticky / Trap System
+func _spawn_cleanser_particles(pos: Vector2i) -> void:
+	"""Spawn bright cleansing particles when sticky is cleared."""
+	if not main_scene or not gridmap:
+		return
+	
+	var world_pos = Vector3(
+		pos.x * gridmap.cell_size.x + gridmap.cell_size.x / 2.0,
+		0.5,
+		pos.y * gridmap.cell_size.z + gridmap.cell_size.z / 2.0
+	)
+	
+	var particles = GPUParticles3D.new()
+	particles.emitting = true
+	particles.one_shot = true
+	particles.amount = 12
+	particles.lifetime = 0.6
+	particles.explosiveness = 0.9
+	
+	var material = ParticleProcessMaterial.new()
+	material.emission_shape = ParticleProcessMaterial.EMISSION_SHAPE_SPHERE
+	material.emission_sphere_radius = 0.3
+	material.direction = Vector3(0, 1, 0)
+	material.spread = 180.0
+	material.initial_velocity_min = 3.0
+	material.initial_velocity_max = 5.0
+	material.gravity = Vector3(0, -5.0, 0)
+	material.scale_min = 0.05
+	material.scale_max = 0.15
+	
+	var mesh = SphereMesh.new()
+	mesh.radius = 0.2
+	mesh.height = 0.4
+	var spatial_mat = StandardMaterial3D.new()
+	spatial_mat.albedo_color = Color(0.2, 1.0, 1.0) # Cyan/Blue for cleanser
+	spatial_mat.emission_enabled = true
+	spatial_mat.emission = Color(0.2, 1.0, 1.0)
+	spatial_mat.emission_energy_multiplier = 3.0
+	mesh.material = spatial_mat
+	particles.draw_pass_1 = mesh
+	
+	particles.process_material = material
+	particles.position = world_pos
+	
+	main_scene.add_child(particles)
+	
+	await get_tree().create_timer(1.2).timeout
+	if particles and is_instance_valid(particles):
+		particles.queue_free()
+
 # =============================================================================
+# Sticky / Trap System
 
 func is_sticky_cell(pos: Vector2i) -> bool:
 	return sticky_cells.has(pos)
@@ -1222,6 +1297,13 @@ func _generate_bubble_candidates() -> Array:
 			var pos := Vector2i(x, z)
 			if cell_state(pos) != CellState.SAFE:
 				continue
+				
+			# NEW: Ensure bubbles never pick boundary tiles or NPC area as center
+			if x == 0 or x == ARENA_COLUMNS - 1 or z == 0 or z == ARENA_ROWS - 1:
+				continue
+			if _is_npc_zone(pos):
+				continue
+				
 			candidates.append({"pos": pos, "score": _calculate_bubble_score(pos, player_cells)})
 	return candidates
 
@@ -1430,6 +1512,15 @@ func sync_bubble_spawn(center: Vector2i, cells: Array) -> void:
 	_spawn_bubble_visual(center)
 	if SfxManager:
 		SfxManager.rpc("play_rpc", "generate_tile") if _can_rpc() else SfxManager.play("generate_tile")
+		
+	# NEW: VFX projectile from center pump if it exists
+	if pump_instance and pump_instance.has_method("spawn_projectile"):
+		var target_world_pos = Vector3(
+			center.x * gridmap.cell_size.x + gridmap.cell_size.x / 2.0,
+			0.5,
+			center.y * gridmap.cell_size.z + gridmap.cell_size.z / 2.0
+		)
+		pump_instance.spawn_projectile(target_world_pos, BUBBLE_GROW_DURATION)
 
 @rpc("authority", "call_local", "reliable")
 func sync_bubble_explode(center: Vector2i, cells: Array) -> void:
@@ -1439,6 +1530,7 @@ func sync_bubble_explode(center: Vector2i, cells: Array) -> void:
 	for c in cells:
 		var pos = c as Vector2i
 		gridmap.set_cell_item(Vector3i(pos.x, 2, pos.y), TILE_STICKY)
+		sticky_cells[pos] = true
 	# Medium shake — bubbles hit harder than a normal growth tick.
 	if main_scene and main_scene.get("screen_shake_manager"):
 		main_scene.screen_shake_manager.shake(0.3, 0.6)
@@ -1532,14 +1624,30 @@ func _trap_player(player: Node) -> void:
 
 func clear_sticky_cell(pos: Vector2i) -> void:
 	"""Used by Cleanser power-up to remove a sticky cell."""
+	if _can_rpc():
+		if multiplayer.is_server():
+			rpc("sync_clear_sticky_cell", pos)
+		else:
+			sync_clear_sticky_cell(pos) # Predictive local clear
+			rpc("rpc_use_cleanser", pos)
+	else:
+		sync_clear_sticky_cell(pos)
+
+@rpc("authority", "call_local", "reliable")
+func sync_clear_sticky_cell(pos: Vector2i) -> void:
 	sticky_cells.erase(pos)
 	mark_cleansed(pos) # temporary regrowth protection (v2)
 	if gridmap:
 		gridmap.set_cell_item(Vector3i(pos.x, 2, pos.y), -1)
 	
-	# Sync removal to clients
-	if main_scene and _can_rpc():
-		main_scene.rpc("sync_grid_item", pos.x, 2, pos.y, -1)
+	# Play VFX and SFX
+	_spawn_cleanser_particles(pos)
+	if SfxManager:
+		SfxManager.play("pick_up_power_tile")
+	
+	# Sync removal to main scene's gridmap if needed
+	if main_scene and main_scene.has_method("sync_grid_item"):
+		main_scene.sync_grid_item(pos.x, 2, pos.y, -1)
 
 func _try_use_cleanser() -> void:
 	"""Local player attempts to activate Cleanser for 5-cell sticky immunity."""
@@ -1560,10 +1668,6 @@ func _try_use_cleanser() -> void:
 		return
 	if local_player.get("is_frozen") or local_player.get("is_stop_frozen"):
 		return
-	# Already active
-	if cleanser_active.has(local_pid):
-		return
-	
 	# 0.3s activation delay
 	await get_tree().create_timer(CLEANSER_ACTIVATION_DELAY).timeout
 	
@@ -1573,23 +1677,23 @@ func _try_use_cleanser() -> void:
 	if local_player.get("is_frozen") or local_player.get("is_stop_frozen"):
 		return
 	
-	# Activate cleanser immunity
-	cleanser_active[local_pid] = true
-	cleanser_cells_left[local_pid] = CLEANSER_MAX_CELLS
-	
-	# Consume cleanser from inventory
-	player_cleansers[local_pid] = 0
-	update_cleanser_ui(0)
+	# Consume cleanser from inventory (only if client, host relies on rpc)
+	if not multiplayer.is_server():
+		cleanser_active[local_pid] = true
+		cleanser_cells_left[local_pid] = CLEANSER_MAX_CELLS
+		player_cleansers[local_pid] = max(0, player_cleansers[local_pid] - 1)
+		update_cleanser_ui(player_cleansers[local_pid])
 	
 	# Sync to server/clients
 	if not multiplayer.is_server() and _can_rpc():
 		rpc("rpc_activate_cleanser", local_pid)
 	elif multiplayer.is_server():
-		if _can_rpc():
-			rpc("sync_cleanser_count", local_pid, 0)
+		# Call RPC logic directly for host (it will set active/cells_left/consume)
+		rpc_activate_cleanser(local_pid)
 
 	NotificationManager.send_message(local_player, "Cleanser Active! (5 cells)", NotificationManager.MessageType.POWERUP)
 
+@rpc("any_peer", "call_local", "reliable")
 func deactivate_cleanser(player_id: int) -> void:
 	"""Deactivate cleanser immunity for a player."""
 	cleanser_active.erase(player_id)
@@ -1605,30 +1709,67 @@ func use_cleanser_cell(player_id: int) -> bool:
 		return false
 	cleanser_cells_left[player_id] -= 1
 	if cleanser_cells_left[player_id] <= 0:
-		deactivate_cleanser(player_id)
+		if _can_rpc():
+			rpc("deactivate_cleanser", player_id)
+		else:
+			deactivate_cleanser(player_id)
 		return false
 	return true
 
 func notify_movement_stopped(player_id: int, pos: Vector2i) -> void:
-	"""Cleanser also ends when the player comes to rest on a safe (non-sticky)
-	cell — they're clear of the candy, so immunity is no longer needed (#072).
-	Called from PlayerMovementManager when a move chain settles. Gauntlet-only;
-	a no-op when the player has no active cleanser."""
-	if not cleanser_active.has(player_id):
-		return
-	if not is_sticky_cell(pos):
-		deactivate_cleanser(player_id)
+	"""Called from PlayerMovementManager when a move chain settles. 
+	Previously deactivated cleanser here, but now immunity persists 
+	until charges run out to allow repeated use across safe gaps."""
+	pass
 
 @rpc("any_peer", "call_local", "reliable")
 func rpc_activate_cleanser(pid: int) -> void:
 	"""RPC for clients to activate cleanser on server."""
 	if multiplayer.is_server():
-		if not cleanser_active.has(pid):
-			cleanser_active[pid] = true
-			cleanser_cells_left[pid] = CLEANSER_MAX_CELLS
-			player_cleansers[pid] = 0
-			if _can_rpc():
-				rpc("sync_cleanser_count", pid, 0)
+		# Verify they actually have a cleanser charge (prevents spam/cheats)
+		if player_cleansers.get(pid, 0) <= 0:
+			return
+			
+		# Always apply the state and AoE, since this is the server authority
+		cleanser_active[pid] = true
+		cleanser_cells_left[pid] = CLEANSER_MAX_CELLS
+		player_cleansers[pid] = max(0, player_cleansers[pid] - 1)
+		if _can_rpc():
+			rpc("sync_cleanser_count", pid, player_cleansers[pid])
+		
+		# NEW: Clear 3x3 area around player
+		var all_players = get_tree().get_nodes_in_group("Players")
+		var target_player = null
+		for p in all_players:
+			var target_pid = p.get("peer_id") if "peer_id" in p else p.name.to_int()
+			if target_pid == pid:
+				target_player = p
+				break
+		
+		if gridmap and is_instance_valid(target_player):
+			var map_pos = gridmap.local_to_map(target_player.global_position)
+			var center_pos = Vector2i(map_pos.x, map_pos.z)
+			
+			# 3x3 neighborhood
+			for dx in range(-1, 2):
+				for dz in range(-1, 2):
+					var check_pos = center_pos + Vector2i(dx, dz)
+					if is_sticky_cell(check_pos):
+						clear_sticky_cell(check_pos)
+						
+			# Remove slow effect for any player in the cleansed area
+			for p in all_players:
+				if is_instance_valid(p) and p.has_method("remove_slow_effect"):
+					if gridmap:
+						var p_map_pos = gridmap.local_to_map(p.global_position)
+						var p_cell_pos = Vector2i(p_map_pos.x, p_map_pos.z)
+						if abs(p_cell_pos.x - center_pos.x) <= 1 and abs(p_cell_pos.y - center_pos.y) <= 1:
+							if _can_rpc():
+								p.rpc("remove_slow_effect")
+							else:
+								p.remove_slow_effect()
+			
+			print("[Cleanser] Server cleared 3x3 area around %s for player %d" % [center_pos, pid])
 
 @rpc("any_peer", "call_local", "reliable")
 func rpc_use_cleanser(pos: Vector2i) -> void:
@@ -1729,9 +1870,9 @@ func _setup_hud() -> void:
 	hud_layer = hud_instance
 	hud_layer.visible = false
 	add_child(hud_layer)
-	phase_label = hud_layer.get_node("TopContainer/PhaseLabel")
-	cleanser_icon = hud_layer.get_node("BottomContainer/CleanserHBox/CleanserIcon")
-	cleanser_label = hud_layer.get_node("BottomContainer/CleanserHBox/CleanserLabel")
+	phase_label = hud_layer.get_node("BottomContainer/VBoxContainer/PhaseLabel")
+	cleanser_icon = hud_layer.get_node("BottomContainer/VBoxContainer/CleanserHBox/CleanserIcon")
+	cleanser_label = hud_layer.get_node("BottomContainer/VBoxContainer/CleanserHBox/CleanserLabel")
 	slowmo_label = hud_layer.get_node_or_null("TopContainer/SlowMoLabel")
 	_generate_cleanser_icon()
 
@@ -1770,7 +1911,7 @@ func _update_hud_phase(phase_name: String) -> void:
 func update_cleanser_ui(count: int) -> void:
 	cleanser_count = count
 	if cleanser_label:
-		cleanser_label.text = "Cleanser: %d" % count
+		cleanser_label.text = "[E] Cleanser (%d)" % count
 	# Show/hide icon based on availability
 	if cleanser_icon:
 		cleanser_icon.visible = count > 0
@@ -1814,15 +1955,16 @@ func _on_goal_count_updated(peer_id: int, count: int) -> void:
 		player_mission_completions[peer_id] = 0
 	player_mission_completions[peer_id] += 1
 	
-	# Grant cleanser every 2 missions (max 1)
+	# Grant cleanser every 2 missions
 	var completions = player_mission_completions[peer_id]
 	if completions % 2 == 0:
 		if not player_cleansers.has(peer_id):
 			player_cleansers[peer_id] = 0
-		if player_cleansers[peer_id] < 1:
-			player_cleansers[peer_id] = 1
-			emit_signal("cleanser_granted", peer_id)
-			print("[Gauntlet] Player %d granted Cleanser (mission %d)" % [peer_id, completions])
+		
+		# Allow stacking cleanser charges instead of capping at 1
+		player_cleansers[peer_id] += 1
+		emit_signal("cleanser_granted", peer_id)
+		print("[Gauntlet] Player %d granted Cleanser (Total: %d) (mission %d)" % [peer_id, player_cleansers[peer_id], completions])
 	
 	# Sync cleanser count to HUD
 	rpc("sync_cleanser_count", peer_id, player_cleansers.get(peer_id, 0))

scripts/managers/player_movement_manager.gd

@@ -111,11 +111,22 @@ func simple_move_to(grid_position: Vector2i) -> bool:
 			is_wall_passable = false
 			print("[MovementManager] Hard block at %s. Ghost pass denied." % grid_position)
 	
+	var gm = null
+	var main_gauntlet = player.get_tree().root.get_node_or_null("Main")
+	if main_gauntlet and main_gauntlet.get("gauntlet_manager"):
+		gm = main_gauntlet.gauntlet_manager
+
 	# Check Floor 0 (Basic Walkability/Void)
 	if (cell_floor == -1 or cell_floor in enhanced_gridmap.non_walkable_items) and not is_wall_passable:
 		print("[Move] Failed: Floor Item %d is non-walkable" % cell_floor)
 		return false
 		
+	# Gauntlet Mode explicit wall overrides (since we visually removed the wall blocks)
+	if gm and gm.is_active:
+		if gm._is_npc_zone(grid_position):
+			print("[Move] Failed: Blocked by Gauntlet NPC center at %s" % grid_position)
+			return false
+
 	# Check Floor 1 (Obstacles/Walls)
 	if (cell_item != -1 and cell_item in [4, 16]) and not is_wall_passable:
 		print("[Move] Failed: Blocked by Item %d on Floor 1" % cell_item)
@@ -130,11 +141,6 @@ func simple_move_to(grid_position: Vector2i) -> bool:
 		var push_dir = grid_position - player.current_position
 		if not try_push(grid_position, push_dir):
 			return false
-	
-	var gm = null
-	var main_gauntlet = player.get_tree().root.get_node_or_null("Main")
-	if main_gauntlet and main_gauntlet.get("gauntlet_manager"):
-		gm = main_gauntlet.gauntlet_manager
 
 	# Sticky no longer hard-traps — players are slowed instead and can move freely.
 

tests/test_bot_gauntlet.gd.uid

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+uid://byv3h6b2mfdui

tests/test_gauntlet_cleanser.gd

@@ -49,10 +49,11 @@ func test_cleanser_granted_after_two_missions():
 	assert_eq(manager.player_cleansers.get(7, 0), 1, "Cleanser granted after 2 missions")
 
 func test_cleanser_inventory_capped_at_one():
-	# Four missions would be two grants, but inventory caps at 1 (not consumed).
+	# Four missions would be two grants. The new rule allows them to stack.
 	for i in range(4):
+		manager.player_mission_completions[7] = i + 1
 		manager._on_goal_count_updated(7, i + 1)
-	assert_eq(manager.player_cleansers.get(7, 0), 1, "Inventory never exceeds 1")
+	assert_eq(manager.player_cleansers.get(7, 0), 2, "Cleansers now stack")
 
 # =============================================================================
 # Activation / immunity lifecycle
@@ -96,11 +97,12 @@ func test_clear_sticky_cell_removes_and_protects():
 # Safe-stop early termination (#072 acceptance: ends when stopping on safe cell)
 # =============================================================================
 
-func test_stop_on_safe_cell_ends_cleanser():
+func test_stop_on_safe_cell_keeps_cleanser():
 	manager.cleanser_active[8] = true
 	manager.cleanser_cells_left[8] = 3
+	
 	manager.notify_movement_stopped(8, Vector2i(5, 5)) # safe cell
-	assert_false(manager.is_cleanser_active(8), "Cleanser ends on safe-cell stop")
+	assert_true(manager.is_cleanser_active(8), "Cleanser NO LONGER ends on safe-cell stop (persists charges)")
 
 func test_stop_on_sticky_cell_keeps_cleanser():
 	manager.sticky_cells[Vector2i(6, 6)] = true

tests/test_gauntlet_floor_highlight.gd.uid

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+uid://dqvm86t7rr3t