diff --git a/assets/fonts/TektonDash2.ttf b/assets/fonts/TektonDash2.ttf
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1c2e2b9
Binary files /dev/null and b/assets/fonts/TektonDash2.ttf differ
diff --git a/assets/fonts/TektonDash2.ttf.import b/assets/fonts/TektonDash2.ttf.import
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8b2c3ed
--- /dev/null
+++ b/assets/fonts/TektonDash2.ttf.import
@@ -0,0 +1,36 @@
+[remap]
+
+importer="font_data_dynamic"
+type="FontFile"
+uid="uid://dsqg0x5lnosou"
+path="res://.godot/imported/TektonDash2.ttf-1516aff8b98a916de0041ae3337aaaad.fontdata"
+
+[deps]
+
+source_file="res://assets/fonts/TektonDash2.ttf"
+dest_files=["res://.godot/imported/TektonDash2.ttf-1516aff8b98a916de0041ae3337aaaad.fontdata"]
+
+[params]
+
+Rendering=null
+antialiasing=1
+generate_mipmaps=false
+disable_embedded_bitmaps=true
+multichannel_signed_distance_field=false
+msdf_pixel_range=8
+msdf_size=48
+allow_system_fallback=true
+force_autohinter=false
+modulate_color_glyphs=false
+hinting=1
+subpixel_positioning=4
+keep_rounding_remainders=true
+oversampling=0.0
+Fallbacks=null
+fallbacks=[]
+Compress=null
+compress=true
+preload=[]
+language_support={}
+script_support={}
+opentype_features={}
diff --git a/scenes/loading_screen/loading_screen.tscn b/scenes/loading_screen/loading_screen.tscn
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..66e6b81
--- /dev/null
+++ b/scenes/loading_screen/loading_screen.tscn
@@ -0,0 +1,149 @@
+[gd_scene load_steps=10 format=3 uid="uid://dtjppx0u68jw5"]
+
+[ext_resource type="Script" path="res://scripts/ui/loading_screen.gd" id="1_u2jrd"]
+[ext_resource type="Texture2D" uid="uid://beimain5tk480" path="res://assets/graphics/loading_screen/bg_loading.png" id="2_gardl"]
+[ext_resource type="Shader" uid="uid://df6pi8e32lmco" path="res://assets/graphics/loading_screen/loading_screen.gdshader" id="3_vqw5v"]
+[ext_resource type="Texture2D" uid="uid://boenrxbgftva1" path="res://assets/graphics/loading_screen/pattern.png" id="4_u2jrd"]
+[ext_resource type="FontFile" path="res://assets/fonts/TektonDash2.ttf" id="5_ho08k"]
+
+[sub_resource type="ShaderMaterial" id="ShaderMaterial_pc0ba"]
+shader = ExtResource("3_vqw5v")
+
+[sub_resource type="FontVariation" id="FontVariation_8cml4"]
+
+[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_a8kcw"]
+bg_color = Color(0.529067, 0.529067, 0.529067, 1)
+border_width_left = 5
+border_width_top = 5
+border_width_right = 5
+border_width_bottom = 5
+border_color = Color(0, 0, 0, 1)
+corner_radius_top_left = 10
+corner_radius_top_right = 10
+corner_radius_bottom_right = 10
+corner_radius_bottom_left = 10
+
+[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_8cml4"]
+bg_color = Color(1, 1, 1, 1)
+border_width_left = 5
+border_width_top = 5
+border_width_right = 5
+border_width_bottom = 5
+border_color = Color(0, 0, 0, 1)
+
+[node name="loading_screen" type="Control"]
+layout_mode = 3
+anchors_preset = 15
+anchor_right = 1.0
+anchor_bottom = 1.0
+grow_horizontal = 2
+grow_vertical = 2
+script = ExtResource("1_u2jrd")
+
+[node name="Bg" type="TextureRect" parent="."]
+layout_mode = 1
+anchors_preset = 15
+anchor_right = 1.0
+anchor_bottom = 1.0
+grow_horizontal = 2
+grow_vertical = 2
+texture = ExtResource("2_gardl")
+
+[node name="BgSeamless" type="TextureRect" parent="."]
+self_modulate = Color(1, 1, 1, 0.3529412)
+texture_repeat = 2
+material = SubResource("ShaderMaterial_pc0ba")
+layout_mode = 1
+anchors_preset = 15
+anchor_right = 1.0
+anchor_bottom = 1.0
+offset_top = -421.0
+offset_bottom = 421.0
+grow_horizontal = 2
+grow_vertical = 2
+texture = ExtResource("4_u2jrd")
+stretch_mode = 1
+
+[node name="Control" type="Control" parent="."]
+layout_mode = 1
+anchors_preset = 15
+anchor_right = 1.0
+anchor_bottom = 1.0
+grow_horizontal = 2
+grow_vertical = 2
+
+[node name="scene_name" type="VBoxContainer" parent="Control"]
+visible = false
+layout_mode = 1
+anchors_preset = 8
+anchor_left = 0.5
+anchor_top = 0.5
+anchor_right = 0.5
+anchor_bottom = 0.5
+offset_left = -100.0
+offset_top = -100.0
+offset_right = 100.0
+offset_bottom = -20.0
+grow_horizontal = 2
+grow_vertical = 2
+alignment = 1
+
+[node name="label" type="Label" parent="Control/scene_name"]
+layout_mode = 2
+text = "Loading..."
+horizontal_alignment = 1
+
+[node name="name_of_load_scene" type="Label" parent="Control/scene_name"]
+layout_mode = 2
+text = "Map"
+horizontal_alignment = 1
+
+[node name="tips" type="VBoxContainer" parent="Control"]
+layout_mode = 1
+anchors_preset = 7
+anchor_left = 0.5
+anchor_top = 1.0
+anchor_right = 0.5
+anchor_bottom = 1.0
+offset_left = -200.0
+offset_top = -150.0
+offset_right = 200.0
+offset_bottom = -100.0
+grow_horizontal = 2
+grow_vertical = 0
+alignment = 1
+
+[node name="label" type="Label" parent="Control/tips"]
+layout_mode = 2
+theme_override_colors/font_outline_color = Color(0, 0, 0, 1)
+theme_override_constants/outline_size = 10
+theme_override_fonts/font = ExtResource("5_ho08k")
+theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 24
+text = "Tips"
+horizontal_alignment = 1
+
+[node name="tip_value" type="Label" parent="Control/tips"]
+layout_mode = 2
+theme_override_colors/font_outline_color = Color(0, 0, 0, 1)
+theme_override_constants/outline_size = 10
+theme_override_fonts/font = ExtResource("5_ho08k")
+theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 30
+text = "Tip Value"
+horizontal_alignment = 1
+
+[node name="progress_bar" type="ProgressBar" parent="."]
+layout_mode = 1
+anchors_preset = 12
+anchor_top = 1.0
+anchor_right = 1.0
+anchor_bottom = 1.0
+offset_left = 50.0
+offset_top = -50.0
+offset_right = -50.0
+offset_bottom = -20.0
+grow_horizontal = 2
+grow_vertical = 0
+theme_override_colors/font_color = Color(0, 0, 0, 1)
+theme_override_fonts/font = SubResource("FontVariation_8cml4")
+theme_override_styles/background = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_a8kcw")
+theme_override_styles/fill = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_8cml4")
diff --git a/scenes/lobby.gd b/scenes/lobby.gd
index aed0209..f6c75f2 100644
--- a/scenes/lobby.gd
+++ b/scenes/lobby.gd
@@ -736,8 +736,16 @@ func _on_all_players_ready() -> void:
 
 func _on_game_starting() -> void:
 	connection_status.text = "Starting game..."
-	await get_tree().create_timer(0.5).timeout
-	get_tree().change_scene_to_file("res://scenes/main.tscn")
+	
+	# Instantiate and use the loading screen
+	var loading_screen_scene = load("res://scenes/loading_screen/loading_screen.tscn")
+	if loading_screen_scene:
+		var loading_screen = loading_screen_scene.instantiate()
+		get_tree().root.add_child(loading_screen)
+		loading_screen.load_level("res://scenes/main.tscn")
+	else:
+		# Fallback if loading screen fails to load
+		get_tree().change_scene_to_file("res://scenes/main.tscn")
 
 func _on_match_duration_changed(duration_seconds: int) -> void:
 	if not LobbyManager.is_host:
diff --git a/scenes/lobby.tscn b/scenes/lobby.tscn
index a1badd8..a99b287 100644
--- a/scenes/lobby.tscn
+++ b/scenes/lobby.tscn
@@ -1136,9 +1136,9 @@ anchors_preset = 12
 anchor_top = 1.0
 anchor_right = 1.0
 anchor_bottom = 1.0
-offset_left = 466.0
+offset_left = 462.0
 offset_top = -65.0
-offset_right = -459.0
+offset_right = -463.0
 offset_bottom = -16.0
 grow_horizontal = 2
 grow_vertical = 0
diff --git a/scenes/main.gd b/scenes/main.gd
index db780cc..d041747 100644
--- a/scenes/main.gd
+++ b/scenes/main.gd
@@ -364,11 +364,19 @@ func _start_pre_game_countdown():
 
 @rpc("call_local", "reliable")
 func sync_countdown(text: String):
-	var label = get_node_or_null("CountdownLabel")
+	# Use a CanvasLayer to ensure the countdown is on top of everything
+	var countdown_layer = get_node_or_null("CountdownLayerUI")
+	if not countdown_layer:
+		countdown_layer = CanvasLayer.new()
+		countdown_layer.name = "CountdownLayerUI"
+		countdown_layer.layer = 100 # Very high priority
+		add_child(countdown_layer)
+		
+	var label = countdown_layer.get_node_or_null("CountdownLabel")
 	if not label and text != "":
 		label = Label.new()
 		label.name = "CountdownLabel"
-		add_child(label)
+		countdown_layer.add_child(label)
 		
 		# Center and Style
 		label.anchors_preset = Control.PRESET_CENTER
@@ -378,15 +386,20 @@ func sync_countdown(text: String):
 		label.horizontal_alignment = HORIZONTAL_ALIGNMENT_CENTER
 		label.vertical_alignment = VERTICAL_ALIGNMENT_CENTER
 		
-		label.add_theme_font_size_override("font_size", 120)
+		label.add_theme_font_size_override("font_size", 140)
 		label.add_theme_color_override("font_outline_color", Color.BLACK)
-		label.add_theme_constant_override("outline_size", 12)
+		label.add_theme_constant_override("outline_size", 20)
 		label.add_theme_color_override("font_color", Color.YELLOW)
+		
+		# Use Nougat font if available
+		var nougat = load("res://assets/fonts/Nougat-ExtraBlack.ttf")
+		if nougat:
+			label.add_theme_font_override("font", nougat)
 	
 	if label:
 		label.text = text
 		if text == "":
-			label.queue_free()
+			countdown_layer.queue_free()
 		elif text == "GO!":
 			label.add_theme_color_override("font_color", Color.GREEN)
 
@@ -687,8 +700,8 @@ func _start_game():
 				wait_time += 0.2
 				
 		# Allow socket/peer to stabilize before blasting RPCs
-		# Snappier delay for LAN mode
-		var delay = 0.5 if LobbyManager.is_lan_mode else 2.0
+		# Snappier delay since we already waited for scene load
+		var delay = 0.2 if LobbyManager.is_lan_mode else 0.5
 		await get_tree().create_timer(delay).timeout
 		
 		# NOW assign spawn positions for EVERYONE (Host, Client, Bots)
@@ -2391,8 +2404,16 @@ func _on_quit_match_pressed():
 	get_tree().paused = false # Ensure unpaused when returning to menu
 	# Properly disconnect from Nakama and clear lobby state to prevent desync
 	LobbyManager.leave_room()
-	# Return to lobby or main menu
-	get_tree().change_scene_to_file("res://scenes/lobby.tscn")
+	
+	# Return to lobby via loading screen
+	var loading_screen_scene = load("res://scenes/loading_screen/loading_screen.tscn")
+	if loading_screen_scene:
+		var loading_screen = loading_screen_scene.instantiate()
+		get_tree().root.add_child(loading_screen)
+		loading_screen.load_level("res://scenes/lobby.tscn")
+	else:
+		# Fallback
+		get_tree().change_scene_to_file("res://scenes/lobby.tscn")
 
 func _on_settings_back_pressed():
 	var pause_menu = get_node_or_null("PauseMenu")
@@ -2418,11 +2439,16 @@ func _on_joystick_toggled(enabled: bool):
 		touch_controls._save_settings()
 
 func can_rpc() -> bool:
-	if not multiplayer.has_multiplayer_peer() or multiplayer.multiplayer_peer.get_connection_status() != MultiplayerPeer.CONNECTION_CONNECTED:
-		return false
+	if not multiplayer.has_multiplayer_peer(): return false
+	if multiplayer.multiplayer_peer.get_connection_status() != MultiplayerPeer.CONNECTION_CONNECTED: return false
+	
+	if LobbyManager.is_lan_mode:
+		return true
+		
 	var nakama = get_node_or_null("/root/NakamaManager")
-	if nakama and nakama.has_method("is_connected_to_nakama") and not nakama.is_connected_to_nakama():
-		return false
+	if nakama and nakama.has_method("is_connected_to_nakama"):
+		return nakama.is_connected_to_nakama()
+		
 	return true
 
 @rpc("authority", "call_local", "reliable")
diff --git a/scripts/ui/loading_screen.gd b/scripts/ui/loading_screen.gd
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..439cb7a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/scripts/ui/loading_screen.gd
@@ -0,0 +1,108 @@
+extends Control
+
+@export var tips: Array[String] = [
+	"Use your cards wisely!",
+	"Plan your moves ahead.",
+	"Watch out for obstacles!",
+	"Combine cards for powerful effects."
+]
+
+var is_loading: bool = false
+var path: String = ""
+var progress: Array[float] = []
+
+@onready var progress_bar = $progress_bar
+@onready var tip_value = $Control/tips/tip_value
+@onready var scene_name_label = $Control/scene_name/name_of_load_scene
+@onready var content_control = $Control
+
+func _ready():
+	set_process(false)
+
+var load_start_time = 0.0
+var stuck_time = 0.0
+var last_progress = 0.0
+
+func _process(delta):
+	if is_loading:
+		var status = ResourceLoader.load_threaded_get_status(path, progress)
+		match status:
+			ResourceLoader.THREAD_LOAD_IN_PROGRESS:
+				if progress.size() > 0:
+					var actual_progress = progress[0] * 100
+					
+					# If progress is actually advancing, use it and reset stuck timer
+					if actual_progress > last_progress:
+						progress_bar.value = actual_progress
+						last_progress = actual_progress
+						stuck_time = 0.0
+					else:
+						# Progress is stuck, increment stuck timer
+						stuck_time += delta
+						
+						# If stuck for more than 0.5 seconds, start simulating progress
+						if stuck_time > 0.5:
+							# Calculate how much more progress needed
+							var remaining_percent = 99.0 - progress_bar.value
+							
+							# Adjust increment speed based on how much progress we've already made
+							# Slower at the beginning, faster near the end
+							var increment_speed = 5.0 + (progress_bar.value / 20.0)
+							
+							# Apply increment
+							progress_bar.value = min(progress_bar.value + increment_speed * delta, 99.0)
+			
+			ResourceLoader.THREAD_LOAD_LOADED:
+				progress_bar.value = 100
+				call_deferred("_handle_load_complete")
+				
+			ResourceLoader.THREAD_LOAD_FAILED:
+				print("Loading failed: ", path)
+				is_loading = false
+				set_process(false)
+
+func _handle_load_complete():
+	var resource = ResourceLoader.load_threaded_get(path)
+	if resource:
+		change_scene(resource)
+	else:
+		print("Failed to get loaded resource")
+	
+	set_process(false)
+	is_loading = false
+
+func change_scene(resource: PackedScene):
+	print("Loading complete. Switching scene...")
+	# The Lobby (parent) should be removed by the caller or we handle it here if we are the root.
+	# But in this architecture, the Lobby is a child of root or MainMenu? 
+	# Actually, usually we use get_tree().change_scene_to_packed(resource)
+	
+	get_tree().change_scene_to_packed(resource)
+	
+	# Clean up self (Loading Screen)
+	queue_free()
+
+
+func load_level(_path: String):
+	print("Starting load for: ", _path)
+	path = _path
+	show()
+	content_control.show()
+	
+	if scene_name_label:
+		scene_name_label.text = "Loading Game..." # _path.get_file().get_basename()
+	
+	if tips.size() > 0:
+		$Control/tips.show()
+		tip_value.text = tips.pick_random()
+	else:
+		$Control/tips.hide()
+	
+	# 1. Request Load
+	var error = ResourceLoader.load_threaded_request(path)
+	if error == OK:
+		is_loading = true
+		set_process(true)
+	else:
+		print("Failed to start loading: ", error)
+		# Fallback?
diff --git a/scripts/ui/loading_screen.gd.uid b/scripts/ui/loading_screen.gd.uid
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bc1cd01
--- /dev/null
+++ b/scripts/ui/loading_screen.gd.uid
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+uid://dffsxj8h5sud6