# Candy Pump Survival (Gauntlet) — Technical Implementation Plan

## 1. Feasibility Summary

**Verdict: Feasible.** The existing codebase provides ~70% of the infrastructure needed. The game mode architecture is modular — each mode has its own manager (`StopNGoManager`, `PortalModeManager`) that handles arena setup, HUD, phase logic, and win conditions. A new `GauntletManager` follows this identical pattern.

### Reuse Breakdown

| GDD Feature | Existing System | Reuse Level | New Work |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game Mode registration | `GameMode.gd` enum + `LobbyManager` | **Direct** | Already registered (`GAUNTLET = 3`) |
| 24×24 Arena setup | `StopNGoManager._setup_arena()` pattern | **Heavy** | Custom layout, same GridMap API |
| Tile collection / scoring | `GoalsCycleManager` | **Direct** | Reuse goal completion + scoring |
| Mission system (goals) | `GoalManager` + `goals_cycle_manager.gd` | **Direct** | Same 3×3 pattern matching |
| Timed match (3 min) | `GoalsCycleManager.start_match()` | **Direct** | Pass 180s duration |
| Player movement | `PlayerMovementManager` | **Direct** | Add sticky checks to `simple_move_to()` |
| Sticky cells | `StopNGoManager` safe zone overlay (Layer 2) | **Pattern** | New tile type, same GridMap layer approach |
| Telegraph VFX | Existing GauntletManager telegraph system | **Direct** | Adapt for growth ticks instead of cannon |
| Smack mechanic | Existing GauntletManager smack system | **Direct** | Already implemented |
| Cleanser power-up | Existing GauntletManager cleanser system | **Direct** | Already implemented |
| HUD | `StopNGoManager._setup_hud()` pattern | **Direct** | Mode-specific labels |
| Network sync | RPC patterns throughout codebase | **Direct** | Same `rpc()` / `sync_*` patterns |
| Bot AI | `BotController` + `BotStrategicPlanner` | **Adapt** | New strategy for sticky avoidance |
| Candy bubbles | **NEW** | **New** | Bubble spawn, grow, explode system |
| Candidate scoring | **NEW** | **New** | Cellular-automation growth algorithm |
| Movement buffers | **NEW** | **New** | Hidden safe zone detection/decay |

### What Changes from Current Implementation

The current `GauntletManager` uses a **cannon shooting** model (NPC fires projectiles at targets). The new GDD replaces this with a **ground growth** model (candy spreads from the ground via cellular-automation scoring). This requires:

1. **Remove** `_fire_volley()`, cannon timer, volley size, projectile spawning
2. **Add** growth tick timer, candidate scoring, weighted cell selection
3. **Add** candy bubble system (spawn, grow, explode)
4. **Add** movement buffer detection and decay
5. **Add** layer-based priority logic
6. **Change** arena from 20×20 to 24×24

---

## 2. Architecture Overview

```
main.gd
├── _init_managers()          ← GauntletManager instantiation (existing)
├── _setup_host_game()        ← GauntletManager._setup_arena()
├── _start_game()             ← GauntletManager.start_game_mode()
│
GauntletManager (MODIFY EXISTING)
├── _setup_arena()            ← 24×24 grid, center 3×3 NPC zone
├── _setup_hud()              ← Mission label, cleanser indicator
├── start_game_mode()         ← Start growth timer, spawn tiles
├── _process()                ← Growth tick timer, bubble timer, phase escalation
├── GrowthTick system         ← Candidate scoring, weighted selection, telegraph
├── CandyBubble system        ← Bubble spawn, grow, explode
├── StickyCell system          ← Layer 2 overlay, trap logic
├── MovementBuffer system     ← Hidden safe zone detection, decay, camping override
├── Cleanser system            ← Existing powerup
├── Smack system               ← Existing modified push
└── Win condition              ← Highest score at timer end
```

---

## 3. File-by-File Implementation

### 3.1 Game Mode Registration — Already Done

The existing `game_mode.gd` already has:
```gdscript
enum Mode {
	FREEMODE = 0,
	STOP_N_GO = 1,
	TEKTON_DOORS = 2,
	GAUNTLET = 3          # Already registered
}
```

And `LobbyManager` already has `"Candy Cannon Survival"` in `available_game_modes`. The mode name string can remain as-is or be updated to `"Candy Pump Survival"` if desired.

---

### 3.2 Core Manager — `gauntlet_manager.gd` (MODIFY EXISTING)

**Location:** `scripts/managers/gauntlet_manager.gd`

**Major structural changes:**

#### Remove (cannon-based system):

```
var cannon_timer: float
var cannon_interval: float
var volley_size: int
var last_targeted_player_id: int
func _fire_volley()
func _select_targets()
func _get_near_player_target()
func _get_route_blocking_target()
func _get_random_non_sticky_target()
func _get_random_target()
```

#### Add (growth-based system):

```gdscript
class_name GauntletManager
extends Node

# Signals
signal phase_changed(phase_index: int)
signal growth_tick(targets: Array)
signal player_trapped(player_id: int)
signal cleanser_granted(player_id: int)
signal bubble_spawned(center: Vector2i)
signal bubble_exploded(center: Vector2i, area: Array[Vector2i])

# Constants
const ARENA_SIZE = 24
const NPC_SIZE = 3
const NPC_CENTER = Vector2i(11, 11)  # Center of 24×24
const TILE_STICKY = 17
const TILE_TELEGRAPH = 18
const TILE_WALKABLE = 0
const TILE_OBSTACLE = 4

# Phase timing
enum Phase { OUTER_PRESSURE, MIDDLE_PRESSURE, INNER_SURVIVAL }
var current_phase: Phase = Phase.OUTER_PRESSURE
var elapsed_time: float = 0.0

# Growth tick state
var growth_timer: float = 0.0
var growth_interval: float = 3.0
var telegraph_duration: float = 1.0
var sticky_cells: Dictionary = {}       # Vector2i -> true
var telegraphed_cells: Dictionary = {}  # Vector2i -> true

# Phase-based growth config
var phase_growth_config: Array = [
	{"cells_per_tick": [4, 6], "distribution": {"outer": 0.75, "middle": 0.10, "inner": 0.00, "near_player": 0.10, "random": 0.05}},
	{"cells_per_tick": [6, 8], "distribution": {"outer": 0.20, "middle": 0.50, "inner": 0.00, "near_player": 0.15, "sticky_expansion": 0.10, "random": 0.05}},
	{"cells_per_tick": [8, 10], "distribution": {"outer": 0.10, "middle": 0.25, "inner": 0.35, "near_player": 0.15, "sticky_expansion": 0.15, "random": 0.10}},
]

# Candy bubble state
var bubble_timer: float = 0.0
var bubbles_this_phase: int = 0
var max_bubbles_per_phase: Array = [0, 2, 3]
var active_bubbles: Array = []  # [{center, grow_timer, warning_area}]
var recent_bubble_positions: Array = []  # For RepetitionPenalty

# Movement buffer state
var movement_buffers: Dictionary = {}  # Vector2i -> {penalty: float, created_at: float}
var camping_tracker: Dictionary = {}   # player_id -> {position: Vector2i, since: float}

# Smack state (per-player) — unchanged
var smack_cooldowns: Dictionary = {}
var smack_charged: Dictionary = {}

# Cleanser tracking — unchanged
var player_mission_completions: Dictionary = {}
var player_cleansers: Dictionary = {}

# Trapped players — unchanged
var trapped_players: Dictionary = {}

# Arena layer cache
var arena_layers: Dictionary = {}  # Vector2i -> "outer"/"middle"/"inner"
```

---

### 3.3 Arena Setup — `_setup_arena()`

**Pattern source:** `StopNGoManager._setup_arena()`

Key changes from 20×20 to 24×24:

```gdscript
func _setup_arena():
	if not multiplayer.is_server():
		return
	# Resize gridmap to 24×24
	enhanced_gridmap.columns = ARENA_SIZE
	enhanced_gridmap.rows = ARENA_SIZE
	enhanced_gridmap.floors = 3
	# Clear all layers
	enhanced_gridmap.clear_floor(0)
	enhanced_gridmap.clear_floor(1)
	enhanced_gridmap.clear_floor(2)
	# Fill Floor 0 with walkable tiles
	for x in range(ARENA_SIZE):
		for z in range(ARENA_SIZE):
			enhanced_gridmap.set_cell_item(Vector3i(x, 0, z), TILE_WALKABLE)
	# Block center 3×3 for Candy Pump NPC
	for x in range(NPC_CENTER.x - 1, NPC_CENTER.x + 2):
		for z in range(NPC_CENTER.y - 1, NPC_CENTER.y + 2):
			enhanced_gridmap.set_cell_item(Vector3i(x, 0, z), TILE_OBSTACLE)
	# Build arena layer map
	_build_arena_layers()
	# Sync to clients
	rpc("sync_arena_setup", ARENA_SIZE, NPC_CENTER)
	enhanced_gridmap.initialize_astar()
	enhanced_gridmap.update_astar_costs()
```

---

### 3.4 Layer Calculation — `_build_arena_layers()`

**New method.** Precomputes the layer for every cell based on edge distance.

```gdscript
func _build_arena_layers():
	arena_layers.clear()
	for x in range(ARENA_SIZE):
		for z in range(ARENA_SIZE):
			var edge_dist = mini(x, z, ARENA_SIZE - 1 - x, ARENA_SIZE - 1 - z)
			var layer: String
			if edge_dist <= 3:
				layer = "outer"
			elif edge_dist <= 7:
				layer = "middle"
			else:
				layer = "inner"
			arena_layers[Vector2i(x, z)] = layer
```

---

### 3.5 Growth Tick System — `_process_growth_tick()`

**Replaces** `_fire_volley()`. Called every 3 seconds.

```gdscript
func _process_growth_tick():
	if not multiplayer.is_server():
		return
	var config = phase_growth_config[current_phase]
	var cell_count = randi_range(config.cells_per_tick[0], config.cells_per_tick[1])
	var candidates = _generate_candidates()
	var selected = _select_cells_weighted(candidates, cell_count)
	# Path safety check
	selected = _apply_path_safety(selected)
	# Movement buffer check
	selected = _apply_movement_buffer_check(selected)
	# Telegraph
	_telegraph_cells(selected)
	# After telegraph_duration: apply sticky
	get_tree().create_timer(telegraph_duration).timeout.connect(func():
		_apply_sticky_cells(selected)
	)
```

---

### 3.6 Candidate Generation — `_generate_candidates()`

**New method.** Builds scored list of all SAFE cells.

```gdscript
func _generate_candidates() -> Array:
	var candidates: Array = []
	var players = get_tree().get_nodes_in_group("Players")
	for x in range(ARENA_SIZE):
		for z in range(ARENA_SIZE):
			var pos = Vector2i(x, z)
			if not _is_cell_valid_for_growth(pos):
				continue
			var score = _calculate_candidate_score(pos, players)
			candidates.append({"pos": pos, "score": score})
	return candidates
```

---

### 3.7 Candidate Scoring — `_calculate_candidate_score()`

**New method.** Implements the full Candidate Score formula from the GDD.

```gdscript
func _calculate_candidate_score(pos: Vector2i, players: Array) -> float:
	var score: float = 0.0

	# LayerPriority
	var layer = arena_layers.get(pos, "outer")
	var layer_scores = {
		Phase.OUTER_PRESSURE: {"outer": 60.0, "middle": 15.0, "inner": -40.0},
		Phase.MIDDLE_PRESSURE: {"outer": 20.0, "middle": 60.0, "inner": 5.0},
		Phase.INNER_SURVIVAL: {"outer": 10.0, "middle": 35.0, "inner": 60.0},
	}
	score += layer_scores[current_phase].get(layer, 0.0)

	# StickyNeighborScore (+8 per sticky neighbor, max +64)
	var neighbors = _get_8_neighbors(pos)
	for n in neighbors:
		if sticky_cells.has(n):
			score += 8.0

	# InwardPressureScore
	var center_dist = pos.distance_to(Vector2(NPC_CENTER))
	var max_dist = Vector2(ARENA_SIZE, ARENA_SIZE).length() / 2.0
	var inward_ratio = 1.0 - (center_dist / max_dist)
	match current_phase:
		Phase.OUTER_PRESSURE: score += lerpf(0.0, 10.0, inward_ratio)
		Phase.MIDDLE_PRESSURE: score += lerpf(5.0, 20.0, inward_ratio)
		Phase.INNER_SURVIVAL: score += lerpf(10.0, 30.0, inward_ratio)

	# PlayerPressureScore
	var min_player_dist = INF
	for p in players:
		var p_pos = Vector2i(p.grid_position.x, p.grid_position.z) if p.has_method("get_grid_position") else Vector2i(p.position.x, p.position.z)
		var dist = pos.distance_to(p_pos)
		min_player_dist = mini(min_player_dist, int(dist))
	if min_player_dist >= 2 and min_player_dist <= 4:
		score += 20.0
	elif min_player_dist == 0:
		if elapsed_time < 150.0:  # Before final 30s
			score -= 50.0
		else:
			score += 10.0

	# ClusterGrowthScore
	if _connects_sticky_clusters(pos):
		score += 25.0
	elif _expands_sticky_cluster(pos):
		score += 15.0

	# RoutePressureScore
	if _is_high_traffic_route(pos):
		score += randf_range(10.0, 25.0)

	# CampingPressureScore
	for pid in camping_tracker:
		var camp = camping_tracker[pid]
		if pos.distance_to(camp.position) <= 4:
			var camp_duration = elapsed_time - camp.since
			if camp_duration > 10.0 and player_cleansers.get(pid, 0) > 0:
				score += 60.0
			elif camp_duration > 8.0:
				score += 40.0
			elif camp_duration > 5.0:
				score += 20.0

	# RandomNoise
	score += randf_range(-20.0, 20.0)

	# MovementBufferPenalty
	if movement_buffers.has(pos):
		var buffer = movement_buffers[pos]
		var penalty = _get_buffer_penalty(buffer.penalty)
		score += penalty

	# PathSafetyPenalty
	if _would_trap_player(pos) and elapsed_time < 150.0:
		score -= 100.0
	elif _removes_last_exit(pos):
		score -= 60.0
	elif _makes_route_too_narrow(pos):
		score -= 20.0

	# RepetitionPenalty
	if _was_recently_targeted(pos):
		score -= 30.0
	elif _region_targeted_repeatedly(pos):
		score -= 15.0

	return score
```

---

### 3.8 Weighted Cell Selection — `_select_cells_weighted()`

**New method.** Selects cells using weighted randomness from scored candidates.

```gdscript
func _select_cells_weighted(candidates: Array, count: int) -> Array[Vector2i]:
	# Sort by score descending
	candidates.sort_custom(func(a, b): return a.score > b.score)
	# Build weight array
	var weights: Array[float] = []
	var total_weight: float = 0.0
	for c in candidates:
		var w = maxf(c.score + 100.0, 1.0)  # Offset to ensure positive weights
		weights.append(w)
		total_weight += w
	# Weighted random selection without replacement
	var selected: Array[Vector2i] = []
	var available = candidates.duplicate()
	var available_weights = weights.duplicate()
	for i in range mini(count, available.size()):
		var roll = randf() * total_weight
		var cumulative = 0.0
		for j in range(available.size()):
			cumulative += available_weights[j]
			if roll <= cumulative:
				selected.append(available[j].pos)
				total_weight -= available_weights[j]
				available.remove_at(j)
				available_weights.remove_at(j)
				break
	return selected
```

---

### 3.9 Candy Bubble System

#### Bubble Spawn Timer

```gdscript
func _process_bubbles(delta: float):
	if not multiplayer.is_server():
		return
	# Tick active bubbles
	for i in range(active_bubbles.size() - 1, -1, -1):
		var bubble = active_bubbles[i]
		bubble.grow_timer -= delta
		if bubble.grow_timer <= 0:
			_explode_bubble(bubble)
			active_bubbles.remove_at(i)
```

#### Bubble Spawn Logic

```gdscript
func _try_spawn_bubble():
	var max_bubbles = max_bubbles_per_phase[current_phase]
	if bubbles_this_phase >= max_bubbles:
		return
	var candidates = _generate_bubble_candidates()
	if candidates.is_empty():
		return
	# Weighted selection
	var selected = _select_bubble_target(candidates)
	_spawn_bubble(selected)
	bubbles_this_phase += 1
```

#### Bubble Candidate Scoring

```gdscript
func _generate_bubble_candidates() -> Array:
	var candidates: Array = []
	var players = get_tree().get_nodes_in_group("Players")
	for x in range(ARENA_SIZE):
		for z in range(ARENA_SIZE):
			var pos = Vector2i(x, z)
			if not _is_cell_valid_for_bubble(pos):
				continue
			var score = _calculate_bubble_score(pos, players)
			candidates.append({"pos": pos, "score": score})
	return candidates

func _calculate_bubble_score(pos: Vector2i, players: Array) -> float:
	var score: float = 0.0

	# CampingScore
	for pid in camping_tracker:
		var camp = camping_tracker[pid]
		if pos.distance_to(camp.position) <= 4:
			var camp_duration = elapsed_time - camp.since
			if camp_duration > 10.0 and player_cleansers.get(pid, 0) > 0:
				score += 80.0
			elif camp_duration > 8.0:
				score += 60.0
			elif camp_duration > 5.0:
				score += 40.0

	# UntouchedAreaScore
	if _is_near_untouched_cluster(pos):
		score += 30.0

	# PlayerClusterScore
	var nearby_players = 0
	for p in players:
		var p_pos = Vector2i(p.position.x, p.position.z)
		if pos.distance_to(p_pos) <= 5:
			nearby_players += 1
	if nearby_players >= 2:
		score += 20.0

	# MissionRouteScore
	if _is_important_for_scoring(pos):
		score += randf_range(10.0, 20.0)

	# RandomNoise
	score += randf_range(-20.0, 20.0)

	# DirectHitPenalty
	for p in players:
		var p_pos = Vector2i(p.position.x, p.position.z)
		if pos == p_pos:
			score -= 60.0
			break

	# RecentBubblePenalty
	for recent in recent_bubble_positions:
		if pos.distance_to(recent) <= 5:
			score -= 50.0
			break

	# UnfairTrapPenalty
	if _would_create_unfair_trap(pos):
		score -= 100.0

	return score
```

#### Bubble Explosion

```gdscript
func _explode_bubble(bubble: Dictionary):
	var center = bubble.center
	var explosion_area: Array[Vector2i] = []
	for dx in range(-1, 2):
		for dz in range(-1, 2):
			var pos = Vector2i(center.x + dx, center.y + dz)
			if _is_cell_valid_for_growth(pos):
				explosion_area.append(pos)
	# Telegraph 3×3 area briefly, then apply sticky
	_telegraph_cells(explosion_area)
	get_tree().create_timer(0.5).timeout.connect(func():
		_apply_sticky_cells(explosion_area)
		rpc("sync_bubble_explode", center, explosion_area)
		recent_bubble_positions.append(center)
		if recent_bubble_positions.size() > 5:
			recent_bubble_positions.remove_at(0)
	)
	rpc("sync_bubble_explode_vfx", center)
```

---

### 3.10 Movement Buffer System

#### Buffer Detection

```gdscript
func _detect_movement_buffers():
	# Find all connected clusters of SAFE cells
	var visited: Dictionary = {}
	var clusters: Array = []
	for x in range(ARENA_SIZE):
		for z in range(ARENA_SIZE):
			var pos = Vector2i(x, z)
			if visited.has(pos) or not _is_cell_safe(pos):
				continue
			var cluster = _flood_fill_safe_cluster(pos, visited)
			clusters.append(cluster)
	# Apply buffer penalties to clusters that are critical for movement
	for cluster in clusters:
		if _is_critical_for_movement(cluster):
			for pos in cluster:
				if not movement_buffers.has(pos):
					movement_buffers[pos] = {"penalty": 1.0, "created_at": elapsed_time}
```

#### Buffer Decay

```gdscript
func _decay_movement_buffers():
	var to_remove: Array = []
	for pos in movement_buffers:
		var buffer = movement_buffers[pos]
		# Every 5 seconds: reduce penalty by 25%
		var age = elapsed_time - buffer.created_at
		var decay_cycles = int(age / 5.0)
		buffer.penalty *= pow(0.75, decay_cycles)
		# Phase change: reduce by 50%
		# (Applied once at phase transition, tracked separately)
		# Final 30s: remove most
		if elapsed_time > 150.0:
			buffer.penalty *= 0.1
		if buffer.penalty < 0.05:
			to_remove.append(pos)
	for pos in to_remove:
		movement_buffers.erase(pos)
```

#### Camping Detection

```gdscript
func _update_camping_tracker():
	var players = get_tree().get_nodes_in_group("Players")
	for p in players:
		var pid = p.get_multiplayer_authority()
		var p_pos = Vector2i(p.position.x, p.position.z)
		if camping_tracker.has(pid):
			var camp = camping_tracker[pid]
			if p_pos == camp.position:
				pass  # Still camping
			else:
				camping_tracker[pid] = {"position": p_pos, "since": elapsed_time}
		else:
			camping_tracker[pid] = {"position": p_pos, "since": elapsed_time}
```

---

### 3.11 Sticky Cell Application

```gdscript
func _apply_sticky_cells(positions: Array[Vector2i]):
	for pos in positions:
		if not _is_cell_valid_for_growth(pos):
			continue
		sticky_cells[pos] = true
		telegraphed_cells.erase(pos)
		# Set Layer 2 overlay
		enhanced_gridmap.set_cell_item(Vector3i(pos.x, 2, pos.y), TILE_STICKY)
		# Check if any player is now on sticky
		_check_players_on_sticky()
	# Update A* costs
	enhanced_gridmap.update_astar_costs()
	# Sync to clients
	rpc("sync_sticky_cells", sticky_cells.keys())
```

---

### 3.12 Player Sticky Check

```gdscript
func _check_players_on_sticky():
	var players = get_tree().get_nodes_in_group("Players")
	for p in players:
		var p_pos = Vector2i(p.position.x, p.position.z)
		if sticky_cells.has(p_pos):
			var pid = p.get_multiplayer_authority()
			if is_cleanser_active(pid):
				clear_sticky_cell(p_pos)
				use_cleanser_cell(pid)
			else:
				_trap_player(p)
```

---

### 3.13 Path Safety Check

```gdscript
func _apply_path_safety(selected: Array[Vector2i]) -> Array[Vector2i]:
	if elapsed_time > 150.0:  # Final 30s: softer rules
		return selected
	var players = get_tree().get_nodes_in_group("Players")
	var result = selected.duplicate()
	for p in players:
		var pid = p.get_multiplayer_authority()
		if trapped_players.has(pid):
			continue
		var p_pos = Vector2i(p.position.x, p.position.z)
		# Temporarily apply selected cells
		var temp_sticky = sticky_cells.duplicate()
		for pos in result:
			temp_sticky[pos] = true
		# Check if player has reachable safe cells within 6–8 cells
		var has_escape = _has_reachable_safe_cell(p_pos, temp_sticky, 8)
		if not has_escape:
			# Replace some cells with safer alternatives
			result = _replace_with_safer_candidates(result, 2)
	return result
```

---

### 3.14 Telegraph System (Modified)

The existing telegraph system works but needs adaptation for growth ticks instead of cannon volleys.

```gdscript
func _telegraph_cells(positions: Array[Vector2i]):
	for pos in positions:
		telegraphed_cells[pos] = true
		enhanced_gridmap.set_cell_item(Vector3i(pos.x, 2, pos.y), TILE_TELEGRAPH)
	rpc("sync_growth_telegraph", positions)
	# Animate telegraph
	_animate_growth_telegraph(positions)
```

**Reuse existing** `_animate_telegraph()` tween pattern from current GauntletManager.

---

### 3.15 Network Sync

| Data | Sync Method | Pattern |
|---|---|---|
| Sticky cells | `rpc("sync_sticky_cells", positions)` | Same as `sync_grid_item` |
| Growth telegraph | `rpc("sync_growth_telegraph", positions)` | Same as `sync_telegraph` |
| Phase changes | `rpc("sync_gauntlet_phase", phase_idx, elapsed)` | Same as `sync_phase` |
| Bubble spawn | `rpc("sync_bubble_spawn", center, grow_duration)` | New RPC |
| Bubble explode | `rpc("sync_bubble_explode", center, area)` | New RPC |
| Trap state | `player.rpc("sync_trapped", true)` | Same as `sync_stop_freeze` |
| Cleanser grant | `rpc("sync_cleanser", peer_id, count)` | Same as `sync_goal_count` |
| Smack state | `player.rpc("sync_smack_state", charged)` | Same as `sync_modulate` |

---

### 3.16 Integration Points in `main.gd`

The existing integration in `main.gd` already handles GauntletManager. No changes needed unless the mode name string is updated.

---

## 4. New Files Summary

| File | Type | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| (none) | — | All changes are modifications to existing `gauntlet_manager.gd` |

## 5. Modified Files Summary

| File | Changes |
|---|---|
| `scripts/managers/gauntlet_manager.gd` | **Major rewrite:** Replace cannon system with growth tick system, add candidate scoring, add candy bubble system, add movement buffer system, add layer calculation, change arena to 24×24 |
| `scripts/game_mode.gd` | Optionally rename string to `"Candy Pump Survival"` |
| `scripts/managers/lobby_manager.gd` | Optionally rename mode string; update settings (remove cannon_interval, volley_size; add growth_interval, cells_per_tick) |
| `scripts/mode_config.gd` | Update schema: remove `gauntlet_cannon_interval`, `gauntlet_volley_size`; add `gauntlet_growth_interval`, `gauntlet_cells_per_tick_phase1/2/3` |
| `scenes/main.gd` | Update mode string match if renamed |

---

## 6. Helper Methods Required

These utility methods need to be added to `gauntlet_manager.gd`:

```gdscript
# Cell validation
func _is_cell_valid_for_growth(pos: Vector2i) -> bool
func _is_cell_valid_for_bubble(pos: Vector2i) -> bool
func _is_cell_safe(pos: Vector2i) -> bool

# Neighbor queries
func _get_8_neighbors(pos: Vector2i) -> Array[Vector2i]
func _flood_fill_safe_cluster(start: Vector2i, visited: Dictionary) -> Array[Vector2i]

# Cluster analysis
func _expands_sticky_cluster(pos: Vector2i) -> bool
func _connects_sticky_clusters(pos: Vector2i) -> bool
func _is_near_untouched_cluster(pos: Vector2i) -> bool
func _is_critical_for_movement(cluster: Array) -> bool

# Route analysis
func _is_high_traffic_route(pos: Vector2i) -> bool
func _is_important_for_scoring(pos: Vector2i) -> bool
func _would_trap_player(pos: Vector2i) -> bool
func _removes_last_exit(pos: Vector2i) -> bool
func _makes_route_too_narrow(pos: Vector2i) -> bool
func _would_create_unfair_trap(pos: Vector2i) -> bool
func _has_reachable_safe_cell(from: Vector2i, temp_sticky: Dictionary, radius: int) -> bool

# Repetition tracking
func _was_recently_targeted(pos: Vector2i) -> bool
func _region_targeted_repeatedly(pos: Vector2i) -> bool

# Bubble helpers
func _select_bubble_target(candidates: Array) -> Vector2i
func _replace_with_safer_candidates(selected: Array[Vector2i], count: int) -> Array[Vector2i]
```

---

## 7. Implementation Priority (Recommended Order)

1. **Update arena to 24×24** — Modify `_setup_arena()`, update `NPC_CENTER`, update `_build_arena_layers()`
2. **Replace cannon with growth tick** — Remove `_fire_volley()`, add `_process_growth_tick()`, `_generate_candidates()`, `_calculate_candidate_score()`
3. **Weighted cell selection** — `_select_cells_weighted()`, sticky application, A* cost update
4. **Movement buffer system** — `_detect_movement_buffers()`, `_decay_movement_buffers()`, buffer penalty in scoring
5. **Path safety check** — `_apply_path_safety()`, `_has_reachable_safe_cell()`, replace unsafe selections
6. **Candy bubble system** — Bubble timer, `_try_spawn_bubble()`, bubble scoring, `_explode_bubble()`
7. **Camping detection** — `_update_camping_tracker()`, camping score in candidate and bubble scoring
8. **Update HUD** — Growth tick indicator, bubble warning, phase label
9. **Network sync** — New RPCs for growth telegraph, bubble spawn/explode
10. **Bot AI** — Sticky avoidance, pathfinding through sticky, cleanser usage
11. **Polish** — VFX for growth ticks, bubble animations, screen shake on explosion, sound effects
12. **Update lobby settings** — Replace cannon/volley settings with growth settings in `lobby_manager.gd` and `mode_config.gd`

---

## 8. Risk Assessment

| Risk | Mitigation |
|---|---|
| GridMap Layer 2 conflict with existing freeze/safe overlays | Gauntlet mode is exclusive — no freeze/safe tiles in this mode |
| 24×24 grid performance (576 cells + scoring every 3s) | Scoring runs on server only; candidate list is max 567 cells; weighted selection is O(n log n) |
| Movement buffer creating invisible safe zones that feel unfair | Buffers decay aggressively; camping override removes them; final 30s removes most; players experience it as "uneven growth" not "protected zones" |
| Path safety check preventing any arena pressure | Only triggers when a player would be fully trapped; final 30s disables strict check |
| Bubble stacking creating unavoidable traps | RecentBubblePenalty (-50) prevents nearby bubbles; max 5 per round; UnfairTrapPenalty (-100) prevents instant failures |
| Candidate scoring feeling too complex to tune | Start with simple weights; each component is independent and tunable; playtest to adjust |
| A* pathfinding cost updates every 3s causing lag | `update_astar_costs()` is lightweight (updates existing AStar2D); only runs on server |