Nexus Architecture
The hybrid browser Nexus that bridges account management with real-time gameplay.
Arcania uses a hybrid architecture where a browser-based Nexus handles account management, inventory, and social features, while the Godot-powered game client handles real-time combat and zone exploration.
Architecture Overview
The Nexus and In-Game systems work together as a seamless experience:
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ NEXUS (Browser Hub) │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Account & Characters │ Inventory & Vault │ Social & Trading │
│ • Login/Register │ • Vault (safe) │ • Friends │
│ • Character Select │ • Bag management │ • Parties │
│ • Loadouts │ • Equipment │ • Marketplace │
│ • Stats & Builds │ • Forgemaster │ • Chat │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
│
"Enter Zone"
│
▼
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ IN-GAME (Godot Client) │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Real-Time Gameplay │ Combat Interface │ World Interaction │
│ • Zone exploration │ • Hotbar (skills) │ • NPC Vendors │
│ • Monster combat │ • Quick inventory │ • Loot pickup │
│ • PvP encounters │ • Health/Mana bars │ • Quest objectives │
│ • Other players │ • Minimap │ • Chat overlay │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
What Lives Where
Nexus Features
The Nexus handles everything you can do outside active combat:
| Feature | Description | Why Nexus? |
|---|---|---|
| Account Management | Login, register, settings | Security, persistence |
| Character Selection | Create, select, delete characters | Pre-game preparation |
| Vault | Account-wide safe storage | Rich UI, cross-character |
| Inventory Management | Full bag organization, sorting | Complex UI, no time pressure |
| Equipment & Loadouts | Theory-craft builds | Detailed stat comparison |
| Forgemaster | Crafting system | Recipe browsing, material tracking |
| Marketplace | Player-to-player trading | Search, filters, history |
| Quest Log | Read quests, lore | Long-form content |
| Social Hub | Friends, parties, chat | Always accessible |
In-Game Features
The Godot client handles everything requiring real-time interaction:
| Feature | Description | Why In-Game? |
|---|---|---|
| Zone Exploration | Move through the world | Real-time movement |
| Combat | Fight monsters and players | Action gameplay |
| Quick Inventory | Open bag mid-combat | Fast equipment swaps |
| Hotbar | Use potions, cast abilities | Combat responsiveness |
| Loot Pickup | Collect dropped items | World interaction |
| NPC Vendors | Buy potions, basic gear | Immersive shops |
| Other Players | See and interact with others | MMO experience |
Note
Players can open their Bag during combat to swap equipment. The game does not pause - this is an MMO!
Seamless Transition
The Nexus and In-Game share the same browser tab. Transitioning between them is seamless:
Entering a Zone
1. Player in Nexus (managing inventory, chatting)
│
▼
2. Click "Enter [Zone Name]" button
│
▼
3. Nexus UI fades out
│
▼
4. Godot client expands to fullscreen
│
▼
5. Character spawns at zone entrance
Returning to Nexus
1. Player in Zone (fighting, exploring)
│
▼
2. Reach Safe Zone (city, outpost) OR press ESC menu
│
▼
3. Click "Return to Nexus"
│
▼
4. Godot client minimizes
│
▼
5. Nexus UI fades back in
Warning
Danger Zone Exit: If you try to exit in a Danger Zone, your character will be killed and suffer death penalties. Always return to a Safe Zone before exiting!