The Future of Normalized PvP

Competitive gaming thrives on fairness and skill, and normalized PvP is a hot topic for many players looking for a balanced battlefield. In the latest Fateless Podcast, host Brad is joined by Paul and Dirk to break down the nuances of normalized PvP, its place in modern gaming, and what it means for upcoming titles like Godforge.

For those unfamiliar with the term, normalized PvP levels the playing field by removing any advantages tied to spending money, gear progression, or character collection. In other words, it’s a format where skill and strategy take center stage, rather than how much a player has invested financially. This system is commonly found in games like Guild Wars 2, Clash Royale, and Hearthstone Arena, where every participant competes under the same conditions.

One of the biggest benefits of normalized PvP is that it allows players to engage in fair competition without being overshadowed by “whales” (players who spend large amounts of money). As Paul points out, this system ensures that a new player with good strategy can go toe-to-toe with someone who has been playing (and spending) for years. It removes the frustration of losing simply because an opponent has better gear or more upgraded characters.

On the flip side, Brad raises an important point: If normalized PvP is too rewarding, it could shift the focus of the game away from its core experience. Games should avoid forcing players into PvP just to progress in PvE missions, a major complaint in games like Raid: Shadow Legends, where earning key rewards requires climbing PvP ladders.

The group discusses several successful implementations of normalized PvP, including:

• Guild Wars 2 – Offers a mode where every player selects their gear from a fixed pool, ensuring a level playing field.
• Hearthstone Arena – A perfect example of skill-based normalized PvP, where players draft a deck instead of relying on their existing card collection. The best players can sustain their play without spending money, making it one of the most rewarding competitive formats.
• Clash Royale’s Tournament Mode – Introduces “tournament standard” levels, making sure that everyone competes with the same power level.

However, they also critique games like AFK Journey, which, while offering a strong foundation, lacks enough diversity in its roster and build paths to keep the experience fresh.

One of the most debated topics in the podcast was finding the right mix between random chance and player skill.

• In Hearthstone Arena, skill outweighs RNG—a great player rarely goes on long losing streaks.
• In AFK Journey, however, randomness can heavily influence results, sometimes making it impossible to win despite good decision-making.

Dirk, a top 10 player in AFK Journey’s Honor Duel mode, shares his frustration about runs where bad luck completely derails his experience, even when playing at a high level. He argues that while randomness adds variety, skill should be the primary factor in determining success.

For Godforge and similar upcoming games, the team agrees that normalized PvP should be fun and rewarding but not mandatory for progression. Paul highlights that forcing players into PvP to unlock essential content can alienate a large portion of the player base.

Brad also emphasizes the importance of good rewards in normalized PvP. Games like Hearthstone allow skilled players to sustain themselves through rewards, whereas AFK Journey falls short, offering little immediate gratification for a good run. A balance must be struck where players feel motivated to engage without making it the primary way to earn power.

The podcast provides some fantastic insights into the importance, challenges, and future of normalized PvP. With games like Godforge in development, these discussions could shape how developers approach balanced, skill-based competitive play.

Key takeaways:

• Normalized PvP ensures fairness, removing pay-to-win advantages.
• Games should not force PvP to progress in PvE content.
• RNG vs. skill balance is crucial—players should feel in control of their success.
• Rewards matter! A well-balanced system should offer incentives without overshadowing core gameplay.