Ashes of Darkness Dev Ponders Pet Invincibility in Upcoming Combat System

A new combat mechanic for the in-development action RPG *Ashes of Darkness* has sparked an interesting design question among its community. The game, currently listed on Steam, features a pet system where companions actively participate in battles alongside the player, but their role in the enemy's targeting priority is still up for debate.

Currently, enemies in *Ashes of Darkness* completely ignore the player's combat pet. This means the companion can freely engage foes, dealing damage without any risk of being targeted or defeated. This approach simplifies combat encounters, allowing players to rely on their pet as a consistent source of support and offense without the added layer of micromanagement or protection.

However, the developer is actively seeking community feedback on whether this invulnerability should remain a core feature. The alternative would introduce a layer of strategic depth, forcing players to consider their pet's positioning and vulnerability, potentially leading to more dynamic and challenging encounters if enemies were able to target and even defeat the companions.

The decision carries significant weight for the game's overall feel and difficulty curve. Keeping pets invincible offers a more straightforward, power-fantasy experience, while making them targetable could introduce elements of risk, resource management, and emotional attachment, akin to a permanent party member whose survival is paramount. The ongoing community discussion will likely shape this key aspect of *Ashes of Darkness* as it moves towards release.