HOW TO PLAY

Everything you need to survive your first journey into The Bardo.

Getting Started

The Bardo is a text-based multiplayer roguelike. The world is rendered using Unicode characters — every symbol on your screen represents something: walls, floors, monsters, items, other players.

When you first connect, you'll be asked for a username and password. Create an account and you'll spawn into the world.

Controls

Movement

↑ or forward
Move forward
↓ or backstep
Step backward
← or turnleft
Turn left
→ or turnright
Turn right

Interaction

Enter
Focus the command input line
0–9 keys
Quick hotkeys (abilities, items)
Any letter key
Sends as a command when input unfocused

Common Commands

Type these into the command input line and press Enter:

lookExamine your surroundings
say <message>Talk to nearby players
inventoryCheck your items
statsView your character stats
helpList all available commands
connectReconnect if disconnected

Understanding the Display

The game window has three panels:

  • MAP— The main view. Shows the world around you in colored Unicode characters.
  • SYSTEM— Combat log, item pickups, system messages.
  • CHAT— Announcements and player chat.

Survival Tips

  • ▸Death is real. The Bardo features permadeath — when you die, you start over. Be cautious in unfamiliar areas.
  • ▸Listen for sounds. Audio cues indicate combat, pickups, warps, and ambient effects like water and fire.
  • ▸Pay attention to colors. Text colors and outlines provide important context — health state, terrain type, NPC disposition.
  • ▸Explore together. This is a multiplayer world. Team up with other players to survive deeper dungeons.