arenbasers

Arenbasers is a term used within certain online communities, particularly those focused on tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons, to describe players who prioritize strategic positioning and area control over character combat abilities. These players often focus on understanding the game's mechanics related to movement, terrain, and the effects of spells or abilities that can influence large areas of the battlefield. Their primary goal in combat encounters is not necessarily to deal the most damage, but to manipulate the environment and enemy positions to the party's advantage, thereby minimizing risk and maximizing success for the entire group.

The term itself is a portmanteau, combining "arena" referring to the combat space, and "baser" suggesting a foundation or strategic advantage. An arenbaser's playstyle typically involves carefully observing the battlefield, identifying choke points, and utilizing character abilities that create difficult terrain, block movement, or push enemies into disadvantageous positions. They may also employ tactics that set up opportunities for other party members, such as trapping enemies for a powerful area-of-effect attack or creating defensive barriers for vulnerable allies.

While not an official game term, "arenbaser" serves as a shorthand to identify a specific approach to cooperative gaming. Players who identify with this playstyle often find satisfaction in outthinking opponents through clever tactical maneuvering rather than brute force. The effectiveness of an arenbaser's contributions can be significant, often leading to smoother and more successful combat encounters for the entire party, even if their individual damage output isn't the highest.