> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.battle.fyi/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.battle.fyi/the-game/how-battles-work.md).

# How Battles Work

A battle is a timed trading competition inside a lobby. Everyone starts with the same balance, trades the same assets at the same live prices, and gets ranked by return %.

## The flow

1. **Lobby opens.** Players join. The host (or auto-admin) sets the rules: starting balance, available assets, leverage tiers, round count, elimination rules.
2. **Countdown.** A timer counts down to round start. Everyone sees it.
3. **Round starts.** Trading is live. Open positions, close positions, use sabotage weapons. Prices are real-time from Pyth Network.
4. **Round ends.** All traders are ranked by return %. The bottom performers are eliminated (typically bottom 25%).
5. **Next round.** Survivors continue with their current balance. New round, same stakes.
6. **Final round.** Last traders standing compete for the win. Highest return % takes it.

## What carries between rounds

* Your balance (including realized P\&L from previous rounds)
* Your Trader Score progress
* Your credit balance (minus anything you spent on sabotage)

## What resets between rounds

* All open positions are closed at round end
* The leaderboard recalculates from current balances

## Lobby types

* **Public** -- anyone can join from the Arena
* **Private** -- invite code required
* **Sponsor-funded** -- credits provided by the event host, no cost to players

## Real-time everything

Prices, P\&L, leaderboard, sabotage effects, chat -- all update in real time via Supabase Realtime channels. No polling. No refresh needed.


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