Trope Workshop:Symbol Encounters

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Enemies are seen in RPG overworlds, where players make contact with them to initiate combat. Rather than randomly encountering an enemy, the player can avoid them, at least if they manage to move past them. This doesn't mean that randomness isn't part of the game, where the spawn rate of certain enemies may be a factor. Of course, there shouldn't be encounters in towns, but if there are, something is very wrong. Symbol Encounters can help with making grinding for levels, money, and item drops.

See also Random Encounters.

Examples of Symbol Encounters include:

Video Games

• Earthbound has monsters appear on the overworld that will attack Ness and the party when they are near. They can be surprised and attacked if the party comes from behind. If the party is strong enough, they run away in fear, and even if they touch them, they are instantly defeated.
• Chrono Trigger: Enemies are visible on the map and start battles when they contact the party, but it is possible to avoid them.
• Dragon Quest Monsters Joker: the Monsters can be seen in the overworld and will start a battle when they touch the main character. The main character can gain different skills and items to either gain or lose enemy Monsters' attention.
• In Persona 3, the Protagonist and the party in the Dark Hour can encounter Shadows during this time. He can attack them for a surprise attack, or they can attack the group to catch them off guard.
  • Shin Megami Tensei IV: Demons can be seen in dungeons that can be attacked to gain an advantage. They can attack the Protagonist for their surprise attack.
• In Deltarune, enemy Darkners attack Kris and the party when sighted. Still, they can permanently disappear from the overworld depending on whether they are killed or spared.