Some games are purely skill-based, some put certain things in the hands of fate. Let’s have the RNG mechanic explained, shall we?

What is RNG?

Random Number Generation is an umbrella term for a process of producing a relatively unpredictable result within a certain range. As a consequence, a random number generator is a specific tool used for that purpose.

For example, a traditional six-sided gaming die is a random number generator within the 1–6 range, while a typical deck of 52 cards can be an RNG with a more complex output.

In computing, including video games, Random Number Generators are much more complex, capable of producing large strings of symbols and numbers for a variety of further uses.

The meaning of RNG for gaming

RNGs has been in gaming for nearly as long as games themselves have existed, and is used in many different ways behind the scenes. In terms of player-facing elements, the uses of RNG include:

  • Map generation
  • Loot drops and quality
  • Attack calculations (such as hit and critical hit chance, damage output, etc.)
  • Random encounters

Different genres, or even individual games, will have different uses for elements of random chance.

Turn-based games like XCOM often use RNG to dictate whether your character can hit at all, and how hard the hit is going to be, while games such as Hades randomize stage order and presence between runs. Some games might even use active, reflex-based targeting, but damage numbers will be left to the metaphorical dice.

RNG can introduce a measure of unpredictability to video games, which can expand replayability, and allow games to challenge skills other than precision and reflexes, as players can often plan and built to mitigate negative results.

Examples of RNG-using video games:

Diablo (series)

Diablo has always been heavy on RNG. Historically, it’s been used it for attack resolution, producing level layouts, and dictating what loot you’re getting, if any at all. The legendary hack’n’slash series simply would be the same without randomization elements.

Baldur’s Gate 3

The RNG in Baldur’s Gate 3 is probably one of the most overt ones. For certain checks, a virtual die appears on the screen simulating the result of backend calculations, and you can always check the combat log to see all relevant “rolls” for attacks, tests, and other elements. You can also turn on the option to skew the odds in your favor if you’ve had really rotten luck with unweighted RNG.

Hearthstone

We didn’t mention cards without a reason. In a match of Hearthstone you never know what card you’re going to draw next, as it is handled by the RNG, but you can stack the deck in your favor by planning well. You can also get new cards from packs yielding randomized cards.