# Heroes The Machines Arena offers players a diverse roster of heroes categorized into three main classes: Offensive, Defensive (Tanks), and Support. Each hero is infused with Metatech, which grants them unique abilities and defines their distinct playstyles. Currently, the game features nine unique heroes across the three classes. Plans are in place to expand this roster by adding more core heroes and introducing variant heroes. ### Variant heroes **What is a variant hero?** A variant hero is a standard hero reimagined with different abilities, weapons, and potentially roles. Each variant retains at least one ability from the original for familiarity but will see significant changes in other abilities and weapons. The aim is to provide at least two variants for each hero, enhancing the roster and allowing players to engage with their favorite heroes in varied roles. ### Hero Classes Heroes are categorized into one of three classes: Offensive, Defensive, or Support, each playing a unique role in team dynamics. Offensive heroes are the primary attackers, designed to deal significant damage and lead offensive strategies. Their effectiveness is often reflected by their damage scores, with varying levels of play complexity. Defensive heroes, or Tanks, have high health and are crucial for absorbing damage and protecting teammates. They are key in controlling the battlefield and disrupting enemy formations. Support heroes primarily aid the team by healing and enhancing ally abilities or impairing opponents. They are critical for team sustainability but require careful positioning due to their vulnerability. ### Hero Abilities Each hero is equipped with four abilities: two active, one ultimate, and one passive: * **Active Abilities:** Player-triggered and vary from hero to hero, these abilities can significantly impact gameplay. * **Ultimate Abilities:** Game-changing powers that can alter the match's outcome when used at key moments. * **Passive Abilities:** Continuously active without player input, providing subtle yet impactful effects. Abilities cover a range of effects including area of effect, range, duration, damage over time, healing over time, slow effects, damage amplification, and more. Each ability is uniquely designed with distinct visual effects for easy recognition during gameplay. This structured approach to hero design in *The Machines Arena* ensures that players have a wide array of tactical options and can find a hero that fits their preferred style of play, enhancing both individual and team dynamics. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.themachinesarena.com/heroes.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.