Pocket Tanks - Multiplayer Edition

A minimalist black and white web-based multiplayer version of Pocket Tanks.

🚀 One Command Start

npm install
npm start

Then open http://localhost:5173 in multiple browser tabs!

Features

• 🎮 Real-time multiplayer - each browser tab = new player
• 🎯 Friendly player names - 20 unique names like "Tank Commander", "Artillery Ace"
• ⚡ Vite with HMR - instant code updates
• 🎯 Server-authoritative - no cheating possible
• ⏱️ Auto-disconnect - removes idle players after 60s
• 🧹 Clean player removal - proper WebSocket cleanup and name recycling
• 🏔️ Destructible terrain - explosions crater the ground
• 🎨 Black/white line art - minimalist aesthetic

How It Works

When you run npm start:

1. Vite starts on port 5173 (serves the game UI with HMR)
2. WebSocket server starts on port 3000 (handles multiplayer logic)
3. Open multiple tabs → each becomes a new player
4. Players take turns automatically

Controls

Key	Action
A/D	Move tank left/right
W/S	Adjust turret angle
Q/E	Adjust shot power
SPACE	Fire missile
U	End turn manually

Game Rules

• Each player: 5 bullets, 4 moves, 100 health
• Only the active player can control their tank
• Physics-based projectiles with gravity
• Direct hits deal more damage
• Terrain is destructible
• Idle 60s = auto-disconnect

Environment Config

Optional .env file:

PORT=3000              # WebSocket server port
IDLE_TIMEOUT=60000     # Idle timeout in milliseconds

Commands

npm start           # Start Vite + WebSocket server
npm test            # Test WebSocket connections
npm run test:cleanup # Test cleanup & name recycling

Architecture

┌──────────────────┐         ┌───────────────────┐
│  Browser Tab 1   │         │                   │
│  localhost:5173  │◄───WS───►│  WebSocket Server │
├──────────────────┤         │  localhost:3000   │
│  Browser Tab 2   │◄───WS───►│                   │
│  localhost:5173  │         │  • Game logic     │
├──────────────────┤         │  • Physics (60fps)│
│  Browser Tab N   │◄───WS───►│  • Idle tracking  │
└──────────────────┘         └───────────────────┘

Vite Plugin: Automatically starts the WebSocket server when Vite starts, so you only need one command!

Files

File	Purpose
server.js	WebSocket server + game logic
game.js	Client rendering + WebSocket
index.html	Game UI
style.css	Styling
vite.config.js	Vite config + server plugin

Troubleshooting

Issue	Solution
Port 3000 in use	Set PORT=8080 in .env
Port 5173 in use	Change in vite.config.js
Disconnected	Server might not be running - check console
Auto-disconnect	60s idle - stay active!

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Built with Node.js + WebSockets + Vite