Elements

The elements used in Automata are the five phases of the Wu Xing, sometimes (somewhat erroneously) referred to as the five Chinese elements.

Cycles

The doctrine of five phases describes two cycles, a generating or creation cycle and an overcoming or destruction (剋/克, kè) cycle of interactions between the phases.

Creation

Each element feeds one other. In game terms, an element is weak to the element it feeds; however, spells of an element can be cast without penalty by units of the element that feeds it.

• Wood feeds Fire
• Fire creates Earth (ash)
• Earth bears Metal
• Metal carries Water (as in a bucket or tap, or water condenses on metal)
• Water nourishes Wood.

Destruction

Each element destroys one other. In game terms, an element is strong to the element it destroys.

• Wood parts Earth
• Earth absorbs Water
• Water quenches Fire
• Fire melts Metal
• Metal chops Wood

About the Elements

When listing the five elements, the game always refers to them in a specific order: Fire, Metal, Wood, Earth, and Water. Each element destroys the next and is fed by the one after that; or, more simply, each element has an advantage over the next two. See Elemental Modifiers for details.

Fire

Fire is associated with heat, light, smoke, and glass. While popular culture portrays fire as an element of pure destruction, in Automata, it is more accurately an element of misdirection. Fire spells can turn an enemy's power against it.

Metal

Metal is associated with magnetism, rust, and the forge. Metal spells give you more power to harm your enemies while also protecting you from them.

Wood

Wood is associated with mana, the mind, and plants. Wood spells contribute indirectly by debilitating your opponents and granting you power.

Earth

Earth is associated with space, gravity, and dust. Earth spells focus on locking down enemies and negating their advantages.

Water

Water is associated with time, mist, and acid. Water spells prevent your opponents from acting against you.

See also

Spells