CLASH FORGE
A specialized resource optimizer and upgrade calculator for Clash of Clans Hero Equipment economics.
ROLE
Solo Product Engineer
STACK
Next.js / TypeScript / TailwindCSS / Vercel
YEAR
2024
STATUS
[Shipped]LINKS
Context & Background
Clash of Clans introduced multi-tier ore currencies (Shiny, Glowy, Starry) with non-linear upgrade curves and hero level caps. Players lacked clear visibility into upgrade costs and time requirements.
Problem Statement
Calculating multi-tier ore costs across multiple pieces of equipment required complex spreadsheet tracking. Players needed an instantaneous, zero-latency tool with accurate level constraints and resource deficit calculations.
Zero latency UI: instant recalculation on every slider or level toggle
Mobile-first design for players using phones while playing on iPad or PC
Persistent local state so users do not lose their progression configuration between visits
Architectural Blueprint
A lightweight client-driven calculation engine backed by typed equipment cost matrices and local storage synchronization.
Ore Calculation Engine
Pure functional accumulator aggregating ore totals, deficits, and day estimates.
Equipment Matrix Store
Immutable lookup table defining upgrade costs per level for Common and Epic gear.
State Persistence Layer
LocalStorage hook maintaining player equipment levels and daily ore income rates.
Implementation Choices & Outcomes
Pure client-side state without database requirements
User equipment progression is personal data that requires no multi-user sync, allowing zero authentication friction.
100% uptime, instant page load, zero operating database costs.
Game-faithful visual language with industrial readability
Familiar color coding for Shiny/Glowy/Starry ores creates instant cognitive mapping for players.
High engagement and intuitive usability without requiring user onboarding.
Architectural Tradeoffs
LocalStorage vs authenticated cloud sync
- + No login barrier, privacy-preserving, immediate utility
- - Configurations do not automatically synchronize across multiple devices unless exported manually
Optimization Strategies
- ⚡Memoized calculation loops executing in under 1ms
- ⚡Zero external API dependencies during runtime
- ⚡Lightweight bundle footprint under 50KB total JavaScript
Challenges Solved
- #Accurately mapping different level cap tiers according to Town Hall level prerequisites
- #Designing a compact matrix layout that remains fully operable on 375px mobile screens
Retrospective & Next Iteration
An export/import URL hash state feature would enable sharing progression paths and upgrade schedules via compact permalinks without requiring user accounts.
Interface & Execution Records
