When designing a system for your player to attack an enemy in a game, the types of attacks you can create depend on the gameplay style, genre, and the overall mechanics of your game. Here are several categories and examples of attacks you can implement, which can be adapted to different types of games (RPGs, action, strategy, etc.):

1. Basic Attacks

These are simple, reliable, and often quick attacks. They don’t consume many resources and can be used frequently.

  • Melee Attack: A close-range attack, usually with a weapon like a sword, fist, or axe.
    • Example: A sword slash, punch, or stab.
  • Ranged Attack: A long-range attack, typically using weapons like bows, guns, or throwing objects.
    • Example: Shooting arrows, firing a pistol, or throwing a knife.
  • Magic Bolt: A basic ranged magic attack, often with an element (fireball, ice shard, etc.).
    • Example: A fireball that travels in a straight line and hits the enemy.

2. Combo Attacks

Combo attacks are sequences of basic attacks that deal more damage when chained together. They often require timing.

  • Melee Combo: A sequence of fast sword strikes.
    • Example: First slash, second slash, then a finishing uppercut.
  • Ranged Combo: Firing multiple shots quickly or charging for a stronger shot.
    • Example: Three quick arrows, each increasing in damage or a charged energy blast.

3. Special or Charged Attacks

These attacks deal more damage or have extra effects but often require a resource like stamina, mana, or charge time.

  • Heavy Attack: A slow but powerful melee strike.
    • Example: A large hammer swing that deals high damage but takes time to execute.
  • Charged Shot: A ranged attack that requires charging time to increase its power.
    • Example: A charged arrow shot that pierces through multiple enemies.
  • Power Strike (Melee/Magic): A powerful blow with a weapon or a spell that causes knockback or stuns the enemy.
    • Example: An electrified sword strike or a shockwave punch.

4. Area of Effect (AoE) Attacks

AoE attacks affect multiple enemies within a certain range or area. These are great for crowd control.

  • Whirlwind Attack: A spinning attack that hits all enemies around the player.
    • Example: A sword spin that deals damage to enemies within a circle.
  • Explosive Spell: A spell that hits an area, dealing damage to all enemies within.
    • Example: A fireball that explodes on impact, dealing damage to all nearby enemies.
  • Ground Slam: A powerful melee attack that creates a shockwave or earthquake.
    • Example: A hammer slam that shakes the ground and knocks enemies back.

5. Status Effect Attacks

These attacks not only deal damage but also apply a status effect that harms or hinders the enemy over time.

  • Poison Attack: Inflicts poison, dealing damage over time.
    • Example: A dagger coated in venom, or a toxic arrow.
  • Stun/Freeze Attack: Temporarily prevents the enemy from moving or acting.
    • Example: A stunning punch or a frost spell that freezes the enemy in place.
  • Burn Attack: Causes the enemy to take fire damage over time.
    • Example: A flame sword or a fireball that ignites the target.

6. Defensive Attacks

Some attacks can combine offense and defense, allowing the player to damage enemies while avoiding or blocking incoming damage.

  • Counterattack: The player blocks an enemy attack and responds with a quick strike.
    • Example: A shield block followed by a sword slash.
  • Defensive Stance: Reduces damage taken while still allowing for attacks.
    • Example: A defensive posture with a spear that lowers damage received but lets the player jab at enemies.

7. Ultimate or Finisher Attacks

These are the most powerful attacks, often used as finishing moves or after building up a resource like a combo meter.

  • Finisher: A powerful, often cinematic, attack that can instantly defeat or severely wound an enemy.
    • Example: A sword plunge into a stunned enemy.
  • Ultimate Ability: A high-damage, large-scale attack that can change the tide of battle.
    • Example: A massive energy beam or a devastating tornado summoned by magic.

8. Elemental Attacks

Incorporating elements like fire, ice, lightning, and earth adds variety to your attacks, and each can have unique effects.

  • Fire Attack: Deals direct damage and burns enemies over time.
    • Example: A flaming sword swing or a fireball spell.
  • Ice Attack: Slows or freezes enemies in place.
    • Example: An ice spike that freezes enemies upon contact.
  • Lightning Attack: Can chain between multiple enemies or stun them.
    • Example: A lightning bolt that shocks and paralyzes enemies.
  • Earth Attack: Deals heavy damage and knocks enemies down or shields the player.
    • Example: An earth spike that erupts from the ground or a shield of rock.

9. Weapon-Specific Attacks

If your player uses a variety of weapons, you can create unique attacks for each type.

  • Sword Slash: Quick, medium-ranged attacks.
  • Hammer Smash: Slow, heavy hits that deal massive damage.
  • Bow and Arrow: Long-ranged, precise attacks that can be charged or multi-shot.
  • Magic Staff: Casts elemental spells or launches magical projectiles.

10. Team or Companion Attacks

If the player has companions or allies, you can design attacks that are used in combination with them.

  • Team Combo Attack: The player and an AI-controlled ally combine attacks for extra damage.
    • Example: The player launches an enemy into the air, and the ally finishes with a powerful strike.
  • Summon Attack: The player calls a creature or companion to deal an attack.
    • Example: Summoning a wolf to lunge at the enemy.

Implementation Ideas

  • Attack Variability: Give the player the ability to chain attacks (e.g., light to heavy attacks) or vary attack types to keep gameplay engaging.
  • Resource Management: Make powerful attacks (e.g., magic or ultimates) cost resources like mana, stamina, or charge time.
  • Skill Progression: Unlock new types of attacks as the player levels up or progresses through the game.

These types of attacks offer a wide variety of gameplay experiences, from fast-paced action to tactical combat. The combination of melee, ranged, magic, and special attacks gives the player choices to match their playstyle.