> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.ni-ka.fun/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.ni-ka.fun/faqs/how-to-play.md).

# How To Play

Mastering NI-KA is all about mastering your ship's dual engines. Instead of standard steering wheels, you control the left and right thrusters independently to speed through the void.

## ⚙️ The Dual-Engine Control System ("NI" & "KA")

Your ship features two independent engines mounted on the left and right sides:

* **Left Engine ("NI")**
* **Right Engine ("KA")**

To steer, you adjust the throttle of each thruster:

* **Go Straight:** Power both engines equally (NI: `1.0`, KA: `1.0`).

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* **Turn Right:** Power the Left Engine (**NI**) higher than the right (e.g., NI: `1.0`, KA: `0.0`). The thrust from the left pushes the ship to the right.

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* **Turn Left:** Power the Right Engine (**KA**) higher than the left (e.g., NI: `0.0`, KA: `1.0`).

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* **Controlling Speed:** Your total speed is the sum of both engine throttle values. Lower your throttle to slide safely through sharp twists and corkscrew turns.

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* **How Not to Play:** Pressing and releasing the input is not the way to play it.&#x20;

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## 🛣️ Lane Controls & Track Limits

* **Staying Centered:** Guide your ship along the center lane marker.
* **Falling off:** Drift too far left or right off the road boundaries and you will fall into the void, resulting in an instant crash (unless you have a revive active).

## :coin: Pickups & Obstacles

As you speed down the track, look out for pickups and avoid threats:

### Active Pickups

* 🪙 **Galaxy Coins:** Collectible coins. Grab them to build your balance and spend in the Shop or on housing plots in NI-KA Town.
* 🚀 **Speed Boosts:** Collect these to get a short 100% speed boost.
* ❤️ **Extra Lives:** Spawns on campaigns or warp gates to give you more starting buffer runs.

### Dangerous Hazards

* ☄️ **Asteroids:** Heavy meteors dropping from the sky. Crashing into one brings an instant game over (unless you have extra lives left).
* 🟣 **Asteroid Triggers:** Collect these purple items in bot chase battles to spawn meteors directly in front of your opponent to crash them!


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