Intermission — the period between PvP rounds in Allusions — is often overlooked by new players who treat it as simple downtime. In reality, intermission is a critical strategic phase where you can pick up rare arsenals, scout the map, observe opponents, and prepare for the next round. This guide covers everything you should do during intermission to gain an edge in Anime Randomizer.
The Anatomy of an Intermission
When a round ends, the game enters an intermission period that lasts approximately 30 to 60 seconds. This duration is not arbitrary; it is segmented into specific phases that allow the server to reset while giving players a window to interact without the pressure of a ticking scoreboard. Understanding the timing of these phases is the first step toward high-level play.
| Phase | Duration | Strategic Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Results Display | ~10 Seconds | Identify the top-performing players and their weapon loadouts. |
| Rare Arsenal Spawn | ~5 Seconds | Immediate movement toward spawn points to secure limited-use items. |
| Map Transition | ~10 Seconds | Orient yourself to the new environment and identify potential hazards. |
| Free Movement | ~25 Seconds | Practice M1/M2 combos, test flashstep (Q) distance, and observe threats. |
| Round Countdown | ~5 Seconds | Final positioning and mental preparation for the first engagement. |
During the results display, pay close attention to the winner’s arsenal. If a player won using a high-mobility weapon like Yamato or a heavy-hitter like Cruel Sun, you need to adjust your defensive strategy for the next round. This is also the time when the server clears the previous map's debris, ensuring a clean slate for the upcoming combat.
Rare Arsenal Management and Spawning
Rare arsenals are the single most important reason to stay active during the intermission. These are powerful items that do not appear in the standard random pool at the start of a round. In Anime Randomizer, these items often reference high-tier abilities from popular media, granting players a significant advantage in utility or damage.
How Rare Arsenals Work
Rare arsenals appear as glowing orbs or physical items on the ground. When you pick one up, it automatically occupies one of your secondary slots (Slot 2 or Slot 3). It is important to note that picking up a rare arsenal will overwrite your current secondary item. If you have a high-value utility item like a Healing Potion or a Speed Boost, you must decide if the rare spawn is worth the trade.
| Rare Arsenal Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Uses | Most rare arsenals have 1-3 uses before they break or disappear. |
| Spawn Logic | Spawns are randomized but usually favor the center of the map or high-ground areas. |
| Persistence | Rare arsenals persist across rounds until their uses are exhausted or you die. |
| Exclusivity | Only one player can pick up a specific rare spawn per intermission. |
Strategies for Securing Rare Spawns
To maximize your chances of getting these items, you should position yourself near the center of the map as soon as the previous round concludes. Use your flashstep (Q) and slide (C) to cover distance faster than opponents. If you see multiple players rushing for the same item, evaluate the risk; sometimes it is better to let them fight over one item while you scout for a second, less contested spawn elsewhere on the map.
Once you have a rare arsenal, do not waste its uses during the intermission. While you can fire abilities during this time, doing so with a rare item will deplete its limited charges. Save these for the actual round where they can turn the tide of a 1v1 encounter.
Map Scouting and Environmental Awareness
The map transition phase is a vital moment for "Anime Randomizer" veterans. Because the game features a wide variety of maps—ranging from tight interior corridors to sprawling open fields—your strategy must shift the moment the new map loads.
Analyzing Terrain Features
Every map in the rotation has specific "power positions." These are areas that provide a tactical advantage, such as high ground for ranged weapons or narrow chokepoints for Area of Effect (AoE) abilities. Use the intermission to reach these spots and test the lines of sight.
| Feature Type | Strategic Value | Recommended Weapon Type |
|---|---|---|
| High Ground | Provides safety from ground-based AoE and better visibility. | Ranged / Projectile (e.g., Crossbow, Gun) |
| Chokepoints | Forces enemies into a predictable path. | Heavy / AoE (e.g., Hammer, Explosives) |
| Open Space | Allows for maximum mobility and dodging. | Speed / Combo (e.g., Katana, Daggers) |
| Environmental Hazards | Can be used to "ring out" opponents for easy kills. | Knockback (e.g., Shields, Force Push) |
The Importance of the "Void"
Many maps in Allusions feature "the void"—areas where falling results in instant death. During intermission, walk the perimeter of the map. Identify which edges have invisible walls and which are lethal. In the heat of combat, knowing exactly how much space you have behind you before you fall off can be the difference between a win and a loss. If the map has many pits, prioritize arsenals that provide vertical mobility or double jumps to recover from a knockback.
Social Engineering and Threat Assessment
Intermission is the only time you can interact with other players without the immediate threat of losing health. This "social" window is a goldmine for information gathering. By observing how others move and act, you can categorize them into threat levels.
Identifying "Sweats" and Veterans
Experienced players often display specific behaviors during intermission. Look for players who are "dash-dancing" (rapidly using flashstep and sliding in circles) or practicing complex M1-M1-M1-E combos on the air. These players are warming up their muscle memory and are likely your biggest threats.
| Threat Level | Indicators | Engagement Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| High | Fluid movement, cosmetic skins, high win count, precise combo practice. | Avoid 1v1s; wait for them to be distracted by other players. |
| Medium | Uses basic emotes, moves sporadically, attempts rare arsenal grabs. | Engage if you have a weapon advantage; stay wary of their abilities. |
| Low | Standing still, walking into walls, not using flashstep or slides. | Target early to clear the field, but don't waste rare arsenal uses on them. |
The Role of Emotes
Emotes in Anime Randomizer are more than just cosmetic flourishes. They can be used to bait opponents or form temporary, unspoken truces. Using a "Sit" or "Dance" emote in a corner might signal to other high-level players that you aren't interested in a chaotic scramble, allowing you to observe the match from a safe distance. Conversely, aggressive emoting (like taunts) can tilt opponents, making them play more recklessly in the following round. If you find yourself being targeted by a specific player every round, a friendly emote during intermission can sometimes de-escalate the rivalry.
Combat Readiness and Mechanical Warm-up
Just because the round hasn't started doesn't mean you should be idle. Intermission is the perfect time to test the "feel" of your current weapon. Since Allusions is a randomizer, you will frequently be handed weapons you haven't used in hours or even days.
Testing Weapon Physics
Every weapon has different M1 (basic attack) ranges and swing speeds. Use the intermission to swing at the air or at other players (who won't take damage) to gauge the following:
- The Hitbox: How far does the swing actually reach?
- The Wind-up: Is there a delay before the hit registers?
- Ability Cooldowns: While you shouldn't waste rare items, you should test your primary weapon's E and R abilities to see their travel speed and area of effect.
Movement Drills
Movement is the most important skill in "Anime Randomizer". Use the 30-second window to practice your "C-Slide" into a "Q-Flashstep." This combination allows you to cover massive distances instantly, which is essential for escaping ultimates or closing the gap on a ranged spammer. If you are playing Allusions 2, use this time to practice your timing on the block and dodge mechanics, as the window for a "Perfect Block" is tight and varies based on your current ping.
For more detailed information on specific weapon mechanics and frame data, the Allusions Trello is an excellent external resource maintained by the community and developers.
Intermission PvP: Ethics and Utility
You will often see players attacking each other during the intermission. While this does no damage and provides no points, it serves two purposes: practice and intimidation.
- The Practice Argument: Attacking a moving target is the best way to warm up your aim. If you have a projectile weapon, try to lead your shots against a player who is actively dodging. It helps you adjust to the server's current latency.
- The Intimidation Factor: If you successfully land a full combo on a player during intermission, they may become more hesitant to engage you during the actual round. This psychological edge can give you more "breathing room" to farm kills on weaker players.
However, do not become so distracted by intermission fighting that you miss the rare arsenal spawns or fail to position yourself for the round start. Always keep one eye on the timer at the top of the screen. When the countdown hits 5 seconds, cease all "fake" fighting and find a corner or a high-point to start the round safely.
Advanced Tactics: The "Lobby Leader" Strategy
In competitive servers, the player who controls the intermission often controls the match. By dominating the rare arsenal spawns and staying mobile, you dictate the pace of the game. If you notice a specific player is consistently getting the rare items, make it your mission to shadow them. Even if you don't get the item, you can prevent them from having a "free" pickup, forcing them to work for it.
Preparing for the next round also involves checking your "Arsenals" menu. If you have any permanent items or gamepass-related boosts, ensure they are toggled correctly before the transition ends. The intermission is your only moment of peace in the chaotic world of Allusions—use it to transform from a random participant into a calculated predator.
FAQ
How long does the intermission last in Anime Randomizer? The intermission typically lasts between 30 and 60 seconds. This includes the time taken to display the previous round's winners, the spawning of rare arsenals, and the loading of the new map. In specific game modes like Ranked, this time may be slightly shorter to keep the pace of play high.
Can I lose my rare arsenal if I die during the intermission? No, dying during the intermission does not result in the loss of your rare arsenal or your standard weapons. Deaths during this period are "cosmetic" and do not affect your stats or your loadout for the upcoming round. You will respawn with all your items intact when the countdown reaches zero.
Do rare arsenals spawn in every single intermission? Yes, rare arsenals are programmed to spawn during every intermission period, regardless of the map or game mode. However, the specific type of rare arsenal and its exact spawn location will change. Some updates may introduce event-specific rare items that only appear for a limited time.
Can I change my weapon if I don't like the one I got for the intermission? In the standard "Default" mode, you cannot manually change your weapon during the intermission. You must wait for the next round to start to receive a new random loadout. However, you can pick up a rare arsenal to replace one of your secondary items, which can significantly change your playstyle for the next round.