Dojo mode is one of the options on the main Puzzle Menu in Foldit.
Dojo mode was designed to help beginner to intermediate players practice hand-folding.
Dojo mode features a never-ending series of puzzles that are somewhat similar to the Intro Puzzles.
The goal is for players to become more proficient, solving a puzzle more quickly with fewer moves. Players gradually gain rank as they improve, for example moving from Bronze 1 to the more advanced Bronze 2 rank.
Dojo players can access some Foldit features that aren't available in the intro campaign, such as the Selection Interface, the Cookbook, the Behavior Menu, and the View Options.
Dojo mode was first introduced to devprev in March 2021. The release notes contain a brief description of dojo mode.
The unique features of dojo mode are described below.
Stamina
Dojo mode introduces a new bar under the Score called Stamina. The amount of Stamina you start with varies, but is usually around 600 for most puzzles. Stamina decreases by 1 every second and most tools cost 3 Stamina. Continuous tools like Wiggle, Shake, or Move only charge for the first iteration or use of the tool and consecutive uses are free. This means that on average, you have about 5-10 minutes to solve the puzzle.
Score
Winning a puzzle adds to your run score. The amount of points gained is based on the difficulty of the level and your remaining stamina.
Rank and Matchmaking
Dojo mode matches players to levels based on a matchmaking algorithm.
A player's rank, such as "Bronze 3", is the algorithm's view of the player's skill.
The levels of the dojo are also ranked. As more players beat a level, the algorithm thinks it's easier. If more players lose to a level, the algorithm thinks it's harder. Eventually, with enough data, the level difficulties might stabilize, but it's not known when this might happen.
Rankings are determined by win/loss history, not run score. This type of ranking is similar to the Elo rating in chess.
The matchmaker also factors in the "strength" of the win/loss in this way:
- winning with lots of stamina left is a better victory than winning with low stamina
- losing very far from the goal score more decisive than losing close to the goal score.
To maximize your ranking, win with lots of stamina left and lose as close to the goal score as you can.
| Rating | Rank | Notable Players Who Have Achieved This Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Bronze 1 | - |
| 350 | Bronze 2 | Dudit |
| 500 | Bronze 3 | cjddig |
| 650 | Bronze 4 | |
| 800 | Bronze 5 | Formula350 |
| 950 | Bronze 6 | |
| 1100 | Bronze 7 | |
| 1250 | Bronze 8 | |
| 1400 | Silver 1 |
Player rankings are overall low because Dojo mode is new (as of April 2021). As new levels get added to the mode, old levels get balanced better, and players learn new strategies, it is expected that players will be able to reach higher rankings than they could when Dojo mode first came out.
Run
A session in the Dojo is called a run, taking the terminology from roguelike and endless runner games. Runs through the Dojo are finite because of the options presented to you when you complete a level:
Options after your first win:
- Easier
- Next (Normal)
- Harder
Options after your second win:
- End Run with Multiplier
- Next (Normal)
- Harder
Options after your third or more win:
- End Run with Multiplier
- Harder
Choosing to end your run with a multiplier will multiply your entire run score by this amount. This option is only available if you haven't lost yet. If you've lost at least one level, the "Harder" option will be replaced with "End Run" with no multiplier and the "End Run with Multiplier" option, if it would be present, is replaced with "Easier". After two losses, "Next" will also be removed. After three losses, "Easier" will also be removed, leaving only the "End Run" option.
When your run ends, you are brought back to the main menu and presented with your final run score and current Dojo rank.
Shadow Protein
Many Dojo levels have a translucent gray guide. The Foldit community refers to this as a Quest to the Native, although Dojo guides aren't always native proteins. If the level has one of these gray guides, the goal of the level is to match that shape as closely as possible. Often, a hidden Objective will be increasing your score for getting closer to that guide. Sometimes, the Dojo guides are counterintuitive. For example, the levels "Tear It Apart" and "Stitching Cuts Reversed" have the player pulling the protein apart and cutting it up as opposed to folding it into shape.
Trivia
- Dojo mode is referred to as "Endless mode" in Foldit's source code.