Combat mechanics refer to the rules and systems that govern how characters engage in battles within a game. These mechanics determine how players can attack, defend, and use special abilities. For example, a character might have a sword for melee attacks and magic spells for ranged combat. Understanding these mechanics is crucial for players to strategize effectively and defeat their opponents. In many games, combat mechanics also include elements like health points (HP), which indicate how much damage a character can take before being defeated. Players must manage their resources, such as stamina or mana, to ensure they can perform actions during combat. Mastering these mechanics can lead to victory in challenging encounters.