5 Prompts to Add an ARAM Map to LMAO: Opus 4.8 Builds a Full Game Mode

A Reddit user shared the exact 5 prompts they fed Claude Opus 4.8 to add a fully functional ARAM (All Random All Mid) mode to LMAO, a League-like MOBA. The process shows how a developer can iterate on a complex feature using natural language instructions without breaking into separate prompts.

Initial Prompt: Goal Definition

The first prompt set the high-level goal:

/goal I want to add an ARAM mode for the game -- it should be a single lane, diagonal, like Howling Abyss
All Random should be optional (chosen by the host upon room creation). Your goal isn't done until it's fully functional, matches the map quality (but with a unique theme) standard of our current map, and is ready to ship.
If you need to test, please use the atrium browser to do so, not playwright.

Iteration 2: Map Size and Theme

After the initial output looked too small and spaceship-like, the user asked for 2x size and a nature theme, overriding the earlier 'unique theme' requirement.

Iteration 3: Shape, Trees, and Champion Reveal

Multiple changes in one prompt:

• Make the map longer and wider
• Make trees translucent when players are behind them (like existing wall behavior)
• Give bases a dogbone shape with organic curves (not perfectly round)
• Hide the randomized champion until the game starts (to prevent pre-game dodging)

Iteration 4: Reduce Mid-Lane Distance

The map was too long, so the user asked to reduce the distance between the two towers nearest the center by 30%.

Final Prompt: Commit

After all iterations, the user prompted: sick -- looks fantastic! commit & push!!

Key Takeaways

• 5 prompts total — the developer notes splitting into separate prompts might have been smarter but this worked
• Providing reasoning (e.g., "don't want folks gaming the system") helps the AI apply the intent to its solution
• Praise the AI — the developer jokingly notes they'll remember kindness when they take over
• The AI used the browser-based test runner ("atrium") as instructed