Mafia Wars Fighting Explained..

The questions "How did I lose?!" sometimes has a very straight forward answer or takes some analysis. The precise formula used is up for much debate and Zynga isn't talking. We will not debate the formula here. But basically there are three main factors to the outcome of a fight: Your attack and defense skills, your mafia's size, and your Mafia Attack and Defense strength.

This guide will focus on when you attack someone, not when someone attacks you. I hope this guide will help some people understand the success or shortcomings of their combat build.

Definitions

Attack Skill: The attack power that can be increased with skill points. On your home page and profile page this will show the base number you have added to the stat with your skill points, and the bonuses from collections. On the fight screens and inventory screen this number will include your Top Mafia Button man bonus and occasionally the highest attack skill boosts you have.

Defense Skill: The defense power that be increased with skill points. On your home page and profile page this will show the base number you have added to the stat with your skill points, and the bonuses from collections. On the fight screens and inventory screen this number will include your Top Mafia Bodyguard bonus and occasionally the highest defense skill boosts you have.

Tip: Some people follow the advice to keep both their attack skill and defense skill at least 2x their level each.

Mafia Attack Strength: This is the addition of the attack stat of all your weapons, vehicles, and armors up to 501 of each. This number only takes into account the attack value of the items. Items are chosen from highest to lowest up to the number of mafia you have for each category. This number only increases when you add an item that is more powerful than one you already have, or if you add another mafia member who can use items you already possess. The number will usually increase by the difference between the item replaced and the item added.

Mafia Defense Strength: This is the addition of the attack stat of all your weapons, vehicles, and armors up to 501. This number only takes into account the defense value of the items. Items are chosen from highest to lowest up to the number of mafia you have for each category. This number only increases when you add an item that is more powerful than one you already have, or if you add another mafia member who can use items you already possess. The number will usually increase by the difference between the item replaced and the item added.

I give the above definitions so we know what we are talking about as the guide goes on. If I say attack or defense skill I'm talking skill points, if I say strength I am referring to the inventory and loot items. They need to be distinquished from each other.
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