In Do It For The XP, battles against beasts (task lists) come in two main varieties: Random Encounters and Temple Battles. Each represents a different approach to task management and offers unique challenges and rewards.

Random encounters represent the spontaneous, day-to-day tasks that appear as you navigate your life. These are lower-difficulty tasks that you may encounter unexpectedly.

• Difficulty Range: Typically 1-3, rarely 5
• Location: Appear in the open world as you travel between locations
• Initiation: Occur randomly as you move across the world map
• Escape Option: Usually available (with HP penalty)
• Beast Types: Common, everyday tasks

• A small pile of dirty dishes (Kitchen/Islands terrain)
• A few items needing to be put away (Room/Plains terrain)
• Quick email responses (Work/Mountains terrain)

Temple battles represent more significant, planned tasks that require dedicated focus and preparation. These are higher-difficulty challenges found in structured environments.

• Difficulty Range: 3-10
• Location: Found inside temples dedicated to specific task categories
• Initiation: Deliberately entered rooms with battles
• Escape Option: Limited or unavailable (doors close behind you)
• Beast Types: Mini-bosses, bosses, and specialized task categories

• End-of-month budget review (Money Temple)
• Deep cleaning the kitchen (Kitchen Temple)
• Completing a work project milestone (Work Temple)

Feature	Random Encounters	Temple Battles
Warning	Little to none	Clear indicators before entering
Preparation	On-the-fly	Can prepare equipment and items
Frequency	Higher	Lower, more deliberate
Rewards	Standard	Enhanced (better XP, GP, AP)
Required	Can often avoid	Necessary for progression

• Use random encounters to practice battle techniques and earn resources
• Prepare thoroughly before entering temples
• Consider your HP/MP reserves before engaging with temple battles
• Some abilities may be particularly effective in specific temple environments