Ubik Von Neumann

Ubik Von Neumann is an NPC located in  The Mountaintop in the Rift Dimension.

Purpose

Ubik Von Neumann offers the player 3 minigames.

Three Options

During Three Options, Ubik Von Neumann asks the player to choose one out of three boxes. After choosing one, they reveal an unchosen box and ask to keep the chosen box or switch. If the correct box was chosen, the player earns an IQ Point. The first time the player chooses to switch, Ubik Von Neumann will ask why. Telling them that it increases the odds of being correct grants an Enigma Soul.

Averages

Averages lasts for one SkyBlock Year. The player is asked to pick a number from 1 to 100. The closest 10% of participants to half of the average obtain a Free Will and Enigma Soul. Additionally, if a player picks a value at least 4x higher than the average, they earn 2 Free Wills.

If the player fails to win 5 times, then Ubik Von Neumann will grant them the Enigma Soul without a Free Will.

Tit For Tat

Each game of Tit For Tat can last between 5 to 9 rounds. If both player steal, they earn 1,000 Motes each. If both split, they earn 3,000 Motes. If one steals and the other splits, the stealer will earn 5,000 Motes while the other earns nothing. Upon copying the previous move of Ubik Von Neumann after choosing SPLIT for the first round, the player earns Ubik's Cube and an Enigma Soul.

Interface

Ubik's Averages

Free Will

Ubik's Cube

Dialogue

Condition		Dialogue
First Interaction (Without having played the game before)		[NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Welcome, [player]! [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: We meet across the strands of space and time. I was waiting for you. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: You might not know me, Ubik Von Neumann, a moniker that resonates through the echelons of intellect. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: I am the smartest man that ever lived. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: My IQ is above 200, my mind is a crucible of infinite possibilities. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: If you made it this far, it means yours is at least 100, a notable intellect, perhaps not quantum, but commendable nonetheless. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Unless you were guided... [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: But intellect is not merely inherited; it is challenged, honed, and expanded. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: I need to figure out just how smart you are. Select an option: [Bring it on.]
Selected [Bring it on.]		[NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Have you yet noticed these 3 boxes next to me? Select an option: [Yeah, obviously.]
Selected [Yeah, obviously.]		[NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Only one contains something invaluable; an IQ Point, a testament to wisdom. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: The other two are empty. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: You desire this IQ Point. It symbolizes an enhancement of your cognitive arsenal. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: But you can only open one of these boxes. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Please select the one you wish to open.
First Interaction (Having played the game before)		[NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Welcome back, [player]. The game awaits your strategic touch. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Please choose your box.
Before selecting a box		[NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: One of the boxes holds an IQ Point. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: But the other two are empty. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: You may only open one of the boxes. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Please select the one you wish to open.
Selecting a box (Without having played the game before)		[NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: You selected the [first/second/third] box. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Hopefully you didn't think too much about this choice, as it is quite irrelevant. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: I myself know where the IQ Point is. Watch as I open a box that I know is empty. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: As the empty box stands revealed, consider your next move carefully. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Will you keep the box you opened, or will you switch to the other? [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Please choose the box you want to open.
Selecting a box (Having played the game before)		[NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: You chose the [first/second/third] box. Let's open another box. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Will you keep the box you opened, or will you switch to the other? [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Please choose the box you want to open.
Before switching or keeping the box		[NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Will you keep the box you opened, or will you switch to the other? [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Please choose the box you want to open.
Trying to open the empty box		[NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: This box is already opened. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: You may not have 100 IQ after all...
Keeping the box	Selecting the kept box	[NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: You have chosen to keep the box you originally selected. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Let's open the box.
	Ubik opens the box, but it doesn't have the IQ Point	[NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: You did not find the IQ Point. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: After due time, come back to play again.
	Ubik opens the box, and it has the IQ Point	[NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Congratulations, you got the reward. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: But did you make the right decision? [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Time will tell. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: After due time, come back to play again.
	If you've also already obtained an IQ Point by switching boxes	[NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: But you already beat my game previously. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Why did you decide to keep this time? Select an option: [I just wanted to see what you would say] [I felt like I would win by keeping] [I don't really believe in your theory] [I think your game is rigged anyway] [I don't want to say]
	Selecting [I just wanted to see what you would say]	[NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Your curiosity serves you well. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: But remember, every choice has consequences. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: When ready, the game will await your return.
	Selecting [I felt like I would win by keeping] or [I don't really believe in your theory]	[NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Then you lied to me. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Understanding is a journey, not a destination. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: When ready, the game will await your return.
	Selecting [I think your game is rigged anyway]	[NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Rest assured, this game's integrity is as solid as quantum mechanics. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: The correct box is decided before you even talk to me. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: When ready, the game will await your return.
	Selecting [I don't want to say]	[NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Sometimes silence speaks louder than words. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Your reasons are yours alone. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: When ready, the game will await your return.
Switching the box	Selecting the other box	[NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: You have chosen to swap to the other box. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Let's open the box.
	Ubik opens the new box, but it doesn't have the IQ Point	[NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Alas, the reward was not within your grasp this time.
	If there's no IQ Point but you've won one before by switching	[NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Yet fret not, for every challenge is but a prelude to your next triumph. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: You can always come back and play my game again later.
	Ubik opens the new box, and it has the IQ Point	[NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Congratulations, you got the IQ Point.
	If there's an IQ Point and you've won one before by switching	[NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Much like time, the game will always be here, testing the limits of your ingenuity. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: You can always come back and play my game again later.
	Before having earned the Enigma Soul or before triggering Ubik's non-switch dialogue about how switching already won	[NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Inquire me this, what prompted your decision to switch boxes? Select an option: [Because it increases the odds!] [Because I felt like it! >:( ]
	Selecting [Because I felt like it! >:( ]	[NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: I see. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: You can always come back and play my game again later.
	Selecting [Because it increases the odds!]	[NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Then you have grasped the essence of this game, and truly deserve this IQ Point. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: For your decision, I will grant you an Enigma Soul. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: You can always come back and play my game later.
Game on cooldown		[NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Hello, [player]. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: You've already completed my game. Please come again, in another time.

Condition	Dialogue
First Interaction	[NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Ah, let's engage in a new challenge, shall we? Select an option: [How did you get up here? You were just further down the mountain.]
Selecting [How did you get up here? You were just further down the mountain.]	[NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Indeed, I remain below as well as here, and above too. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: I am ubiquitous. Select an option: [I have truly seen everything now.]
Selecting [I have truly seen everything now.]	[NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Let me present you my new game. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Simply select a number from 1 to 100. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Each revolution of time, I compile the answers from all participants. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: The 10% of participants who will have a number closest to half of the average will obtain the reward. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Which number will you choose?
While the averages are being calculated	[NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: The results from the previous revolution are still being calculated! [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Check back in a minute.
Not earning a Free Will	[NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Welcome back, [player]. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: The previous revolution had # participants with an average choice of #. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Your choice was #. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Regrettably you were not among the 10% closest to half the average, and you will receive nothing. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: May your next choice reflect deeper insights.
Earning a Free Will	[NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Welcome back, [player]. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: The previous revolution had # participants with an average choice of #. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Your choice was #. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Exemplary! Your choice was among the closest 10% to half of the averages! [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: A true demonstration of wit. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: You receive a Free Will.
Earning two Free Wills	[NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Welcome back, [player]. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: The previous revolution had # participants with an average choice of #. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Your choice was #. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: You managed to predict a very low average and choose a number over 4 times the average. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Astounding foresight! You predicted a significantly low average and chose boldly. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Your reward is TWO Free Wills.
After claiming the Free Will (earning the Enigma Soul)	[NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: You've also earned an Enigma Soul for this strategic triumph. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Let's see if you can succeed again this revolution.
After claiming the Free Will (already earned the Enigma Soul)	[NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Let's see if you can succeed again this revolution.

Condition	Dialogue
First Interaction	[NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Ah, delightful to see you again in the corridors of The Rift. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: I've crafted a two-player game of strategy and consequence. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: The rules are simple yet profound. Each round, you and your opponent decide whether to split or steal. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: If both players split, each player earns 3,000 Motes. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: If both steal, each player earns only 1,000 Motes. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: However, if one steals while the other splits, the stealer takes 5,000 Motes, leaving the other with nothing. Select an option: [I understand.]
Selecting [I understand.]	[NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: The game unfolds over 5 to 9 rounds, randomly determined. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Your first challenge is to play against these three weirdos next to me. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Each harbors a unique strategy.
Before challenging the three weirdos	[NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Your first challenge is to play against these three weirdos next to me. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Each harbors a unique strategy.
After challenging the three weirdos	[NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Now that you played against them, I want to see how much you have learned. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Let's have a match! [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Let me know when you are ready.
Failing a game before succeeding (Not using the Tit for Tit strategy)	[NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: That was a spirited contest. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: However, your strategy does not garner my respect. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Perhaps we shall revisit this game later.
After failing a game before succeeding	[NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Your strategy does not garner my respect. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Perhaps we shall revisit this game later.
Coming back after failing	[NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Do you want to play another match? Select an option: [Yes]
Succeeding for the first time	[NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: That was a good match. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Your strategy was intriguing. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Let's play again, this time I will try something a tad different.
Failing after succeeding before	[NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: That was a good match. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: However I do not respect your strategy. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: We can play again some other time.
After failing after succeeding before	[NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: I do not respect your strategy. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: We can play again some other time.
Succeeding for a second time	[NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: An excellent match! [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: It seems like you are always copying my last move. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: I believe that is the optimal strategy, a method I find both practically and theoretically sound. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: I want you to have this gift, I made it myself.
Claiming Ubik's Cube	[NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: The Ubik's Cube allows you to play this game with anyone else in The Rift. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Additionally, take this Enigma Soul as a token of our intellectual camaraderie. [NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: We can play again some other time.
After claiming Ubik's Cube	[NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: We can play again some other time. Select an option: [I lost my Ubik's Cube.]
Selecting [I lost my Ubik's Cube.]	[NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Take good care of this one.
Claiming another Ubik's Cube	[NPC] Ubik Von Neumann: Have fun.

Trivia

Ubik von Neumann is likely named after mathematician John von Neumann, a pioneer of game theory, which directly inspires all three of Ubik's minigames. His first name may also reference the 1969 novel Ubik by Philip K. Dick.
- The Tit For Tat minigame is based on one of the most famous thought experiments in game theory, the Prisoner's dilemma.
- The Three Options minigame is based on the probability puzzle known as the Monty Hall problem.
- The Averages minigame is inspired by the Guess 2/3 of the average game.
Due to the Averages minigame considering the closest 10% of participants, it is possible to lose despite picking a number that other players won with.
- In case of such a tie, the winners are determined based on unknown criteria (likely their Minecraft account UUID).^[Confirm]
3 NPCs can be seen next to Ubik in the Split or Steal minigame, who are the rift version of the Three Weirdos.
- Their names are also randomized.
- The red colored NPC is often used for this minigame due to his playstyle being 100% SPLIT, letting players steal every round and get 25,000–45,000 Motes every game.

History

SkyBlock Prototype
Dec 10, 2024	0.21	Added Ubik Von Neumann.