diff --git a/config.json b/config.json
index ad0d4ea..5821dd2 100644
--- a/config.json
+++ b/config.json
@@ -16,4 +16,5 @@
     "duck_spawn_max": 30,
     "duck_timeout": 60,
     "befriend_success_rate": 75
+    
 }
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/messages.json b/messages.json
index 90a296f..6f1eaee 100644
--- a/messages.json
+++ b/messages.json
@@ -1,8 +1,8 @@
 {
   "duck_spawn": [
-    "・゜゜・。。・゜゜\\_O< {bold}QUACK!{reset}",
-    "・゜゜・。。・゜゜\\_o< {light_grey}quack~{reset}",
-    "・゜゜・。。・゜゜\\_O> {bold}*flap flap*{reset}"
+  "・゜゜・。。・゜゜\\_O< {bold}QUACK!{reset}",
+  "・゜゜・。。・゜゜\\_o< {light_grey}quack~{reset}",
+  "・゜゜・。。・゜゜\\_O> {bold}*flap flap*{reset}"
   ],
   "duck_flies_away": "The {bold}duck{reset} flies away. ·°'`'°-.,¸¸.·°'`",
   "bang_hit": "{nick} > {green}*BANG*{reset} You shot the duck! [{green}+{xp_gained} xp{reset}] [Total ducks: {bold}{ducks_shot}{reset}]",
diff --git a/src/db.py b/src/db.py
index 94c9c9c..d97eb9a 100644
--- a/src/db.py
+++ b/src/db.py
@@ -19,97 +19,228 @@ class DuckDB:
         self.load_database()
     
     def load_database(self):
-        """Load player data from JSON file"""
+        """Load player data from JSON file with comprehensive error handling"""
         try:
             if os.path.exists(self.db_file):
-                with open(self.db_file, 'r') as f:
+                # Try to load the main database file
+                with open(self.db_file, 'r', encoding='utf-8') as f:
                     data = json.load(f)
-                    self.players = data.get('players', {})
-                    self.logger.info(f"Loaded {len(self.players)} players from {self.db_file}")
+                    
+                # Validate loaded data structure
+                if not isinstance(data, dict):
+                    raise ValueError("Database root is not a dictionary")
+                    
+                players_data = data.get('players', {})
+                if not isinstance(players_data, dict):
+                    raise ValueError("Players data is not a dictionary")
+                
+                # Validate each player entry
+                valid_players = {}
+                for nick, player_data in players_data.items():
+                    if isinstance(player_data, dict) and isinstance(nick, str):
+                        # Sanitize and validate player data
+                        valid_players[nick] = self._sanitize_player_data(player_data)
+                    else:
+                        self.logger.warning(f"Skipping invalid player entry: {nick}")
+                
+                self.players = valid_players
+                self.logger.info(f"Loaded {len(self.players)} players from {self.db_file}")
+                
             else:
                 self.players = {}
-                self.logger.info(f"No existing database found, starting fresh")
+                self.logger.info("No existing database found, starting fresh")
+                
+        except (json.JSONDecodeError, UnicodeDecodeError) as e:
+            self.logger.error(f"Database file corrupted: {e}")
+            self.players = {}
         except Exception as e:
             self.logger.error(f"Error loading database: {e}")
             self.players = {}
     
-    def save_database(self):
-        """Save all player data to JSON file"""
+    def _sanitize_player_data(self, player_data):
+        """Sanitize and validate player data"""
         try:
+            sanitized = {}
+            
+            # Ensure required fields with safe defaults
+            sanitized['nick'] = str(player_data.get('nick', 'Unknown'))[:50]  # Limit nick length
+            sanitized['xp'] = max(0, int(player_data.get('xp', 0)))  # Non-negative XP
+            sanitized['ducks_shot'] = max(0, int(player_data.get('ducks_shot', 0)))
+            sanitized['ducks_befriended'] = max(0, int(player_data.get('ducks_befriended', 0)))
+            sanitized['accuracy'] = max(0, min(100, int(player_data.get('accuracy', 65))))  # 0-100 range
+            sanitized['gun_confiscated'] = bool(player_data.get('gun_confiscated', False))
+            
+            # Ammo system with validation
+            sanitized['current_ammo'] = max(0, min(50, int(player_data.get('current_ammo', 6))))
+            sanitized['magazines'] = max(0, min(20, int(player_data.get('magazines', 3))))
+            sanitized['bullets_per_magazine'] = max(1, min(50, int(player_data.get('bullets_per_magazine', 6))))
+            sanitized['jam_chance'] = max(0, min(100, int(player_data.get('jam_chance', 5))))
+            
+            # Safe inventory handling
+            inventory = player_data.get('inventory', {})
+            if isinstance(inventory, dict):
+                sanitized['inventory'] = {str(k)[:10]: max(0, int(v)) for k, v in inventory.items() if isinstance(v, (int, float))}
+            else:
+                sanitized['inventory'] = {}
+            
+            # Safe temporary effects
+            temp_effects = player_data.get('temporary_effects', [])
+            if isinstance(temp_effects, list):
+                sanitized['temporary_effects'] = temp_effects[:20]  # Limit to 20 effects
+            else:
+                sanitized['temporary_effects'] = []
+            
+            return sanitized
+            
+        except Exception as e:
+            self.logger.error(f"Error sanitizing player data: {e}")
+            return self.create_player('Unknown')
+    
+    def save_database(self):
+        """Save all player data to JSON file with comprehensive error handling"""
+        temp_file = f"{self.db_file}.tmp"
+        
+        try:
+            # Prepare data with validation
             data = {
-                'players': self.players,
+                'players': {},
                 'last_save': str(time.time())
             }
             
-            # Create backup
-            if os.path.exists(self.db_file):
-                backup_file = f"{self.db_file}.backup"
-                try:
-                    with open(self.db_file, 'r') as src, open(backup_file, 'w') as dst:
-                        dst.write(src.read())
-                except Exception as e:
-                    self.logger.warning(f"Failed to create backup: {e}")
+            # Validate and clean player data before saving
+            for nick, player_data in self.players.items():
+                if isinstance(nick, str) and isinstance(player_data, dict):
+                    data['players'][nick] = self._sanitize_player_data(player_data)
+                else:
+                    self.logger.warning(f"Skipping invalid player data during save: {nick}")
             
-            # Save main file
-            with open(self.db_file, 'w') as f:
-                json.dump(data, f, indent=2)
-                
+            # Write to temporary file first (atomic write)
+            with open(temp_file, 'w', encoding='utf-8') as f:
+                json.dump(data, f, indent=2, ensure_ascii=False)
+                f.flush()  # Ensure data is written to disk
+                os.fsync(f.fileno())  # Force write to disk
+            
+            # Atomic replace: move temp file to actual file
+            if os.name == 'nt':  # Windows
+                if os.path.exists(self.db_file):
+                    os.remove(self.db_file)
+                os.rename(temp_file, self.db_file)
+            else:  # Unix-like systems
+                os.rename(temp_file, self.db_file)
+            
+            self.logger.debug(f"Database saved successfully with {len(data['players'])} players")
+            
+        except PermissionError:
+            self.logger.error("Permission denied when saving database")
+        except OSError as e:
+            self.logger.error(f"OS error saving database: {e}")
         except Exception as e:
-            self.logger.error(f"Error saving database: {e}")
+            self.logger.error(f"Unexpected error saving database: {e}")
+        finally:
+            # Clean up temp file if it still exists
+            try:
+                if os.path.exists(temp_file):
+                    os.remove(temp_file)
+            except Exception:
+                pass
     
     def get_player(self, nick):
-        """Get player data, creating if doesn't exist"""
-        nick_lower = nick.lower()
-        
-        if nick_lower not in self.players:
-            self.players[nick_lower] = self.create_player(nick)
-        else:
-            # Ensure existing players have new fields and migrate from old system
-            player = self.players[nick_lower]
+        """Get player data, creating if doesn't exist with comprehensive validation"""
+        try:
+            # Validate and sanitize nick
+            if not isinstance(nick, str) or not nick.strip():
+                self.logger.warning(f"Invalid nick provided: {nick}")
+                return None
+            
+            nick_lower = nick.lower().strip()[:50]  # Limit nick length and sanitize
+            
+            if nick_lower not in self.players:
+                self.players[nick_lower] = self.create_player(nick)
+            else:
+                # Ensure existing players have all required fields and sanitize data
+                player = self.players[nick_lower]
+                if not isinstance(player, dict):
+                    self.logger.warning(f"Invalid player data for {nick_lower}, recreating")
+                    self.players[nick_lower] = self.create_player(nick)
+                else:
+                    # Migrate and validate existing player data
+                    self.players[nick_lower] = self._migrate_and_validate_player(player, nick)
+            
+            return self.players[nick_lower]
+            
+        except Exception as e:
+            self.logger.error(f"Error getting player {nick}: {e}")
+            return self.create_player(nick if isinstance(nick, str) else 'Unknown')
+    
+    def _migrate_and_validate_player(self, player, nick):
+        """Migrate old player data and validate all fields"""
+        try:
+            # Start with sanitized data
+            validated_player = self._sanitize_player_data(player)
+            
+            # Ensure new fields exist (migration from older versions)
             if 'ducks_befriended' not in player:
-                player['ducks_befriended'] = 0
+                validated_player['ducks_befriended'] = 0
             if 'inventory' not in player:
-                player['inventory'] = {}
+                validated_player['inventory'] = {}
             if 'temporary_effects' not in player:
-                player['temporary_effects'] = []
+                validated_player['temporary_effects'] = []
             if 'jam_chance' not in player:
-                player['jam_chance'] = 5  # Default 5% jam chance
+                validated_player['jam_chance'] = 5  # Default 5% jam chance
             
             # Migrate from old ammo/chargers system to magazine system
-            if 'magazines' not in player:
-                # Convert old system: assume they had full magazines
+            if 'magazines' not in player and ('ammo' in player or 'chargers' in player):
+                self.logger.info(f"Migrating {nick} from old ammo system to magazine system")
+                
                 old_ammo = player.get('ammo', 6)
                 old_chargers = player.get('chargers', 2)
                 
-                player['current_ammo'] = old_ammo
-                player['magazines'] = old_chargers + 1  # +1 for current loaded magazine
-                player['bullets_per_magazine'] = 6
-                
-                # Remove old fields
-                if 'ammo' in player:
-                    del player['ammo']
-                if 'max_ammo' in player:
-                    del player['max_ammo']
-                if 'chargers' in player:
-                    del player['chargers']
-                if 'max_chargers' in player:
-                    del player['max_chargers']
-        
-        return self.players[nick_lower]
+                validated_player['current_ammo'] = max(0, min(50, int(old_ammo)))
+                validated_player['magazines'] = max(1, min(20, int(old_chargers) + 1))  # +1 for current loaded magazine
+                validated_player['bullets_per_magazine'] = 6
+            
+            # Update nick in case it changed
+            validated_player['nick'] = str(nick)[:50]
+            
+            return validated_player
+            
+        except Exception as e:
+            self.logger.error(f"Error migrating player data for {nick}: {e}")
+            return self.create_player(nick)
     
     def create_player(self, nick):
-        """Create a new player with basic stats"""
-        return {
-            'nick': nick,
-            'xp': 0,
-            'ducks_shot': 0,
-            'ducks_befriended': 0,
-            'current_ammo': 6,  # Bullets in current magazine
-            'magazines': 3,     # Total magazines (including current)
-            'bullets_per_magazine': 6,  # Bullets per magazine
-            'accuracy': 65,
-            'jam_chance': 5,    # 5% base gun jamming chance
-            'gun_confiscated': False,
-            'inventory': {},  # {item_id: quantity}
-            'temporary_effects': []  # List of temporary effects
-        }
\ No newline at end of file
+        """Create a new player with basic stats and validation"""
+        try:
+            # Sanitize nick
+            safe_nick = str(nick)[:50] if nick else 'Unknown'
+            
+            return {
+                'nick': safe_nick,
+                'xp': 0,
+                'ducks_shot': 0,
+                'ducks_befriended': 0,
+                'current_ammo': 6,  # Bullets in current magazine
+                'magazines': 3,     # Total magazines (including current)
+                'bullets_per_magazine': 6,  # Bullets per magazine
+                'accuracy': 65,
+                'jam_chance': 5,    # 5% base gun jamming chance
+                'gun_confiscated': False,
+                'inventory': {},  # {item_id: quantity}
+                'temporary_effects': []  # List of temporary effects
+            }
+        except Exception as e:
+            self.logger.error(f"Error creating player for {nick}: {e}")
+            return {
+                'nick': 'Unknown',
+                'xp': 0,
+                'ducks_shot': 0,
+                'ducks_befriended': 0,
+                'current_ammo': 6,
+                'magazines': 3,
+                'bullets_per_magazine': 6,
+                'accuracy': 65,
+                'jam_chance': 5,
+                'gun_confiscated': False,
+                'inventory': {},
+                'temporary_effects': []
+            }
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/src/duckhuntbot.py b/src/duckhuntbot.py
index 4ab37b5..ff725c9 100644
--- a/src/duckhuntbot.py
+++ b/src/duckhuntbot.py
@@ -1,15 +1,12 @@
 import asyncio
 import ssl
-import json
-import logging
-import sys
 import os
 import time
 import signal
 from typing import Optional
 
 from .logging_utils import setup_logger
-from .utils import parse_irc_message, InputValidator, MessageManager
+from .utils import parse_irc_message, MessageManager
 from .db import DuckDB
 from .game import DuckGame
 from .sasl import SASLHandler
@@ -82,12 +79,12 @@ class DuckHuntBot:
     def setup_signal_handlers(self):
         """Setup signal handlers for immediate shutdown"""
         def signal_handler(signum, frame):
+    def setup_signal_handlers(self):
+        """Setup signal handlers for immediate shutdown"""
+        def signal_handler(signum, _frame):
             signal_name = "SIGINT" if signum == signal.SIGINT else "SIGTERM"
             self.logger.info(f"🛑 Received {signal_name} (Ctrl+C), shutting down immediately...")
             self.shutdown_requested = True
-            
-            # Cancel all running tasks immediately
-            try:
                 # Get the current event loop and cancel all tasks
                 loop = asyncio.get_running_loop()
                 tasks = [t for t in asyncio.all_tasks(loop) if not t.done()]
@@ -101,27 +98,90 @@ class DuckHuntBot:
         signal.signal(signal.SIGTERM, signal_handler)
     
     async def connect(self):
-        """Connect to IRC server"""
-        try:
-            ssl_context = ssl.create_default_context() if self.config.get('ssl', False) else None
-            self.reader, self.writer = await asyncio.open_connection(
-                self.config['server'], 
-                self.config['port'],
-                ssl=ssl_context
-            )
-            self.logger.info(f"Connected to {self.config['server']}:{self.config['port']}")
-        except Exception as e:
-            self.logger.error(f"Failed to connect: {e}")
-            raise
+        """Connect to IRC server with comprehensive error handling"""
+        max_retries = 3
+        retry_delay = 5
+        
+        for attempt in range(max_retries):
+            try:
+                ssl_context = None
+                if self.config.get('ssl', False):
+                    ssl_context = ssl.create_default_context()
+                    # Add SSL context configuration for better compatibility
+                    ssl_context.check_hostname = False
+                    ssl_context.verify_mode = ssl.CERT_NONE
+                
+                self.logger.info(f"Attempting to connect to {self.config['server']}:{self.config['port']} (attempt {attempt + 1}/{max_retries})")
+                
+                self.reader, self.writer = await asyncio.wait_for(
+                    asyncio.open_connection(
+                        self.config['server'], 
+                        self.config['port'],
+                        ssl=ssl_context
+                    ),
+                    timeout=30.0  # 30 second connection timeout
+                )
+                
+                self.logger.info(f"✅ Successfully connected to {self.config['server']}:{self.config['port']}")
+                return
+                
+            except asyncio.TimeoutError:
+                self.logger.error(f"Connection attempt {attempt + 1} timed out after 30 seconds")
+            except ssl.SSLError as e:
+                self.logger.error(f"SSL error on attempt {attempt + 1}: {e}")
+            except OSError as e:
+                self.logger.error(f"Network error on attempt {attempt + 1}: {e}")
+            except Exception as e:
+                self.logger.error(f"Unexpected connection error on attempt {attempt + 1}: {e}")
+            
+            if attempt < max_retries - 1:
+                self.logger.info(f"Retrying connection in {retry_delay} seconds...")
+                await asyncio.sleep(retry_delay)
+                retry_delay *= 2  # Exponential backoff
+        
+        # If all attempts failed
+        raise ConnectionError(f"Failed to connect after {max_retries} attempts")
     
     def send_raw(self, msg):
-        """Send raw IRC message"""
-        if self.writer:
-            self.writer.write(f"{msg}\r\n".encode('utf-8'))
+        """Send raw IRC message with error handling"""
+        if not self.writer or self.writer.is_closing():
+            self.logger.warning(f"Cannot send message: connection not available")
+            return False
+            
+        try:
+            encoded_msg = f"{msg}\r\n".encode('utf-8', errors='replace')
+            self.writer.write(encoded_msg)
+            return True
+        except ConnectionResetError:
+            self.logger.error("Connection reset while sending message")
+            return False
+        except BrokenPipeError:
+            self.logger.error("Broken pipe while sending message")
+            return False
+        except OSError as e:
+            self.logger.error(f"Network error while sending message: {e}")
+            return False
+        except Exception as e:
+            self.logger.error(f"Unexpected error while sending message: {e}")
+            return False
     
     def send_message(self, target, msg):
-        """Send message to target (channel or user)"""
-        self.send_raw(f"PRIVMSG {target} :{msg}")
+        """Send message to target (channel or user) with error handling"""
+        if not isinstance(target, str) or not isinstance(msg, str):
+            self.logger.warning(f"Invalid message parameters: target={type(target)}, msg={type(msg)}")
+            return False
+            
+        # Sanitize message to prevent IRC injection
+        try:
+            # Remove potential IRC control characters
+            sanitized_msg = msg.replace('\r', '').replace('\n', ' ').strip()
+            if not sanitized_msg:
+                return False
+                
+            return self.send_raw(f"PRIVMSG {target} :{sanitized_msg}")
+        except Exception as e:
+            self.logger.error(f"Error sanitizing/sending message: {e}")
+            return False
     
     async def register_user(self):
         """Register user with IRC server"""
@@ -132,81 +192,159 @@ class DuckHuntBot:
         self.send_raw(f"USER {self.config['nick']} 0 * :{self.config['nick']}")
     
     async def handle_message(self, prefix, command, params, trailing):
-        """Handle incoming IRC messages"""
-        # Handle SASL-related messages
-        if command == "CAP":
-            await self.sasl_handler.handle_cap_response(params, trailing)
-            return
-            
-        elif command == "AUTHENTICATE":
-            await self.sasl_handler.handle_authenticate_response(params)
-            return
-            
-        elif command in ["903", "904", "905", "906", "907", "908"]:
-            await self.sasl_handler.handle_sasl_result(command, params, trailing)
-            return
+        """Handle incoming IRC messages with comprehensive error handling"""
+        try:
+            # Validate input parameters
+            if not isinstance(command, str):
+                self.logger.warning(f"Invalid command type: {type(command)}")
+                return
+                
+            if params is None:
+                params = []
+            elif not isinstance(params, list):
+                self.logger.warning(f"Invalid params type: {type(params)}")
+                params = []
+                
+            if trailing is None:
+                trailing = ""
+            elif not isinstance(trailing, str):
+                self.logger.warning(f"Invalid trailing type: {type(trailing)}")
+                trailing = str(trailing)
         
-        elif command == "001":  # Welcome message
-            self.registered = True
-            self.logger.info("Successfully registered with IRC server")
+            # Handle SASL-related messages
+            if command == "CAP":
+                await self.sasl_handler.handle_cap_response(params, trailing)
+                return
+                
+            elif command == "AUTHENTICATE":
+                await self.sasl_handler.handle_authenticate_response(params)
+                return
+                
+            elif command in ["903", "904", "905", "906", "907", "908"]:
+                await self.sasl_handler.handle_sasl_result(command, params, trailing)
+                return
             
-            # Join channels
-            for channel in self.config.get('channels', []):
-                self.send_raw(f"JOIN {channel}")
-                self.channels_joined.add(channel)
-        
-        elif command == "PRIVMSG":
-            if len(params) >= 1:
-                target = params[0]
-                message = trailing or ""
-                await self.handle_command(prefix, target, message)
-        
-        elif command == "PING":
-            self.send_raw(f"PONG :{trailing}")
+            elif command == "001":  # Welcome message
+                self.registered = True
+                self.logger.info("Successfully registered with IRC server")
+                
+                # Join channels
+                for channel in self.config.get('channels', []):
+                    try:
+                        self.send_raw(f"JOIN {channel}")
+                        self.channels_joined.add(channel)
+                    except Exception as e:
+                        self.logger.error(f"Error joining channel {channel}: {e}")
+            
+            elif command == "PRIVMSG":
+                if len(params) >= 1:
+                    target = params[0]
+                    message = trailing or ""
+                    await self.handle_command(prefix, target, message)
+            
+            elif command == "PING":
+                try:
+                    self.send_raw(f"PONG :{trailing}")
+                except Exception as e:
+                    self.logger.error(f"Error responding to PING: {e}")
+                    
+        except Exception as e:
+            self.logger.error(f"Critical error in handle_message: {e}")
+            # Continue execution to prevent bot crashes
     
     async def handle_command(self, user, channel, message):
-        """Handle bot commands"""
-        if not message.startswith('!'):
-            return
-        
-        parts = message[1:].split()
-        if not parts:
-            return
-        
-        cmd = parts[0].lower()
-        args = parts[1:] if len(parts) > 1 else []
-        nick = user.split('!')[0] if '!' in user else user
-        
-        player = self.db.get_player(nick)
-        
-        # Check if player is ignored (unless it's an admin)
-        if player.get('ignored', False) and not self.is_admin(user):
-            return
-        
-        if cmd == "bang":
-            await self.handle_bang(nick, channel, player)
-        elif cmd == "bef" or cmd == "befriend":
-            await self.handle_bef(nick, channel, player)
-        elif cmd == "reload":
-            await self.handle_reload(nick, channel, player)
-        elif cmd == "shop":
-            await self.handle_shop(nick, channel, player, args)
-        elif cmd == "duckstats":
-            await self.handle_duckstats(nick, channel, player)
-        elif cmd == "use":
-            await self.handle_use(nick, channel, player, args)
-        elif cmd == "duckhelp":
-            await self.handle_duckhelp(nick, channel, player)
-        elif cmd == "rearm" and self.is_admin(user):
-            await self.handle_rearm(nick, channel, args)
-        elif cmd == "disarm" and self.is_admin(user):
-            await self.handle_disarm(nick, channel, args)
-        elif cmd == "ignore" and self.is_admin(user):
-            await self.handle_ignore(nick, channel, args)
-        elif cmd == "unignore" and self.is_admin(user):
-            await self.handle_unignore(nick, channel, args)
-        elif cmd == "ducklaunch" and self.is_admin(user):
-            await self.handle_ducklaunch(nick, channel, args)
+        """Handle bot commands with comprehensive error handling"""
+        try:
+            # Validate inputs
+            if not isinstance(message, str) or not message.startswith('!'):
+                return
+            
+            if not isinstance(user, str) or not isinstance(channel, str):
+                self.logger.warning(f"Invalid user/channel types: {type(user)}, {type(channel)}")
+                return
+            
+            # Safely parse command
+            try:
+                parts = message[1:].split()
+            except Exception as e:
+                self.logger.warning(f"Error parsing command '{message}': {e}")
+                return
+                
+            if not parts:
+                return
+            
+            cmd = parts[0].lower()
+            args = parts[1:] if len(parts) > 1 else []
+            
+            # Safely extract nick
+            try:
+                nick = user.split('!')[0] if '!' in user else user
+                if not nick:
+                    self.logger.warning(f"Empty nick from user string: {user}")
+                    return
+            except Exception as e:
+                self.logger.error(f"Error extracting nick from '{user}': {e}")
+                return
+            
+            # Get player data safely
+            try:
+                player = self.db.get_player(nick)
+                if player is None:
+                    player = {}
+            except Exception as e:
+                self.logger.error(f"Error getting player data for {nick}: {e}")
+                player = {}
+            
+            # Check if player is ignored (unless it's an admin)
+            try:
+                if player.get('ignored', False) and not self.is_admin(user):
+                    return
+            except Exception as e:
+                self.logger.error(f"Error checking admin/ignore status: {e}")
+                return
+            
+            # Handle commands with individual error isolation
+            await self._execute_command_safely(cmd, nick, channel, player, args, user)
+            
+        except Exception as e:
+            self.logger.error(f"Critical error in handle_command: {e}")
+            # Continue execution to prevent bot crashes
+    
+    async def _execute_command_safely(self, cmd, nick, channel, player, args, user):
+        """Execute individual commands with error isolation"""
+        try:
+            if cmd == "bang":
+                await self.handle_bang(nick, channel, player)
+            elif cmd == "bef" or cmd == "befriend":
+                await self.handle_bef(nick, channel, player)
+            elif cmd == "reload":
+                await self.handle_reload(nick, channel, player)
+            elif cmd == "shop":
+                await self.handle_shop(nick, channel, player, args)
+            elif cmd == "duckstats":
+                await self.handle_duckstats(nick, channel, player)
+            elif cmd == "use":
+                await self.handle_use(nick, channel, player, args)
+            elif cmd == "duckhelp":
+                await self.handle_duckhelp(nick, channel, player)
+            elif cmd == "rearm" and self.is_admin(user):
+                await self.handle_rearm(nick, channel, args)
+            elif cmd == "disarm" and self.is_admin(user):
+                await self.handle_disarm(nick, channel, args)
+            elif cmd == "ignore" and self.is_admin(user):
+                await self.handle_ignore(nick, channel, args)
+            elif cmd == "unignore" and self.is_admin(user):
+                await self.handle_unignore(nick, channel, args)
+            elif cmd == "ducklaunch" and self.is_admin(user):
+                await self.handle_ducklaunch(nick, channel, args)
+        except Exception as e:
+            self.logger.error(f"Error executing command '{cmd}' for user {nick}: {e}")
+            # Send a generic error message to the user to indicate something went wrong
+            try:
+                error_msg = f"{nick} > An error occurred processing your command. Please try again."
+                self.send_message(channel, error_msg)
+            except Exception as send_error:
+                self.logger.error(f"Error sending error message: {send_error}")
     
     async def handle_bang(self, nick, channel, player):
         """Handle !bang command"""
@@ -303,7 +441,58 @@ class DuckHuntBot:
         self.send_message(channel, message)
         self.db.save_database()
     
-    async def handle_duckhelp(self, nick, channel, player):
+    async def handle_duckstats(self, nick, channel, player):
+        """Handle !duckstats command"""
+        # Apply color formatting
+        bold = self.messages.messages.get('colours', {}).get('bold', '')
+        reset = self.messages.messages.get('colours', {}).get('reset', '')
+        
+        # Get player level info
+        level_info = self.levels.get_player_level_info(player)
+        level = level_info['level']
+        level_name = level_info['level_data']['name']
+        
+        # Build stats message
+        xp = player.get('xp', 0)
+        ducks_shot = player.get('ducks_shot', 0)
+        ducks_befriended = player.get('ducks_befriended', 0)
+        accuracy = player.get('accuracy', 65)
+        
+        # Ammo info
+        current_ammo = player.get('current_ammo', 0)
+        magazines = player.get('magazines', 0)
+        bullets_per_mag = player.get('bullets_per_magazine', 6)
+        
+        # Gun status
+        gun_status = "🔫 Armed" if not player.get('gun_confiscated', False) else "❌ Confiscated"
+        
+        stats_lines = [
+            f"📊 {bold}Duck Hunt Stats for {nick}{reset}",
+            f"🏆 Level {level}: {level_name}",
+            f"⭐ XP: {xp}",
+            f"🦆 Ducks Shot: {ducks_shot}",
+            f"💚 Ducks Befriended: {ducks_befriended}",
+            f"🎯 Accuracy: {accuracy}%",
+            f"🔫 Status: {gun_status}",
+            f"💀 Ammo: {current_ammo}/{bullets_per_mag} | Magazines: {magazines}"
+        ]
+        
+        # Add inventory if player has items
+        inventory = player.get('inventory', {})
+        if inventory:
+            items = []
+            for item_id, quantity in inventory.items():
+                item = self.shop.get_item(int(item_id))
+                if item:
+                    items.append(f"{item['name']} x{quantity}")
+            if items:
+                stats_lines.append(f"🎒 Inventory: {', '.join(items)}")
+        
+        # Send each line
+        for line in stats_lines:
+            self.send_message(channel, line)
+    
+    async def handle_duckhelp(self, nick, channel, _player):
         """Handle !duckhelp command"""
         help_lines = [
             self.messages.get('help_header'),
@@ -318,35 +507,6 @@ class DuckHuntBot:
         for line in help_lines:
             self.send_message(channel, line)
     
-    async def handle_duckstats(self, nick, channel, player):
-        """Handle !duckstats command - show player stats and inventory"""
-        # Get player level info
-        level_info = self.levels.get_player_level_info(player)
-        level = self.levels.calculate_player_level(player)
-        
-        # Build stats message
-        stats_parts = [
-            f"Level {level} {level_info.get('name', 'Unknown')}",
-            f"XP: {player.get('xp', 0)}",
-            f"Ducks Shot: {player.get('ducks_shot', 0)}",
-            f"Ducks Befriended: {player.get('ducks_befriended', 0)}",
-            f"Accuracy: {player.get('accuracy', 65)}%",
-            f"Ammo: {player.get('current_ammo', 0)}/{player.get('bullets_per_magazine', 6)}",
-            f"Magazines: {player.get('magazines', 1)}"
-        ]
-        
-        stats_message = f"{nick} > Stats: {' | '.join(stats_parts)}"
-        self.send_message(channel, stats_message)
-        
-        # Show inventory if not empty
-        inventory_info = self.shop.get_inventory_display(player)
-        if not inventory_info["empty"]:
-            items_text = []
-            for item in inventory_info["items"]:
-                items_text.append(f"{item['id']}: {item['name']} x{item['quantity']}")
-            inventory_message = f"{nick} > Inventory: {' | '.join(items_text)}"
-            self.send_message(channel, inventory_message)
-    
     async def handle_use(self, nick, channel, player, args):
         """Handle !use command"""
         if not args:
@@ -389,11 +549,16 @@ class DuckHuntBot:
             message = f"{nick} > Invalid item ID. Use !duckstats to see your items."
             self.send_message(channel, message)
     
+    async def handle_rearm(self, nick, channel, args):
+        """Handle !rearm command (admin only)"""
+        if args:
     async def handle_rearm(self, nick, channel, args):
         """Handle !rearm command (admin only)"""
         if args:
             target = args[0].lower()
             player = self.db.get_player(target)
+            if player is None:
+                player = {}
             player['gun_confiscated'] = False
             
             # Update magazines based on player level
@@ -405,6 +570,8 @@ class DuckHuntBot:
         else:
             # Rearm the admin themselves
             player = self.db.get_player(nick)
+            if player is None:
+                player = {}
             player['gun_confiscated'] = False
             
             # Update magazines based on admin's level
@@ -415,9 +582,6 @@ class DuckHuntBot:
             self.send_message(channel, message)
         
         self.db.save_database()
-    
-    async def handle_disarm(self, nick, channel, args):
-        """Handle !disarm command (admin only)"""
         def disarm_player(player):
             player['gun_confiscated'] = True
         
@@ -442,8 +606,7 @@ class DuckHuntBot:
         self._handle_single_target_admin_command(
             args, 'usage_unignore', unignore_player, 'admin_unignore', nick, channel
         )
-    
-    async def handle_ducklaunch(self, nick, channel, args):
+    async def handle_ducklaunch(self, _nick, channel, _args):
         """Handle !ducklaunch command (admin only)"""
         if channel not in self.channels_joined:
             message = self.messages.get('admin_ducklaunch_not_enabled')
@@ -458,36 +621,77 @@ class DuckHuntBot:
         
         # Only send the duck spawn message, no admin notification
         self.send_message(channel, duck_message)
+        self.send_message(channel, duck_message)
     
     
     async def message_loop(self):
-        """Main message processing loop with responsive shutdown"""
+        """Main message processing loop with comprehensive error handling"""
+        consecutive_errors = 0
+        max_consecutive_errors = 10
+        
         try:
             while not self.shutdown_requested and self.reader:
                 try:
                     # Use a timeout on readline to make it more responsive to shutdown
                     line = await asyncio.wait_for(self.reader.readline(), timeout=1.0)
+                    
+                    # Reset error counter on successful read
+                    consecutive_errors = 0
+                    
                 except asyncio.TimeoutError:
                     # Check shutdown flag and continue
                     continue
+                except ConnectionResetError:
+                    self.logger.error("Connection reset by peer")
+                    break
+                except OSError as e:
+                    self.logger.error(f"Network error during read: {e}")
+                    consecutive_errors += 1
+                    if consecutive_errors >= max_consecutive_errors:
+                        self.logger.error("Too many consecutive network errors, breaking message loop")
+                        break
+                    await asyncio.sleep(1)  # Brief delay before retry
+                    continue
+                except Exception as e:
+                    self.logger.error(f"Unexpected error reading from stream: {e}")
+                    consecutive_errors += 1
+                    if consecutive_errors >= max_consecutive_errors:
+                        self.logger.error("Too many consecutive read errors, breaking message loop")
+                        break
+                    continue
                     
+                # Check if connection is closed
                 if not line:
+                    self.logger.info("Connection closed by server")
                     break
                 
-                line = line.decode('utf-8').strip()
+                # Safely decode with comprehensive error handling
+                try:
+                    line = line.decode('utf-8', errors='replace').strip()
+                except (UnicodeDecodeError, AttributeError) as e:
+                    self.logger.warning(f"Failed to decode message: {e}")
+                    continue
+                except Exception as e:
+                    self.logger.error(f"Unexpected error decoding message: {e}")
+                    continue
+                    
                 if not line:
                     continue
                 
+                # Process the message with full error isolation
                 try:
                     prefix, command, params, trailing = parse_irc_message(line)
                     await self.handle_message(prefix, command, params, trailing)
+                except ValueError as e:
+                    self.logger.warning(f"Malformed IRC message ignored: {line[:100]}... Error: {e}")
                 except Exception as e:
-                    self.logger.error(f"Error processing message '{line}': {e}")
+                    self.logger.error(f"Error processing message '{line[:100]}...': {e}")
+                    # Continue processing other messages even if one fails
         
         except asyncio.CancelledError:
             self.logger.info("Message loop cancelled")
         except Exception as e:
-            self.logger.error(f"Message loop error: {e}")
+            self.logger.error(f"Critical message loop error: {e}")
         finally:
             self.logger.info("Message loop ended")
     
@@ -512,10 +716,9 @@ class DuckHuntBot:
             message_task = asyncio.create_task(self.message_loop())
             
             self.logger.info("🦆 Bot is now running! Press Ctrl+C to stop.")
-            
             # Wait for shutdown signal or task completion with frequent checks
             while not self.shutdown_requested:
-                done, pending = await asyncio.wait(
+                done, _pending = await asyncio.wait(
                     [game_task, message_task],
                     timeout=0.1,  # Check every 100ms for shutdown
                     return_when=asyncio.FIRST_COMPLETED
@@ -524,6 +727,7 @@ class DuckHuntBot:
                 # If any task completed, break out
                 if done:
                     break
+                    break
             
             self.logger.info("🔄 Shutdown initiated, cleaning up...")
             
@@ -560,22 +764,34 @@ class DuckHuntBot:
             self.logger.info("✅ Bot shutdown complete")
     
     async def _close_connection(self):
-        """Close IRC connection quickly"""
-        if self.writer:
-            try:
-                if not self.writer.is_closing():
-                    # Send quit message quickly without waiting
-                    try:
-                        quit_message = self.config.get('quit_message', 'DuckHunt Bot shutting down')
-                        self.send_raw(f"QUIT :{quit_message}")
-                        await asyncio.sleep(0.1)  # Very brief wait
-                    except:
-                        pass  # Don't block on quit message
-                    
+        """Close IRC connection with comprehensive error handling"""
+        if not self.writer:
+            return
+            
+        try:
+            if not self.writer.is_closing():
+                # Send quit message with timeout
+                try:
+                    quit_message = self.config.get('quit_message', 'DuckHunt Bot shutting down')
+                    if self.send_raw(f"QUIT :{quit_message}"):
+                        await asyncio.sleep(0.2)  # Brief wait for message to send
+                except Exception as e:
+                    self.logger.debug(f"Error sending quit message: {e}")
+                
+                # Close the writer
+                try:
                     self.writer.close()
-                    await asyncio.wait_for(self.writer.wait_closed(), timeout=1.0)
-                self.logger.info("🔌 IRC connection closed")
-            except asyncio.TimeoutError:
-                self.logger.warning("⚠️ Connection close timed out - forcing close")
-            except Exception as e:
-                self.logger.error(f"❌ Error closing connection: {e}")
\ No newline at end of file
+                    await asyncio.wait_for(self.writer.wait_closed(), timeout=2.0)
+                except asyncio.TimeoutError:
+                    self.logger.warning("⚠️ Connection close timed out - forcing close")
+                except Exception as e:
+                    self.logger.debug(f"Error during connection close: {e}")
+                    
+            self.logger.info("🔌 IRC connection closed")
+            
+        except Exception as e:
+            self.logger.error(f"❌ Critical error closing connection: {e}")
+        finally:
+            # Ensure writer is cleared regardless of errors
+            self.writer = None
+            self.reader = None
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/src/game.py b/src/game.py
index 0325207..2bab845 100644
--- a/src/game.py
+++ b/src/game.py
@@ -70,7 +70,11 @@ class DuckGame:
                     
                     for duck in ducks_to_remove:
                         ducks.remove(duck)
-                        message = self.bot.messages.get('duck_flies_away')
+                        # Use appropriate fly away message based on duck type
+                        if duck.get('is_golden', False):
+                            message = self.bot.messages.get('golden_duck_flies_away')
+                        else:
+                            message = self.bot.messages.get('duck_flies_away')
                         self.bot.send_message(channel, message)
                     
                     if not ducks:
@@ -96,16 +100,15 @@ class DuckGame:
         duck = {
             'id': f"duck_{int(time.time())}_{random.randint(1000, 9999)}",
             'spawn_time': time.time(),
-            'channel': channel
+            'channel': channel,
+            'max_hp': 1,
+            'current_hp': 1
         }
-        
-        self.ducks[channel].append(duck)
-        
-        # Send spawn message
+        # Send regular duck spawn message
         message = self.bot.messages.get('duck_spawn')
+        self.logger.info(f"Regular duck spawned in {channel}")
+        self.ducks[channel].append(duck)
         self.bot.send_message(channel, message)
-        
-        self.logger.info(f"Duck spawned in {channel}")
     
     def shoot_duck(self, nick, channel, player):
         """Handle shooting at a duck"""
@@ -151,25 +154,21 @@ class DuckGame:
         
         # Shoot at duck
         player['current_ammo'] = player.get('current_ammo', 1) - 1
-        
         # Calculate hit chance using level-modified accuracy
         modified_accuracy = self.bot.levels.get_modified_accuracy(player)
         hit_chance = modified_accuracy / 100.0
-        
         if random.random() < hit_chance:
-            # Hit! Remove the duck
-            duck = self.ducks[channel].pop(0)
+            # Hit! Get the duck
+            self.ducks[channel].pop(0)
             xp_gained = 10
             old_level = self.bot.levels.calculate_player_level(player)
             player['xp'] = player.get('xp', 0) + xp_gained
             player['ducks_shot'] = player.get('ducks_shot', 0) + 1
             player['accuracy'] = min(player.get('accuracy', 65) + 1, 100)
-            
             # Check if player leveled up and update magazines if needed
             new_level = self.bot.levels.calculate_player_level(player)
             if new_level != old_level:
                 self.bot.levels.update_player_magazines(player)
-            
             self.db.save_database()
             return {
                 'success': True,
diff --git a/src/utils.py b/src/utils.py
index d307ff9..b5d3b3f 100644
--- a/src/utils.py
+++ b/src/utils.py
@@ -147,19 +147,66 @@ class InputValidator:
 
 
 def parse_irc_message(line: str) -> Tuple[str, str, List[str], str]:
-    """Parse IRC message format"""
-    prefix = ''
-    trailing = ''
-    if line.startswith(':'):
-        if ' ' in line[1:]:
-            prefix, line = line[1:].split(' ', 1)
-        else:
-            # Handle malformed IRC line with no space after prefix
-            prefix = line[1:]
-            line = ''
-    if ' :' in line:
-        line, trailing = line.split(' :', 1)
-    parts = line.split()
-    command = parts[0] if parts else ''
-    params = parts[1:] if len(parts) > 1 else []
-    return prefix, command, params, trailing
\ No newline at end of file
+    """Parse IRC message format with comprehensive error handling"""
+    try:
+        # Validate input
+        if not isinstance(line, str):
+            raise ValueError(f"Expected string, got {type(line)}")
+        
+        # Handle empty or whitespace-only lines
+        if not line or not line.strip():
+            return '', '', [], ''
+        
+        line = line.strip()
+        
+        # Initialize return values
+        prefix = ''
+        trailing = ''
+        command = ''
+        params = []
+        
+        # Handle prefix (starts with :)
+        if line.startswith(':'):
+            try:
+                if ' ' in line[1:]:
+                    prefix, line = line[1:].split(' ', 1)
+                else:
+                    # Handle malformed IRC line with no space after prefix
+                    prefix = line[1:]
+                    line = ''
+            except ValueError:
+                # If split fails, treat entire line as prefix
+                prefix = line[1:]
+                line = ''
+        
+        # Handle trailing parameter (starts with ' :')
+        if line and ' :' in line:
+            try:
+                line, trailing = line.split(' :', 1)
+            except ValueError:
+                # If split fails, keep line as is
+                pass
+        
+        # Parse command and parameters
+        if line:
+            try:
+                parts = line.split()
+                command = parts[0] if parts else ''
+                params = parts[1:] if len(parts) > 1 else []
+            except Exception:
+                # If parsing fails, try to extract at least the command
+                command = line.split()[0] if line.split() else ''
+                params = []
+        
+        # Validate that we have at least a command
+        if not command and not prefix:
+            raise ValueError(f"No valid command or prefix found in line: {line[:50]}...")
+            
+        return prefix, command, params, trailing
+        
+    except Exception as e:
+        # Log the error but return safe defaults to prevent crashes
+        import logging
+        logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
+        logger.warning(f"Error parsing IRC message '{line[:50]}...': {e}")
+        return '', 'UNKNOWN', [], ''
\ No newline at end of file