MMORPG glossary

Search common MMO terms used in server descriptions, PvP guides, guild posts and private-server rankings.

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Filter by category or type a term. Definitions are intentionally short so new players can understand server pages faster.

PvE

Aggro

Enemy attention; the target a mob or boss is attacking.

Combat

AoE

Area of effect skill or damage that affects multiple targets.

Progression

BiS

Best in slot, the strongest known item for a gear slot.

Combat

Buff

Helpful effect that improves a stat, ability or defense.

Combat

Debuff

Negative effect that weakens or controls a target.

Combat

DPS

Damage per second, or a damage-focused role.

Rates

Drop rate

How often items drop from mobs, bosses or rewards.

Progression

Endgame

Activities after leveling: raids, PvP, bosses, sieges, gear and economy.

Progression

Farm

Repeat content to collect currency, materials, levels or gear.

PvP

Gank

Surprise attack, usually uneven or against an unprepared player.

Progression

Gear score

Simple gear-power number used by some games or communities.

Rates

High rate

Faster-than-official progression, often quicker leveling and drops.

PvE

Instance

Private copy of a dungeon, raid or area for a party.

PvP

K/D

Kills divided by deaths. Useful, but not a complete performance metric.

Rates

Low rate

Slower progression, often closer to official or classic pacing.

Strategy

Meta

Most popular or strongest known builds, classes or tactics.

Economy

No P2W

No pay-to-win; paid options should not sell direct power.

Version

Patch

Specific game build or content/balance version.

Server style

Progressive

Server unlocks content gradually over time.

PvE

PvE

Player versus environment content like quests, dungeons and bosses.

PvP

PvP

Player versus player combat.

Server basics

Realm

Game world, shard or server community.

Progression

Reset

Progression restart or conversion system, common in some private servers.

Economy

Shop policy

Rules about donations, cosmetics, convenience or power sales.

Server basics

Wipe

Server reset of characters, items, economy or rankings.