Spike (computer gaming)

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In online video games (especially MMORPGs), the term spike is generally used to describe a tactic in which a player or group of players deals a large amount of damage to a target simultaneously. This term is derived from "damage spike", which is an abrupt, sharp increase in damage.

The goal is to overwhelm the target's healing capabilities as a method to defeating the enemy. Spiking most often requires coordination of the players to synchronize their attacks so that the enemy does not have a chance to heal itself.

Related to the above meaning, "spiking" is the act of using this strategy on a given target.

[edit] Other uses

In Nintendo's Smash Bros. series, spiking refers to the usage of attacks that propel opponents downwards at high speeds, usually when they are not above the floor of a level.

The advantage of such a strategy is that it can earn a KO at lower damage levels than other methods; due to the recovery time after being hit, an opponent will rarely be able to escape falling to their doom and thus earning the attacker a point.

The term, in this context, was likely derived from volleyball.