Features Guides

What Is ‘AoE’ in Gaming? Definition, Uses & Examples

AoE in gaming for terminology featured artwork

What is “AoE” in the gaming world? This is something that players may ask when diving into various games, especially MMOs. It is a term I have frequently used in different games like Destiny 2 and DC Universe Online. While it may sound like a type of skin cream (while it could be) it is not the case here.

Gaming terms can be useful to learn, especially when they are featured. AoE is just one of these important ones to know within gaming. To help you be prepared if you run into the term, we will break it down for you. In this article, we provide information on what “AoE’ is in gaming. Plus, we detail the uses of the term and examples of it in different scenarios. Below you will find everything to know about the gaming term.

What Does “AoE” Mean in Gaming?

The term “AoE” in gaming means Area of Effect. It is a mechanic that is associated with spells and attacks in different games, mainly MMOs. When either of those has an AoE, the effect will do damage over a preset area decided by the weapon’s stats. Sometimes this AoE can range from poison damage to fire damage, and much more. When players are playing through games such as DC Universe Online, finding attacks that deal with AoE can be very useful. Not only can you attack normally, but having an area of effect to damage more than one enemy is key.

AoE can also be found in many RPGs and ARPGs. One case is the Diablo series. Additionally, in games like Smite 2, many of the gods possess attacks that deal AoE damage. For example, the ultimate ability of Poseidon is called “Release the Kraken!” It summons a Kraken that deals damage within an area. This is just one of many different scenarios where you will see an AoE.

How to Use “AoE” & Examples

Players can use the “AoE” phrase when figuring out the stats of a character’s attack. Furthermore, if you are playing a game with others, it can be used to make a call out. Whether to say you are casting an attack with it or that an enemy is going to do it. AoE is important when it comes to communicating with other players in various games. Because of this, there are some examples below where the gaming term may be seen:

  • “Be careful whenever Poseidon uses his ultimate, it has a big AoE to it. Also, it does a ton of damage.”
  • “When I cast my fireball spell, I hope it has an AoE so it can damage groups.
  • “Anytime I see an AoE with poison damage, I stay away. Mostly because of how much health it can slowly cut away.”

Using the “AoE” term is going to make you a valuable member of various activities in games. From Smite 2 to Diablo, Destiny 2 to World of Warcraft. Furthermore, using a character or skill that has this ability is something that will aim to give you an upper hand. So be on the lookout for this phrase in the games that you may play.

Now you have the details on what “AoE” is in the gaming world. It is just one of the many terms that players use to simplify different phrases. Additionally, it is mainly used within certain genres of games previously said above. Therefore, when playing examples like those mentioned, you are more than likely to see the term come up a lot.

You Might Also Like