Spike (computer gaming)

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.

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.