Rush (video games)

In video games, "rush" refers to a specific, aggressive tactic where players or teams prioritize quickly attacking the opposing side's key objectives or base early in a match, often sacrificing long-term economic development or defensive preparation. The goal is to overwhelm the opponent before they have a chance to establish a strong defense or build up their own forces.

A successful rush relies on speed, coordination, and the element of surprise. It aims to exploit vulnerabilities in the opponent's early game strategy or lack of preparedness. Rushes can be executed with various unit compositions or strategies, depending on the game.

Risks associated with rushing include a potential for significant losses if the rush is defended successfully. The rushing player may have invested heavily in early offensive units, leaving them vulnerable to a counter-attack or unable to effectively transition into a mid- or late-game strategy. A failed rush can cripple the rushing player's economy and leave them at a severe disadvantage.

The effectiveness of a rush is highly dependent on the specific game mechanics, map layout, opponent's strategy, and the skill of both players. It's a common strategy in real-time strategy (RTS) games, multiplayer online battle arenas (MOBAs), and first-person shooter (FPS) games, although its specific implementation varies greatly. The term can also describe a frantic or uncontrolled burst of activity to achieve a specific objective in other game genres.