Hitbox: What is Hitbox in Online Games?

Hitboxes, in the context of online first-person shooter (FPS) games, refer to the areas or regions within the game's virtual world that can be hit and registered as a successful hit or a point of impact by bullets, projectiles, or melee attacks. Hitboxes play a crucial role in determining whether a shot or attack connects with a player character or an object in the game environment.

In FPS games, hitboxes are typically represented by invisible or visible shapes that surround the player character or the objects. These shapes can be simple or complex, ranging from basic geometric shapes like spheres, cylinders, or boxes to more intricate representations that closely resemble the character's body or specific parts of it. The hitboxes are designed to encompass the critical areas that determine the outcome of combat interactions.

Why Are Hitboxes in Games?

The primary purpose of hitboxes is to provide a fair and accurate representation of the game's physics and combat mechanics. When a player shoots or attacks, the game's collision detection system compares the position and trajectory of the bullet or attack with the hitboxes of other characters or objects in the game. If the bullet or attack intersects with a hitbox, it is considered a successful hit, resulting in damage or other relevant effects.

Developers strive to create hitboxes that are as precise and realistic as possible to enhance the gameplay experience and promote skill based combat. The hitbox should closely match the visual representation of the character or object to maintain consistency and avoid situations where shots seem to miss despite appearing accurate on the player's screen. However, achieving perfectly accurate hitboxes can be challenging due to various technical and gameplay considerations, such as network latency, performance optimization, and balancing.

Is Every Hitbox the Same?

No, hitboxes can have different sizes and priorities depending on the game and its mechanics. For example, head hitboxes are often smaller but more vulnerable, resulting in higher damage when hit. Similarly, hitboxes for limbs or specific body parts may be larger but yield less damage. These variations add depth to the gameplay by encouraging players to aim for critical hit areas and strategically target vulnerable spots to maximize their effectiveness in combat.

Let's give Overwatch 2 as an example. A tank's hitbox will usually be larger because the developers realize they need to be hit more. However, a DPS might have a smaller hitbox to ensure they stay alive longer with their smaller health.