Wipe: What Does it Mean to Wipe a Team?

In online multiplayer games, the term "wipe" refers to the complete and decisive elimination of the enemy team or a significant majority of its members in a single engagement or team fight. It signifies a moment of overwhelming victory, where the opposing team is effectively eradicated, leaving no or only a few surviving members. Some games actually have other terms for this, such as team kill.

A wipe usually occurs when one team manages to coordinate their abilities, strategies, and timing effectively, resulting in a swift and comprehensive defeat of the enemy team. It often requires a combination of precise execution, teamwork, and individual skill. Wipes can occur in various game modes, such as team deathmatch or objective based matches.

Is Wiping a Team Useful?

The impact of a wipe is substantial and can significantly shift the momentum of the game. By eliminating the entire enemy team, the victorious team gains a significant advantage. They may have an opportunity to secure objectives, such as capturing control points, planting bombs, or pushing further into the enemy territory without opposition. Additionally, wiping the enemy team grants the victorious team a window of time to regroup, heal, or set up defensive positions.

Wipes are often memorable and exhilarating moments in online multiplayer games. They can evoke a sense of accomplishment, teamwork, and strategic superiority. Players may celebrate a wipe as it not only signifies a dominant performance but also creates an opportunity for the team to gain a substantial lead or secure victory.

However, it is worth noting that wipes are not always one sided affairs. Skilled opponents or strategic counterplays can prevent a team from achieving a complete wipe. Additionally, in games with respawning mechanics, wiped teams can quickly regroup and mount a counterattack, potentially turning the tide of the game. To stop this from happening, many games have a mechanic where the respawn timer increases the longer the match goes on.

Is There a Difference Between Getting an Ace and Wiping the Enemy Team?

Yes, there is a difference between getting an ace and wiping the enemy team. Whereas a wipe occurs when the entire team is taken down at the same time by the other team, an ace happens when a single individual takes down the entire enemy team. Therefore, while every ace is a wipe, not every wipe is an ace.