meta-game
Beyond the rules
Meta-game refers to strategy that exists outside a game's formal rules—exploiting knowledge about opponents, trends, or the competitive landscape rather than just playing moves.
In card games, knowing which decks are popular shapes your deck choice.
In video games, understanding the current meta means knowing what tactics dominate: The meta-game shifted after the patch.
Meta-gaming can also mean using out-of-game information within a game, sometimes considered unsporting: He was meta-gaming by reading the DM's notes.
Maximizing efficiency or performance
- min-maxingOptimizing character builds strategically
- matchupScheduled competitive pairing
- buildCreate a structure
- loadoutSelected equipment configuration
composition · drafting · ban · exploit · cheese · gimmick · counter-strategy · adaptation
Gathering place for discourse
- tournamentMulti-round competitive event
- streamerNarrow decorative ribbon
- content-creatorProducer of online media
- guideLeader or instruction book
wiki · discord · copycat · trend · bandwagon · sheep · innovator · pioneer
Deceiving about one's position
- psychologyStudy of mind, behavior
- intimidationDeliberate fear-inducing pressure
- table-talkConversation during meals
- tellsConveys information verbally
reputation · history · grudge · collusion · kingmaking · diplomacy · alliance · betrayal
Conceptual stage boundary
- recursionProcess invoking itself
- UndertaleMonster-filled RPG underground
- completionismNeed to finish everything
- speedrunOptimized rapid game completion
optimization
Maximizing efficiency or performance
- min-maxingOptimizing character builds strategically
- matchupScheduled competitive pairing
- buildCreate a structure
loadout · composition · drafting · ban · exploit · cheese · gimmick · counter-strategy · adaptation · read
forum
Gathering place for discourse
- tournamentMulti-round competitive event
- streamerNarrow decorative ribbon
- content-creatorProducer of online media
guide · wiki · discord · copycat · trend · bandwagon · sheep · innovator · pioneer · discovery
bluffing
Deceiving about one's position
- psychologyStudy of mind, behavior
- intimidationDeliberate fear-inducing pressure
- table-talkConversation during meals
tells · reputation · history · grudge · collusion · kingmaking · diplomacy · alliance · betrayal · negotiation
fourth-wall
Conceptual stage boundary
- recursionProcess invoking itself
- UndertaleMonster-filled RPG underground
- completionismNeed to finish everything
speedrun · glitch · unintended