powerups

Temporary ability boosts

Powerups are items or bonuses in video games that temporarily enhance a player's abilities—extra speed, invincibility, stronger attacks, or additional lives.

Grab the powerup before it disappears.

The term extends beyond gaming to anything that boosts performance or energy: Coffee is my morning powerup.

Also spelled power-ups.

boost

turbo

Exhaust-powered compressor

thrust · overdrive · nitro · supercharge · surge · velocity · kick · rush · sprint · hyperdrive

gaming

invincibility

Immunity to defeat

teleport · stealth · bomb · cloak · laser · freeze · berserk · transformation · magnet · ammo

enhancement

upgrade

Raise to higher standard

strengthening · optimization · buff · fortification · intensification · advancement · progression · modification · customization · perk

advantage

edge

Boundary or sharpness

headstart · lead · gain · superiority · trump · vantage · leg-up

energy

caffeine

Methylxanthine stimulant compound

  • staminaCapacity for sustained effort
  • vitalityCapacity for spirited existence
  • fuelEnergy source material

electrolytes · hydration · glucose · protein · nutrition · metabolism · endurance · recharge · refuel · energize

recovery

healing

Restoration of health

rejuvenation · revival · renewal · repair · potion · elixir · medkit · bandage · antidote · resurrect

Categories
Opposites
effect on abilities

powerupsdebuffs

Effects that weaken targets

nerfs · handicaps · penalties · curses · hazards

duration/permanence

powerupsskill trees

Progression systems for unlocking abilities

character progression · base stats · unlockables · perks · abilities

player state

powerupsvulnerability

Openness to harm

weakness · depowered · default state · unpowered

Family

powerup

Familiarity
Top 500,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G