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.
Exhaust-powered compressor
- accelerationRate velocity changes
- momentumProduct of mass, velocity
- speedRate of motion
- thrustForceful forward motion
overdrive · nitro · supercharge · surge · velocity · kick · rush · sprint
Immunity to defeat
- shieldHandheld defensive armor
- multiplierNumber that scales another
- fireballLuminous meteor or explosion
- teleportInstant point-to-point travel
stealth · bomb · cloak · laser · freeze · berserk · transformation · magnet
Raise to higher standard
- improvementPositive change in quality
- augmentationAct of adding more
- amplificationIncrease in intensity
- strengtheningIncreasing power or solidity
optimization · buff · fortification · intensification · advancement · progression · modification · customization
Boundary or sharpness
Methylxanthine stimulant compound
- staminaCapacity for sustained effort
- vitalityCapacity for spirited existence
- fuelEnergy source material
- electrolytesConducting ions in solution
hydration · glucose · protein · nutrition · metabolism · endurance · recharge · refuel
Restoration of health
- restorationReturning something to condition
- regenerationBiological self-repair process
- mendingRestoring damaged items
- rejuvenationRestoration of youthful vigor
revival · renewal · repair · potion · elixir · medkit · bandage · antidote
turbo
Exhaust-powered compressor
- accelerationRate velocity changes
- momentumProduct of mass, velocity
- speedRate of motion
thrust · overdrive · nitro · supercharge · surge · velocity · kick · rush · sprint · hyperdrive
invincibility
Immunity to defeat
- shieldHandheld defensive armor
- multiplierNumber that scales another
- fireballLuminous meteor or explosion
teleport · stealth · bomb · cloak · laser · freeze · berserk · transformation · magnet · ammo
upgrade
Raise to higher standard
- improvementPositive change in quality
- augmentationAct of adding more
- amplificationIncrease in intensity
strengthening · optimization · buff · fortification · intensification · advancement · progression · modification · customization · perk
edge
Boundary or sharpness
- dominanceSuperior influence over others
- leverageBorrowed capital for amplified returns
- benefitAdvantage or gain
headstart · lead · gain · superiority · trump · vantage · leg-up
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
healing
Restoration of health
- restorationReturning something to condition
- regenerationBiological self-repair process
- mendingRestoring damaged items
rejuvenation · revival · renewal · repair · potion · elixir · medkit · bandage · antidote · resurrect
- Shoot-'Em-Upsbullet hell, side-scrolling, barrage, hitbox, grazing
powerupsskill trees
Progression systems for unlocking abilities
character progression · base stats · unlockables · perks · abilities