What does "PvE" mean in gaming? Explained

What does PvE mean in gaming?

'PvE' is an abbreviation for ‘Player vs Environment’, a term used to describe in-game content where a player is fighting against computer-controlled enemies. This is different from 'PvP', which stands for ‘Player vs Player,’ where players battle other human players.

What type of PvE content is there?

PvE can come in many forms in video games. The clearest example is one or more players fighting against a boss character in an MMO game. Here, they’re pitting their skills against a foe developed by the game's programmers.

In other genres, such as FPS games, this type of content tends to be a smaller addition of what’s available to players — like Call of Duty’s zombies mode. In both of these cases, the player is fighting against the game itself rather than a set of real players.

Some games, such as Monster Hunter, prioritize PvE co-op, allowing players to team up on a quest-by-quest basis to defeat enemies.

PvE’s Overlap with PvP

While it varies from game to game, most titles will offer some form of PvE and PvP to players. MMOs, for example, tend to have a greater focus on PvE, with only select servers or portions of the game world facilitating PvP combat.

Areas in MMOs that combine both modes are usually labelled 'PvPvE', which indicates that they allow AI mobs to attack you as well as other players who might be adventuring in the same area. Not everyone wants their gaming experience disturbed by another player killing them unexpectedly (called ‘ganking’), so these areas come with plenty of clear warnings and often a pop-up message before players enter.

Which is better: PvE or PvP?

This is all up to you! Do you enjoy competing against other players more, or would you rather work your way through the game world and any perils it might be hiding? Only you can determine which play style you enjoy best.