Hit-scan is a game mechanic commonly used in first-person shooter (FPS) games to determine whether a shot or attack hits a target. Unlike projectile mechanics, where a bullet or object is physically simulated and takes time to reach its destination, hit-scan instantly calculates the hit or miss as soon as the player pulls the trigger.
In a hit-scan system, the game draws a straight line from the weapon’s muzzle in the direction the player is aiming. If this line intersects with an enemy or object within the game world, the game registers it as a hit. This means that the player doesn’t need to account for factors like bullet travel time or drop-off due to gravity, making hit-scan weapons more straightforward to use.
However, it’s important to note that while hit-scan might seem more accurate, it can sometimes feel less realistic compared to projectile-based systems, especially in games aiming for a high degree of realism. This is because in real life, bullets do not travel instantly and are affected by factors like wind and gravity.
Popular FPS games like Counter-Strike and Overwatch use a mix of hit-scan and projectile mechanics, depending on the weapon or character, to balance gameplay and provide a variety of play styles.