Strafing in the context of FPS (First-Person Shooter) video games refers to the action of moving sideways while facing and shooting at a target. This technique allows players to dodge incoming attacks, maintain a line of sight on their target, and continue firing, all at the same time.
In most games, strafing is achieved by pressing the left or right movement keys (often ‘A’ or ‘D’ on a keyboard, or using the left thumbstick on a game controller). It’s important to note that strafing is different from simply turning or rotating your character; when you strafe, your character’s viewpoint remains fixed on a target while the body moves laterally.
Mastering strafing can significantly improve your gameplay in FPS games. It can make you a harder target for enemies to hit, give you a tactical advantage in combat situations, and allow you to navigate the game environment more effectively. It’s a fundamental skill in FPS games, used in everything from evading enemy fire to exploring the game world.