PvP stands for "player versus player." It is a game mode. You fight other players. You do not fight computer-controlled enemies. You fight real people. It is competitive. It is challenging. It is often stressful. It is common in shooters, MOBAs, and MMOs. It is the heart of esports.

PvP is different from PvE. PvE is player versus environment. PvP is player versus player. PvP is unpredictable. The enemy thinks. The enemy adapts. The enemy is not a script. The challenge is real. The reward is rank. The goal is to be the best. It is a test of skill.

Related terms

• PvE: player versus environment.
• Ranked: competitive PvP with ratings.
• Casual: unranked PvP.
• Meta: the most effective tactics in PvP.

PvP is not for everyone. It is stressful. It is toxic. It is also deeply rewarding. A perfect play is a rush. A comeback victory is a high. The mode has shaped online gaming. It is not going away. It is still growing.