XP stands for experience points. In games, characters and players earn XP by completing tasks, defeating enemies, or finishing objectives. Accumulated points eventually unlock higher levels, new abilities, or better gear.

The system is one of the oldest and most widespread progression mechanics in gaming. Early role-playing games established the loop: act, gain XP, grow stronger. Modern titles still rely on variations of the same idea, even when they hide the numbers behind battle passes or skill trees.

Players often pay close attention to XP rates. Efficient routes, bonus events, and double-XP weekends can all become part of the strategy. In multiplayer games the shared pursuit of XP can shape how teams choose activities.

Outside games the abbreviation occasionally appears when people talk about real-life experience in a loosely gamified way, but the primary meaning remains tied to digital progression systems. XP is the quantifiable measure of how much a character has learned and survived.