Gaming
threat
What does threat mean?
In MMOs and tab-target RPGs, every action generates threat (aggro) on an enemy. Whoever has the most gets attacked. The tank's whole job is keeping threat above everyone else's so the boss never turns on the squishies.
"Stop nuking on the pull, you're ripping threat off the tank and you'll get one-shot."
Origin
Standardised by raid-based MMORPGs, notably World of Warcraft, as the underlying mechanic behind 'aggro' management.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between threat and aggro?
Threat is the underlying number you generate on an enemy; aggro is the result, i.e. having the most threat so the enemy is attacking you. Tanks manage threat to hold aggro.
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