Description
In fighting games, a 'Phantom Hit' refers to an instance where a player's move visually seems to strike the opponent, yet it fails to register as a hit in the game. This can happen due to various reasons such as latency issues in online play, hitbox discrepancies, or programming bugs. Phantom hits can be frustrating for players because they disrupt the flow of the game and can lead to missed opportunities for combos or counterattacks. Understanding and mitigating phantom hits is crucial for both game developers and players, as it significantly impacts the fairness and enjoyment of the game.
Examples
- In Street Fighter V, a player might experience a phantom hit when their character's punch appears to land on the opponent, but the game does not register the hit due to online lag.
- During a match in Tekken 7, a phantom hit can occur if a character's kick seems to connect with the opponent, but a discrepancy in hitboxes causes the move to pass through without causing any damage.
Additional Information
- Phantom hits are more common in online matches where network latency can affect the synchronization between players.
- Game patches and updates often include fixes to reduce the occurrence of phantom hits by refining hitbox accuracy and improving network code.