The world of online gaming has its own set of terms, and “smurf” is one of them. Smurfing is a technique used by skilled players to compete against beginners in the game while hiding their true identity. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what smurfing is and why some players do it.
Key Takeaways
- A smurf is a player who has a high skill level in a game but plays on a lower in-game level account to hide their true skill level.
- A smurf can be a highly skilled player, but they don’t have to be. Even players with average or above-average skill levels can be considered smurfs.
- If you encounter a player who seems to be performing much better than expected at a particular rank, they may be a smurf.
- Smurf accounts are sometimes used to play with lower-ranked friends without impacting their primary account’s rank.
- While some people consider smurfing to be cheating, it is not against the rules in most games, but it can ruin the fun and balance of the game for others.
So What Does Smurf Mean In Gaming?
A smurf is a player who actually has a high skill level in a particular game, but has a lower in-game level. In other words, it is a player who has the in-game level of a beginner or slightly more, but actually has played tons of hours and is highly skilled in the game. Smurfs do this by using a different account than their actual account. On their actual account, they may have a high in-game level.
If you have been playing competitive online video games for a while now, you may have come across a smurf yourselves. For example, if you play CSGO and you are currently at the Gold Nova 4 rank, you expect your teammates and enemies to have a similar rank in competitive matchmaking. But if you come across a player that is playing way better than how a Gold Nova 4 player should play, then they are most probably a smurf.
A player doesn’t need to have a really high skill level to be considered as a smurf. A player can be above average or just average and be considered as a smurf. In the above example, if the player is only Legendary Eagle in their primary account, they are still considered a smurf because they won’t have a tough time winning against Gold Nova 4s. In the same way, if you start playing on the bronze rank with another account, you will also be a smurf.
Conclusion
In conclusion, smurfing may be a way for skilled players to have fun or challenge themselves in a different way, but it can also create an unfair playing field for new or lower-skilled players. Game developers are constantly implementing measures to prevent smurfing, but the practice still exists. Whether you are a smurf or a player who encounters one, understanding the concept of smurfing can help you navigate the online gaming world better.
FAQ
Why do players use smurf accounts?
Players use smurf accounts to hide their true skill level or to play with lower-ranked friends without impacting their primary account’s rank.
How can you tell if someone is a smurf in a game?
If a player is performing way better than expected at a particular rank, they may be a smurf.
Is smurfing considered cheating?
While some people consider smurfing to be cheating, it is not against the rules in most games. However, it can ruin the fun and balance of the game for others.
Can anyone be a smurf, or do you have to be highly skilled?
Anyone can be a smurf, regardless of their skill level. Even players with average or above-average skill levels can be considered smurfs.
Can smurfing affect the matchmaking system?
Yes, smurfing can affect the matchmaking system by disrupting the balance and fair play of the game. It can also make it difficult for players to progress and improve their rank.
