Game modes in video games: the main types
A game mode is a set of rules for how you play the same game. The main types are single-player (a story campaign or offline play against AI), cooperative modes where players team up against the game, competitive multiplayer modes where players face each other, and open-ended modes like sandbox or creative. Many games also add practice, survival and special event modes.
Single-player modes
- Campaign or story mode. A designed sequence of missions with a plot.
- Free play or sandbox. No fixed goals, as in Minecraft's Creative mode.
- Difficulty modes. Easy to hard, plus hardcore or permadeath, where dying ends the run.
- New Game Plus. Replay the game with your previous progress and tougher enemies.
- Time trial or challenge. Beat a level as fast or as cleanly as possible.
Cooperative modes
- Co-op campaign. Two or more players play the story together, locally (split-screen) or online.
- Horde or survival. Players hold out against waves of enemies.
- Raids and dungeons. Group content in MMOs and looter shooters.
Competitive multiplayer modes
- Deathmatch and Team Deathmatch. Score by eliminating opponents.
- Objective modes. Capture the flag, domination or king of the hill, and bomb modes like Search and Destroy.
- Battle royale. Dozens of players drop into a shrinking map and the last player or team standing wins.
- MOBA and arena modes. Teams fight to destroy the enemy base or win rounds.
- Ranked vs. casual. Ranked modes track your skill rating; casual or unranked modes have lower stakes.
Other modes
- Practice or training. Learn controls and combos without pressure.
- Limited-time modes. Special rules during events.
- Photo mode. Pause the game to take screenshots.
FAQ
What is hard mode?
A higher difficulty setting where enemies deal more damage, have more health or behave more aggressively.
What are the three types of multiplayer?
By how players connect: local multiplayer on one console or screen (split-screen or couch co-op), LAN play on a shared local network, and online multiplayer over the internet. By how they play together, modes split into co-op and competitive.
What does Game Mode on a TV or Windows do?
That is a different thing. TV game mode turns off picture processing to reduce input lag, and Windows Game Mode prioritizes system resources for the game you are playing.
What game modes are in Warzone?
Warzone is built around battle royale and Resurgence, a faster mode with respawns. Available modes rotate by season, so check the current playlist in the game.
What types of games exist?
Common genres include action, adventure, RPG, shooter, strategy, simulation, sports, racing, puzzle and fighting games. A genre describes the game; a mode describes how you play it.