Nonmelee

Nonmelee is a term used to categorize actions, attacks, or interactions that do not involve close-quarters combat. In gaming and related fields, nonmelee typically describes ranged, magical, or other long-range methods of affecting targets, as opposed to melee methods that require proximity and direct contact.

In game design, nonmelee assets rely on range, line of sight, projectile speed, aiming, and resource costs such as mana, stamina, or ammunition. Nonmelee abilities often offer safer or more strategic engagement options but can introduce challenges such as aiming accuracy, travel time, or vulnerability to interruptions. Balancing nonmelee and melee systems involves considerations like counterplay, spacing, cover, and target acquisition to ensure a fair and varied combat flow.

Nonmelee concepts appear across many genres, including first-person shooters, role-playing games, real-time strategy, and MOBA titles. Examples include archery, spellcasting, thrown weapons, traps, and environmental hazards that affect enemies from a distance. Some games also categorize nonmelee as “ranged” or “magic,” while others use a broader tag such as “non-physical,” “distance,” or “special” to cover attacks that do not require melee contact.

Terminology and usage can vary by game system. While some sources treat nonmelee as a distinct category, others prefer more specific labels such as ranged, magic, or special abilities. In data schemas and stat blocks, nonmelee often appears as a classification to separate distant or non-contact effects from melee-involved actions.

Related concepts include melee combat, ranged combat, and magic or spellcasting.