PvE

PvE, or player versus environment, is a gameplay modality in which players control characters to fight computer-controlled enemies and navigate environmental hazards. It contrasts with PvP (player versus player), where competition is against other human players. PvE content can be experienced solo or with others and is a core element of many role-playing games, action-adventure titles, and massively multiplayer online games.

Common forms of PvE include story campaigns, quests, dungeons, raids, and open-world exploration. Encounters can range from small skirmishes to large boss battles, often featuring unique mechanics and loot rewards. PvE design emphasizes narrative, exploration, progression, and cooperation, with enemies governed by artificial intelligence and sometimes by scalable difficulty.

Gameplay mechanics frequently seen in PvE include enemy AI behavior, progression systems (experience, levels, skills, gear), loot drops, and matchmaking or instancing to balance groups. Some games offer multiple difficulty levels or dynamic events to adjust challenge.

PvE content can exist as mainline content, side activities, or endgame activities. Hybrid models exist in games that offer PvPvE modes or dedicated PvP servers, where PvE encounters are affected by or compete with other players.

Historically, PvE has been central to single-player RPGs and adventure games and became a major pillar of MMOs through large-scale raids and cooperative dungeons. In contemporary games, PvE design often emphasizes accessibility, pacing, and reward structures to sustain long-term player engagement.