Routeshaving

Routeshaving is a term that emerged in online discussions, particularly within gaming communities, to describe a specific type of emergent player behavior. It refers to the act of players deliberately choosing less efficient or more difficult paths through a game world, often in a competitive context, to prolong the experience, discover hidden elements, or simply for personal challenge. This behavior contrasts with typical speedrunning or optimal pathfinding strategies, where the goal is to complete a game or a segment as quickly and efficiently as possible.

The motivation behind routeshaving can vary. Some players engage in it to extend the lifespan of a game they enjoy, finding new ways to interact with familiar environments. Others might do it to avoid predictable gameplay loops or to discover "secrets" that are not immediately apparent. In multiplayer games, routeshaving can sometimes be a passive-aggressive tactic, where a player intentionally takes a longer route to avoid confronting opponents, thus delaying a potentially unfavorable engagement. The term itself is a portmanteau of "route" and "shaving," implying a deviation from the most direct or efficient path. It highlights a player's desire to explore and experiment within the game's design, rather than simply optimizing for a single outcome. The concept is often discussed in forums and social media as a counterpoint to the pressure for speed and efficiency often found in modern gaming culture.