fastrolling

Fastrolling refers to a practice common in online multiplayer video games, particularly those with character progression or loot systems. It involves a player starting a new game or character repeatedly, often in rapid succession, with the primary goal of quickly acquiring specific items, abilities, or a desired character build. This is typically done to bypass a lengthy or tedious progression process or to obtain rare items that have a low drop rate through conventional gameplay.

The efficiency of fastrolling often relies on exploiting game mechanics, such as skipping cutscenes, using optimized character builds for rapid completion of early game stages, or leveraging exploits that allow for faster restarts. Players might engage in fastrolling for various reasons, including the desire to reach a specific point in the game quickly to engage in competitive play, to collect rare cosmetic items, or to experiment with different gameplay styles without investing significant time in a single playthrough.

While fastrolling can be an effective strategy for achieving specific in-game goals, it can also be seen as a deviation from the intended player experience. Some game developers may implement measures to discourage or prevent such practices if they are perceived to disrupt game balance or exploit unintended game mechanics. The ethical considerations of fastrolling are often debated within gaming communities, with opinions varying on whether it is a legitimate strategy or a form of "cheating" the intended progression.