souping

Souping is a term used in competitive gaming, particularly in multiplayer online battle arenas (MOBAs) and other strategy games, to describe the practice of replacing a player’s character or unit with a stronger or more advantageous one during gameplay. This tactic is often employed to gain an unfair advantage by exploiting game mechanics, such as respawn systems, character selection menus, or other in-game features that allow for rapid substitution.

The term originates from the phrase "soup," which refers to a pool of available characters or units that players can cycle through. By repeatedly switching between characters, players may attempt to bypass matchmaking algorithms, avoid penalties for losing, or secure a more powerful unit for a given match. This strategy can be particularly prevalent in games where respawns or rotations occur frequently, such as in *League of Legends*, *Dota 2*, or *Overwatch*.

While souping can be seen as a form of cheating, it is not always explicitly prohibited in all games. Some titles may have anti-soup measures, such as time delays between character selections or penalties for rapid substitutions. However, others may allow it within certain limits, depending on their ruleset. Players who engage in souping often do so to optimize their performance, especially in ranked or high-stakes matches where competitive pressure is high.

Critics argue that souping undermines fair play by allowing players to bypass natural consequences of gameplay, such as losing streaks or skill-based outcomes. Supporters, on the other hand, may contend that it is a creative use of game mechanics rather than outright cheating. The legality or ethical acceptability of souping varies by community standards and game design, making it a subject of ongoing debate among players and developers.