Gank

A gank is a surprise attack in which one or more players catch an opponent off guard, often outnumbering them, and defeat them quickly. The person being ganked typically has little warning and little chance to escape. Its origin is not clearly documented, so this entry sticks to how the word is used.

Ganking in team arenas

In multiplayer online battle arena games, ganking is a central tactic rather than an insult. Maps are divided into lanes where players face each other, and a team-mate can leave their own area to sneak into another lane and help win a fight there. Players who roam the jungle areas between lanes are often responsible for ganks. Spotting incoming ganks – by watching the map and placing vision tools – is a core skill.

Ganking in open-world PvP

In online role-playing games with player-versus-player combat in open areas, ganking has a more negative meaning. It often describes high-level players attacking much weaker ones, or groups picking off solo players who are busy questing. Some players see this as part of the danger that makes such worlds exciting; others find it frustrating. Many games limit it with safe zones, level restrictions or optional PvP settings that let players choose whether they can be attacked.

What new players should know

Being ganked is part of learning many competitive games. In team arena games, glancing at the mini-map regularly and noticing when enemies disappear from view is the best defence. In open-world games, playing on servers or in modes where PvP is optional, or sticking with a group, reduces unwanted ambushes. If ganking is consistently targeted at one player and accompanied by abuse, that moves towards griefing and can be reported.