Meta
The currently dominant or strategically effective approach within a game, platform, or community.
“That weapon became the meta after the latest update.”
In gaming, meta refers to the strategies, characters, or builds considered strongest. Online, it can also describe content that comments on itself or on the system around it.
Meta is derived from Greek for beyond and from metagame, meaning strategy about the game itself. Competitive gaming popularized its current shorthand use.
the meta
The dominant strategy or setup.
off-meta
A viable but unconventional approach.
meta pick
A character or option chosen because it is currently strong.
What does meta mean in gaming?
It means the strategies or choices currently considered most effective.
Does meta stand for most effective tactics available?
That phrase is a popular backronym, not the original source of the word.
Can the meta change?
Yes, patches, discoveries, and player behavior can shift it quickly.