Baiting is a common term in esports that refers to the act of luring an enemy into a trap or an ambush. Baiting can be done by a single player or by a team, depending on the game and the situation. Baiting can be a risky but rewarding strategy, as it can give the baiter an advantage in terms of positioning, timing, or numbers. However, baiting can also backfire if the enemy is aware of the trap or if the baiter is unable to escape or survive the encounter.
How to Bait in Esports?
Baiting can be done in different ways, depending on the game genre, the game mode, the map, and the enemy. Here are some general tips on how to bait in esports:
Use your health, mana, or resources as bait. Pretend to be low on health, mana, or resources, and act vulnerable or weak. This can entice the enemy to chase you or engage you, thinking that they have an easy kill. However, you should have a backup plan, such as a hidden ally, a healing item, or an escape route, to turn the tables on the enemy.
Use your abilities or items as bait. Use an ability or an item that has a long cooldown or a high cost, and make it seem like you wasted it or used it poorly. This can make the enemy think that you have no more options or that you are inexperienced. However, you should have another ability or item ready, or a way to reduce the cooldown or cost, to surprise the enemy with a counterattack.
Use your position or movement as bait. Move or position yourself in a way that exposes you to the enemy or puts you in a disadvantageous spot. This can make the enemy think that you are unaware of your surroundings or that you are making a mistake. However, you should have a hidden advantage, such as a vision ward, a map objective, or a terrain feature, to gain an edge over the enemy.
Use your communication or behavior as bait. Communicate or behave in a way that provokes or taunts the enemy, or that reveals information or intentions. This can make the enemy angry, impatient, or overconfident, and make them act rashly or recklessly. However, you should have a deception or a bluff, such as a fake call, a false retreat, or a double agent, to trick the enemy into a trap.
Examples of Baiting in Esports
Baiting is a common strategy in many esports games, especially in the MOBA and FPS genres. Here are some examples of baiting in popular esports titles:
In League of Legends, a popular baiting technique is to use the Baron Nashor as bait. The Baron Nashor is a powerful neutral monster that grants a buff to the team that kills it. However, killing the Baron Nashor takes a lot of time and resources, and exposes the team to the enemy. Therefore, some teams use the Baron Nashor as bait, by pretending to start or finish it, and then ambushing the enemy team that comes to contest it.
In Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, a common baiting tactic is to use a fake bomb plant as bait. The bomb plant is the main objective of the terrorist team, who have to plant the bomb at a designated site and defend it until it explodes. However, planting the bomb takes a few seconds, and makes a loud noise, which alerts the enemy. Therefore, some terrorists use a fake bomb plant as bait, by starting to plant the bomb, and then stopping and shooting the enemy that comes to stop them.
In Overwatch, a frequent baiting method is to use a hero’s ultimate ability as bait. The ultimate ability is the most powerful and impactful ability of a hero, which can change the outcome of a fight or a game. However, using the ultimate ability also makes a distinctive sound, which warns the enemy. Therefore, some heroes use their ultimate ability as bait, by activating it, and then canceling it or hiding it, to bait the enemy into using their defensive abilities or ultimates, and then using their ultimate ability again when the enemy is vulnerable.
To Sum Up
Baiting is a skill that can give you an edge over your opponents in esports. By baiting, you can manipulate the enemy’s actions and reactions, and create opportunities for yourself or your team. However, baiting also requires careful planning, timing, and execution, as it can backfire if the enemy is prepared or aware of your intentions. Therefore, baiting is not a simple or easy strategy, but a complex and challenging one, that can make esports more fun and exciting.