‘Hard Reset’ Meaning in Gaming | Esports Terms Explained
A hard reset is a term that describes a process of restarting game systems to address bugs or issues. The term hard reset comes from the idea of turning off and on the power or the device or restoring it to its original or default state.
A console or a computer: This is the device that runs or hosts the game, such as a PlayStation, an Xbox, or a PC. A hard reset can be done by pressing a button, unplugging a cord, or using a menu option.
A game or a software: This is the program or the application that contains the game, such as a disc, a cartridge, or a file. A hard reset can be done by ejecting, removing, or deleting the game or the software.
A save or a data: This is the information or the record that stores the game progress, settings, or preferences, such as a file, a slot, or a cloud. A hard reset can be done by overwriting, erasing, or resetting the save or the data.
Why do gamers hard reset?
Gamers hard reset for various reasons, such as:
To fix or avoid bugs or issues: Hard reset can help gamers to fix or avoid problems or errors that affect the game performance or quality, such as glitches, crashes, or freezes. For example, in Pokemon, a gamer can hard reset to fix a corrupted save file or to avoid a game-breaking bug.
To change or reset the game outcome or state: Hard reset can also help gamers to change or reset the game result or condition, such as the score, the level, or the inventory. For example, in Dark Souls, a gamer can hard reset to change the enemy spawn or to reset the boss fight.
To exploit or abuse the game mechanics or features: Hard reset can also help gamers to exploit or abuse the game rules or functions, such as the RNG, the timer, or the autosave. For example, in Animal Crossing, a gamer can hard reset to manipulate the game time or to prevent the game from saving.
What are the pros and cons of hard reset?
Hard reset can have both advantages and disadvantages for gamers, such as:
Pros:
It can be useful and effective: Hard reset can be useful and effective for gamers, as it can offer them a quick and easy way of solving or preventing game problems or errors. It can also help them to improve or optimize the game performance or quality, such as the speed, the graphics, or the sound.
It can be flexible and versatile: Hard reset can also be flexible and versatile for gamers, as it can suit different types or genres of games, such as action, adventure, or simulation. It can also work with different devices or platforms, such as consoles, computers, or mobile phones.
It can be rewarding and satisfying: Hard reset can also be rewarding and satisfying for gamers, as it can provide them with a better or desired game outcome or state, such as a higher score, a lower level, or a different item. It can also give them a sense of achievement or relief, as they can overcome or escape a difficult or unfavorable situation.
Cons:
It can be risky and harmful: Hard reset can also be risky and harmful for gamers, as it can cause or worsen game problems or errors, such as data loss, corruption, or damage. It can also affect the device or the platform performance or quality, such as the battery, the memory, or the warranty.
It can be limited and restrictive: Hard reset can also be limited and restrictive for gamers, as it can only work with certain games or systems, or under certain conditions or circumstances. It can also prevent or disable certain game features or functions, such as achievements, trophies, or online services.
It can be unethical and unfair: Hard reset can also be unethical and unfair for gamers, as it can show a lack of respect or honesty towards the game or the developers. It can also give an unfair or undeserved advantage or reward, affecting the game balance or the game economy.
How to hard reset and when to use it?
Hard resetting and using it can be a personal and subjective decision, but there are some general steps and tips that can help gamers, such as:
Check the game and the device: Gamers should check the game and the device that they are using, and make sure that they are compatible and suitable for hard resetting. They should also check the game instructions, requirements, or recommendations, and follow them accordingly.
Backup or save the game and the data: Gamers should also backup or save the game and the data that they want to keep or protect, and store them in a safe or separate place, such as a USB, a cloud, or a different device. They should also avoid overwriting, erasing, or resetting the game or the data that they do not want to lose or change.
Perform or execute the hard reset: Gamers should also perform or execute the hard reset, using the appropriate method or tool, such as a button, a cord, or a menu option. They should also be careful and cautious, and avoid damaging or harming the game, the device, or themselves.
Using hard reset:
Use it as a last resort or a rare option: Gamers should use hard reset as a last resort or a rare option, and only when they have no other choice or solution, or when they really need or want to. They should also use it sparingly and moderately, and avoid using it too often or too much.
Use it at your own risk or responsibility: Gamers should also use hard reset at their own risk or responsibility, and be aware of the potential consequences or repercussions of using it. They should also respect the game rules or the game etiquette, and avoid using it to cheat or exploit the game or the system.
Use it for fun or for challenge: Gamers should also use hard reset for fun or for challenge, and try to enjoy or appreciate the game and the hard reset. They should also challenge themselves and try different games or modes, or play with or against other players, to test their skills or to learn from their experiences.
To Sum Up
A hard reset is a term that describes a process of restarting game systems to address bugs or issues. Gamers use hard reset for various reasons, such as to fix or avoid bugs or issues, to change or reset the game outcome or state, or to exploit or abuse the game mechanics or features. Hard reset can have both pros and cons for gamers, and it can be hard reset and used in various ways, such as checking the game and the device, or using it as a last resort or a rare option.