Rat is a term that refers to a player who avoids combat, sneaking around the game map. Rat is usually used as an insult or a joke, implying that the player is cowardly, selfish, or dishonest. Rat is also used as a verb, meaning to act like a rat, or as an adjective, meaning to have the qualities of a rat.
The origin of rat is not clear, but it might be related to the animal’s reputation for being sneaky, dirty, and scavenging. Rat is also similar to other terms that describe players who avoid confrontation, such as camper, lurker, or ninja.
Playing like a rat can have different reasons and strategies, depending on the game and the situation. Some of the reasons and strategies for playing like a rat are:
Survival
This is the most common reason for playing like a rat, especially in games that have a permadeath or a battle royale mode, where the last player or team standing wins. In these games, playing like a rat can increase the chances of survival, by avoiding unnecessary risks, hiding from enemies, and waiting for the right moment to strike. Some of the strategies for playing like a rat for survival are:
Choosing a stealthy or a defensive loadout, such as a silencer, a smoke grenade, or a shield.
Moving slowly and quietly, using cover, crouching, or prone.
Staying away from hotspots, such as loot areas, objectives, or chokepoints.
Looting dead bodies, crates, or buildings, for items, weapons, or ammo.
Ambushing or backstabbing enemies, when they are distracted, wounded, or outnumbered.
Fun
This is another reason for playing like a rat, especially in games that have a sandbox or a role-playing mode, where the player can create their own story or character. In these games, playing like a rat can be fun, by creating a challenge, a thrill, or a humor, for oneself or for others. Some of the strategies for playing like a rat for fun are:
Choosing a unique or a ridiculous loadout, such as a knife, a pistol, or a frying pan.
Moving randomly and unpredictably, using parkour, vehicles, or glitches.
Going to unexpected places, such as rooftops, tunnels, or bushes.
Looting or stealing from other players, allies, or enemies, for fun, profit, or revenge.
Teaming up or betraying other players, making friends, enemies, or alliances.
What are Some Examples of Games that Have Rats?
Rats are a feature that is found in many games, across different platforms and genres. Some of the most popular and well-known examples of games that have rats are:
Escape from Tarkov: This is one of the most realistic and hardcore FPS games that have rats. In this game, players can join raids of up to 12 players, and fight against other players or AI enemies, in a post-apocalyptic world. The game also has a complex and realistic loot system, where players can find, use, or trade various items, such as weapons, armor, or medicine. The game also has a permadeath mode, where players can lose all their items if they die. In this game, playing like a rat can be a viable and rewarding strategy, as it can help players survive, loot, and escape.
Among Us: This is one of the most viral and fun social deduction games that have rats. In this game, players can join a crew of 4 to 10 players, and complete tasks on a spaceship, a base, or a planet. However, one or more of the players are impostors, who can kill, sabotage, or deceive the crew. The game also has a voting system, where players can discuss and vote out the impostors, or the crewmates. In this game, playing like a rat can be a hilarious and effective strategy, as it can help players avoid suspicion, gather information, or manipulate others.
Rust: This is one of the most popular and brutal survival games that have rats. In this game, players can spawn naked and alone on a large map, and gather resources, craft items, or build bases. They can also interact with other players, who can be friendly, hostile, or neutral. The game also has a raiding system, where players can attack or defend other players’ bases, using explosives, weapons, or traps. The game also has a permadeath mode, where players can lose all their items if they die. In this game, playing like a rat can be a risky and exciting strategy, as it can help players scavenge, steal, or betray.
To Sum Up
Rat is a term that refers to a player who avoids combat, sneaking around the game map. It can have both positive and negative connotations, depending on the game and the context. Rat is often used in games that have a survival, a sandbox, or a social aspect, where players can choose their own playstyle and goals. Some of the most popular games that have rats are Escape from Tarkov, Among Us, and Rust.