‘Shroud’ Meaning in Gaming | Esports Terms Explained

Shroud is a term that refers to an area of the game map that is covered in darkness or fog. Shroud is usually used to hide or obscure the parts of the map that the player or the character has not explored or seen yet. Shroud is also used to create a sense of mystery, suspense, or challenge, by limiting the player’s or the character’s vision and knowledge. Shroud is also known as fog of war, black mask, or cloud.

The purpose of shroud is to provide a realistic and immersive gameplay experience for the player or the character, where they have to explore, discover, or scout the map, and deal with the unknown or the unexpected. Shroud can also be used to balance or enhance the gameplay, by giving advantages or disadvantages to different players, characters, or factions. Shroud is often associated with strategy, simulation, or adventure games, where the player or the character has to control or interact with the map.

What are the Reasons and Strategies for Using Shroud?

Using shroud can have different reasons and strategies, depending on the game and the situation. Some of the reasons and strategies for using shroud are:

Exploration

This is the most common reason for using shroud, especially in games that have a large, complex, or dynamic map, where the player or the character can find different resources, items, enemies, or events. In these games, using shroud can encourage the player or the character to explore and discover the map, and reward them with more information, options, or opportunities. Some of the strategies for using shroud for exploration are:

• Moving or sending units, such as scouts, spies, or drones, to reveal the shrouded areas of the map, and gain vision and knowledge of the surroundings.
• Building or capturing structures, such as towers, outposts, or satellites, to expand the vision and knowledge of the map, and maintain control and awareness of the territory.
• Using or activating abilities, items, or events, such as flares, radars, or quests, to temporarily or permanently remove the shroud from certain areas of the map, and gain access or advantage over the hidden or secret locations.

Combat

This is another reason for using shroud, especially in games that have a competitive, cooperative, or hostile map, where the player or the character can encounter different allies, enemies, or neutrals. In these games, using shroud can affect the outcome and the experience of the combat, by giving advantages or disadvantages to different players, characters, or factions. Some of the strategies for using shroud for combat are:

• Hiding or ambushing units, such as snipers, assassins, or traps, in the shrouded areas of the map, and surprise or confuse the enemy, or avoid or escape from danger.
• Attacking or defending structures, such as bases, objectives, or resources, in the shrouded areas of the map, and gain or deny the enemy the vision and knowledge of the map, and the control and awareness of the territory.
• Using or countering abilities, items, or events, such as stealth, smoke, or fog, to create or remove the shroud from certain areas of the map, and gain or lose the visibility and accuracy of the units, and the initiative and advantage of the combat.

What are Some Examples of Games that Have Shroud?

Shroud is a feature that is used in many games, across different platforms and genres. Some of the most popular and well-known examples of games that have shroud are:

• StarCraft: This is one of the most classic and influential real-time strategy games that have shroud. In this game, the player can choose from three different races, the Terran, the Protoss, or the Zerg, and compete or cooperate with other players, in a sci-fi setting. The game has a dynamic and complex gameplay system, where the player has to manage resources, units, and structures, and also use shroud to explore, scout, or attack the map. The game also has different types of shroud, such as the black shroud, that hides the unexplored areas of the map, or the fog of war, that hides the enemy’s movements and actions.
• Assassin’s Creed: This is one of the most successful and innovative action-adventure games that have shroud. In this game, the player controls an assassin, that has to relive the memories of their ancestors, and fight against a secret organization, in a historical setting. The game has a smooth and immersive gameplay system, where the player can use different weapons, skills, and gadgets, and also use shroud to hide, sneak, or assassinate the enemies. The game also has different types of shroud, such as the darkness, that hides the player from the enemies’ sight, or the crowd, that hides the player from the enemies’ detection.
• Minecraft: This is one of the most addictive and creative sandbox games that have shroud. In this game, the player can build and craft anything they can imagine, using blocks and resources, in a pixelated world. The game has a simple and intuitive gameplay system, where the player can use different tools, items, and modes, and also use shroud to explore, survive, or adventure the map. The game also has different types of shroud, such as the fog, that limits the player’s view distance, or the night, that spawns more enemies and dangers.

To Sum Up

Shroud is a term that refers to an area of the game map that is covered in darkness or fog. It can have different effects and purposes, depending on the game and the context. Shroud is often used in strategy, simulation, or adventure games, where the player or the character has to control or interact with the map. Some of the most popular games that have shroud are StarCraft, Assassin’s Creed, and Minecraft.