# Nerf

- Term: Digital term
- Canonical: https://www.lanternhall.org/lexicon/nerf/

> To weaken an item, ability or character in a game update, usually for balance; the opposite of a buff. Players protest nerfs to their favorite builds as loudly as any policy change.

To weaken an item, ability or character in a game update, usually for balance; the opposite of a buff. Players protest nerfs to their favorite builds as loudly as any policy change.

**Origin:** From the Nerf brand of soft foam toys, which are designed to be harmless.

## Quick answers

**What does "Nerf" mean?**
To weaken an item, ability or character in a game update, usually for balance; the opposite of a buff. Players protest nerfs to their favorite builds as loudly as any policy change.

**Where does the term "Nerf" come from?**
From the Nerf brand of soft foam toys, which are designed to be harmless.

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From The Lantern Hall (https://www.lanternhall.org/), a museum of fantasy literature and roleplaying games.