What is a hit box?

Question

What exactly is a hit box? Is there any way that knowing about hit boxes could help in a game?

Asked by Jeffrey

Answer

Definition

A hitbox is an invisible box-like area that when penetrated, counts as a "hit". It's different than the model (the visible character and his colors that you see). The hitbox is meant to compensate for lag and movement. When a character is moving, his hitbox is usually farther from the model. When a character is still, his hitbox is located directly on top of his model.

Contrary to the name, a hitbox is actually composed of several boxes that represent the character's different areas (head, arm, torso).

Hitboxes, and You

You should definitely know how the hitbox affects you. It's the source of nearly all bizarre "WTF, how did I die?", and impossible shots that you see other players making. Understanding the hitbox is key to understanding how you die (and possibly getting better at your game).

Demonstration

A picture is worth a thousand words, so here's an excellent video from Team Fortress 2:

http://www.wegame.com/watch/TF2_Hitboxes/

Watch how the hitbox moves according to the model, where it moves and when, and lastly, understand where you need to shoot to penetrate that hitbox (and score).

Illustration

Below is a picture of hitboxes in Counter Strike. As these models are sitting still, the hitboxes are right on top of them.

Answered by rlb.usa

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