Cooldown is a mechanic defined as the fixed or variable time interval a player must wait after performing a specific action or using an ability before they can perform that action or use that ability again. The primary purpose of this mechanic is to balance certain actions or a simulation of real-world recovery needs, such as catching one's breath after exhausting stamina or allowing a weapon to cool down after overheating. Cooldowns most commonly apply to Attacks and Alternative Movement Option, although any action can be bound by them.
Common approaches include global cooldowns (prevalent in MMORPGs), individual cooldowns (timed separately for each movement), or cooldowns that can be interrupted or modified by special abilities or items. In action games, cooldowns are typically brief to maintain fluidity, whereas in strategy or MOBA games, they may be longer to emphasize timing and decision-making. Turn-Based Combat systems may feature Cooldowns with time measured in turns instead of real time.