Endlag

Endlag is the period of time where the player is unable to act after performing certain actions. Sometimes referred to as Recovery, it is often seen after movement options or Attacks. The implementation of Endlag varies from game to game, with some having little to none, and others having an abundance.

Endlag is not to be confused with Cooldown, a similar mechanic that also prevents the player from taking actions. When a player is in Endlag, they are unable to take any actions at all, usually for a short period of time. On the contrary, a Cooldown often applies to one specific action (or a set of actions) and is usually longer than Endlag.

Dark Souls series – The player experiences Endlag after using a Healing Item, Rolling, or Attacking, where they are vulnerable for a short period of time after performing these actions.

Super Smash Bros. series – Most attacks have “recovery frames” during which a player character can not take action. Moves such as Grapples may have Endlag that only applies when the move fails.

Street Fighter series – Attacks have “recovery frames”, but some attacks can be Canceled into other attacks when hitting an opponent, allowing the player to completely skip Endlag. There may be specific restrictions on which moves can be canceled into which others, depending on the move and character.

Cooldown – Similar but more specific term used for specific actions.

Burst Movement Option – Endlag is common after Burst Movement Options.

Landing Lag - A mechanic unique to platform fighters, wherein a character has a longer Endlag when canceling an aerial move by touching the ground.

Health Recovery - Endlag is frequently used after healing options in many games to add risk to restoring your health in a dangerous situation.