Recoil

Recoil is a small backward momentum boost that a character receives when they Attack. Recoil may move the character backwards, but a smaller amount of recoil will simply make them lean backwards in place. In either case, this causes the action to feel heavier or more impactful.

Recoil is commonly associated with Projectile Attacks, and makes Aiming-Based Attacks more difficult to use in quick succession. When applied to Melee Attacks, Recoil generally only occurs when an attack hits a target. The use of melee Recoil against a target below the attacker to gain height is called a Pogo. In games where recoil moves a character, it can sometimes be used to perform an Advanced Movement Technique known as a Backboost by quickly turning around, getting pushed forward by Recoil, and turning back around to minimize speed loss.

Valorant (2020) – Guns have recoil when shot, causing the player character to lean backwards and thus aim higher.

Celeste (2018) – When the player character throws a held object, she receives a small backwards momentum boost.

Hollow Knight (2017) – Striking enemies or walls with the nail pushes the player character back slightly.

Guilty Gear Strive (2021) – Attacking an opponent who is blocking pushes back the attacker. Also features a defensive technique, Faultless Defense, which increases this recoil.

Backboost – Advanced Movement Technique using Recoil.

Pogo – Subtype applied to downwards Melee Attacks.

Knockback – Another small push applied by Attacks.