What exactly is a hit box? Is there any way that knowing about hit boxes could help in a game?
Best 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:
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.
Zoning: Intentionally keeping
distance/pressure on your opponent,
either reading their style or forcing
them into playing a certain way.
Adaptive to close combat situations
and able to make good on big damage
opportunities. (sic)
[...]
A good zoning player will always
create opportunities for themselves by
keeping their opponent away from them
as to gain control of the match, then
adjust to their opponent's
tactics/counters and act accordingly.
(sic)
[...]
Zoning doesn't have to involve
repeated moves at all. Zoning isn't
just keeping your distance, it's about
keeping within a very specific
distance, which may not even be a half
screen away. It might be just barely
within range of a normal move. The
idea is to establish this distance and
keep it, because it limits your
opponent's options and allows you to
react more easily, giving you the
control of the match.
Best 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.