What Does ADS Mean in Gaming?

Mar 3, 2025

ADS is a term that many gamers will come across at some point. New players might not recognize it immediately, but it usually has two common meanings.

The most common meaning of ADS is “aim down sights.” This phrase appears often in first-person shooter games. It describes aiming with a weapon in first-person view to see distant enemies more clearly.

Some players call this hard-scoping, but that usually applies to using a scope or long-range optic.

Call of Duty includes this term and shows ADS speed for different weapons. Attachments can affect this speed.

ads meaning in gaming

Most first-person shooters let players aim from the hip or use ADS, with ADS generally being more accurate.

In games like VALORANT, aiming down sights can slow movement. Knowing how each game handles this mechanic helps players use it effectively.

In MMOs, ADS can also mean additional enemies that are easily defeated. Players might warn their team when these new enemies appear.

The meaning of ADS depends on the game. Attention to the situation can help players understand whether it refers to aiming or extra enemies.

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