Game Jargon Definition: “Turtling”

Turtling (noun) - tur · tling /ˈtərtliNG/

Turtling is a gameplay strategy that emphasizes heavy defense, with little or no offense. This strategy is relevant in computer, console, and tabletop games and most commonly employed in fighting games, real-time strategy games, and turn-based strategy games. A player who turtles minimizes risk to themselves while baiting opponents to take risks in trying to overcome the defenses.

The term “turtling” refers to the defensive posture of a turtle as it retracts its limbs into its hardened shell for protection against predators and other threats. A player who concentrates on defense is said to behave like a turtle, reluctant to leave the safety of their defensive parameter for fear of being more prone to an attack.

Turtling often leads to games dragging on for longer than was intended or longer than they remain interesting for other players, and can also lead to the underutilization of many of the game’s systems. As a result, designers try to discourage turtling through various game mechanics, allowing experienced players who understand a game’s deeper strategy to easily defeat a player who turtles. Design methods commonly employed to reduce turtling include using a victory system involving territorial control, objective completion, resource acquisition, and strength in the flexibility and mobility of units (or perhaps all four).