Nerf

From Guild Wars Wiki

Within the context of Guild Wars, a Nerf describes a game mechanic change made by ArenaNet which lessens the effectiveness of anything within the game, this includes skills and extends to builds, or tactics.

[edit] Examples

• If a healing spell gets updated to heal for less or cost more, it has been nerfed.
• The change in mob reaction to AoE damage, which subsequently lowered player damage output, was a strong farming nerf.
• The change in mob mechanics when attacking as a group, especially when solo farming, when some enemies will refrain from fighting when heavily damaged, and then take the place of other enemies after healing.

The opposite of a nerf is a buff.

[edit] Trivia

• The term "nerf" originates in various internet gaming from the Nerf [1] line of toys. To "nerf", in essence, is to make something powerful into something basic or harmless, in the same way that the Nerf company does with weapons, and various balls.