PvE means player versus environment, where you play against computer-controlled enemies, and PvP means player versus player, where you play against other people. Many online games offer both.
PvE is typically cooperative: you and your group fight monsters, bosses or waves of AI enemies, and you win or lose together. PvP is competitive: the opponent is another player or team, whether in a ranked match, a duel or an open world.
How players use it
- "I only play PvE, PvP is too stressful."
- "Looking for PvE group for the weekly boss, no PvP."
- "This server is PvP, so watch your back."
- "Is the endgame PvE or PvP in this game?"
Servers and game modes are often labeled by type. Survival and MMO games commonly let you pick a PvE server (other players cannot hurt you) or a PvP server (other players can attack you).
PvE and PvP in practice
PvE content includes dungeons, raids, story missions and horde modes. The challenge comes from learning enemy patterns, managing resources and coordinating roles. Popular PvE-focused games include Helldivers 2 and Deep Rock Galactic.
PvP content includes ranked ladders, arenas, battle royale and team shooters, where you face human opponents who adapt. Valorant and Rocket League are competitive PvP games.
Some games combine both in the same place: an MMO such as World of Warcraft has PvE dungeons and raids next to PvP battlegrounds and arenas, and some survival games let both mix in an open world. When players and AI enemies threaten you at the same time, the mode is called PvPvE.
Which should you choose?
- Choose PvE if you like cooperating, learning boss mechanics and playing at your own pace with friends.
- Choose PvP if you want competition, ranks and the unpredictability of human opponents.
- If you want a team for either, post in an LFG channel or use /find-players to see who is online in your game.
Related terms
FAQ
What does PvE stand for?
PvE stands for player versus environment. The opponents are controlled by the game, such as monsters, bosses or AI soldiers.
What does PvP stand for?
PvP stands for player versus player. You compete directly against other human players.
Is PvE easier than PvP?
Not necessarily. PvE enemies follow patterns you can learn, but hard bosses and raids demand coordination. PvP is harder to predict because humans adapt, so the two are difficult in different ways.
Can a game be both PvE and PvP?
Yes. Many MMOs and survival games include both, and some modes mix them. See PvPvE.