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Mechanics
Some game rules quietly decide whether a team helps each other or competes internally. Who gets the reward, whether you can pick up a downed teammate, whether a stray shot hits your own side: details like these shape the mood of a group. We break down these mechanics and explain how to live with them.
When a group knows in advance how rewards are split and what happens after a mistake, there's less to get upset about and more room to play.
How this section works: mechanics are described in general terms, not tied to specific games. They're named and work a little differently from game to game, so check the details in the help pages and look here for ideas on how to reach an agreement with your team.
Six mechanics that affect group dynamics more than any others.
In some games loot is shared, in others everyone gets their own, and sometimes the prize goes to whoever grabs it first. Agree on how to split things before you start, and arguments over a valuable find will drop off noticeably.
You can often pick up a downed teammate if you reach them quickly. Decide who in the group handles revives and call it out ("reviving") so two people don't run to the same player.
If attacks can hit your own side, the team needs to be careful and agree on positions. An accidental hit is a reason to apologize and laugh, not to fight.
A marker on the map, an enemy or an item is visible to the whole group and understood without words. It helps people who are shy about speaking and those who play without a mic.
Sometimes story progress is saved only for the host, while guests just keep their items. Find out in advance so nobody has to replay a chapter.
If your squad isn't full, the game may add random players. Decide in advance whether you're open to strangers, and switch to a private group if you only want to play with your own people.
Start with what needs doing or where the danger is, and save the details for later. "Two on the left" is more useful than a long story about how you spotted them.
When things get tense, let the leader or whoever sees the threat do the talking. Everyone else goes quiet for a moment so nothing important gets lost in the noise.
Shouting doesn't speed a team up; it throws it off. A calm voice in a tough spot rubs off on everyone else and helps them pull together.
A quick "copy" or "on my way" shows the call got through. The leader won't have to repeat it, and the group will move together.
Discussing mistakes mid-fight is pointless and hurtful. Make a mental note of the moment and come back to it once the attempt is over.
Guides for teams: your first session with new people, roles, leading a group, coaching a newcomer and reviewing a failed attempt. Plus our article catalog.
Answers about the magazine, team roles, voice chat etiquette and safety in online groups.
A team play dictionary: roles, communication and co-op formats in plain words.
What to look for when choosing a game for your team, and how to read reviews from a group's point of view rather than a solo player's.
We describe general principles of team play. Voice, ping and matchmaking settings work differently in every game and change with updates, so look up the exact menu options in your game's official help pages.