Loadout: What are Loadouts in Video Games?
Loadouts are a core part of many video games, giving players the freedom to outfit their characters with a specific set of weapons, gear, abilities, and even cosmetic items. This system adds a personal touch to gameplay and can heavily influence how you perform in a match.
Rather than just being for show, the loadout you choose often shapes your approach to the game—whether you’re aiming for speed, power, or versatility. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at how loadouts function, why they matter, and the different forms they can take depending on the game you’re playing.
What Exactly Is a Loadout?
Think of a loadout as your character’s toolkit for battle. Before a match—or sometimes even mid-game—you get to decide what your character will bring to the fight. This might include weapons, special equipment, skills, or cosmetics. The setup you choose plays a big role in defining your strengths, your weaknesses, and how you tackle different situations.
Depending on the game, loadouts can vary quite a bit. Even within the same title, different modes might offer different customization options.
Different Kinds of Loadouts
Let’s break down the common types of loadouts you’ll come across in games:
Weapon Loadouts
In most action and shooter games, choosing your weapons is the centerpiece of loadout customization. Players often pick from categories like rifles, pistols, shotguns, or high-tech gadgets. The key is usually finding a balance—something that suits both long-range and close-quarters combat.
Gear and Equipment Loadouts
Beyond weapons, many games let you carry support items like grenades, healing tools, traps, or scanners. These extras can turn the tide in tight situations, allowing for tactical plays or emergency saves.
Abilities and Perks
A lot of modern titles include special abilities or passive perks. These might boost things like reload speed, movement, damage resistance, or even unlock unique attacks. Picking the right mix of these can be just as important as your weapon choices and can completely change how you play.
Cosmetic Loadouts
Then there’s the fun, visual side. Cosmetic loadouts let you dress up your character with skins, outfits, emotes, and more. While they don’t change gameplay, they’re a big part of how players express themselves and show off their style in multiplayer lobbies or matches.
Why Loadouts Matter
Now that you know the types of loadouts, let’s talk about why they’re such a big deal in modern gaming:
Personalization
Loadouts give you the power to play your way. Whether you like staying hidden and picking enemies off from afar, or charging in guns blazing, your setup can be tailored to match your preferences.
Tactical Advantage
Choosing the right gear can give you a leg up. A carefully thought-out loadout can make all the difference in competitive play, both in solo matches and team-based games.
Keeps Things Interesting
Swapping out your loadout between games keeps gameplay feeling fresh. It lets you try new strategies and keeps the experience from becoming repetitive.
Sense of Progress
In many games, unlocking and upgrading loadout options is tied to your overall progress. Earning new weapons or skills feels rewarding and gives players something to work toward over time.
