One Trick: What does it mean to be a one trick player?
“One tricking” refers to sticking with just one character in a game and not branching out to learn others. In games where there’s a roster of playable characters — like hero shooters or fighting games — someone who always picks the same character and isn’t comfortable with any others is often called a “one trick.” The term isn’t usually flattering, since it implies that the player is useless if they can’t play their go-to character.
It’s easy to mix up a one trick with a “main,” but there’s a big difference. A main is someone who favors one character but can switch to others when needed. One tricks, on the other hand, don’t have that flexibility. Mains tend to be more reliable teammates because they can adapt to what the match or team needs.
When is one tricking acceptable?
That really depends on the kind of game you’re playing. In team-based games, one tricking can actually hurt your team. If you’re only good with one character and the team needs a different role or ability, you might drag the whole squad down.
Take Overwatch as an example — if your team needs a hitscan hero and you can only play Pharah, that mismatch can create serious problems. You might end up feeding the enemy and putting your team at a disadvantage. The same situation applies in Valorant or League of Legends, where flexibility is often key to success.
But in solo-focused games like fighters, it’s a different story. Since you’re not relying on teammates, mastering one character can actually be a strength. You can focus on perfecting your gameplay and become a real threat to opponents without worrying about letting anyone else down.
