Pre-Fire: Why Do Players Pre-Fire?
In first-person shooters, “pre-firing” means shooting at a spot—like around a corner or through a doorway—before you’ve actually spotted an enemy there. It’s a proactive move based on prediction, where you assume someone might be about to appear or is already holding that angle. The goal is to catch them off guard and land shots the moment they become visible.
Why Pre-firing Works
You might be wondering: if you haven’t seen anyone yet, why shoot early? Isn’t that just wasting bullets? Actually, pre-firing offers some serious advantages if used correctly.
- It can give you the jump on opponents who aren’t expecting gunfire just yet, letting you land shots before they can react.
- Even if you miss, the noise and any hit markers can clue you in on someone’s position.
- It can throw off your opponents, forcing them to back off, hide, or slow down—buying time for your team to rotate or take control of the map.
In games with objectives, it’s a great way to block off access to crucial spots like doorways or choke points, making it harder for the enemy to push through.
How to Pre-fire Effectively
Of course, randomly unloading bullets into every wall isn’t the way to go. Smart pre-firing takes timing, knowledge, and a bit of strategy. Here are some key tips we’ve gathered from top-tier FPS players:
- Know the Map: Experience is everything. Learn where players tend to hide or peek from—common angles, tight corners, or popular ambush spots.
- Use Sound to Your Advantage: Pay close attention to enemy footsteps, gun reloads, or utility sounds. These little cues can help you guess when and where to pre-fire.
- Talk to Your Team: In team-based modes, information is power. Let your teammates help you pinpoint enemy locations so you’re not guessing blindly.
- Keep Your Aim Tight: Always keep your crosshair aimed at head height and lined up with where someone might appear. That way, if someone walks into your shot, you’re already ready.
- Use Controlled Shots: Instead of spraying a whole magazine, try short bursts or tap firing. This keeps your aim steady and saves bullets.
- Watch Your Timing: Don’t rush the trigger. Fire too soon and you might miss the chance entirely. Fire too late, and they might shoot you first.
Be Aware of the Downsides
Pre-firing isn’t without drawbacks. If you overdo it, you could run low on ammo fast or give away your position. Enemies who are paying attention might even use your pre-fire sound to plan a counterattack. That’s why it’s important to mix it up and not become predictable. Think of pre-firing as a tool in your kit—not something you rely on every time.
