Want to be faster, stronger, more resilient? Dream of giving your character an edge over the competition? Welcome to the world of perks — passive bonuses that can completely change the way you play!
So what exactly are perks in games, how do they work, and how are they different from skills? Let’s break it down!
What Are Perks?
Perks are special passive bonuses — abilities or enhancements that run quietly in the background and boost your character’s stats or performance. This is where the classic perks vs skills comparison comes in — perks are always active — no need to trigger them manually, while special skills, on the other hand, usually need to be activated (like a special attack or a healing move).
In short: perks are passive and constant; skills are active and situational.
Perks Meaning In Games
Perks are a huge deal in gaming because they let you customize your play style to suit your preferences.
They can increase damage, speed, or defense; alter how your character behaves (like moving silently or reloading faster); or unlock new features (like better loot detection or enemy awareness).
Thanks to perks, gameplay becomes personal. Everyone can shape their own unique build based on which perks they choose.
Examples Of Games With Perks
Call of Duty
CoD is a textbook example when it comes to perks. We can choose passive bonuses that impact how we play — faster reloads, silent footsteps, resistance to explosives… and more. In multiplayer, the right perk setup can mean the difference between winning and losing.
Fallout
The Fallout series is famous for its perk system. Whether it’s higher charisma or more melee damage, each perk brings new gameplay options. In Fallout, perks are tightly woven into how your character progresses and grows.
Dead by Daylight
Dead by Daylight is an asymmetrical horror game where perks dramatically shift the dynamics — both for killers and survivors. Survivors might choose perks that help them escape, while killers pick ones that make hunting faster and more efficient.
What Perks Are Really For?
Perks don’t just make gameplay easier — they shape it. With perks, you can tailor your character to your playstyle. They make you gain a real edge over opponents without the right setup, and even unlock entirely new possibilities (some perks let you do things that were simply off-limits before).
Perks add depth, variety, and replay value. Instead of everyone playing the same way, you get to build your own character and gameplay strategy. It’s perks that turn a level or boss fight into either a nightmare… or a piece of cake — depending on how you build your loadout.