In fighting games, a frame is the smallest unit used to measure time.
Fighting games operate at a specific speed, often measured in frames per second (FPS). Most popular fighting games run at 60 frames per second. This means that every second of real-world time is divided into 60 discrete moments or "frames."
Based on this standard:
- One frame = 1/60th of a second
- One frame ≈ 16 milliseconds
You cannot break time down into anything smaller than a frame within the game's engine. This fundamental unit is crucial for everything that happens in a fighting game, from character movement and attacks to reactions and recovery times.
Why Frames Matter in Fighting Games
Understanding frames is essential for competitive fighting game players because actions in the game are measured in frames.
- Attack Speed: How quickly a move hits after it's initiated is measured in frames (startup frames).
- Recovery: How long a character is vulnerable after performing an action is measured in frames (recovery frames).
- Reactions: Players need to react to opponent actions within a certain number of frames.
- Timing: Executing combos, blocking, and punishing require precise timing measured in frames.
For instance, if a character's quick punch has a "startup" of 3 frames, it means the hit comes out just 3/60ths of a second after the button is pressed. A slower, heavy attack might have a startup of 15 frames.
Learning frame data – the frame counts for various actions – is a key part of mastering a fighting game. It allows players to understand which moves are safe on block, which ones leave the opponent vulnerable, and how to time effective responses.
| Action Example | Time in Frames (approx) | Real Time (at 60 FPS) | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fastest Attack | 3 frames | ~50 ms | Quick poke, difficult to react to |
| Typical Combo Link | 1-3 frames gap | ~16-50 ms gap | Tight timing required to continue a combo |
| Block Stun | Varies (e.g., 10) | ~166 ms | Time opponent is locked after blocking |
| Reaction Time | Varies (human limit) | ~200-300 ms (~12-18fr) | Average time to react to something visual |
In essence, the frame is the heartbeat of a fighting game, dictating the pace and defining the possibilities for interaction between players.
