Critical mass (gaming terminology)

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Critical mass refers to the point where a force (often defending) has reached a number where it can almost decimate any opposition before it can be harmed, usually in context of a Real-time strategy game, gaining semi-invulnerability. This is dependent upon the superior range and the enemy's lack of speed and maneuverability. For example, while the Annihilator Tripod in Command and Conquer 3 is weaker than the Mammoth Tank in a one to one comparison, once the Tripod has reached its critical mass, for example, 20 Tripods, it will be able to destroy a far larger force of mammoth tanks. Through its superior range, it will be able to destroy two to three mammoth tanks in each salvo, which will have recharged by the time the tanks behind replace the ones that have just been destroyed.

The Battle of Thermopylae where 300 Spartans held off a far larger Persian force, was an example of this in action. Due to the choke point, only a limited number of the Persian force were able to engage the Spartans at the same time, and, due to their superior training and range with their weapons, the Spartans were able to achieve what was, in effect, critical mass.

While this is most apparent in a bottleneck, it is also effective in an open ground against slower forces. This critical mass essentially punishes less experienced players' tendency to send all forces in without a proper formation. It also forces the opponent to spread his forces out so they may engage the enemy at the same time, which, if the units are slow, like the Mammoth Tank from the Command & Conquer Series, could take a long time during which the force with critical mass may reposition or strike first.