Zerging
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Zerging describes a tactic, originating in real-time strategy games but used in many different computer games including massive multiplayer online roleplaying games (MMORPGs), that is analogous to the human wave attack in real-world ground warfare, in which overwhelming numbers of troops are sent at the enemy, disregarding tactics or casualties. It gets its name from the zergling rush tactic from Starcraft. A body of players or army involved in zerging is collectively referred to as a zerg, while a player who participates in zerging (is part of the zerg) is often called a Zergling.
Zerging in computer games carries the connotation of being disorganized, too easy, and/or unfair, and players who employ this tactic are often considered inferior or "cheap". Proponents, especially in realtime strategy games, feel that the threat of a zerging keeps their opponents honest, forcing them to play defense from the beginning of the match.
Zerging in MMORPGs
The word "zerging" carries a negative or derogatory connotation. Many MMORPG encounters are specifically designed with "anti-zerg" features, such as wide-area attacks, that can severely damage a large uncoordinated group. Despite its specific origins, zerging is used in many games, from Warhammer (regarding horde armies) to Everquest (describing an attack in which large numbers of participants are simply thrown at the opponent). In MMORPGs, a guild or clan that recruits players en masse (to increase zerging effectiveness) is often termed a zerg guild.
Zerging can refer to a wide range of army sizes, ranging from a ten-player group in a dungeon designed for five players, to a hundred-player raid in a player_versus_player environment. In general, any army that is perceived as "too big" for the challenge it is undertaking can be called a zerg. Instance_dungeon zerging is a very common tactic in World of Warcraft, wherein ten players will clear out a dungeon designed for five (such as "Blackrock Depths" or "Scholomance").
Instance dungeon zerg tactics are encouraged by the fact that, in general, all the rewards (virtual goods and money) are at the end of a dungeon. Whereas a five-man group could be wiped out before it finishes the dungeon, a ten-man group can complete the dungeon and obtain the treasure very easily.
Despite its effectiveness, zerging is generally considered unsporting, as it allows a large number of players with less skill to overcome a challenge that should require a much higher skill level. However, it remains a highly effective tactic, and is often the only way for lower level players to overcome a higher level challenge.
The term "Zerg" is also used in the MMOFPS game Planetside to describe the general mass of players in combat on a map.