What does the phrase “the neutral” mean in fighting games?

Fighting games have always been about the competitive aspect of the genre and as such they offer a list of skills and knowledge that you need to master. This doesn’t include your character and its abilities, but also terms and positioning. You may be wondering what neutral means in fighting games.

What does neutral mean in fighting games?

Neutral defines when you and your opponent are in a neutral position, ie nobody has a advantage above the other. This usually means that this is the case enough space in between You and your opponent so that each player can be put in a disadvantageous position. The beginning of the game is a neutral position. You can also reset to neutral if a player in an unfavorable position is pushing back the player in an advantageous position.

Related: 6 Mortal Kombat characters to add to MultiVersus

This takes on a different meaning in platformers like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and MultiVersus. Neutral refers to the distance between opponents and when both players are in the middle of the stage. Being near the edge of the stage or backstage would be an awkward position, and backing down would force you to return there Focus.

You want to be in an advantageous or neutral position and not in a disadvantageous one. This allows you to either advance the offense or break your opponent’s combo and pressure. If you find yourself in an awkward position, consider interrupting and neutralizing your opponent to launch an attack of your own.

For more information on how to play, see Street Fighter 6 Classic vs Modern Controls Comparison and All Mortal Kombat Games Ranked in the Pro Game Guides.