Health - Games

In video games, health is a fundamental design element representing a character's vitality or system's integrity. It's typically visualized through health bars, hearts, or numerical values that deplete from damage and replenish via items or rest. Beyond a simple metric, health systems create tension, urgency, and strategic resource management—players must balance aggression with preservation. Symbolically, health can reflect narrative stakes, emotional resilience, or environmental degradation. Its mechanics influence pacing, difficulty, and player engagement, making it a versatile tool for designers to shape experiences from survival horror to action RPGs.