DPS stands for "Damage Per Second," a common term used in video games to measure the effectiveness of a character or weapon in dealing damage over time. It helps players understand how much damage they can inflict in a given timeframe, allowing for better strategy and character development. In many role-playing games, players often compare the DPS of different weapons or abilities to optimize their performance in battles. Higher DPS usually indicates a more powerful option, making it a crucial factor in gameplay decisions, especially in competitive environments like MMORPGs or first-person shooters.