Damage Over Time (DoT) refers to a game mechanic where a character or enemy suffers continuous damage over a set period. This type of damage is often applied through specific abilities, spells, or effects, allowing players to inflict harm even after the initial attack has occurred. In many games, such as MMORPGs or action RPGs, DoT effects can stack, meaning multiple sources of damage can be applied simultaneously. Players often use DoT strategies to weaken opponents gradually, making it a popular tactic in both player-versus-environment and player-versus-player scenarios.