Damage Per Second, often abbreviated as DPS, is a measure used in gaming to quantify the amount of damage a character or weapon can inflict over a one-second period. It helps players evaluate the effectiveness of their attacks and make strategic decisions during gameplay. Higher DPS values typically indicate more powerful or efficient damage output. In many games, DPS can vary based on factors such as character abilities, weapon types, and enemy defenses. Players often aim to maximize their DPS to defeat opponents more quickly, making it a crucial aspect of combat mechanics in various genres, including role-playing games and first-person shooters.