Metagaming is a term used in gaming to describe the use of knowledge or tactics outside of the games intended mechanics to gain an advantage over opponents. It can refer to a game about a game or an approach to playing a game. Metagaming can serve a broad range of purposes, tied to the way a game relates to various aspects of life. In competitive games, the metagame can refer to the most popular strategy, often called a games meta, or preparation for a match in general. In tabletop role-playing games, metagaming can refer to aspects of play that occur outside of a given games fictional universe. In particular, metagaming often refers to having an in-game character act on knowledge that the player has access to, but the character should not.

Examples of metagaming include using external knowledge or tactics to gain an advantage over opponents, such as utilizing knowledge from sources outside the game, such as forums, guides, professional players strategies, and stream sniping. Reading the adventure ahead of time to learn about the encounters, loot, or secret rooms within the module, or reading the Monster Manual or other sourcebooks to memorize stat blocks of creatures your DM or GM uses are also examples of metagaming.

Metagaming can be frowned upon in many role-playing communities, as it upsets suspension of disbelief and affects game balance. However, some narrativist indie role-playing games deliberately support metagaming and encourage shared storytelling among players. It is important to note that not all metagaming is necessarily bad, and whether and to what extent it’s considered harmful depends on the game’s roleplay culture and the expectations of the community.