Powergaming is a style of interacting with games or game-like systems, particularly video games, board games, and role-playing games, with the aim of maximizing progress towards a specific goal. In roleplaying games, powergaming can take several forms. One form is the deliberate creation of optimal player characters (PCs), with the aim of maximizing the power the player wields in the game world. This is known as min-maxing, due to the practice of maximizing desirable or "powerful" traits while minimizing underpowered or less useful traits. Such characters often draw criticism for not fitting the theme and tone of the game world or for being difficult to challenge.

Another form of powergaming involves a focus on acquiring power during game progression, often by acquiring powerful equipment or unusual abilities. This lends itself to gameplay that is materialistic (and often, in the context of the game world, arguably immoral) and can frustrate other players who are looking to interact with the game world, score points, and not merely acquire game resources.

In roleplaying games, powergaming can also involve a player unilaterally describing their character as doing something with (or to) another character that would usually require the other to play along, such as having a fight or a sexual encounter. This is considered to be powergaming and is generally frowned upon.

In summary, powergaming in roleplaying games involves maximizing progress towards a specific goal, often by creating optimal player characters or acquiring powerful equipment or abilities. It can also involve a player unilaterally describing their character as doing something with (or to) another character that would usually require the other to play along, which is generally frowned upon.