Quick definition:A character, unit or build that deals very high damage but can withstand very little, so that it wins quickly or not at all.
Meaning
A glass cannon is a character that is strong in attack and weak in defence. It usually has low health and armour, but its damage output is high, which means it can defeat opponents quickly if left alone and can be defeated just as quickly if it is caught.
Such characters create tension and teamwork. Allies protect the fragile damage dealer while it works, and opponents focus on removing it first. A good player of a glass cannon keeps distance, uses terrain and picks the right moment, since a single mistake can be fatal.
The term applies to individual characters, to whole builds that players design by choosing skills and equipment, and to units in strategy games. It is a description rather than a formal class, so what counts as a glass cannon depends on the game around it.
Origin:The phrase combines two images: a cannon, which hits hard, and glass, which breaks easily. It has been used in tabletop and video games for a long time to describe powerful but fragile characters. Its exact origin is unclear, and no single game or person can be credited with coining it.
Example:Noor builds her mage to cast huge spells, but she has put nearly every point into attack and almost none into health. In the next battle, she wipes out three enemies in a single turn. Then one arrow strikes her, and she falls instantly. Her team agrees that she is a true glass cannon.
Did you know?Glass cannons are popular because they reward careful play. The pay-off for staying safe is enormous, so players must position carefully, rely on allies for protection and strike first. Many games balance them with long cooldowns or high costs.
