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slang.fyi

repair mechanic

/rɪˈpɛər məˈkænɪk/

Common

The in-game system that lets you restore a degraded weapon or tool back to working condition.

Real-world examples4 examples
#ExampleWhat it meansSource
01the repair mechanic in this game costs more than just crafting a new one. what's the pointRepairing is so expensive it defeats the purpose of maintaining equipment.reddit, 2024
02does this game have a repair mechanic or do I just have to let everything breakAsking whether there is any way to maintain equipment condition.reddit, 2023
03the repair mechanic here is really satisfying because the cost is fairPraising a game for making maintenance accessible and balanced.x, 2024
04finally found an anvil so I can use the repair mechanic. been carrying a broken pickaxe for an hourLocated the resource needed to fix equipment after a long stretch without it.tiktok, 2023

Use it when

  • Discussing how to fix broken or damaged equipment in a game.
  • Asking whether a game has a way to restore weapon condition.
  • Evaluating whether repair costs make the durability system worthwhile.

Do not use it when

  • You mean upgrading an item, not restoring its condition.

Origin and context

A game mechanic present in RPGs since the early days of the genre. Online discussion intensified as survival games popularized durability systems in the 2010s.

First seen
2000s
Confidence
medium

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Use this stable URL to reference the entry.

https://slang.fyi/repair-mechanic
Updated: 2026-08-28License: CC BY 4.0

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