Glossary

This page summarizes some common rhythm game terms.

General terms

Chart

Also known as map, file

Rhythm game level, created to reflect a song. The song itself is not the chart, and might have many charts across different difficulties and games.

Charter

Also known as mapper

Person who creates charts.

Note

Unit part of a chart, representing a part of the song. Notes need to be interacted with to complete the chart. Depending on the game, there can be various note types, which have the player do different actions.

Pattern

Set of notes laid out in a specific manner.

Release timing

Mechanic present in some games, which requires long notes to be released as soon as they end. If they are held over that point, a penalty is received, like reduced score or a combo break.

Difficulty

(a) One of the possible charts for a song in a given game.

(b) Subjective or calculated difficulty of a chart.

Note types

Single note

Also known as note

Simply pressed and released once.

Long note

Also known as hold note, LN

Held for a certain amount of time, usually represented by graphically making the note longer. Depending on the game, it might need to be released at a specific time too, see release timing.

Flick

Also known as swipe

Swiped (usually on a touchscreen) in some direction, which might be specified, or up to the player.

Horizontal flick

Has to be swiped either left or right.

Vertical flick

Has to be swiped either up or down.