Player versus Environment

Player versus environment, or PvE, (also known as Player versus monsters' or PvM) is a term used in MMORPGs, MUDs and other online computer role-playing games to describe any situation in which a player must complete a pre-defined task without fighting other players. Often this involves battling computer-controlled artificial intelligence creatures or solving a riddle. Because of the lack of actual human intelligence in PvE combat, the style of play is starkly different from that of Player versus player (PvP) combat. Usually the PvE mode can be played alone, with human companions or even with AI companions. The PvE mode may contain a storyline that is narrated as the player progresses through missions, however it may also contain missions that may be done in any order. For example Guild Wars narrates its story by displaying in game cutscenes and through dialogue with NPCs. To enhance replayability, missions can often be completed many times. Characters playing in this mode are protected against being killed by other players or having their possessions stolen. (A very notable exception to this rule is EVE Online, where players can, and often are, ambushed by other human players (PvP) while attempting to complete the PvE mission.)
Notable games with a PvE mode
:World Of Warcraft
:EverQuest
:Diablo 
Category:Glossary