softlock
verbEtymology From soft + lock.
1
Video games To be in or cause a softlock; to remain playable but unable to progress.
- Related terms
- hardlock, anti-softlock
softlock
nounEtymology From soft + lock.
1
Video games A situation where a game remains apparently playable, but further progress is impossible, typically due to a design flaw or glitch.
- I defeated the boss, but got hit at the exact same time; now I'm stuck in a softlock and can't exit the level.
- Fixed a softlock where Concentration in the interrogation room wouldn’t turn off and wouldn’t let you start the interrogation.2026 January 23, “Update #2”, in Pathologic 3 Events, Ice-Pick Lodge, via Steam Community: