In DC Universe Online (and many other online games), the terms or 'labels' PVE and PVP are used regularly to describe the type of game environment a player is participating in. PVE stands for 'Player vs. Environment", while PVP stands for 'Player vs. Player'.

In PVE environments, players work against non-player characters/monsters, or NPC's to accomplish tasks. PVE worlds do not have public or open-world 'player vs. player' combat, but may have specific areas or encounters where PVP combat might occur. DC has Legends PVP and Arena PVP; these scenarios can be accessed from the 'On Duty' tab on an 'on-demand' basis.

In PVP worlds, players still work against the same types of NPC combatants and encounters that PVE players do, but are also subject to attack from other players anywhere in the open world.

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In DC Universe Online, we split PVE and PVP up into 'phases', or instances of the same environment. Players can switch between PVE and PVP phases by visiting the 'Phase Shifters', located in the central area of the Watchtower and Hall of Doom. This allows players to create a single character on a server, and lets them choose what environment they want to play in, when they want to play in it. (this differs from other gaming models, where a whole server is considered PVE or PVP)

Please be aware that as of GU 32, PvP gear may no longer be used in PvE instances. Players will be informed via the chat log when their gear is disabled and re-enabled. PvP weapons will become unusable but not unequipped.