A minimap is a small diagram of the entire game map that stays permanently in a corner of the screen. It exists so you can see the whole picture while your main attention is taken up by running, aiming, and fighting. In everyday speech it is often called simply "mini" or "minimap" for short.
What the minimap shows
What information it contains depends on the game, but the general principle is the same: the diagram marks the viewer, their allies, and significant objects. Usually you can see on it:
- the player's own position and the direction they are facing;
- allies who are within the team's field of view;
- opponents that someone on the team has spotted;
- pings and markers placed by players;
- important map objects.
Enemies are displayed only when someone sees them. Everything else on the diagram is information about your own side.
The minimap in Dota 2
In Dota 2, the minimap is one of the main tools of the game. It shows allied heroes as well as buildings and creeps (small units that constantly move along the lanes). Experienced players glance at it every few seconds: this way you can notice that an enemy has disappeared from the lane and may be heading toward an ally to pull off a gank (a surprise attack on a hero). The phrase "watch the minimap" has become almost universal advice in this game.
The minimap in CS2
In CS2, the minimap is called the radar and shows a diagram of the current map. It marks allies, and an opponent appears when someone sees them. The radar lets you understand where your teammates are and adjust your position to their actions in time. It also helps you stay oriented in unfamiliar parts of the map and react in time to information relayed over voice chat.
How players use it
A good habit is to regularly cast a quick glance at the minimap without stopping your movement. A typical situation: a player notices that several allies have gathered in one spot on the diagram while there is nobody in another. This is a signal that there may be a weak point there, and you should either cover it or let the team know.
Phrases like "watch the mini" or "nobody on mini" are often heard. The first is a reminder not to lose sight of the information, and the second is a report that no opponents are visible on the diagram in the relevant area.
Where the term comes from
The word is formed from the prefix "mini-" and the word "map" and is simply the English term. It comes from the world of computer games, where a reduced diagram of the level has long been a standard interface element. In the Russian-speaking community, it took hold both in its full form and in colloquial abbreviations.
In the end, the minimap is not just a part of the interface but a way of thinking: someone who can quickly read information from it notices changes on the map before opponents do and makes decisions with more confidence.