Quick answer
New survivor hears teammates say 99 the gate and wants to know what it means and when to do it.
What 99ing a gate means
To 99 an exit gate means holding the switch until the gate is almost open, then stopping before it completes. The idea is to keep the gate ready while delaying Endgame Collapse. In a coordinated team, this can create time for healing, rescuing, or finding a safer path.
- A 99 gate should be one quick tap away from opening.
- The player who 99s it should remember exactly which gate is prepared.
- A gate that is only half done is not 99ed and can trap teammates.
When 99ing helps
99ing is most useful when a teammate is hooked or chased and the team needs a rescue window before the endgame timer begins. It can also help if you need one more heal or protection hit setup. The value comes from preparation, not from delaying forever.
- Prepare the gate before moving to an endgame save.
- Open it quickly once the rescued survivor has a path to leave.
- Use it when the team actually has health states and positions to rescue.
When 99ing backfires
In solo queue, 99ing can be dangerous because teammates may not know which gate is ready. A survivor can run to a closed gate expecting it to open, take a hit, and die because nobody finished the switch. If communication is unclear, opening one safe gate is often better for beginners.
- Do not 99 both gates and then leave teammates guessing.
- Do not abandon a 99 gate if the killer is pushing survivors toward it.
- Do not delay opening when an injured teammate is already at the exit.
Recommended next pages
These pages connect 99ing with the broader endgame timer, rescue pathing, and solo queue coordination.
Is 99ing an exit gate always correct?
No. It is useful for planned saves, but opening a gate is better when the team needs a clear exit or solo queue teammates may not understand which gate is ready.
Does 99ing stop Endgame Collapse?
Endgame Collapse starts when an exit gate opens or the hatch is closed by the killer. A nearly opened gate delays that timer until someone finishes the switch.