World of Warcraft Class Roles: DPS
WoW DPS Classes – Damage, Threat Management and Support
Mar 25, 2009
In the World of Warcraft, DPS classes are responsible for the majority of the damage output for the party, while making sure not to take threat away from the tanks. Each of the DPS classes has unique skills, abilities, and tactics to fulfill the same purpose – destroy their enemies. There is no shortage of class choices or play styles for the player interested in DPS classes in WoW.
WoW Pure DPS Classes – Rogue, Mage, and Hunter
Perhaps the most single minded DPS class is the Rogue, launching surprise attacks with blistering speed that cripple, damage and ultimately destroy their enemies. Using skills like Ambush, Backstab, and Blind Rogues are truly a force to be reckoned with – especially with a well played tank distracting the target. The only drawback of the Rogue is that they are single target focused – they have very few abilities that affect multiple enemies.
Mages are the premier ranged damage dealers, hurling fire, ice and arcane energy at their enemies. The Mage in World of Warcraft has the ability to focus on single or multiple enemies, the effectiveness largely determined by talent spec choice. With a few limited buffs and the ability to conjure food and drinks, WoW Mages are a relatively versatile addition to any party.
Using traps, pets and specialized “shots,” the Hunter in WoW is a flexible damage dealing class. With the ability to slow or even freeze enemies in place, Hunters add an element of crowd control to their DPS output. A well played Hunter in World of Warcraft can hold their own on the DPS meters. On the other hand, a poorly played Hunter will be a detriment to any group unlucky enough to join them.
Warriors, Druids and Warlocks – Talent Spec Makes All the Difference
Some classes are able to fill vastly different roles based on how the player chooses to equip and spec them. Warriors for example, have the choice to focus on the Protection talent tree, greatly improving their ability to tank. Alternately, a Warrior who focuses on the Fury talent tree will greatly improve their DPS output at the expense of their ability to tank.
Druids have similar choices and may spec to improve DPS through the Feral Tree, rather than focusing on healing through the Restoration tree. A Feral Druid in Cat Form has the ability to output damage close (but not equal) to the rogue.
Warlocks fill a somewhat unique role in World of Warcraft, wielding the ability to debuff, control crowds, or produce significant DPS numbers depending on talent spec choice and the desires of their party or raid group.
World of Warcraft DPS – Damage, Damage, and more Damage
While the party’s tanks stand at the front of battle and the healers keep the party alive, the DPS classes do the dirty work. Without a solid foundation of DPS classes, any group in WoW is destined to fail. Each role is necessary to a successful group or raid party, and the DPS classes truly get most of the work done.
Rogues, Mages, Hunters, Warriors, Druids, and Warlocks will do the vast majority of the damage in any party or raid group. Keep in mind, however, that their job would not be possible without the tanks and the healers.
