Every class in this game functions differently. They have different play styles, different priorities in what stats you build up and different kinds of gear and weapons they can use. If you're a long time player this fact seems simple enough to understand. When your new to the game, this can be truly overwhelming. With eleven classes, three specialization (Specs.) for each (except druids, they have four) this can get to be a bit much. When you really understand them depending on which ones you choose it can be like playing a completely different class. It's also important to realize that which class and which spec you choose can change the role you'll play in the group portions of the game like dungeons and raids. In dungeons and raids there are three different types of roles to fill; Tank, Healer and DPS. The aspects of the many differences between these roles is what I plan to cover today. In this context a tank is (usually) a heavily armored player that is intended to get and keep the attention (agro) of the enemies while doing a portion of the damage and controlling the flow of the fight and interrupting key opposing abilities. This is one of the most important roles in a group. Without a tank it's very hard to function (sometimes possible but most times not). The next role is the healer. The healer is the single most important person in a group environment. If the healer dies, every one is going to die shortly after. Their job is to keep the entire group alive with a particular emphasis on the tank and himself. This might sound mean on the face of it, playing favorites amongst the group but if the tank dies the enemies will start to swarm all over the DPS and could end up getting the whole group killed (wiping). Same thing if the healer dies. The last group is the DPS (Damage per second) and they're the ones responsible for actually doing the damage that kills the enemies. As a result of this there are always going to be more DPS then any other role in a group. That is the basic breakdown of the different roles in a dungeon or raiding group. I know this was a very simple explanation of it but just like having too many class options to choose from being given all the information on the different roles can be overwhelming. Besides I need to introduce dungeon roles to truly be able to cover ways to avoid laying on that cold uncomfortable dungeon floor, or how to avoid feeding the trolls. I know someone out there is going to say "Great, I knew all that. What I don't know is what class spec. combos fall into what groups". Ok here we go.
TANKS
Blood Death Knight, Guardian Druid, Brewmaster Monk, Protection Paladin and Protection Warrior.
Healer
Restoration Druid, Restoration Shaman, Mistweaver Monk, Holy Paladin, Holy Priest and Discipline Priest.
DPS
Everything else falls under DPS. This is a simplification but that's a really long list and I'm tired.
There is a handy little guide on the class selection screen when we make a new character that we all ignore. Right under the race selection window is a button that says "more info" That guide will tell you what roles your class can fill, what bonuses you get from both your class and your race. A little reading can save you a lot of grief later on.
I can't believe I'm quoiting the Rock but "Know your role and shut your mouth" but don't worry, you don't actually have to shut your mouth. Goodness knows I don't.
Remember we're all noobs, some of us just fly the flag a little higher.
-Morison
No comments:
Post a Comment