Mechanics behind attack damage and ways to use them to your advantage. (Updated for WoD)

By 219980 Last Updated: 2016/05/02 Patch: 6.1.0

Table of Contents
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IntroductionThe Formula (Changed in patch 6.0)x Damage Variation {-10% ~ +10%}Step 1Step 1.1Step 2Step 3Step 4Step 5: Damage VariationStep 6Breaking down the formulaStep 1Exposed WoundsShell ShieldStep 1.1CrushStep 1 Step 1.1Step 2Amplify MagicShriekStep 3CrouchRabid StrikeStep 4Step 4Step 5: The rng factor affects your damage here, giving randomly a multiplier between 0.9 and 1.1EDITSteps 11.1Step 6Step 6ExampleCrowGorespinePeckSpiked SkinBlack ClawAcidic GooShattered DefensesEliteSummaryTricks for the futureElitesShattered DefensesTRIPLESBlack ClawPeckEliteEliteBlack ClawEliteShattered DefensesEliteBlack ClawShattered DefensesShattered DefensesInfected SquirrelMulti-attack abilitiesBlack ClawExposed WoundsLightning StormExposed WoundsSwarmShattered DefensesSpiked SkinLightning StormBlack ClawHunting PartyBlack ClawHunting PartyZandalari AnklerenderZandalari KneebiterExceptionsPercentage-based damageExplodeGlowing ToxinSunny Daytemporary health increasePerk UpAncient BlessingWild pet damage reductionYOURSpiked SkinPoison FangGlowing ToxinUpdate!: Haven't seen this happening for a while now, may be a fixed bug or some circumstances restrict it's appearance to situations I have not encountered with wild pets in Draenor.Beasts of FableThe end

Comments

Comment by Chrosta

Really nice summary, i can confirm that this works and you have my 5 stars. But you forgot one important thing: Blizz random generator. :) Check my guide Celestial Tournament with 18 pets, specially the fight against Celestials and try explain this data (damage is in sequence - - ):

1st week:
- Chi-Chi : 644, 631, 644
- Xu-Fu : 644, 604, 644
- Zao : 701, 600, 754
- Yu'la : 493, 389, 644

2nd week:
- Chi-Chi : 644, 621, 644
- Xu-Fu : 644, 644, 644
- Zao : 754, 633, 754
- Yu'la : 476, 415, 644

I can add more numbers today, but trust me, it will be similar at least in the frequency of number 644. Why? Different spells, same damage. Blizzard must have really liked that number. :) :)

Comment by mel9525

This was an interesting read with well defined examples. I'd recommend this to anyone getting into pet battles - or anyone unfamiliar with the passive mechanics of opponents or combat abilities.

When pet battles are viewed in a black and white: "you hit me, I hit you" context - buffs and debuffs are often overlooked, ignored, misunderstood, or forgotten. There is so much strength in knowing how to use buff/debuff combat abilities and pet-type passive abilities to your advantage. Understanding what's going on "behind the scenes" is half the battle.

Very well done; I happily give this guide 5 stars :)

Mechanics behind attack damage and ways to use them to your advantage. (Updated for WoD)

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