This site makes extensive use of JavaScript.
Please enable JavaScript in your browser.

Dungeon Mob Abilities: Caster vs. Ranged DPS

Post by Morrighan

In an ideal world *cough* any time I wanted to run through a dungeon, it would be something I could schedule with others *laughs*, then before entering the dungeon I could pop over to Wowhead and gleen all the information I need regarding the NPCs and their abilities as well as the bosses and their abilities. However reality points us in a different direction and quite often someone asks if anyone's available to run through a dungeon and we eagerly volunteer - even if it's not one we've entered before.

So. Is there any kind of general rule of thumb to look for in what they're called to know what they do? I know a few of the caster "titles" are anything like shaman, runecaster, spiritualist, etc., but are there others I should keep in mind? And how do you know if the NPC is going to whip out a gun or bow and arrow and provide ranged dps damage? Only if they have a pet with them?

Thanks for all insight. :)

Post by FritzTheCat

Highlight 'Databases' in the upperleft of your screen on Wowhead.
Choose 'Zones' and when it expands out, choose 'Dungeons'.

Pick the dungeon in question.

You're welcome!

Post by Morrighan

Thanks Fritz, but as I said in the first paragraph, that's not always possible. You can't very well say, "Hey I'd like to join your group (pug or within your own guild), but give me a little while to switch screens and do research on what I'm getting into." Nine times out of ten you are needed now, hence the reason for my request for tips.

Post by StumpJumper

I think the OP is reffering to determining if NPCs in the dungeon use spells or renged dps.

I agree that it's a pain to click on each of the npcs mentioned in a dungeon to see it's abilities and it's comments - but it Really is helpful - and i dont know of the pattern (if there is one) that would automatically let you know what to expect.

Post by FritzTheCat

Your best bet is to wing it and learn by experience in that situation. WoW grouping is a series of trials by fire - eventually you weed through the mean and the impatient and find the cool players you end up raiding with when you're max level.

Also - you can tell if something is a caster if it has a mana bar. This is something I didn't realize for a long time early in my career >.<

Post by Morrighan

Thanks guys.

Post by Deriden

Generally, you can tell from a combination of name and appearance of the mob. Most mobs that are melee-specific wear some sort of armor, dual wield two weapons, or will give you some other visual hint that they will be beating up your tank at a close range. Caster mobs, in addition to usually having a mana bar (some don't), will usually be wearing a lighter type of armor, typically a robe. They also typically carry a staff. Ranged mobs usually have their weapon out initially or their preferred method of attack can be found in their name. It's harder to tell these apart from the other two and will take time.

It also helps to familiarize yourself with the lore behind the place you are doing.

Nexus or Violet Hold? They have ties to the blue dragonflight and will typically be magic heavy.
Utgarde Keep or Pinnacle? Few caster mobs but mainly melee-type mobs.
Gundrak or DTK? Most trolls know some kind of magic, whether it be a heal or a lightning bolt. It varies but is usually easy to tell by the name which mob is which type.

Post by Morrighan

Thanks Deriden. I guess the best way to tackle thing is to read ahead of time and know what I'm getting into even before I'm asked to join in.

Post by StumpJumper

Also - Trolls = Shamans - so look for totems... you get intorduced to this in Tanaris.... Pain in the but when you think it's a "Caster" and you have to get all mobile to hit the totems =)

But I find it Fun - Mostly on wowhead - to just pick an instance and read up all about it.

good luck - and stay sharp =)

Post by sugarzombie

So. Is there any kind of general rule of thumb to look for in what they're called to know what they do? I know a few of the caster "titles" are anything like shaman, runecaster, spiritualist, etc., but are there others I should keep in mind?

generally, anything with a mana bar dies first. (alternatively, it gets marked for cc). this usually results in mobs that heal being taken care of first. this also takes pesky ranged units out of the picture so the tank can reposition the melee to a better location.

as a better general rule, assist the tank or follow marks (if they are using raid marks).for example, in old king we kill the worshipers (who flamestrike for a lot of damage) before worrying about acolytes (who presumably heal)

Dungeon Mob Abilities: Caster vs. Ranged DPS

Post Reply