Melee DPS Survival Guide For Warhammer
steven on September 3rd, 2008
This guide exists to help users of the Melee Damage (MDPS) archetype,
Guide Form: http://warhammer-online-gold.blogspot.com/
which includes the White Lion, Witch Hunter, Marauder, and Witch Elf classes, gain a better understanding of how “Pick Up Groups” (PUGs), which are unorganized groups of players, function and how to be successful within one of those groups. Users will find plenty basic tips and strategies that have been successfully tested and used on the battlefield. Users will not find comprehensive mathematical breakdowns and exact strategies for each class.
It has always been my hope and sincerest wish that users of this guide learn something and become better players. I hope you, the reader, enjoy this guide and do, in fact, learn something!
The Types of Combat
In Warhammer Online, and indeed most MMOs in general, there are four basic types of “PUG” (Pick Up Group), which is to say- unorganized, combat. What I mean by unorganized is that the players on each side are a random assortment of players that don’t have a set plan in mind and are often very uncoordinated. They either never gain a plan, or they have to just make it up as they go along. The four basic types of PUG combat are:
Large Group, aka “Zerg”
The term zerg refers to a race in the strategy game “Starcraft.” The main tactic for this race was not getting the best units or technologies, but instead the race was all about getting as many units onto the battlefield at one time…whether the units are very effective or not. Therefore, the “zerg” has come to be a term meaning “a very large, unorganized mass of players.” When in a zerg situation, MDPS are at their very weakest. It is difficult for them to cross the field and do anything meaningful before they are gunned down by the large mass of ranged players.
Medium Group
A medium group could be loosely defined as 7-18 players. This size of group will most commonly be encountered in scenarios. MDPS fair surprisingly well in this situation, as long as the player understands some basic principles. “The Flow of Battle,” my original guide, as well as the chapter with the same name, address this situation.
Small Group
Approximately 2-5 players. This is when MDPS are at their strongest. MDPS typically have the damage power to kill most healers and ranged damage (RDPS) classes by themselves, and the offense threats against them are at a minimum in this situation. Read the rest of this entry »
