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SimC Spec RankingsFAQs

The War Within(Patch 11.0.2)

These rankings are created using SimulationCraft, a program that is highly tested and trusted for simulating in-game encounters with characters.

We use SimulationCraft because simulators permit a high degree of control by allowing us to use specific talents, rotations, gear, possible boss mechanics, etc. to arrive at repeatable results that can be compared across specs and time. Also, simulators allow us to average out results from thousands of fights to get a feel for how a spec performs all of the time and not in one amazing fight.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do these rankings compare to other sources that use raid logs to show spec comparisons?

Raid log sites offer a perspective on how some of top players are performing with each spec. These rankings can be helpful to understand how specs are faring in the current raid tier and often reveal unexpected synergies between specific specs and boss encounters. However, log based sites are subject to their own data problems including players who artificially boost their DPS by employing technical or social exploits, changes in popularity of specs, uneven sample sizes, and generally unrepeatable or uncontrolled results.

While simulators allow us to get a feel for how a spec performs all of the time through averaging out thousands of fight results, it is important to note that simulators are generally weak when modeling specific fights in a raid tier, and additionally they rely on data that is as good as the theorycrafting community is able to produce.

Overall, no single DPS ranking is perfect and they should all be considered when evaluating specs. Simulators and log based solutions both offer value to the WoW community.

What are the ranking modes and how do they differ?

Each ranking mode is designed to simulate a specific type of encounter that helps highlight different aspects of a spec’s performance.

  • Raid Boss (Max)This mode analyzes the theoretical max single-target performance of specs, simulating a raid boss encounter with no movement and perfect rotation execution.
  • Raid Boss (Real)This mode analyzes the realistic single-target performance of specs, simulating a raid boss encounter with occasional movement, common raid mechanics, and occasional rotation mistakes.
  • Splash AoEThis mode evaluates the performance of specs in scenarios with small, intermittent groups of 2-5 adds. It simulates splash AoE encounters where quick, efficient damage to small targets is crucial, with adds appearing frequently but not in large numbers.
  • Pure AoENoxxic+ ExclusiveThis mode analyzes AoE performance of specs, simulating a pure AoE encounter with 16+ adds and zero distractions.
  • Burst PhaseNoxxic+ ExclusiveThis mode analyzes the single-target performance of specs in high-pressure burst situations, simulating a short 60 second encounter with full raid buffs and cooldowns.
  • Execute PhaseNoxxic+ ExclusiveThis mode analyzes the single-target performance of specs in the later phase of a fight, simulating an encounter that begins at 20% boss health.
  • Solo DelvesNoxxic+ ExclusiveThis mode evaluates how specs perform when playing solo, without the benefits of raid buffs or cooldowns. It simulates a Delve-like encounter, focusing on both single-target and handling small groups of adds while facing common delve mechanics.

My damage meters show different results than these rankings. Why?

There are any number of reasons why in-game results will differ from simulated (or log based) results. A few common differences include the following.

  • Fight Length: Dungeons and LFR raids often have shorter fight durations which can result in much higher DPS as the value of DPS cooldowns is greatly increased in short fights.
  • Player Variables: Skill, latency, gear, a lucky string of crits, etc. can all significantly impact in-game DPS. Rankings can help represent general trends, but they’ll rarely predict the outcome of a specific encounter with all its unique factors.

What is The Theck-Meloree Index (TMI)?

The Theck-Meloree Index is one of the metrics used to evaluate tanking specs. TMI measures the smoothness and spikiness of damage received by a tank. High TMI values means a tank is taking a large amount of spike damage and low TMI values means a tank is taking a low amount of spike damage. TMI values are roughly proportional with every 1000 TMI equivalent to spike damage worth 1% of total health. For example, a score of 135k TMI means that spec is taking damage spikes as high as 135% of their total health.

What is Damage Taken Per Second (DTPS)?

Damage Taken Per Second is one of the metrics that is used to evaluate the performance of tanking specs. DTPS represents the average amount of net damage that a tank receives from all damage sources after any healing and absorption mechanics. Low DTPS numbers are typically better than high DTPS numbers because that means the tank spec is taking less damage overall.