Overview
The Attack Table is a server-side mechanism that determines the outcome of melee and ranged attacks in World of Warcraft. It uses a single server-generated random number to resolve attack results in a specific order of precedence.
Key Characteristics
- Single Random Roll: Uses one server-generated random number per attack
- Descending Precedence: Results are resolved in a specific order
- Mutually Exclusive: Only one result can occur per attack
- Absolute Percentages: Chances are not relative to each other
Attack Resolution Order
Melee/Ranged Attack Precedence (Descending Order):
- Miss
- Dodge
- Parry
- Glancing Blow
- Block
- Critical Strike
- Crushing Blow
- Ordinary Hit
Important: If the total chances of all outcomes above "Ordinary Hit" exceed 100%, ordinary hits become impossible.
Player Attack Rules
| Attack Type |
Can Crit |
Can Crush |
PvE Crit Damage |
PvP Crit Damage |
| White Damage (Auto-attacks) |
Yes |
No |
200% |
150% |
| Yellow Damage (Abilities) |
Yes |
No |
200% |
150% |
| Most PvE Abilities |
Yes |
No |
2 Multistrike Rolls |
1 Multistrike Roll |
Critical Strike Mechanics
- Crit chance applies to all attacks (both hits and misses in the calculation)
- Actual crit chance = listed crit chance × hit chance
- Level penalty: Crit chance reduces by 1% for each level above the attacker's level
Attack Table Mathematics
The attack table system uses specific mathematical principles:
Random Number (0-100) determines outcome:
0 ≤ roll < Miss% = Miss
Miss% ≤ roll < (Miss% + Dodge%) = Dodge
(Miss% + Dodge%) ≤ roll < (Miss% + Dodge% + Parry%) = Parry
... and so on through the priority order
100% Rule
When avoidance chances total 100% or more:
- Ordinary hits become impossible
- Only avoidance outcomes can occur
- This is crucial for tank survivability calculations
Combat Positioning Effects
| Position |
Can Miss |
Can Dodge |
Can Parry |
Can Block |
| From Front |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| From Behind |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
| Ranged Attack |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes (if close) |
Special Considerations
Attack Type Variations
- White vs Yellow Damage: Different calculation methods may apply
- Spell Attacks: Use different resolution systems entirely
- Environmental Factors: Positioning affects available outcomes
- Level Differences: Significantly impact hit/miss chances
Practical Applications
Understanding the Attack Table is crucial for:
- Tank Survivability: Calculating total avoidance and mitigation
- DPS Optimization: Understanding hit requirements and crit mechanics
- Combat Positioning: Knowing when positioning affects outcomes
- Gear Planning: Balancing different avoidance statistics
The Attack Table system ensures complex and dynamic combat interactions by using a probabilistic approach to attack resolution, making each encounter both predictable in terms of average outcomes and unpredictable in terms of individual attack results.