DPS stands for “Damage per Second.” It measures the average damage dealt each second. Players can use it to compare different weapons, abilities, or characters.
In games like Overwatch, players use the term DPS to refer to a hero type focused on dealing high damage.
Today, we’ll explore a term tied to dealing heavy damage (in-game): DPS. It’s not about shipping packages – it’s a key part of many gaming strategies. Let’s break it down!
DPS isn’t just an acronym in gaming – it represents a style of play and a role. Here’s what it means:
A measurement: DPS shows the average damage over time, allowing players to compare weapons, abilities, or characters.
A role: In many games, mainly MMOs and MOBAs, “DPS” refers to characters or players whose main task is to deal damage.
A strategy: Focusing on DPS means prioritizing damage, often sacrificing other factors like defense.
The Origins of DPS
Measuring damage over time dates back to the early days of RPGs and wargames.
However, the term “DPS” gained significant popularity with the emergence of MMORPGs in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Games such as EverQuest and World of Warcraft introduced the idea of specialized damage-dealing roles, highlighting the importance of tracking damage output.
As online gaming and theory-crafting communities developed, DPS became vital in optimizing character builds and gameplay strategies.
The idea of DPS eventually expanded to other genres, including MOBAs and first-person shooters.
In Overwatch (2016), DPS was defined as a unique character category, further establishing its significance in modern competitive gaming.
DPS in Gaming: Common Examples
You might see DPS used in various gaming situations like this:
- Comparing weapons: “The new sword has better DPS than my last one.”
In games, players often compare the effectiveness of weapons by looking at their DPS, which helps them decide which one will deal the most damage.
- Role discussions: “We need more DPS players for this boss fight.”
DPS is crucial when planning strategies in boss fights. A decisive DPS role can help defeat enemies faster and more efficiently.
- Player titles: “I specialize in DPS classes in this game.”
Many players identify with specific roles, and DPS is a popular choice for those who enjoy dealing significant damage.
- Game mechanics: “This special ability increases your DPS by 20% for 10 seconds.”
Some game abilities or powers temporarily enhance DPS, helping players boost their damage output for a limited time.
- Character development: “I’m building my rogue for high DPS.”
When designing a character, players often focus on maximizing DPS to ensure their character can deal the most damage possible.
- Competitive comparison: “Their team’s DPS is better than ours.”
In competitive gaming, comparing DPS numbers between teams is a common way to measure performance and effectiveness.
- Game changes: “The recent update lowered the DPS for ranged classes.”
Developers frequently tweak the game’s balance, and changes to DPS can affect how different classes perform in various situations.
Related Terms
When discussing DPS, you may come across these terms:
- Burst DPS: Deals a lot of damage quickly.
- Sustained DPS: Deals steady damage over a long time.
- AoE DPS: Hits multiple targets with Area of Effect damage.
- Tank: Takes damage to protect others and usually works with DPS.
- Healer: Restores health, allowing DPS to focus on dealing with damage.
- DPM (Damage Per Minute): Measures damage output over time.
- Alpha Strike: Refers to maximum burst damage in DPS calculations.
- Theorycraft: Analyzing game mechanics mathematically to optimize DPS.
You’re ready to talk about, calculate, and improve DPS like a pro.
You’ve got the knowledge whether you’re perfecting your RPG character, comparing weapons in a shooter, or playing the damage role in a raid. Time to respec my character for maximum deeps!