DPS: What does it mean in gaming?

In gaming, DPS stands for Damage Per Second, and it's used both as a combat role and a measurement of damage output. In most RPGs and MMOs like World of Warcraft or Final Fantasy XIV, DPS players are responsible for dealing as much damage as possible to enemies, bosses, or other players during encounters.

DPS roles can include melee, ranged physical, or magic-based casters, each offering different playstyles and skill ceilings. While tanks and healers manage survivability, DPS are the core drivers of boss kills and encounter timers.

Types of DPS roles

Each DPS archetype brings something unique to a party or raid group:

• Melee DPS: Close-range combatants like Rogues, Warriors, or Samurai. High risk, high reward.
• Ranged Physical DPS: Bards or Hunters, offering consistent damage from afar with utility tools.
• Caster DPS: Mages, Warlocks, or Summoners who deal magical burst or DoT damage.

In modern MMOs, DPS roles are judged not only by their raw output, but also by uptime, mobility, utility, and how well they execute rotation mechanics.

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References

• WoWHead: DPS Tier Lists & Guides
• FFXIV Wiki: DPS Roles Explained

What’s next?

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