What does it mean – Attack Motion?

Attack Motion refers to the animation sequence and physical execution of an attack by a player character or NPC in World of Warcraft. It is most noticeable in melee combat, where weapon strikes, slashes, or thrusts are visually performed as part of an attack. While the animation itself doesn’t always dictate the actual impact time (which is governed by internal timers), it contributes to combat feedback, reaction timing, and the feel of responsiveness in gameplay.

In older expansions or Classic WoW, attack motions are tightly linked to swing timers, meaning the visual animation must complete before the next attack can begin. In modern WoW, animations are often more fluid and synced with internal cooldowns or global cooldowns, providing smoother combat experiences for Warriors, Rogues, Monks, and other melee classes.

Some races and weapons have faster or more compact animations, making them feel more responsive even if the actual damage timing is the same. This can influence class and weapon preferences for players who value visual clarity and speed.