Current production release:
Updated 2008.04.23
0.80
c:
Moonkin DPS - v0.80.xls - FileFront.com (
notes)
Suggested version:
Updated 2008.08.18
0.81
alpha:
Moonkin DPS - v0.81alpha.xls - FileFront.com
>>>FREE Spreadsheet Viewer (OpenOffice.org)<<<
Please also visit the "ThinkTank!"
http://elitistjerks.com/f47/t21687-druid_balance/
FAQ
Q: My spreadsheet shows an estimated XXXX dps, but I can only pull off YYY dps despite my best efforts. What's going on?
A: DON'T PANIC. The spreadsheet tends to over-estimate. Make sure you've got the correct buffs selected, the latency is set correctly, and your fight duration is accurate. Now assume a 4-5% DPS loss if you're responsible for Faerie Fire. Each addt'l 10-15 seconds not casting (looking for the corpse of that damn rogue you have to B-rez, for instance) on a 6 minute fight can be another 5% DPS loss.
Q: Why do I sometimes see odd (and/or prime) spell rotations that don't factor out correctly, like Mfx2, Sfx11?
A: The spreadsheet is based on averages. A rotation like Mfx2, Sfx11 on the spreadsheet becomes Mfx1, Sfx5, Mfx1, Sfx6--depending on when you get the expected number of NG procs, etc. To best emulate these numbers in game, you simply want to keep your Moonfire on the mob without overwriting the last tick (sometimes called "clipping"), refreshing each time it's off without delaying your Starfire casts.
Q: Your spreadsheet shows I'm capable of X and my buddy's spreadsheet for his {mage, s-priest, ele/enh shammy, lock, hunter, rogue} suggests he should be doing less DPS, but he consistently beats me on the meters. Why?
A: Spreadsheets use different methodologies & make different assumptions, the numbers they provide are relative and aren't directly comparable. That being said, if you're getting spanked by your buddy in spite of posting WAY BETTER spreadsheet numbers, and out-gearing him in practice, try recording your fights (Fraps if possible, WWS if not) and look at how close you're coming to actual ideal consumable usage & cycle timing.
Q: How do you calculate for activated trinkets/potions and proc trinkets/set-bonuses/rings/idols?
A: I don't. Except for predictable mana restore effects, which can be easily averaged, the effects of proc-based (Mag's Eye, Quag's Eye, TLC, Sextant, etc.) and activated (Icon of the Silver Crescent, Scryer's Bloodgem, etc.) trinkets and the like are IGNORED. You'll pretty much be left to your own devices & the opinions of other experienced Druids to assign a numeric value to these effects, especially ones which are fight & spell-cycle dependent. Addt'l note: the "Moonfire" idol option is for the pre-BC "Idol of the Moon".
Q: The spreadsheet shows higher DPS with item X over item Y, but that doesn't make sense to me. Why does your spreadsheet lie?
A: The cake is a lie, the spreadsheet is an approximating & averaging algorithm. If you don't like the suggestions you're getting, no one is making you take them. And while the spreadsheet can easily be off by a few percent, be aware that it's cumulative 1-2% increases in DPS that got you where you are now from where you were when you were wearing AH & quest reward blues/greens.
Related Questions (moonkin specific, but not about spreadsheet)
Q: Is Improved Faerie Fire a good investment of points?
A: Depends on your raid make-up. It will
definitely increase the threat generated by your main tank. How much that will help your raid, and the direct effect it will have on your other melee DPS depends on how many of them dual-wield, their gear level & how close/far they are from the hit cap.
Q: Is Force of Nature better than an additional point of threat reduction?
A: If you're getting Blessing of Salvation, if your raid is comfortable with allowing you to cast them, and if you remember to cast them, yes, it's better than an addt'l point in Subtlety.
Q: What's the ideal group make up for my Moonkin?
A: Are you trying to maximize the moonkin, or the raid as a whole? Your raid has a unique make-up so there's no general answer for this. We do, however, go great with Shadow Priests (at least, they help us alot), Elem/Resto Shaman, Dest Locks, Mages (regardless of spec) and to a lesser extent BM Hunters, Holy Pallys and Holy/Disc Priests.
Q: Should I use idol swapping macros?
A: Not in 2.4.3 or later.
Previous releases:
0.72c (
notes)
0.71b (
notes)
0.70e (
notes)
0.69 (
notes)
0.68 (
notes)
0.67 (
notes)
0.66 (
notes)
0.65 (
notes)
0.61 (
notes)
0.60 (
notes)
0.50
Other (simplified) spreadsheets by others:
Elitist Jerks - View Single Post - Moonkin DPS Numbers/Comparisons
Elitist Jerks - View Single Post - Moonkin DPS Numbers/Comparisons