Damage per second (DPS) is a term used with computer games to describe the average rate of damage inflicted over time. The term is especially common in Massively multiplayer online role-playing games.

In this circumstance, "Damage" is a scalar quantity that is applied to an in-game opponent, until that opponent's capacity for absorbing damage is exceeded and the opponent is defeated. Therefore the higher the DPS value, the less time it takes to defeat an opponent.

Contents 1 Usage 1.1 Adjective 1.2 Noun 1.3 Verb 2 Usefulness 3 See also

[edit] Usage

[edit] Adjective

DPS is used in conversation as an adjective to describe one's damage capabilities. For example, a group leader might ask someone how much is their DPS. Hence a DPS character is a character who is responsible for inflicting a high amount of damage in comparison to other character types. In many games, DPS characters are usually the primary damage dealers in a group.

[edit] Noun

DPS can apply to any entity capable of inflicting damage on a target, much like the term "damage dealer" is used in other MMORPGs. Normally, this might be a certain player. For example, a group leader might ask someone if they are a DPS.

It could apply more specifically to their current choice of weapon or skill, or more generally to a group of characters working together. Players may have to calculate values themselves based on empirical analysis, since not all the factors are always explicit.

[edit] Verb

DPS is also used as a command or request in MMORPGs. For example, the group leader may admonish the rest of the group to "DPS" the current target quickly, meaning that everyone should do everything in their power to cause damage to the target as fast as possible, utilizing all skills and abilities (even cooldowns, an ability with a recharge time) to do as much damage as possible.

[edit] Usefulness

As a measure of capability, it is more accurate than a simple damage value that does not reflect how often the damage can be dealt. It is therefore a potentially useful metric both to game players and game designers.

[edit] See also

• About: Internet Games - "DPS - damage per second"
• WoWWiki - Damage per second

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