Threat

'''Threat''' is the combat system that determines which character an enemy chooses to attack.

Threat is especially important when using Playerbots in groups.

A properly functioning party usually relies on the Tank generating more threat than healers and damage characters.

How Threat Works

Enemies track hostile actions performed by players and Playerbots.

Actions that may generate threat include:

attacks
damaging spells
healing
taunts
threat-generating abilities
certain buffs and effects

The character with the highest relevant threat is usually the enemy's primary target.

Tank Threat

The tank's job is to maintain enough threat that enemies continue attacking the tank instead of the rest of the group.

See Playerbot Tanking.

DPS Threat

Damage characters can pull threat if they attack too aggressively.

A common mistake is beginning maximum damage immediately after the tank pulls.

A safer sequence is:

tank engages
tank establishes threat
healer stabilizes the tank
DPS begins attacking

Healer Threat

Healing can also generate threat.

A healer may become a target if:

the tank has not engaged all enemies
additional enemies enter combat
healing begins before threat is established

See Playerbot Healing.

AoE Threat

Large groups of enemies are more difficult to control.

The tank must maintain threat on multiple targets.

Damage bots using heavy AoE too early can cause enemies to break away from the tank.

Taunts

Tank classes have abilities designed to force or strongly encourage enemies to attack them.

Taunts are important when:

another player pulls threat
a boss changes targets
multiple tanks exchange control

Threat and Playerbots

Playerbot strategy choices can affect threat behavior.

Important factors include:

role
combat strategy
target selection
damage output
tank gear
specialization

Tank Gear

Poorly equipped tanks may struggle to survive or generate enough threat.

Run:

maintenance
autogear

and inspect the tank.

See Playerbot Autogear.

Dungeon Threat

During dungeons:

let the tank pull
avoid immediate AoE
focus priority targets
watch healer positioning
avoid extra groups

See Playerbot Dungeon Guide.

Raid Threat

Raids often require stricter threat management.

Multiple tanks may be used for:

boss swaps
adds
separate encounter targets

See Playerbot Raid Guide.

Troubleshooting

Enemy attacks DPS

Possible causes:

DPS attacked too early
tank gear is weak
tank strategy is wrong
wrong target is being attacked

Enemy attacks healer