What Does DPS Mean in Games? Definition, Use Cases, Examples

by  John Uke Last update: August 30, 2024

Today we’re diving into a term that’s all about bringing the pain (in-game, of course): DPS. No, we’re not talking about shipping packages – we’re talking about the lifeblood of many gaming strategies. Let’s break it down!

What Does DPS Mean In Terms Of Gaming?

In gaming, DPS is more than just an acronym – it’s a whole playstyle and role. Here’s what it encompasses:

1. A metric: DPS measures the average damage dealt over time, helping players compare weapons, abilities, or characters.
2. A role: In many games, especially MMOs and MOBAs, “DPS” refers to characters or players whose primary job is to deal damage.
3. A strategy: “Focusing on DPS” means prioritizing damage output, often at the expense of other factors like defense.

The Origins Of DPS

The concept of measuring damage over time has been around since the early days of RPGs and wargames. However, the term “DPS” as we know it today really took off with the rise of MMORPGs in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Games like EverQuest and later World of Warcraft popularized the idea of dedicated damage-dealing roles and the need to quantify damage output. As online gaming and theorycrafting communities grew, DPS became a crucial concept for optimizing gameplay and character builds.

The concept evolved across genres, from MMORPGs to MOBAs and shooters. In Overwatch (2016), DPS became a distinct character category, further cementing its importance in modern competitive gaming.

Term Use Cases and Examples

Here’s how you might see DPS used in the gaming world:

1. Comparing weapons: “This sword has higher DPS than my old one.”
2. Discussing roles: “We need more DPS for this raid boss.”
3. Player titles: “I main a DPS class in this MMO.”
4. Game mechanics: “This ability increases your DPS by 20% for 10 seconds.”
5. Character building: “I’m going for a high DPS build on my rogue.”
6. Competitive analysis: “Their team’s DPS is outperforming ours.”
7. Game updates: “The new patch nerfed the DPS of ranged classes.”

Other Related Terms

When you’re talking DPS, you might also encounter these related terms:

1. Burst DPS: High damage output over a short period.
2. Sustained DPS: Consistent damage output over long periods.
3. AoE DPS: Area of Effect damage, hitting multiple targets.
4. Tank: The role that soaks up damage, often working alongside DPS.
5. Healer: Supports the team by restoring health, enabling DPS to focus on damage.
6. DPM (Damage Per Minute): A longer-term measure of damage output.
7. Alpha Strike: A term for maximum burst damage, often related to DPS calculations.
8. Theorycraft: The practice of mathematically analyzing game mechanics, often focusing on maximizing DPS.

There you have it, damage dealers! You’re now equipped to discuss, calculate, and optimize DPS like a pro. Whether you’re min-maxing your character in an RPG, comparing weapons in a shooter, or filling the damage role in your next raid, you know the ins and outs of DPS. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go respec my character for maximum deeps.

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