Magical Resistance
Miss Chance and Resistance Mechanics
Spell Miss Chance by Level Difference
When an offensive spell is cast, the target has two separate chances to resist or avoid the spell:
- 1: Level Difference Check (Miss Chance): This check is based on the level difference between the caster and the target, and can be affected by the caster's +spell hit% equipment and talents like Arcane Focus.
Level Difference vs. Miss Chance (PvE & PvP):
| Level Difference | PvE | PvP |
|---|---|---|
| Same level (+0) | 4% | 4% |
| +1 level | 5% | 5% |
| +2 levels | 6% | 6% |
| +3 levels | 17% | 13% |
| +4 levels | 28% | 20% |
| +5 levels | 39% | 27% |
| +6 levels | 50% | 34% |
| Each additional level | +11% | +7% |
- Note:
- The miss chance cannot be reduced below 1%.
- In PvP, equipment "to hit" bonuses beyond +3% are ineffective against level 60+ players.
- In endgame raids (bosses considered level 63), +16% hit can be beneficial.
- 2: Resistance Roll: If the spell passes the level difference check, a second roll determines resistance based on the target’s resistance stat and the caster’s level.
Magical Resistance and Damage Reduction
- Resistance Calculation: <math> \text{Average Resistance} = \left( \frac{\text{Target Resistance}}{\text{Caster Level} \times 5} \right) \times 0.75 </math>.
- Max average resistance is capped at 75%.
- Resistance scaling treats casters below level 20 as level 20.
- For example:
- Level 20 caster: 100 resistance for 75% max resistance.
- Level 30 caster: 150 resistance.
- Level 50 caster: 250 resistance.
- Level 60 caster: 300 resistance.
- Level 63 caster: 315 resistance.
- Impact of Resistance: Higher resistance increases the chance to completely resist or significantly reduce damage. For damage spells, resistance results in various resist percentages (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100%).
Damage Absorption and Damage Reduction
- Damage Absorbed Calculation: The amount of damage a character can soak per point of health depends on resistance: <math> \text{Damage Absorbed} / \text{Actual Damage Taken} = \frac{1}{1 - \left(\frac{\text{Resistance}}{5 \times \text{Caster Level}}\right) \times 0.75} - 1 </math>
Example:
- Level 60 caster, 200 resistance:
- Resists approximately 1000 damage per 1000 damage taken.
- Level 60 caster, 240 resistance:
- Resists approximately 1500 damage per 1000 damage taken.
Practical Example: Two mages (both with 3000 HP) fighting Ragnaros (level 63):
- Mage A: 15 fire resist (from Mage Armor).
- Resists about 111 damage before dying.
- Mage B: 150 resist + group bonus (total 210).
- Resists about 3000 damage, likely surviving longer or until potion use.
Binary vs. Non-Binary Spells
- Binary Spells: Spells that are either fully resisted or deal full damage (examples: Frost Bolt, Frost Shock, Blast Wave). These spells are always either fully resisted (resulting in a "miss") or fully land.
- Non-Binary Spells: Spells that do only damage (examples: Fireball, Shadow Bolt, Wrath). These spells can be resisted partially (e.g., 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100%).
Combat Text and Resistance
- In combat logs:
- The word "miss" indicates effects that fail due to level difference or complete resistance.
- The word "resisted" indicates resistance due to target’s resistance stat.
Note:
- All mage spells are labeled "resisted" if fully resisted, regardless of cause.
- Hunter effects often show "miss" when effects fail entirely.
- It can be difficult to distinguish between a miss due to level difference and a resist due to resistance, especially for frost spells, which are binary and either fully resisted or not.