WoW combat logs explained without the jargon
Quick answer
A combat log is a file the game writes that records every ability, hit, heal and death during a fight. You turn it on with the /combatlog command, upload the file to a site like Warcraft Logs, and get a readable report. Start by checking deaths, avoidable damage and how often you used your key abilities, not just your percentile.
Key takeaways
- Type /combatlog in game to start (and stop) recording.
- Warcraft Logs turns the raw file into charts and timelines.
- A parse percentile compares you to others, but it’s not a skill score.
- Deaths, avoidable damage and ability usage teach you the most.
What is a combat log?
While logging is on, the game saves a detailed record of combat (every cast, buff, hit and death) to a text file in your World of Warcraft “Logs” folder. On its own the file is hard to read, which is why most players upload it to a website that turns it into reports.
How do I record a combat log?
Recording takes a few seconds to set up:
- Turn on Advanced Combat Logging in the game’s system settings (under Network). Analysis sites need it.
- Type /combatlog in chat before the fight. The game confirms logging has started.
- Play as normal, then type /combatlog again to stop.
- Upload the log with Warcraft Logs’ uploader app, either afterwards or live while you play.
Tip: Log files grow quickly. Delete old ones from your Logs folder once they’re uploaded.
What does a parse percentile mean?
A parse is your performance on one boss, shown as a percentile. A 75 means you did more damage (or healing) than 75% of players of the same specialization on that boss and difficulty. Colors on the site group these percentiles for quick reading.
Parses are useful for spotting trends, but they’re not a complete measure of skill. Your assignment in the fight, how long it lasted and your group’s strategy all affect the number.
What should I look at first in my logs?
Before worrying about percentiles, check these three things:
- Deaths: what killed you, and could you have avoided it or used a defensive?
- Avoidable damage: how much damage did you take from mechanics you can dodge?
- Ability usage: how often did you use your major cooldowns, and did your important effects stay active?
How can I learn from better players’ logs?
Warcraft Logs lets you browse top performances for your specialization on each boss. Compare simple things first: which talents they picked, when they used cooldowns, and how often they cast their main abilities per minute. Copy one habit at a time rather than everything at once.
Our Rotation Academy’s newer modules were built the same way: by studying what top players actually press in their logs.
Tools mentioned in this guide
- Warcraft Logs Upload logs and browse reports.
Frequently asked questions
How do I turn on combat logging in WoW?
Type /combatlog in chat to start and stop logging. Also enable Advanced Combat Logging in the game’s Network settings so analysis sites can read the file.
Where are WoW combat logs saved?
In the “Logs” folder inside your World of Warcraft game folder, as text files named after the date.
Is a gray or green parse bad?
Not necessarily. Low parses are common while learning, and fight assignments can lower your number. Focus on improving your own logs over time.
