In the MMORPG The Elder Scrolls Online, there are different types of damage. In this article, we from MeinMMO explain what direct damage is.
What is direct damage? Basically, this refers to the damage you inflict directly with an ability, for example, through an attack, strike, or spell. This includes both light and heavy attacks.
Direct damage thus differs from damage over time, also known as DoT (Damage over Time). This does not occur directly, but rather gradually. Examples of such effects include curses or bleedings.
Direct damage or damage over time are independent of Magicka and Stamina, physical or magical damage. There are also abilities in AoE attacks that add direct damage but also damage over time.
Interestingly, the first damage caused by a DoT is often also considered direct damage.
ESO itself explains the damage system poorly
Where exactly can I see what applies to which ability? To this day, the developers at ZeniMax have not created a precise overview of which attribute applies to which ability.
In-game, there is a distinction between damage in white text (direct damage) and orange text (damage over time). However, there is ongoing criticism because the in-game distinction is not accurate or overlooks the fact that the first damage of a DoT is considered direct damage.
The player Solinur from Europe has compiled a list of all abilities in Google Docs. This is somewhat outdated, but still provides a good overview:
- Abilities that scale with “Master-at-Arms” deal direct damage
- Abilities that scale with Thaumaturge deal damage over time.
In the forum, players also recommend wearing the Nerien’eth set to be absolutely sure how an ability works. This set creates a light crystal whenever you deal direct damage.
The types of damage in ESO at a glance
In addition to direct damage and damage over time, there are further classifications in ESO:
- Area of Effect: Damage that affects a larger area and thus multiple targets
- Critical Damage: Damage inflicted by critical hits
- Disease Damage: A specific type of damage over time
- Physical Damage: Damage inflicted by one-handed and two-handed weapons, as well as the bow. Falling damage also counts as physical damage
- Fire Damage: Damage inflicted by fire abilities
- Frost Damage: Damage inflicted by ice abilities
- Shock Damage: Damage inflicted by shock abilities
- Spell Damage: Damage inflicted by spells and staves. This damage is associated with Magicka
- Weapon Damage: Damage inflicted by weapons that are not staves. This damage is associated with Stamina
Are you looking for suitable builds in addition to tips on damage? Then check out these 3 solo builds that will help you accomplish everything on your own in ESO.
