
Alternatively, a DPS race may feature a mechanic where the boss(es) gain an increasing damage effect that is unsurvivable if it takes too long to kill the boss. They frequently feature relatively simple mechanics but tight enrage timers or instant wipe mechanics that trigger when a timer is reached. As raid encounters become increasingly more complex, the frequency of these is decreasing.Ī DPS race is an encounter where delivering maximum damage output is crucial to completing the encounter. Encounters of this type may sometimes be derisively viewed as "loot pinatas" for their simplicity. The simplest type of encounter, a tank and spank fight has few or no adds, very simple or no meaningful mechanics and is considered very easy. Examples of each are given on their main pages. Note that these types are not mutually exclusive most modern encounters fall into more than one category.

There are a number of different types of encounters that are generally recognized. Most instances feature several major encounters throughout their course. As such, the term is mainly a theoretical construct which makes it easier to discuss the structure of some reoccurring challenges in the game.

The concept is not (to our knowledge) used internally in the game engine, instead stemming from the way Blizzard has chosen to design most dungeons and boss monsters throughout the game. Some encounters, in particular boss encounters, also have scripted events associated with them. Typically, once a character engages an encounter, they will remain in combat until all enemies in the encounter have been killed. An encounter is an enemy or group of enemies which must be defeated together, sometimes in a particular order.
