Melee

Overview

A form of combat (usually physical) that requires the attacker to be relatively close (arm plus weapon length) to the target as opposed to a ranged attack. Sometimes also called "hand-to-hand" or "close combat".

Close weapon combat as opposed to ranged weapon or spell combat.

World of Warcraft typically defines 'Melee Range' as 5 Yards or closer.

Typical Melee Weapons

Typical melee weapons used:

• Axe
• Dagger
• Fist (unarmed)
•  [Hammer]
• Mace
• Polearm
• Staff
• Sword

Melee Ability Comparison By Class

Good: These classes can perform extremely well in melee combat and make ideal party main tanks.

• Warrior
• Paladin

Fair: These classes can comfortably hold their own in melee while soloing, but should only main tank if there is noone better available.

• Shaman (Totems, Weapon Buffs, etc)
• Rogue (Ambush from stealth for a head start)
• Druid (Bearform)

Average: These classe can just about cope in melee, but should have more efficient means of combat at their disposal.

• Priest (Self-Heals and PW:Shield take the edge off, but a group makes life easier for everyone)
• Hunter (Use the pet to tank and use Ranged combat)

Bad: These classes should avoid any kind of melee combat where possible; even running away rather than engaging in melee.

• Mage (Use Frost and Sheep crowd control, back off and nuke.)
• Warlock (Use the pet to tank and DOT from a distance)