Do you use macros for combat?

On the official forums I run into a lot of people who just hate on people who use macros.

I have an MM spec, I use it VERY infrequently, mostly for a single fight (shannox, Chimera Shot crits ftw) and I use a castsequence macro in that spec. I find that people go up in flames when I say this. 99% of the time I dps in SV, because I am WAY more comfortable with it, to the point where I do more dps with SV than I do with MM, something that theoriticians say is not possible.

Opinions?

 

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It's your 14.99 a month?

 

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*Nod*

In a group, no one ever complains about my dps, I manage my aggro, I trap properly, I misdirect and frankly, I can beat 90% of the people I play with. Using a castsequence macro. Mind you, I fully understand that this is anecdotal evidence and I don't expect anyone to believe me, I am just saying, I don't understand the macro hate. If someone makes a macro, they are at least trying to do well, instead of just spamming arcane shot til they run out of focus, then autoattack until they can mash that arcane shot button again.

 

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It's just a tool. I use macros most places to manage the non-random elements of my rotations, with separate buttons (or key modifiers in the macro) for the proc-based abilities.

[edit] I find macros are also helpful to reduce 3 or 4 situational abilities down to one button. One example is the pet mend/res/summon macros that use the right tool based on whether your pet is dead, missing or not available.

 

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I utilize simple macros heavily. As a warlock I don't have much use for cast sequence macros, but I'm aware some hunters use them.

As far as you doing more dps as sv than mm, it's totally believable. You'll very likely pull much more dps in a spec you're comfortable and familiar with.

 

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The only macros I use are ones to link trinkets to spells. Of course the only thing I do is heal so that could be a big reason.

 

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I use simple macros when it's convenient and makes my job easier. I used to fiddle with cast sequence stuff but I've never really played any characters that had a solid, steady rotation so I dropped that idea. So mostly targeting and focus macros.

 

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There is a little bit of lag inherent in a cast sequence macro that is not present when just pushing the abilities on a bar.

For instance, take a shaman and macro:

/castsequence timer=5/ Lightning Bolt; Lightning Bolt; Lightning Bolt

Go to the DPS dummies and spam that macro for 2 minutes using Recount to watch your DPS. Then do the same test with just pressing your lightning bolt ability from your spellbook. There will be a considerable difference in DPS. This is why Elitist Jerks types might tell you that you are messing up using a cast sequence macro.

I used them when I played to add /attack to melee attack abilities as well as trinket use. But for casting actual abilities, better to keybind or at least put it on your bar and just spam it that way. That's my 2 cents.

 

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Yep, there is a tiny bit of delay, because wow uses a mini ability queue system, you can actually start casting the nest spell before the 1st one is done casting, however with a castsequence, the entire cast has to finish before the next one will start. Interesting that I never put the 2 together. Ah well, I will still use the macro, having to press 10 buttons just isnt my style.

 

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I use all kinds of macros...

I have two that I use in dungeons more than others, one targets the tanks target, the other targets the tank...(the latter I only use when healing, misdirecting, or tricking)

I have macros for specific pet functions, like the silence for the felhunter, or target specific pet heals etc..


I have one for my rogue that does cloak/vanish/prep....


I dunno, I used one on my hunter before autoshot was an automatic deal..haven't really put one together for cata...


Honestly, if someone says "you shouldn't use macros", I'd tell them to kindly stfu, and that they have no earthly idea wtf they are talking about, followed by an ignore.

 

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