Monster Description
Monster Levels you can check by selecting the monster then looking at its target window. Generally, it’s a good idea to attack monsters below or near your level. If the monster’s level is listed as “??” or a skull it indicates that you cannot determine the level of the monster, but it’s considerably higher in level than you.
Elite Monsters are much more powerful versions of their regular counterparts. They are typically either special quest monsters, or monsters that are found inside dungeons. They can be identified by an “Elite” tag next to their name and a special dragon border around their target window.
Monster Aggression
There are three main types of status for monsters:
Aggressive - Aggressive monsters will attack when you enter their aggro range. You can identify aggressive targets by the red color of their name box (target window).
Neutral - Neutral monsters, such as many wild animals, will not attack unless first attacked. You can identify neutral targets by the yellow color of their name box (target window).
Friendly - You cannot attack friendly targets. Examples of these are party members and NPCs of your faction. You can identify friendly targets by the green color of their name box (target window).
Each Aggressive Monster has an Aggro Radius, in an invisible circle around the monster. Entering a monster’s aggro radius will provoke it to attack. The size of the monster’s aggro radius is based on the level difference between you and the monster.
Monster Hate List/History
Once combat has begun, monsters keep track of damage being done to them and also keep track of the spells being cast. This includes healing spells, or spells that buff other party members. Generally, the monster will attack the player who is currently highest on their hate list. This is fine if you want the monster to attack you; however if you’re a caster you generally don’t want this to happen. To counter this, another party member must do more damage to the monster or otherwise cause more threat so that the monster will attack the other party member instead. You will also need to immediately stop actions that will make the monster angry, such as casting more spells, or attacking the monster. Once another party member has done enough damage or made the monster angry enough to redirect its attention, you can resume your attack on that monster.
You will likely be spending some time Fleeing from Monsters as you get accustomed to fighting in World of Warcraft. Running isn’t something to be ashamed of: you should always run if you face a monster that is too powerful, or if you realize you don’t have enough Health or Mana to fight the current monster. Run away! “/v flee”! Monsters will only chase you for a specific distance before giving up and returning to their original spot. In instances however, monsters will not stop their chase.
Spellcasting Monsters, such as mages, are very dangerous as they can do a considerable amount of damage in a short time. Fortunately, they are typically weaker than monsters who rely on physical attacks and are thus more quickly dispatched. Attack them first, and try to stun them if possible to prevent them from casting spells.
Monsters Fleeing when they are near death, often in the direction of their comrades. You should use abilities that prevent them from moving or slow them down - or simply finish them off quickly as soon as they try to run.
Monster Spawning a certain amount of time after being slain. The time to respawn varies widely, from a few minutes in highly popular areas to hours in dungeons and raids. In lower level areas, monsters will not immediately attack players as they spawn.
