There are many general tips for play in the Arena, such as: kiting melee, pre-healing a target, spell-lock or CC when about to burst, etc. But, there is one general tip that, although seems very basic, can be very advanced and used very effectively against top Arena competition. Line of Sight (LoS) has always been an integral part of the WoW game for both PvE and PvP content. It has become especially crucial in the Arena scene, as it is a very valuable tactic against all ranged classes, and can even be used as an offensive advantage against melee. There are many situations in which LoS is used effectively. This article will be taking an in-depth look at this aspect of the game, as it can be easily overlooked, while also game breaking.

First off, let us look at the three maps we currently have for Arena competition. Nagrand Arena consists of four large posts in a circular arena, all spread out evenly from each other, with two on each team’s side. This is your basic Arena for any game, yet the posts really add a lot to what looks like a simple arena layout. We then have the Blades Edge Arena. This Arena has the famous bridge going across the middle, with an even ramp on both side, and a pillar on each side of the bridge. This map has plenty of LoS features, but it can be more dangerous then the likes of Nagrand Arena, because there are two levels. The final, and most recent, addition to the Arena maps is the Ruins of Lorderon, the widest of all the maps; but, still has some LoS points. There is a large object in the middle of the map to run around and even climb over. This object itself presents multiple LoS opportunities. Along with the two starting area posts, where both teams begin the round, and even a small grave or two on the graveyard side, Ruins of Lorderon has turned out to be extremely tricky. All three of these maps have many LoS areas, and, if used correctly, can be very devastating for the opposing team.

Now that we have an idea of where effective LoS areas are on these Arena maps, let’s talk about how to actually use them. When most people think about LoS, it’s mainly in terms of defense, such as getting out of sight of a ranged caster to prevent damage. However, there is another aspect to line of sight with the offensive side of things. A very popular strategy that can catch a Warrior or Rogue off guard is: whoever is being focused on by this melee class, to pull them behind a pillar or down a ramp, and out of range/sight of their own healers and CC. Then, in turn, you surprise them with a burst and bring them down before they realize they’re unable to receive any healing. This will not work all of the time, as many high-end competition Warriors and Rogues will not fall for it; but, occasionally, even the best gets greedy. As for defensive LoS usage, however, there are several methods to this, and can be performed differently depending on your role in the team.

A Warrior is a popular target for many 4 DPS teams, because most cookie-cutter lineups will center on the Warrior. Because of this, Warriors have discovered how to play more and more defensively when in these situations. Besides just doing a typical Defensive Stance/Shield combo, better Warriors will Intervene back to their healers, and LoS the other team’s DPS while still able to receive heals. It is very important that you do not line of sight your own healers when avoiding damage. That is a common mistake when using the LoS mechanics. People think that just because they are out of LoS of the DPS that they are in a good situation, when in reality, they might have only hurt themselves. This is where strong communication is direly needed between the healer and the focus target, or else tragedy can occur (and, unpleasant words might be exchanged). This strategy is more effective if a ranged caster is getting focused; simply because they don’t need to worry about staying in melee range to do damage or CC, they can do it while they LoS another target.

Now, LoS is not just used for focused targets, it is also a very effective method to prevent CC or interruption effects, such as: Sheep, Fear, Counterspell, Cyclone and more. Healers especially need to know how to LoS opposing players while keeping their teammates up, and this is where communication is a huge key, once again. Casting healers (Paladin, Shaman) especially need to do their best to stay LoS, whenever possible. But, there will be situations where these healers will have to come into LoS, and, at this point, they need to utilize another skill called “juke-healing,” or assistance from a fellow CC.

Some classes are more affected when the opposing teams LoS, and two that stand out are Hunters and Elemental Shamans. These two classes rely on standing still for a majority of the time to execute their damaging abilities; making evading opponents very annoying for them. Whenever an opposing team has one of these two classes, whoever is being focused on needs to keep in mind that LoS will hurt their DPS a lot, and needs to use it to their own advantage for survival. Be ready for quick switches, however, as teams who use these two classes will have a tendency to switch up targets a lot for this reason. Also, against Hunters, one misconception is to try to get into their dead-zone rather then LoS. This is a mistake in most cases, as it will only result in easy kiting from the Hunter over a Frost Trap, and allows their other DPS to stay on you, as well.

The next in line for classes who are hurt by line of sight are Mages and Warlocks. Again, they are casters, so, obviously, LoS can make it very hard to get efficient casts off, whether it is CC or damage. However, they have a lot more instant casts that can be effective. Because of this, CC should be performed on these targets, rather than trying to LoS, or even focus on one of them instead. Letting any of these classes stand still and cast will greatly increase their efficiency.

Then, there are the Warriors and Rogues, of course, where LoS still can be used, but to a weaker extent, and, most of the time, isn’t worth trying. An effective method to LoS a melee target — as mentioned earlier — is to “pull” them out of LoS of their own healers, then burst down, or pull LoS and CC at a location where they are out of dispel LoS or range. This can hurt Warriors especially, and can slow down the game for the opposing team while you gain an advantage on the offense.

Opposing healers still need to be kept in mind to LoS, as well; especially, Druids, Shamans and Priests. All three of these healing classes have game-turning CC, interruption, or the likes of Mana Burn.

When it comes down to it, Line of Sight in Arena play is an incredible tool at your disposal. Although it seems simple, there are still many players and teams who don’t use it effectively. There is a very good reason why all of the Arenas have several areas with objects in the way, and to not use them is only hurting your team. Keep in mind, there is an offensive style of LoS, along with the defensive play style. Pulling an opposing melee or even caster behind an object, then blowing them up, may not work every time, but it will catch many teams off guard. Every class has abilities that can be affected by LoS, thus, no matter the class, LoS should be used for a competitive advantage.

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7 Responses to “Arena at the Next Level: Line of Sight”

1. MnemoniXFusion Says:
   October 4th, 2007 at 9:37 pm

   Excellent, excellent guide. Will certainly keep in mind everything that was mentioned here. Thanks!

2. Sula Says:
   October 4th, 2007 at 11:05 pm

   i personally find out bladeedge’s arena map is the most anouying map ever… priests do mind control healers from the middle of the bridge and jump of the edge then we have to walk back up to heal the group , other maps are fine . but since 2.2 started . sometimes the pet will get stucked in the middle of buildings …

3. Skel Says:
   October 5th, 2007 at 5:53 am

   Most annoying LOS. Shaman teams that sit behind a pillar and drop totems and will sit there for 20+ hours unwilling to budge.

4. Selvani Says:
   October 7th, 2007 at 6:15 pm

   well if they sit there go in from the other side (if in nagrand for example) and push them out and use their side as if it was yours. Sure he got totems, but you probably have better positions!

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6. Boyce Angeline Says:
   March 22nd, 2010 at 3:13 pm

   Thanks so much for the greatadvice that I can use ASAP!

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