The Theoretical DPS Formula
Theoretical DPS equals attack x skill multiplier x attack speed (hits per second) x crit factor. The crit factor expands as 1 + crit chance x (crit multiplier - 1), so 30% crit at 200% damage yields a 1.3x multiplier. A character with 1000 attack, 1.5 skill multiplier, 1.2 APS, and that crit setup outputs 2340 DPS. The same formula governs most action RPGs from Diablo to Lost Ark.
Theoretical vs Actual DPS
This tool excludes enemy armor, resistances, party buffs, and downtime - it shows pure theoretical DPS. In real combat, enemy defense (-30 to 50%), movement and aiming time (-10 to 20%), and cooldown gaps (-5 to 15%) stack up, so actual sustained DPS typically lands at 60-85% of the theoretical number. The theoretical value is most useful for comparing two classes side by side, not for predicting absolute in-game damage.
Reading the Comparison
If the gap is under 5%, the two classes are effectively the same tier and personal playstyle should drive the choice. A 10-20% lead is noticeable but usually closeable by better gear or skill optimization. Differences above 30% indicate a real meta gap at equal investment.
FAQ
Pre-multiply the skill multiplier. A 1.5x weak-point bonus on top of a 1.5x base becomes 2.25x.
Apply external buffs to attack or skill multiplier before entering. For a 5-player party, multiply by an expected synergy factor (~1.2x).
No. This calculates average sustained DPS. Burst-skill spike analysis needs a separate per-skill model.