Combat Log

The Combat Log is a log of combat actions and results, but may also show the results of the profession activities of nearby characters.

By default, it is accessible via a Combat Log tab on the General chat window.

Combat Logs may be written to a file using the /combatlog command. The resulting file may be found at Logs\WoWCombatLog.txt. The complexity of the combat logs content since the patch 2.4 changes means that logs are best used when analyzed by one of the available parsers which analyze combat logs to generate raid statistics.

The first such parser of wide popularity was Wow Web Stats. Other emergent parsers include WowMeterOnline, World of Logs, MMOStories all of which demonstrate compatibility with logs from patch 2.4 and beyond.

World of Logs and WowCardioRaid are currently the only parsers offering real time combat log analysis.

MMOStories was (until recently) the only parser which stores data in a database for single data comparison.

Details of the changes made to the combat log in patch 2.4 can be found in the documentation for COMBAT_LOG_EVENT.

Patch changes

• Patch 4.0.6 (8-Feb-2011): The Combat Log was displaying a lot of incorrect or inconsistent information pertaining to select player, creature, and boss abilities. These issues have been addressed.
  
• Patch 4.0.3 (15-Nov-2010): Changes for Cataclysm.
  
• / Patch 4.0.1 (12-Oct-2010): Detailed combat log tooltips that use tokens are scaling based on the players’ spellpower
  
• / Patch 3.0.2 (14-Oct-2008): Changes for Wrath of the Lich King:
  • The combat log now differentiates between a spell failure due to resistance and spell failure due to missing the target. Where once both events reported as a resist; a spell missing the target is now reported as a miss.
  • Overhealing is now reported in the combat log.
  • When a source of damage is entirely prevented (by a shield block, a full resist, or a damage shield like Power Word:Shield, the prevented amount will now be displayed.
    
• Patch 2.4.0 (25-Mar-2008):
  • New tabs are available for sorting combat messages.
  • ctrl-right clicking functionality has been added for individual information sorting
  • Colors may now be assigned for friends and enemies
  • The WoWCombatLog.txt file format has been changed to make it easier for programs to read.
  • The ability to chat-link player spells and talents.
    
• Patch 1.8.0 (10-Oct-2005): When you gain reputation, the combat log message will now display the numeric value of how much reputation you gained as well as the previous relative message.
  
• Patch 1.7.0 (13-Sep-2005):
  • Absorbed and resisted environmental damage is now shown in the combat log.
  • If an attack deals non-physical damage, the type of damage is now reported in the combat log.
    
• Patch 1.6.0 (12-Jul-2005):
  • Spells that drain mana will now properly report the amount of mana gained in the combat log.
  • The effect of damage resistance and vulnerability is now displayed in the combat log.
  • Combat abilities which are fully blocked show up correctly in the combat log.
  • Crushing and glancing blows show more information in the combat log.
    

External links

Post 2.4 Capable Parsers

Event Horizon Fight Statistics (Local Parser)

World of Logs (Hosted Parser)

Forums

Gurre.eu Wow Log Parser forums - Discussions about Wow Log Parser (Local Parser)