Hello,
Can someone explain their strategy or timing for using Spellsteal and Counterspell?
I have the feeling that I’ve never really understood how to use them for the maximum effect. I mean, is it just a matter of spamming them as much as possible or are there some basic indicators or selection criteria you follow? Also, are there addons which signal highest priority targets or situations in which to use one or the other or both?
Thanks
To use interrupts effectively you have to know which spells are high and low value. Spamming interrupts is better than what the average player does, which is just neglect interrupts entirely… but you’re going to be missing a lot of high-priority casts.
Things like heals, shields, novas, and volleys are usually what you’re looking for. Bosses often have spells you need to interrupt that require a coordinated rotation(Tidesage Council in Shrine of the Storm) that can wipe you entirely if you miss an interrupt. There’s also some high single-target damage casts in dungeons like Motherlode that you need to watch for.
You’ll really only know what’s best to interrupt when you get hit by it or it wipes your group unless you research every spellcast in every dungeon.
In pvp I usually use spellsteal when I see a heavily buffed target and im in a group where my dps isnt going to matter much and always cs their heals. For example highly geared druid is attacking stormwind. Three guys are on him but not bringing him down. My job cc when i can spellsteal spam to grab hots and cs any heals or buffs
There is nothing as cathartic as taking the talent the steals everything, then just bullying a druid for the entire match
There’s an add-on called “Focus Interrupt Sounds” when I hear it go pew-pewi hit the interrupt button. Works flawlessly every time and since it’s audible nothing to look for and my reaction time is faster to audio personally. Basically I interrupt everything I hear. I use a weak area for spells to steal. Works great on bubbles and shields. Sure you can clearly see a bubble but it’s a nice reminder.
Thanks for the comments. All are very helpful, particularly re the FocusInterruptSounds. Prompts of any type are helpful.
I used that for a bit, but am a BG mage mostly, so the CD was a deal breaker. Great to be in a large fight and grab buffs here and there off multiple targets.