Turning Off Damage Numbers in World of Warcraft Floating combat text, commonly known as damage numbers, can clutter your screen during intense combat in World of Warcraft (WoW). While the retail version of the game removed the direct checkbox for this in the standard interface options, you can still disable them using console commands or specialized addons.
This paper outlines the methods to turn off damage numbers in both Retail and Classic WoW. Method 1: Using In-Game Console Commands
The most direct way to disable damage numbers without installing external modifications is by using the in-game chat console. This method works for both Retail and Classic versions of the game. Disabling Damage Numbers
To turn off the default floating damage numbers above enemy heads, press Enter to open your chat box and type the following command exactly as shown, then press Enter again: /console floatingCombatTextCombatDamage 0 Disabling Healing Numbers
If you also wish to hide the green healing numbers that appear when you or your allies are healed, use this command: /console floatingCombatTextCombatHealing 0 Reversing the Changes
If you ever want to turn the numbers back on, simply repeat the commands but replace the 0 at the end with a 1: Enable Damage: /console floatingCombatTextCombatDamage 1 Enable Healing: /console floatingCombatTextCombatHealing 1
Note: You may need to reload your user interface for the changes to take effect. You can do this by typing /reload in the chat box. Method 2: Using Addons
If you prefer a visual interface to manage your combat text or if you want to highly customize what information is shown, using an addon is the ideal solution. AdvancedInterfaceOptions
Because Blizzard hidden many console variables (CVars) from the standard menu, this addon brings them back into a clean menu system.
Allows you to toggle damage and healing numbers via a checkbox.
Lets you modify text size, scroll direction, and font styles. MikScrollingBattleText (MSBT) or Details! how to turn off damage numbers in wow exclusive
If you want to replace the default Blizzard floating text entirely with highly organized, custom-positioned text, these addons are the industry standard.
MSBT: Groups your damage, incoming damage, and healing into distinct, static scroll areas on your screen.
Details!: Primarily a damage meter, but includes robust options for managing how and where combat text is displayed. Method 3: Accessing the Classic Interface Menu
If you are playing World of Warcraft: Classic (including Era, Hardcore, or Season of Discovery), the option is still natively available in the game menus without needing commands or addons. Press the Esc key to open the Game Menu. Click on Options (or Interface in older game versions). Navigate to the Combat or Floating Combat Text tab. Uncheck the box labeled Target Damage or Combat Damage. Click Apply and Okay.
If you want to refine your user interface further, let me know: Are you playing Retail or Classic WoW?
I can provide the exact steps or setup commands based on your specific gameplay needs.
Assuming you are looking to hide the floating combat text (the numbers that pop up when you deal or take damage) in World of Warcraft, here is the guide on how to do so.
There are two types of damage numbers you might want to turn off: the Game's Built-in Numbers and Add-on Numbers (like Details or DBM).
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars (Essential for Immersion, Tricky for Mechanics)
If you are looking to turn off damage numbers in World of Warcraft, you generally have two paths: the built-in Blizzard settings or Console Commands (Macro). Here is a breakdown of the best ways to do it and whether you actually should. Turning Off Damage Numbers in World of Warcraft
Primary Toggle
Chat Command
Confirmation Toast
Optional Sub-toggles (advanced, collapsed under main toggle)
Addons & API
Best for: Players who want total customization.
If you truly want an "exclusive" tailored experience, simply turning numbers off isn't enough—you need to curate what stays.
The Verdict: Addons like MikScrolling BattleText (MSBT) or Parrot allow you to create "triggers." You can turn off generic damage numbers but keep "Critical" numbers, or keep numbers on screen but stop them from scrolling. This is the best middle ground between knowing what is happening and having a clean screen.
Even after disabling the above, you might still see large numbers scrolling up on the left/right side of your screen (e.g., “-12,345” in large font). That’s Blizzard’s Scrolling Combat Text.
To turn this off:
⚠️ This is separate from Method 1. Many players disable only Method 1 and wonder why numbers still appear on screen edges.
Most players think you need a full UI overhaul (ElvUI, Plater, NameplateSCT) to kill the scrolling combat text. You don't. Blizzard buried a nuclear option in the base UI, but almost nobody uses it.
Step 1: Escape > Interface Options Step 2: Click the Combat tab (not Names, not ActionBars). Step 3: Look for the section labeled "Floating Combat Text."
Here is where the exclusivity begins. You will see checkboxes for:
Step 4: Uncheck Damage. Uncheck Periodic. Leave Healing on (for now—we’ll talk about that).
Step 5 (The Hidden Gem): Scroll down. Find "Target Damage" and "Target Healing" (added in Dragonflight). Uncheck both.
Step 6: Close the window.
Congratulations. You have just performed what 98% of the player base will never do. You have silenced the machine.
But here is where the post gets deep.