Skada

Skada is a free World of Warcraft damage meter for players who want to shape their combat displays and revisit fight segments. It suits interface-focused players who value configurable views and plugin add-ons; the main caveat is choosing the edition that matches the game version.

With a live overlay and session history at no cost, Skada is a practical choice for combat tracking inside WoW. It is less suitable if you want a standalone meter or expect every extra metric to be built in.

Overview

Skada combines live combat measurement with saved fight segments, letting players move between encounters and inspect data at different levels of detail. Multiple windows and display styles give it more flexibility than a single fixed meter, while the project aims to use memory and CPU efficiently. That makes it a strong fit for players who want control over their interface without paying for the addon.

Key features

Multiple window styles: Bar, Inline, and Data Text views can be used across multiple windows. Players can keep a detailed meter alongside a compact readout, though arranging that flexibility to suit a particular interface is part of the appeal.

Fight segments: Saved segments make it possible to review a particular encounter instead of relying only on the live display. Adjustable detail helps when a quick summary is enough or a closer look is needed.

Theme controls: Windows can be customized, and theme strings can be imported or exported. The Midnight edition adds UI presets, animated visual elements, and a built-in theme engine, making it the more tailored option for players on WoW 12.0+.

Integrations and plugins: Data Text works with LDB display addons including Titan Panel, ChocolateBar, and ElvUI. Third-party plugins add graphs, tank performance, friendly-fire damage, and other displays or metrics; the API also gives developers a way to create additions. Those extras extend the meter, but players who need them must choose and install plugins.

Pricing

Skada costs free. The free plan covers the addon across Retail, Mists of Pandaria Classic, and Classic versions, with full combat metrics, a live overlay, and session history. There are no paid tiers or seat limits in the plan. For a player who only needs combat tracking within WoW, the no-cost plan is the straightforward fit; optional plugins provide added metrics rather than a paid upgrade path.

Platforms

Skada runs on macOS and Windows as a World of Warcraft addon. CurseForge lists Retail, Mists of Pandaria Classic, and Classic flavors. The Midnight edition targets WoW 12.0+ and uses Blizzard’s session-based combat systems; the classic version is for older releases. Check the game version before installing, since the edition matters to compatibility.

Who it's for

Skada is best for WoW players who want multiple configurable combat views, saved encounter segments, or optional specialist metrics such as tank performance. It also suits players who already use LDB display addons and want Data Text integrated into those interfaces. Players who prefer a ready-made set of advanced metrics without managing plugins, or need a game-independent tool, should consider another option.

Pros and cons

Pros: Free access includes live combat measurement and session history, while multiple window styles, theme controls, and an extensible plugin API allow substantial customization.

Pros: Data Text compatibility with Titan Panel, ChocolateBar, and ElvUI gives users of those LDB addons another way to place combat data in their interface.

Cons: Extra metrics such as graphs and tank performance come through third-party plugins, so users seeking those capabilities need to add them separately.

Cons: The edition must match the WoW release; the Midnight build targets 12.0+ while a classic version serves older releases.

Alternatives

For a different free combat-analysis tool, Elite Insights is available for Linux, macOS, Windows, and self-hosted use under MIT license conditions. Choose it when those platforms or its as-is licensing model better suit your needs.

Fellowship Logs is an alternative with a free plan and paid Silver and Gold tiers. FF Logs and Warcraft Logs also offer free plans alongside paid Silver and Gold subscriptions. Consider these instead if their logging services better fit your workflow.

AwowLab Overlay is a free Windows alternative. EQ Zera is free on web and Windows, with no purchase, account, or sign-in required. eqdps is free on Linux and Windows and supports optional EQLDB uploads. Advanced Combat Tracker is freeware for Windows desktop. Choose among them when their listed platform or service better matches your use.

Browse more options in Game Damage Meters.

Verdict

Choose Skada if you play WoW and want a free meter with configurable windows, saved fight history, and room to add specialist metrics through plugins. Its main advantage is the combination of flexible displays and no-cost session tracking; its main drawback is that extra metrics depend on plugins and the correct edition is essential for your game version. If that trade-off fits, Skada is a sensible choice.