Playstyle
The Rogue is the master of the shadows. It sneaks up in Stealth, opens with a surprise attack and is gone before the enemy can react. Its resources are Energy and Combo Points: quick attacks build points, and strong finishers spend them.
On top of that comes a huge toolbox of crowd control: Sap, Blind, Kick to interrupt and Vanish as an escape button. In dungeons, Shroud of Concealment can even stealth the whole group for a short time.
Background and lore
Rogues work in the shadows. The Alliance has its own spy network, SI:7, led by Mathias Shaw. The blood elf Valeera Sanguinar, Varian's companion from his gladiator days, is one of the best known rogues. And Garona Halforcen made history as an assassin when she killed King Llane. Rogues fight with Energy and Combo Points: first they build pressure, then they land the finisher.
Specializations
Assassination
Assassination is the poisoner among rogues. You coat your daggers in poison, apply bleeds and watch enemies slowly fade. Calmer than the other specs, but you need to keep an eye on your effects.
Signature abilities: Mutilate, Envenom, Deathmark
Outlaw
Outlaw is the pirate: sabers, pistol shots and a roll of the dice that hands out random buffs. That makes the spec lively and a little chaotic. Many guides list it among the more demanding specs, because you are constantly reacting to new effects.
Signature abilities: Roll the Bones, Between the Eyes, Adrenaline Rush
Subtlety
Subtlety is the ninja. You keep slipping into the shadows and deal huge damage in short windows. When a burst window lines up perfectly, it feels amazing. If you love timing, you will be happy here.
Signature abilities: Shadow Dance, Shadowstrike, Shadow Blades
Who is the Rogue for?
A good fit if you …
- like controlling the fight and outplaying your enemies,
- enjoy PvP, where stealth and crowd control are worth their weight in gold,
- have fun managing resources in your rotation.
Not ideal if you …
- want to tank or heal,
- want a sturdy class that forgives mistakes, since the Rogue is fragile in leather armor.
Strengths and weaknesses
The Rogue rewards experience like few other classes: if you know your tools, you can win fights that look lost. For beginners, the learning curve is steeper than for a Warrior or Hunter, and without self-healing, solo play can get tight.
Ready for a fight? Send the Rogue into the arena or compare it with all classes.
Images: © Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. Source: worldofwarcraft.blizzard.com
