Rogue specialization

Subtlety Rogue in WoW Forever

Stealth, bleeds and control.

  • Your role: Melee damage
  • Advice for every level to 60
  • Class notes checked

Your character

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Your gear Use my character
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Choose the level you are playing now. The playbook and gear rankings update to match.

Level 25 · Damage in a group

How to play dungeons at level 25

Your combat loop

Press the first one that is ready.

Subtlety’s own loop, from level 10. Before that every Rogue plays the same loop.

Own loop from: Combat level 10Subtlety level 10Assassination level 40

  1. Shank Rank 1 Every 10 sec

    Use it whenever it is ready, every 10 sec.

    2% of your damage
  2. Ghostly Strike Every 20 sec

    Use it whenever it is ready, every 20 sec.

    6% of your damage
  3. Garrote Rank 2 Keep on target · 18 sec

    Keep it on the target; it lasts 18 sec.

    19% of your damage
  4. Slice and Dice Rank 1 Keep up · combo points

    Keep it up with combo points.

    no damage of its own
  5. Rupture Rank 1 Keep up · combo points

    Keep it up with combo points.

    1% of your damage
  6. Backstab Rank 3 Filler

    Spend the rest of your energy on it.

    14% of your damage
  7. Instant Poison On your weapon

    Keep it on your weapon.

    5% of your damage
  8. Auto attack All the time

    Your weapon swings on its own. Stay in melee range.

    53% of your damage

The first 30 seconds

When to press each one from the pull. The blue line under a press is the global cooldown (1 sec) or cast it holds: nothing else on the global cooldown can go until it ends, so of two that are ready together the higher one goes first.

All the time
Instant PoisonAuto attack

How MaxDPS works this out

Talents at level 25

16 points at level 25: the first at level 10, then one every level.

The MaxDPS build at this level, in the game’s talent frame. Click a talent to learn it and right click to unlearn it, as in the game.

Talents
Unspent Talents
Point order: when each point goes in
  1. Opportunity 5/5 · levels 10–14 +5.9% damage
  2. Improved Ambush 3/3 · levels 15–17 not counted here
  3. Dirty Deeds 2/2 · levels 18–19 +3.3% damage
  4. Serrated Blades 3/3 · levels 20–22 +2.3% damage
  5. Premeditation 1/1 · level 23 not counted here
  6. Initiative 1/3 · level 24 +0.5% damage
  7. Ghostly Strike 1/1 · level 25 +19.6% damage

Every Rogue talent

Preliminary item rankings · Dungeons

Subtlety Rogue gear rankings

Opening strikes, Hemorrhage and bleeds · Level 25 · Calculated defaults

Hunt list
Show gear for

Main hand 104 items · Updating…

Where it comes from
Auction prices from

Materials: . Each reagent counts at the lower of a vendor’s price and its lowest buyout.

Key stats show the stats behind the three largest score contributions, as the game tooltip states them; open an item’s details for every value and source.

Main hand items with imported stats, weighted scores and acquisition sources.
Rank Item Score (pts) Where to get it Actions
1 in this filtered list
Talon of Vultros Dagger · iLvl 28 · Req. 23 · Other drop Key stats: 17.5 Weapon melee DPS6 Agility
104.07
VultrosNPC drop · 22% · Westfall
Alliance: Horde: None on the auction house

Score breakdown

  • Weapon melee DPS: 17.5 × 4.1405 = 72.46 pts
  • Weapon damage per swing: 35 × 0.7318 = 25.61 pts
  • Agility: 6 × 1 = 6.00 pts

Rare

Source

VultrosNPC drop · 22% · Westfall
2 in this filtered list
Prison Shank Dagger · iLvl 28 · Req. 23 · Dungeon drop Key stats: 17.78 Weapon melee DPS6 Agility2 Stamina
103.42

Score breakdown

  • Weapon melee DPS: 17.78 × 4.1405 = 73.62 pts
  • Weapon damage per swing: 32 × 0.7318 = 23.42 pts
  • Agility: 6 × 1 = 6.00 pts
  • Stamina: 2 × 0.1938 = 0.39 pts

Rare

Source

3 in this filtered list
Blackvenom Blade Dagger · iLvl 28 · Req. 23 · Other drop Key stats: 17.78 Weapon melee DPS1 Agility
98.04
Alliance: Horde: None on the auction house

Score breakdown

  • Weapon melee DPS: 17.78 × 4.1405 = 73.62 pts
  • Weapon damage per swing: 32 × 0.7318 = 23.42 pts
  • Agility: 1 × 1 = 1.00 pts

Rare

Source

4 in this filtered list
Meteor Shard Dagger · iLvl 28 · Req. 23 · Dungeon drop Key stats: 17.78 Weapon melee DPS
97.04
Archmage ArugalBoss drop · 29% · Shadowfang Keep

Score breakdown

  • Weapon melee DPS: 17.78 × 4.1405 = 73.62 pts
  • Weapon damage per swing: 32 × 0.7318 = 23.42 pts

Rare

Source

Archmage ArugalBoss drop · 29% · Shadowfang Keep
5 in this filtered list
Doomspike Dagger · iLvl 27 · Req. 22 · Other drop Key stats: 17.33 Weapon melee DPS3 Strength3 Stamina
93.16
Alliance: Horde: None on the auction house

Score breakdown

  • Weapon melee DPS: 17.33 × 4.1405 = 71.75 pts
  • Weapon damage per swing: 26 × 0.7318 = 19.03 pts
  • Strength: 3 × 0.6004 = 1.80 pts
  • Stamina: 3 × 0.1938 = 0.58 pts

Rare

6 in this filtered list
Assassin's Blade Dagger · iLvl 24 · Req. 19 · Dungeon drop Key stats: 15.53 Weapon melee DPS4 Agility3 Strength
91.69
Blood SeekerNPC drop · <0.1% · Shadowfang Keep
Alliance: Horde: None on the auction house

Score breakdown

  • Weapon melee DPS: 15.53 × 4.1405 = 64.30 pts
  • Weapon damage per swing: 29.5 × 0.7318 = 21.59 pts
  • Agility: 4 × 1 = 4.00 pts
  • Strength: 3 × 0.6004 = 1.80 pts

Rare

12 sources

Blood SeekerNPC drop · <0.1% · Shadowfang Keep
Shadowfang GluttonNPC drop · <0.1% · Shadowfang Keep
Tormented OfficerNPC drop · <0.1% · Shadowfang Keep
Commander SpringvaleBoss drop · <0.1%
Son of ArugalNPC drop · <0.1% · Shadowfang Keep
Shadow ChargerNPC drop · <0.1% · Shadowfang Keep
Wailing GuardsmanNPC drop · <0.1% · Shadowfang Keep
Lupine HorrorNPC drop · <0.1% · Shadowfang Keep
Vile BatNPC drop · <0.1% · Shadowfang Keep
All 12 sources
7 in this filtered list
Bite of Serra'kis Dagger · iLvl 28 · Req. 23 · Dungeon drop Key stats: 17.69 Weapon melee DPS
90.08
Old Serra'kisNPC drop · 32% · Blackfathom Deeps

Score breakdown

  • Weapon melee DPS: 17.69 × 4.1405 = 73.25 pts
  • Weapon damage per swing: 23 × 0.7318 = 16.83 pts

Rare

Source

Old Serra'kisNPC drop · 32% · Blackfathom Deeps
8 in this filtered list
Scout's Blade Dagger · iLvl 23 · Req. 18 · Vendor · Horde only Key stats: 15.29 Weapon melee DPS4 Agility2 Stamina
86.72
Kelm HargunthVendor · 1g 21s 68c · The Barrens

Score breakdown

  • Weapon melee DPS: 15.29 × 4.1405 = 63.31 pts
  • Weapon damage per swing: 26 × 0.7318 = 19.03 pts
  • Agility: 4 × 1 = 4.00 pts
  • Stamina: 2 × 0.1938 = 0.39 pts

Rare

Source

Kelm HargunthVendor · 1g 21s 68c · The Barrens
9 in this filtered list
Sentinel's Blade Dagger · iLvl 23 · Req. 18 · Vendor · Alliance only Key stats: 15.29 Weapon melee DPS4 Agility2 Stamina
86.72
Illiyana MoonblazeVendor · 1g 4s 40c · Ashenvale

Score breakdown

  • Weapon melee DPS: 15.29 × 4.1405 = 63.31 pts
  • Weapon damage per swing: 26 × 0.7318 = 19.03 pts
  • Agility: 4 × 1 = 4.00 pts
  • Stamina: 2 × 0.1938 = 0.39 pts

Rare

Source

Illiyana MoonblazeVendor · 1g 4s 40c · Ashenvale
10 in this filtered list
Blackfang Dagger · iLvl 25 · Req. 20 · Other drop Key stats: 16.33 Weapon melee DPS
85.54
Azzere the SkybladeNPC drop · 0.2% · The Barrens
Alliance: Horde: None on the auction house

Score breakdown

  • Weapon melee DPS: 16.33 × 4.1405 = 67.61 pts
  • Weapon damage per swing: 24.5 × 0.7318 = 17.93 pts

Rare

66 sources

Azzere the SkybladeNPC drop · 0.2% · The Barrens
Ornate Bronze LockboxContainer loot · 0.1%
Large Iron Bound ChestObject loot · 0.1%
Shadethicket Stone MoverNPC drop · <0.1% · Ashenvale
XT:9NPC drop · <0.1% · Stonetalon Mountains
All 66 sources
11 in this filtered list
Flesh Piercer Dagger · iLvl 29 · Req. 24 · Other drop Key stats: 15.25 Weapon melee DPS
85.46
Alliance: Horde: None on the auction house

Score breakdown

  • Weapon melee DPS: 15.25 × 4.1405 = 63.14 pts
  • Weapon damage per swing: 30.5 × 0.7318 = 22.32 pts

Uncommon

12 in this filtered list
Whipfang's Skinsearer Dagger · iLvl 24 · Req. 19 · Other drop Key stats: 15.59 Weapon melee DPS
83.94

Score breakdown

  • Weapon melee DPS: 15.59 × 4.1405 = 64.55 pts
  • Weapon damage per swing: 26.5 × 0.7318 = 19.39 pts

Rare

Source

13 in this filtered list
Naraxis' Fang Dagger · iLvl 29 · Req. 24 · Other drop Key stats: 15.31 Weapon melee DPS
81.32
NaraxisNPC drop · 43% · Duskwood
Alliance: Horde: None on the auction house

Score breakdown

  • Weapon melee DPS: 15.31 × 4.1405 = 63.39 pts
  • Weapon damage per swing: 24.5 × 0.7318 = 17.93 pts

Uncommon

Source

NaraxisNPC drop · 43% · Duskwood
14 in this filtered list
Honed Stiletto Dagger · iLvl 30 · Req. 25 · Other drop Key stats: 15.71 Weapon melee DPS
81.15
Alliance: Horde: None on the auction house

Score breakdown

  • Weapon melee DPS: 15.71 × 4.1405 = 65.05 pts
  • Weapon damage per swing: 22 × 0.7318 = 16.10 pts

Uncommon

195 sources

Large Solid ChestObject loot · 2.1%
Dragonmaw InfiltratorNPC drop · 1.8% · Wetlands
Heavy Bronze LockboxContainer loot · 1.2%
Large Iron Bound ChestObject loot · 1%
Blink DragonNPC drop · 0.6% · Ashenvale
Ward GuardianNPC drop · 0.5% · Razorfen Kraul
Dragonmaw SoulbinderWorld drop · 0.5%
All 195 sources
15 in this filtered list
Tail Spike Dagger · iLvl 21 · Req. 16 · Dungeon drop Key stats: 13.89 Weapon melee DPS3 Agility3 Strength
80.61
SkumNPC drop · 29% · Wailing Caverns

Score breakdown

  • Weapon melee DPS: 13.89 × 4.1405 = 57.51 pts
  • Weapon damage per swing: 25 × 0.7318 = 18.30 pts
  • Agility: 3 × 1 = 3.00 pts
  • Strength: 3 × 0.6004 = 1.80 pts

Rare

Source

SkumNPC drop · 29% · Wailing Caverns
16 in this filtered list
Wyvern Tailspike Dagger · iLvl 27 · Req. 22 · Other drop Key stats: 13.89 Weapon melee DPS
75.81
Alliance: Horde: None on the auction house

Score breakdown

  • Weapon melee DPS: 13.89 × 4.1405 = 57.51 pts
  • Weapon damage per swing: 25 × 0.7318 = 18.30 pts

Uncommon

Source

17 in this filtered list
Meathook Slicer Dagger · iLvl 20 · Req. 15 · Dungeon drop Key stats: 13.61 Weapon melee DPS5 Stamina
75.25
The BaronNPC drop · 29% · Ruins of Lordaeron

Score breakdown

  • Weapon melee DPS: 13.61 × 4.1405 = 56.35 pts
  • Weapon damage per swing: 24.5 × 0.7318 = 17.93 pts
  • Stamina: 5 × 0.1938 = 0.97 pts

Rare

Source

The BaronNPC drop · 29% · Ruins of Lordaeron
18 in this filtered list
Cross Dagger Dagger · iLvl 28 · Req. 23 · Other drop Key stats: 14.62 Weapon melee DPS
74.44
Alliance: Horde: None on the auction house

Score breakdown

  • Weapon melee DPS: 14.62 × 4.1405 = 60.53 pts
  • Weapon damage per swing: 19 × 0.7318 = 13.90 pts

Uncommon

243 sources

Solid ChestObject loot · 1.4%
Large Iron Bound ChestObject loot · 1.4%
Large Solid ChestObject loot · 1.3%
Heavy Bronze LockboxContainer loot · 1.2%
Highland SpiderNPC drop · 1%
Holdout MedicNPC drop · 0.9% · Gnomeregan
Mana FiendNPC drop · 0.9% · Alterac Mountains
All 243 sources
19 in this filtered list
Silithid Piercer Dagger · iLvl 26 · Req. 21 · Other drop Key stats: 13.44 Weapon melee DPS3 Agility
74.38
Silithid HarvesterNPC drop · 0.7% · The Barrens
Alliance: Horde: None on the auction house

Score breakdown

  • Weapon melee DPS: 13.44 × 4.1405 = 55.65 pts
  • Weapon damage per swing: 21.5 × 0.7318 = 15.73 pts
  • Agility: 3 × 1 = 3.00 pts

Uncommon

Source

Silithid HarvesterNPC drop · 0.7% · The Barrens
20 in this filtered list
Deadly Bronze Poniard Dagger · iLvl 25 · Req. 20 · Crafted Key stats: 12.78 Weapon melee DPS4 Agility
73.75
Alliance: Horde: None on the auction house Materials about

Score breakdown

  • Weapon melee DPS: 12.78 × 4.1405 = 52.92 pts
  • Weapon damage per swing: 23 × 0.7318 = 16.83 pts
  • Agility: 4 × 1 = 4.00 pts

Uncommon

Source

Item stats from the WoW Forever game files; sources from data collected from the live game. Auction prices are the lowest buyout on the Americas · Normal auction houses, read from Blizzard every hour; pick another region or ruleset under Filters. Which house is which ruleset is matched by size and still being confirmed in game.

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