GuidelevelingShadowrogueRangedSeason 6

Dance of Knives – Rogue Leveling Build for Diablo 4

The best leveling build for Rogue!

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Lexyu

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Dance of KnivesPunctureConcealmentShadow ImbuementDark ShroudDash


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Build Introduction

The Dance of Knives Rogue (DoK) features a newly added Skill in the Diablo 4 expansion, Vessel of Hatred. Dance of KnivesDance of Knives is channeled to rapidly throw knives at enemies while moving in a spin-to-win playstle. Due to the high mobility and cleaver snapshot mechanics, the Dance of Knives Rogue is the best build to level a new character in Season 6.

Check the Rogue Leveling Guide Overview for a comparison of all the starter builds on Icy Veins.

Once your Rogue character reaches Level 60, switch to the Endgame Guide for the Dance of Knives Rogue to continue this build.

Build Overview and Gameplay Footage

Skill Tree Points and Skill Bar

Skill Bar Setup for the Dance of Knives Rogue (order does not matter)
Dance of KnivesDance of KnivesPuncturePunctureConcealmentConcealmentShadow ImbuementShadow ImbuementDark ShroudDark ShroudDashDash

The following table shows the order in which to allocate your Skill Points while leveling with the Dance of Knives Rogue build. You gain 59 points at Level 60 and 12 points from Renown, for a total of 71.

OrderSkillCluster
1PuncturePuncture Rank 1Basic SkillBasic Skill
2Enhanced PunctureEnhanced PunctureBasic SkillBasic Skill
3BarrageBarrage Rank 1Core SkillCore Skill
4Fundamental PunctureFundamental PunctureBasic SkillBasic Skill
5Enhanced BarrageEnhanced BarrageCore SkillCore Skill
6BarrageBarrage Rank 2Core SkillCore Skill

Important respec step: Once you have unlocked 7 Skill Points, reallocate the 3 points invested into Barrage nodes to gain Stutter StepStutter Step Rank 3.

OrderSkillCluster
7Dance of KnivesDance of Knives Rank 1Agility SkillAgility Skill
8Enhanced Dance of KnivesEnhanced Dance of KnivesAgility SkillAgility Skill
9Disciplined Dance of KnivesDisciplined Dance of KnivesAgility SkillAgility Skill
10DashDashAgility SkillAgility Skill
11Dance of KnivesDance of Knives Rank 2Agility SkillAgility Skill
12ConcealmentConcealment Rank 1Subterfuge SkillSubterfuge Skill
13Enhanced ConcealmentEnhanced ConcealmentSubterfuge SkillSubterfuge Skill
14Subverting ConcealmentSubverting ConcealmentSubterfuge SkillSubterfuge Skill
15Dark ShroudDark Shroud Rank 1Subterfuge SkillSubterfuge Skill
16Enhanced Dark ShroudEnhanced Dark ShroudSubterfuge SkillSubterfuge Skill
17Shadow ImbuementShadow Imbuement Rank 1Imbuement SkillImbuement Skill
18Enhanced Shadow ImbuementEnhanced Shadow ImbuementImbuement SkillImbuement Skill
19Mixed Shadow ImbuementMixed Shadow ImbuementImbuement SkillImbuement Skill
20Dance of KnivesDance of Knives Rank 3Agility SkillAgility Skill
21Dance of KnivesDance of Knives Rank 4Agility SkillAgility Skill
22Dance of KnivesDance of Knives Rank 5Agility SkillAgility Skill
23Countering Dark ShroudCountering Dark ShroudSubterfuge SkillSubterfuge Skill
24Second WindSecond Wind
(not utilized, only a prerequisite)
Ultimate SkillUltimate Skill
25HasteHaste Rank 1Ultimate SkillUltimate Skill
26HasteHaste Rank 2Ultimate SkillUltimate Skill
27HasteHaste Rank 3Ultimate SkillUltimate Skill
28ImpetusImpetus Rank 1Ultimate SkillUltimate Skill
29ImpetusImpetus Rank 2Ultimate SkillUltimate Skill
30ImpetusImpetus Rank 3Ultimate SkillUltimate Skill
31Unstable ElixirsUnstable Elixirs Rank 1Agility SkillAgility Skill
32Unstable ElixirsUnstable Elixirs Rank 2Agility SkillAgility Skill
33Unstable ElixirsUnstable Elixirs Rank 3Agility SkillAgility Skill
34MomentumMomentumKey PassivesKey Passives
35Weapon MasteryWeapon Mastery Rank 1Agility SkillAgility Skill
36Weapon MasteryWeapon Mastery Rank 2Agility SkillAgility Skill
37Weapon MasteryWeapon Mastery Rank 3Agility SkillAgility Skill
38ExploitExploit Rank 1Subterfuge SkillSubterfuge Skill
39ExploitExploit Rank 2Subterfuge SkillSubterfuge Skill
40ExploitExploit Rank 3Subterfuge SkillSubterfuge Skill
41MaliceMalice Rank 1Subterfuge SkillSubterfuge Skill
42MaliceMalice Rank 2Subterfuge SkillSubterfuge Skill
43MaliceMalice Rank 3Subterfuge SkillSubterfuge Skill
44ConcealmentConcealment Rank 2Subterfuge SkillSubterfuge Skill
45ConcealmentConcealment Rank 3Subterfuge SkillSubterfuge Skill
46ConcealmentConcealment Rank 4Subterfuge SkillSubterfuge Skill
47ConcealmentConcealment Rank 5Subterfuge SkillSubterfuge Skill
48Shadow ImbuementShadow Imbuement Rank 2Imbuement SkillImbuement Skill
49Shadow ImbuementShadow Imbuement Rank 3Imbuement SkillImbuement Skill
50Shadow ImbuementShadow Imbuement Rank 4Imbuement SkillImbuement Skill
51Shadow ImbuementShadow Imbuement Rank 5Imbuement SkillImbuement Skill
52Enhanced DashEnhanced DashAgility SkillAgility Skill
53Methodical DashMethodical DashAgility SkillAgility Skill
54SturdySturdy Rank 1Core SkillCore Skill
55SturdySturdy Rank 2Core SkillCore Skill
56SturdySturdy Rank 3Core SkillCore Skill
57Siphoning StrikesSiphoning Strikes Rank 1Core SkillCore Skill
58Siphoning StrikesSiphoning Strikes Rank 2Core SkillCore Skill
59Siphoning StrikesSiphoning Strikes Rank 3Core SkillCore Skill
60Dark ShroudDark Shroud Rank 2Subterfuge SkillSubterfuge Skill
61Dark ShroudDark Shroud Rank 3Subterfuge SkillSubterfuge Skill
62Dark ShroudDark Shroud Rank 4Subterfuge SkillSubterfuge Skill
63Dark ShroudDark Shroud Rank 5Subterfuge SkillSubterfuge Skill
64DashDash Rank 2Agility SkillAgility Skill
65DashDash Rank 3Agility SkillAgility Skill
66DashDash Rank 4Agility SkillAgility Skill
67DashDash Rank 5Agility SkillAgility Skill
68Shadow CrashShadow Crash Rank 1Imbuement SkillImbuement Skill
69Shadow CrashShadow Crash Rank 2Imbuement SkillImbuement Skill
70Shadow CrashShadow Crash Rank 3Imbuement SkillImbuement Skill
71RuggedRugged Rank 1Agility SkillAgility Skill

Rogue Specialization

Once you reach Level 15, immediately complete the True Potential class questline to unlock the Rogue Specialization. Combo Points is the preferred Rogue Specialization while leveling the Dance of Knives Rogue, which is not utilized until you equip a Legendary Item with Aspect of Star ShardsAspect of Star Shards. Once the aspect is acquired, cast PuncturePuncture 3 times before channeling Dance of KnivesDance of Knives to extend its duration.

Combo Points Rogue Diablo 4
Combo Points Are Counted Above the Skill Bar

Build Mechanics and Playstyle

The Dance of Knives Rogue is a spin-to-win build featuring a simple playstyle that excels in all Diablo 4 activities. While there are several utility skills to improve performance, Dance of KnivesDance of Knives is channeled for the majority of combat.

Movement Speed

Movement Speed is the most important stat while leveling with the Dance of Knives Rogue. Every 30 meters you travel while Channeling Dance of KnivesDance of Knives grants 4 Charges from Enhanced Dance of KnivesEnhanced Dance of Knives. Reach the Movement Speed cap at 200% to have a near-infinite Channeling duration for Dance of KnivesDance of Knives, which provides a longer benefit of snapshot mechanics.

A Total of +105% Movement Speed bonus is easily obtained from the Skill Tree by Dance of KnivesDance of Knives (+20%), Stutter StepStutter Step Rank 3 (+15%), HasteHaste Rank 3 (+15%), Enhanced Dark ShroudEnhanced Dark Shroud (+25%), and MomentumMomentum (+30%). Any additional Movement Speed provided by gear can still be beneficial when there are no enemies to Critically Strike to activate Stutter Step or Dark Shroud Shadows are depleted.

The in-game tooltip for Movement Speed

Snapshot Mechanics

Multiple snapshot mechanics, which extend the duration of temporary buffs by applying them to a channeled skill, are utilized. Cast ConcealmentConcealment and then channel Dance of KnivesDance of Knives immediately afterward to create the snapshot. Maintain the channeling without interruption to keep the following buffs active the entire time.

The Damage on Next Attack After Entering Stealth temper from Subterfuge ExpertiseSubterfuge Expertise does NOT snapshot.

Damage Rotation

Use the following rotation to optimize damage output.

  1. Activate Shadow ImbuementShadow Imbuement to increase damage with Mixed Shadow ImbuementMixed Shadow Imbuement and for explosive damage against groups of enemies.
  2. If you have Aspect of Star ShardsAspect of Star Shards equipped, cast PuncturePuncture 3 times to build Combo Points.
  3. Use a Potion to activate the damage buff from Unstable ElixirsUnstable Elixirs.
  4. Cast ConcealmentConcealment to prepare temporary buffs for snapshotting.
  5. Channel Dance of KnivesDance of Knives without interruption to maintain snapshotted buffs.
  6. While channeling, drink a Potion near Elites to activate Unstable ElixirsUnstable Elixirs. 2 Potions should be consumed per rotation to prepare the YaxYax QaxQax Runeword.

Gear, Gems, Elixirs, and Stats

The following sections cover the important systems that are essential to improving the power of your character during the leveling process.

Legendary Aspects

Legendary Aspects can be found on Legendary Items, which can be salvaged at the Blacksmith to unlock them in the Codex of Power for repeated imprinting. Higher ranks for aspects are unlocked by salvaging Legendary Items with higher aspect values. Some Rank 1 aspects can be unlocked immediately by completing a designated Dungeon. Check the Aspect and Codex of Power guide for more general information.

Aspect of Star ShardsAspect of Star Shards is the most beneficial aspect for the Dance of Knives Rogue, increasing single-target damage and hitting additional targets to clear groups of enemies. Unfortunately, Aspect of Star Shards is not unlockable by clearing a Dungeon. Obtaining this aspect from a Legendary Item drop can enable this build to increase the game difficulty to Expert or Penitent. Imprint Aspect of Star Shards onto a Rare or Legendary Ranged Weapon for 2x bonus effect.

Listed below are all the Aspects found on Legendary Items that are important for the Dance of Knives Rogue leveling build. They are listed in order of priority, with the most beneficial at the top. The best-in-slot Aspects List is in the Endgame Guide for the Dance of Knives Rogue.

Aspect NameLegendary Aspect PowerSource
Aspect of Star ShardsAspect of Star ShardsKnives from Dance of Knives have a 50% chance to shatter into 6 shards of metal on hit, dealing [X] Physical damage. Dance of Knives now spends Combo Points, granting up to 3 additional Charges that can exceed the Maximum.Random Drop
Aspect of SynergyAspect of SynergyUsing an Agility Skill reduces the Cooldown of your next Subterfuge Skill by 20%. Using a Subterfuge Skill increases the damage of your next Agility Skill by x [35 – 55%].Random Drop
Aspect of Stolen VigorAspect of Stolen VigorWhile at maximum stacks of the Momentum Key Passive, your Cutthroat Skills deal [30 – 50%] increased damage and you become Unstoppable for 3 seconds every 8 seconds.Random Drop
Aspect of Concussive StrikesAspect of Concussive StrikesLucky Hit: Damaging an enemy has up to a 20% chance to Daze them for 2 seconds. You deal x [5 – 20%] increased damage to Dazed enemies.Random Drop
Clandestine AspectClandestine AspectGain +1 to Agility and Subterfuge Skills.Random Drop
Aspect of Inner CalmAspect of Inner CalmDeal x [5 – 13%] increased damage. Triple this bonus after standing still for 3 seconds.Raethwind Wilds, Scosglen
Aspect of ElementsAspect of ElementsGain x [15 – 35%] increased damage to a set of damage types for 7 seconds. This effect alternates between 2 sets:
• Fire, Lightning, and Physical.
• Cold, Poison, and Shadow.
Random Drop
Juggernaut's AspectJuggernaut’s AspectGain [X] Armor, but your Evade has 100% increased Cooldown.Random Drop
Aspect of MightAspect of MightBasic Skills grant 20% Damage Reduction for [2 – 6] secondsDark Ravine, Dry Steppes
Umbrous AspectUmbrous AspectLucky Hit: Critical Strikes have up to a [45 – 65%] chance to grant a free Dark Shroud shadow.Random Drop
Rapid AspectRapid AspectBasic Skills gain [15 – 30%] Attack Speed.Buried Halls, Dry Steppes
Enshrouding AspectEnshrouding AspectUsing a Healing Potion makes a free Dark Shroud shadow. Each shadow grants [2.5 – 4.5%] increased Damage Reduction.Ghoa Ruins, Hawezar

Gems and Runewords

Listed below are the best Gems to socket into gear for each item type.

Weapon GemsArmor GemsJewelry Gems
EmeraldEmerald for increased Critical Strike Damage.EmeraldEmerald for Dexterity.Any Resistance Gems needed or SkullSkull for Armor (up to the 1,000 Armor cap).

Runes can drop during various activities, most notably at the end of Undercity runs. A Rune of Offering and a Rune of Invocation can be combined by inserting them into equipment with 2 available sockets, creating a Runeword. A limit of 2 Runewords can be equipped.

Listed below are the best Runewords utilizing Magic and Rare Runes that are beneficial for this build. The best-in-slot Runewords utilizing Legendary Runes are in the Endgame Guide for the Dance of Knives Rogue.

RunewordsEffects
YaxYax
QaxQax
Gain: 200 Offering — Drink a Healing Potion.
Requires: 400 Offering, Cooldown: 1 Second — Your next non-Basic Skill cast spends all of your Primary Resource to deal up to 100% increased damage.
FeoFeo
LacLac
Gain: 1000 Offering — Become Injured or Crowd Controlled (Cooldown: 10 seconds).
Requires: 400 Offering, Cooldown: 1 Second — Evoke the Barbarian’s Challenging Shout, reducing your damage taken for 3 seconds.

Elixirs

Visit the Alchemist in any main town to craft helpful Elixirs that increase stats and experience gain for 30 minutes. Make sure to forage plants for Bundled HerbsBundled Herbs during your adventures; they randomly spawn around the world. Elixirs can also drop randomly from enemies and chests during many activities in Diablo 4.

Listed below are the best Elixirs to consume while leveling the Dance of Knives Rogue, ranked by importance.

  1. Elixir of AdvantageElixir of Advantage increases damage output.
  2. Elixir of FortitudeElixir of Fortitude is the best general-purpose option for survivability.

Return to the Alchemist every 10 Levels to upgrade your potion. The extra healing is essential to survival.

Stat Priority and Tempering Affixes

Listed below are the affixes to prioritize on gear during the early leveling of a Dance of Knives Rogue. Each line of affixes are listed in order of importance. Affixes on the same line are considered to be equally important, but their benefits may vary depending on how much is stacked compared to other character stats.

The Item Power of weapons determines its DPS and is the most important factor when selecting a Dual-Wielded Weapon. The choice between Daggers or Swords does not make a big difference in overall performance. Prioritize beneficial stat affixes on a Bow or Crossbow instead of the DPS, as there are no attacks utilizing them in this build.

SEASON 6 UPDATE: The Damage on Next Attack After Entering Stealth temper is only applied to the first dagger thrown from channeling Dance of Knives. It has been removed from the setup.

Tempering Manuals are randomly dropped while leveling, and they need to be found to unlock their usage at the Blacksmith. Each manual has Magic, Rare, and Legendary rarities that determine the range of values available. Rare Items can inherit 1 tempering affix, while Legendary Items can inherit 2 tempering affixes from different categories.

The most beneficial tempering affixes while leveling are included below. If tempering materials (Iron ChunkIron Chunk and Veiled CrystalVeiled Crystal) are limited, prioritize the Weapon and Offensive categories. The best-in-slot tempering affixes are available in the Endgame Guide for the Dance of Knives Rogue.

SlotGear AffixesTempering Affixes
Weapons1. Critical Strike Damage
2. Maximum Life, Dexterity
1. Agile AugmentsAgile Augments (Weapon): Chance for Dance of Knives Projectiles to Deal Double Damage
2. Subterfuge ExpertiseSubterfuge Expertise (Offensive): Damage Per Dark Shroud or your highest damage increase temper that is applicable to the build
Helm1. Cooldown Reduction
2. Any uncapped Resistances or Armor
3. Maximum Life, Dexterity
1. Worldly EnduranceWorldly Endurance (Defensive): Total Armor (up to 1,000 cap) or Rogue CloakingRogue Cloaking: Concealment Cooldown Reduction
Chest1. Ranks to Dark Shroud
2. Any uncapped Resistances or Armor
3. Maximum Life, Dexterity
1. Worldly EnduranceWorldly Endurance (Defensive): Total Armor (up to 1,000 cap) or Rogue CloakingRogue Cloaking: Concealment Cooldown Reduction
Gloves1. Critical Strike Chance, Attack Speed
2. Any uncapped Resistances or Armor
3. Maximum Life, Dexterity
1. Subterfuge ExpertiseSubterfuge Expertise (Offensive): Damage Per Dark Shroud or your highest damage increase temper that is applicable to the build
2. Agility EfficiencyAgility Efficiency (Resource): Agility Cooldown Reduction or Subterfuge EfficiencySubterfuge Efficiency: Subterfuge Cooldown Reduction
Pants1. Any uncapped Resistances or Armor
2. Maximum Life, Dexterity
1. Worldly EnduranceWorldly Endurance (Defensive): Total Armor (up to 1,000 cap) or Rogue CloakingRogue Cloaking: Concealment Cooldown Reduction
BootsImplicit Stat: Maximum Evade Charges
1. Movement Speed
2. Any uncapped Resistances or Armor
3. Maximum Life, Dexterity
1. Rogue MotionRogue Motion (Mobility): Movement Speed per Dark Shroud Shadow
Amulet1. Ranks to Frigid Finesse, Unstable Elixirs, Malice, Alchemical Advantage
2. Critical Strike Chance, Attack Speed, Cooldown Reduction
1. Subterfuge ExpertiseSubterfuge Expertise (Offensive): Damage Per Dark Shroud or your highest damage increase temper that is applicable to the build
2. Agility EfficiencyAgility Efficiency (Resource): Agility Cooldown Reduction or Subterfuge EfficiencySubterfuge Efficiency: Subterfuge Cooldown Reduction
Rings1. Critical Strike Chance, Attack Speed
2. Any uncapped Resistances
3. Maximum Life, Dexterity
1. Subterfuge ExpertiseSubterfuge Expertise (Offensive): Damage Per Dark Shroud or your highest damage increase temper that is applicable to the build
2. Agility EfficiencyAgility Efficiency (Resource): Agility Cooldown Reduction or Subterfuge EfficiencySubterfuge Efficiency: Subterfuge Cooldown Reduction

Mercenaries

Once the Den is unlocked during the main questline in the Vessel of Hatred expansion for Diablo 4, complete Mercenary key quests to acquire them. Hire a Mercenary and enlist a Reinforcement in the following setup.

Paragon

After Character Level 60, experience gains are applied to Paragon up to Level 300. A maximum of 228 Paragon Points can be obtained through Paragon Levels, Renown, and Altars of Lilith. Follow the Paragon setup designed for the Dance of Knives Rogue to gain a considerable amount of progression for your character.

Glyphs are inserted into sockets on each Paragon board and can be found during various activities in Diablo 4. Level up the Glyphs included in the Paragon setup by completing The Pit. Clearing higher tiers of The Pit allows Glyphs to reach higher levels.

Important Notes:

  • Make sure you select the correct Legendary Boards and rotate them into the proper orientation.
  • Attach Legendary Boards in the order shown, as bonus requirements of Rare Nodes increase with their placement order.
  • Prioritize leveling each of your equipped Glyphs to 15 to gain the increased radius, which can be required to meet additional bonus requirements.

1. Starting Board (Canny)

2. Danse Macabre (Versatility)

3. Eldritch Bounty (Devious)

4. Exploit Weakness (Control)

5. Cheap Shot (Headhunter)

Paragon boards courtesy of d4builds. Click here for the planner.

Changelog

  • October 10th, 2024: The Damage After Next Attack After Entering Stealth temper removed from setup due to it not snapshotting.
  • October 4th, 2024: Guide updated for Season 6 (Patch 2.0.2).
  • September 27th, 2024: Guide created.
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