Assassination Rogue DPS Gear and Best in Slot — 12.1

Upgrading gear in Midnight continues to use the Crest system which lets you increase the item level of gear along tracks that relate to where you obtained the item, which harder content dropping gear that can be upgraded to higher Item Levels. For more information, read up on our dedicated page on how the gearing system works and what has changed in the Midnight expansion.

OverallMythic+Raid

This list contains the highest DPS setup from all sources for Assassination Rogue. Keep in mind that there are many other setups that perform within the margin of error. This list is not the end-all-be-all list where any item that is not listed is far behind this specific selection.

This list is by no means a replacement for simming yourself. Depending on your previous Great Vault choices and the gear you have available, your BiS gear might look different in some spots than the below list.

FAQWhich Tier Set Pieces Do I Want?

You will want to try and prioritize getting the Shoulder, Chest, Legs, and Gloves set pieces. However, getting the Helmet to complete one of the bonuses is still better than any other gearing choice.

With the Catalyst changes for Season 2 you also retain the secondary stats and any other potential passive effects like damage procs when catalyzing a set piece. This means we want to try and catalyze the items that ensure we get the best possible secondary stats on our gear, but if that is not possible, it is not a big deal either. It is better to have the set with slightly suboptimal stats and fix it later into the season, than missing out on the bonus for another week or two. Some optimal stat items to catalyze are:

• Helmet: Gaze of the Coiled Watcher from Ula'tek
• Shoulders: Somber Spaulders from Voidscar Arena
• Chest: War Trial Vestments from Den of Nalorakk
• Gloves: Gauntlets of Fevered Defense from Murder Row
• Legs: Coiled Hex Legguards from The Coiled Altar

Technically, the Gloves don't need to be catalyzed as they already have optimal stats baseline.

FAQWhat to Get From The Great Vault?

Generally speaking, your goal should be to grab a good weapon, your BIS trinkets, and of course your new tier set 4-pc bonus as quickly as you can. However, there is an alternative strategy that might end up being a bit degenerate, but could pay off if your progression ends up taking a few weeks, or months.

Instead of picking an item from the Great Vault, you can also choose to simply grab a Nebulous Voidcore. This lets you bonus roll on any dungeon or boss, and receive a 1/6 Myth track version of the item. Doing so on the Ula'tek boss on Heroic would thus guarantee you your Weapon, Helmet, Neck, and two very good trinkets, one of them your BIS - if you follow this strategy for 5 weeks, or until you've gotten all items except Font of Venomous Rage.

While this may slow down your ilvl progression a bit due to these items needing crests to fully upgrade, it will allow you to get all of your absolute best items way before actually killing the raid's final boss on Mythic. Keep in mind that dropped items from Mythic will be at 9/6 Mythic though, whereas bonus-rolled items cap out at 6/6.

Assassination Rogue

1.1.

Overall Best in Slot

Gaze of the Coiled Watcher Helm

Ula'tek Empowered Blessing of Speed

Chosen Bloodslayer's Fanged Grips Hands

Entombed Sentinels

Aqirbane Reliquary Neck

Ula'tek

Sash of the Forlorn Vessel Waist

The Coiled Altar

Chosen Bloodslayer's Voodoo Guards Shoulders

Catalyst from Voidscar Arena Amirdrassil's Grace

Chosen Bloodslayer's Reinforced Pants Legs

Catalyst from The Coiled Altar Forest Hunter's

Silken Voodoo Drape Cloak

The Coiled Altar

Arctic Explorer's Legwraps Feet

Den of Nalorakk Farstrider's Hunt

Chosen Bloodslayer's Banded Poncho Chest

Catalyst from Den of Nalorakk Mark of the Worldsoul

Vile Alchemist's Band Ring

Vashnik Eyes of the Eagle

Shirt

Apex Brute's Claw Ring Ring

Sszorak Eyes of the Eagle

Tabard

Gebbo's Bottomless Bag Trinket

Lost Explorers

Silvermoon Agent's Deflectors Bracers

Crafted by Leatherworking

Voracious Heart of Ula'tek Trinket

Ula'tek

Zatha'tek, Breath of Corruption Main Hand

Ula'tek Acuity of the Ren'dorei

Farstrider's Mercy Off Hand

Crafted by Blacksmithing Acuity of the Ren'dorei

This list contains the highest DPS setup with farmable gear from Season 2 Mythic+ Dungeons.

This list is by no means a replacement for simming yourself. Depending on your previous Great Vault choices and the gear you have available to yourself, your BiS gear might look different than this list in some spots.

FAQWhich Tier Set Pieces Do I Want?

You will want to try and prioritize getting the Shoulder, Chest, Legs, and Gloves set pieces. However, getting the Helmet to complete one of the bonuses is still better than any other gearing choice. Long-term you will want to play a specific helmet piece from Venomous Abyss though.

With the Catalyst changes for Season 2, you also retain the secondary stats and any other potential passive effects like damage procs when catalyzing a set piece. This means we want to try and catalyze the items that ensure we get the best possible secondary stats on our gear, but if that is not possible, it is not a big deal either. It is better to have the set with slightly suboptimal stats and fix it later into the season, than missing out on the bonus for another week or two. Some optimal stat items to catalyze are:

• Helmet: Spare Speaker's Hood from Altar of Fangs
• Shoulders: Somber Spaulders from Voidscar Arena
• Chest: War Trial Vestments from Den of Nalorakk
• Gloves: Gauntlets of Fevered Defense from Murder Row
• Legs: Breeches of Deft Deals from Murder Row

Technically, the Gloves, Helmet, and Legs don't need to be catalyzed as they already have good stats baseline.

TipsWhich Dungeons Should I Farm?

If you have limited time to play the game, we recommend to farm the following dungeons:

• Voidscar Arena, Murder Row, King's Rest: Drop multiple high-value items.
• Weapon: Try to run Altar of Fangs for a nice dagger with a special effect.
• Trinkets: Blinding Vale and King's Rest drop your best dungeon trinkets, although a handful of raid options tend to be considerably stronger.

Assassination Rogue

1.2.

Best Gear from Mythic+

Spare Speaker's Hood Helm

Altar of Fangs Empowered Blessing of Speed

Chosen Bloodslayer's Fanged Grips Hands

Catalyst from Murder Row

Strand of Warding Fangs Neck

Altar of Fangs

Primal Dinomancer's Belt Waist

King's Rest

Chosen Bloodslayer's Voodoo Guards Shoulders

Catalyst from Voidscar Arena Amirdrassil's Grace

Chosen Bloodslayer's Reinforced Pants Legs

Catalyst from Murder Row Forest Hunter's

Fireproof Drape Cloak

Ruby Life Pools

Arctic Explorer's Legwraps Feet

Den of Nalorakk Farstrider's Hunt

Chosen Bloodslayer's Banded Poncho Chest

Catalyst from Den of Nalorakk Mark of the Worldsoul

Band of the Amani Warlord Ring

Altar of Fangs Eyes of the Eagle

Shirt

Signet of Snarling Servitude Ring

Murder Row Eyes of the Eagle

Tabard

Sapling of the Dawnroot Trinket

Blinding Vale

Silvermoon Agent's Deflectors Bracers

Crafted by Leatherworking

Lustrous Golden Plumage Trinket

King's Rest

Sharpened Lightwood Slasher Main Hand

Altar of Fangs Acuity of the Ren'dorei

Farstrider's Mercy Off Hand

Crafted by Blacksmithing Acuity of the Ren'dorei

This list contains the highest DPS setup, while only showing gear from the Venomous Abyss Raids.

This list is by no means a replacement for simming yourself. Depending on your previous Great Vault choices and the gear you have available to yourself, your BiS gear might look different than this list in some spots.

FAQWhich Tier Set Pieces Do I Want?

You will want to try and prioritize getting the Shoulder, Chest, Legs, and Gloves set pieces. However, getting the Helmet to complete one of the bonuses is still better than any other gearing choice. Long-term you will want to play a specific helmet piece from Venomous Abyss though.

With the Catalyst changes for Season 2, you also retain the secondary stats and any other potential passive effects like damage procs when catalyzing a set piece. This means we want to try and catalyze the items that ensure we get the best possible secondary stats on our gear, but if that is not possible, it is not a big deal either. It is better to have the set with slightly suboptimal stats and fix it later into the season, than missing out on the bonus for another week or two. Some optimal stat items to catalyze are:

• Helmet: Gaze of the Coiled Watcher from Ula'tek
• Shoulders: Frothing Venom Spaulders from Vashnik
• Chest: Vestment of the Awakening from Nek'zali
• Gloves: We want these from the token
• Legs: Coiled Hex Legguards from The Coiled Altar

Technically, only the Gloves and Helmet really need to be catalyzed, the other slots all have decent stats baseline already. With this new system, it is highly recommended to grab a few Mythic+ pieces to catalyze for good sub stats.

TipsWhich Raid-Items Do I Want Most?

If you need to submit a list of highly-important items to your raidleader, or simply want to focus on the most important bosses and items, we got you covered!

• Zatha'tek, Breath of Corruption: Our BiS Mainhand, if you can get it on Myth track. Drops from Ula'tek.
• Voracious Heart of Ula'tek: Our best trinket. Also drops from Ula'tek.
• Gebbo's Bottomless Bag: Our best passive trinket.
• Honorable mention: Alluring Bubbleband from the Lair Boss Nymrissa Wavecaller. If you do this as a raid group, you really want the Haste from this ring.

Assassination Rogue

1.3.

Best Gear from Raid

Gaze of the Coiled Watcher Helm

Ula'tek Empowered Blessing of Speed

Chosen Bloodslayer's Fanged Grips Hands

Entombed Sentinels

Aqirbane Reliquary Neck

Ula'tek

Sash of the Forlorn Vessel Waist

The Coiled Altar

Chosen Bloodslayer's Voodoo Guards Shoulders

Lost Explorers Amirdrassil's Grace

Chosen Bloodslayer's Reinforced Pants Legs

Catalyst from The Coiled Altar Forest Hunter's

Silken Voodoo Drape Cloak

The Coiled Altar

Bespittled Slitherslippers Feet

Twin Fangs Farstrider's Hunt

Chosen Bloodslayer's Banded Poncho Chest

Vashnik Mark of the Worldsoul

Vile Alchemist's Band Ring

Vashnik Eyes of the Eagle

Shirt

Apex Brute's Claw Ring Ring

Sszorak Eyes of the Eagle

Tabard

Gebbo's Bottomless Bag Trinket

Lost Explorers

Silvermoon Agent's Deflectors Bracers

Crafted by Leatherworking

Voracious Heart of Ula'tek Trinket

Ula'tek

Zatha'tek, Breath of Corruption Main Hand

Ula'tek Acuity of the Ren'dorei

Farstrider's Mercy Off Hand

Crafted by Blacksmithing Acuity of the Ren'dorei

Itemization

Enchants and Stat Priority

Looking to optimize your character? Check out our Enchant and Stat Priority guides for more information!

EnchantsStats

There are a great number of Trinkets available for Assassination, and we will always want to play a combination of a powerful on-use trinket like Voracious Heart of Ula'tek or Lustrous Golden Plumage, and a passive trinket providing potent secondary stat buffs or raw damage procs. Make sure to macro your on-use trinket to your Deathmark cast!

Aim to pick up one trinket from each of these categories as a pair:

Assassination Rogue Trinkets

On-Use - Voracious Heart of Ula'tek or, alternatively, Lustrous Golden Plumage
Passive - Gebbo's Bottomless Bag or, alternatively, Font of Venomous Rage

There are quite a few other valuable trinkets out there, and we will updating this page with a full trinket tier list closer to the season start.

Patch 12.1 continues the bonus roll system that was initially introduced in Patch 12.0.7. However, the only way to acquire one, is by not picking a vault option, while having at least 3 vault slots unlocked. Notably, bonus rolling on a Heroic raid boss will grant you the item at 1/6 Myth track, so you can acquire some of the later raid gear quite early, as long as you commit additional crests to upgrade it.

Nebulous Voidcores can be spent after finishing a dungeon or killing a raid boss, and will grant you a random from the dungeon's or boss's loot table. Once an item has been looted through a Voidcore roll, it cannot appear again when you bonus roll on the same boss or dungeon again.

After 8 weeks, you will also be granted one additional Voidcore for free from Orin Straylight in Silvermoon, next to The Catalyst.

Which item you want to chase after depends heavily on the items you have already acquired through i.e. the Great Vault, or whether you expect to down certain bosses on Mythic difficulty to get them on 9/6 Mythic itemlevel.

Voidcore (Bonus Roll) Priority

1. Mythic Zatha'tek, Breath of Corruption
2. Mythic Voracious Heart of Ula'tek
3. Remaining BiS List items

On a new character, we recommend doing dungeons that drop a large amount of tier-slots like chest+legs+shoulders from Murder Row, where you can also pick up some good trinkets even if your roll "fails". The tier-slot items you can catalyze to quickly get multiple Myth Track tier items, without having to rely on the Great Vault. Murder Row also drops good items, including a weapon, ring, and neck, which will see great use. The best choice ultimately depends on the gear you've already gotten from your Great Vaults and potential Mythic raid bosses.

Professions are a great way to gear up with your optimal secondary stats, as adding special items to the crafting process lets you pick and choose the exact secondary stats you want.

As your ability to craft items will be time-gated in the initial stages of Midnight, we highly recommend getting a Mainhand weapon as soon as possible, unless you can reliably get one elsewhere. Once you have a good weapon, work on your other Embellished Item next, and then craft whichever pieces you do not have high-item-level versions of yet.

Assassination Crafted Gear Priority

• Farstrider's Mercy with Hunter's Ritual Stone
• Silvermoon Agent's Deflectors with Adorned Fang
• Any item you do not have on Myth track yet.

For more information about crafting gear you can visit our Professions page.

Up to two of your crafted items can be Embellished. This is a similar concept as Unique-Equipped, as you can only wear two items that have the Embellished status. Some crafted items, many of which have powerful procs or beneficial effects by default, are considered Embellished. You can also add Embellishments from a variety of professions to any crafted item, adding the effect to this item either when creating it or at a later stage.

As there is a lot of competition for Embellishments, you will have to pick and choose the two strongest ones for your overall DPS output. Most of them provide very similar DPS benefits, even if the effects are entirely different. The two best choices for this are:

• For Raid: Hunter's Ritual Stone on a weapon and Adorned Fang on another crafted item like Wrists.
• For Mythic+: Hunter's Ritual Stone on a weapon and Adorned Fang on another crafted item like Wrists.

It is recommended to sim yourself to find out what works best, and if you also play the other two Rogue specs, you might want to pick Embellishments that work well for all of them.

You can add sockets to Helmets, Belts, and Bracers with the Miasmic Jewelbinder consumable that you can get if you do not select any of the choices in your Great Vault. Not picking a choice will grant you tokens, six of which can be traded in for the Miasmic Jewelbinder item that allows you to add a socket to the above piece of gear, if you acquired them in Season 2.

Early into the season, or if you have just started playing an alt, you will have limited access to upgrading-crests such as Myth Mistcrest. These can be used to upgrade gear to higher itemlevels. Since crests are limited each week and upgrading different items costs the same amount of crests regardless, you will want to prioritize your usage of them on items you plan on not replacing anytime soon, or that offer the biggest benefits.

Assassination Rogue Crest Upgrade Priority

Weapon (Mainhand) ➜ Trinkets ➜ Helmet/Chest/Legs ➜ Shoulders/Gloves/Belt/Boots

These are not the only items worth upgrading, of course. They simply offer the highest DPS gain early into the tier when your upgrade currency is limited. Note that exceptions are possible, such as special items that have additional procs attached to them.

Throughout this page and elsewhere in our guide, we regularly refer to the importance of simming yourself on Raidbots. This is because every character is unique, and each gear piece you have access to can change what is best right now for you.

While we do offer recommendations for gear and trinkets, these are not complete replacements for simming yourself. The only way to truly optimize your character to that degree is by making use of the tools available!

Optimization

Simulations and Tools

For further reading on how to truly maximize your character's potential, check out our guide on Raidbots!

Go to Guide

Seliathan

Guide Author

Follow Seliathan

This guide has been written and reviewed by Seliathan, who has been playing Rogue for over two decades since the very first day of Vanilla WoW. After decades of raiding within the Top 100 and numerous Rank 1 Mythic+ runs in previous expansions, he has now set his sights on sharing his experience through guides and other content.

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