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Assassination Rogue DPS Guide — Battle for Azeroth (BfA) 8.3

Last updated on Jan 20, 2020 at 19:46 by Seliathan 67 comments
General Information

Welcome to our Assassination Rogue guide for World of Warcraft — Battle for Azeroth (BfA) 8.3. Here, you will learn how to play as an Assassination Rogue in both raids and Mythic+ dungeons: from the very beginning to maximizing your DPS.

If you were looking for WoW Classic content, please refer to our Classic DPS Rogue guide.

Pages in this Guide
1 Introduction 2 Easy Mode 3 Spell Summary 4 Builds and Talents 5 Azerite Traits and Armor 6 Essences 7 Rotation, Cooldowns, and Abilities 8 Mythic+ Tips 9 Ny'alotha as Assassination Rogue 10 The Eternal Palace as Assassination Rogue 11 Stat Priority 12 Gems, Enchants, and Consumables 13 Macros and Addons 14 Gear and Best in Slot 15 Simulations 16 How to Improve 17 Frequently Asked Questions
TABLE OF CONTENTS OF THIS PAGE
1.

Assassination Rogue Overview

Assassination Rogues deal damage through the application and empowerment of poison and bleed effects. The damage toolkit of Assassination is somewhat limited, mainly focusing on dealing single target damage over a long period. As with the other Rogue specializations, Assassination sports phenomenal defensive abilities that allow them to soak and survive mechanics that most other classes cannot.

2.

Patch 8.3 Changes for Assassination Rogues

There were no changes for Assassination in Patch 8.3. However, we do have:

3.

Assassination Rogue Strengths

  • Strong and consistent single target damage
  • Strong sustained cleave (good for council fights)
  • Exceptional defensive utility
4.

Assassination Rogue Weaknesses

  • Burst AoE and short-term cleave
  • Very cooldown-reliant, and cooldowns only affect one target
5.

Assassination Rogue Viability in the Current Patch

In Patch 8.3, Assassination is still looking like the top performing specialization for Rogues. It has strong single-target DPS and decent potential for cleave. It continues to be a strong spec for the fourth Mythic+ season, due to its consistent DPS output and group utility.

6.

Changelog

  • 20 Jan. 2020 (Ny'alotha page): Guide added.
  • 14 Jan. 2020 (spells page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.3 and no changes are necessary.
  • 14 Jan. 2020 (easy mode page): Page updated for Patch 8.3.
  • 14 Jan. 2020 (how to improve page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.3 and no changes are necessary.
  • 14 Jan. 2020 (talents page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.3 and no changes are necessary.
  • 14 Jan. 2020 (this page): Page updated for Patch 8.3.
  • 14 Jan. 2020 (simulations page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.3 and no changes are necessary.
  • 14 Jan. 2020 (azerite traits and gear page): Page updated for Patch 8.3.
  • 14 Jan. 2020 (Essences page): Page updated for Patch 8.3.
  • 14 Jan. 2020 (gear page): Page updated for Patch 8.3.
  • 14 Jan. 2020 (rotation page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.3 and no changes are necessary.
  • 14 Jan. 2020 (addons page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.3 and no changes are necessary.
  • 14 Jan. 2020 (mythic+ page): Page updated for Patch 8.3.
  • 14 Jan. 2020 (enchants page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.3 and no changes are necessary.
  • 14 Jan. 2020 (FAQ page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.3 and no changes are necessary.
  • 14 Jan. 2020 (stats page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.3 and no changes are necessary.
  • 14 Nov. 2019 (gear page): Updated Chest and Ring best in slot; updated Benthic Priority; updated Mechagon section.
  • 14 Nov. 2019 (enchants page): Added enchant/gem disclaimer, added Haste/Mastery food options.
  • 14 Nov. 2019 (FAQ page): Added m+ information; updated BiS races.
  • 14 Nov. 2019 (mythic+ page): Updated talent suggestions; added Stat and Essence section; added Distract, Kidneyshot and Shroud of Concealment notes; updated affix notes
  • 14 Nov. 2019 (spells page): Various typo fixes here and there.
  • 14 Nov. 2019 (azerite traits and gear page): Updated descriptions and trait explanations, added Gutripper/Impassive Visage, removed Sharpened Blades.
  • 14 Nov. 2019 (how to improve page): Updated Overcapping exception; added Font+Coral section.
  • 14 Nov. 2019 (The Eternal Palace page): Removed disclaimer, updated talent and gameplay recommendations, added Mythic Zaqul section.
  • 14 Nov. 2019 (stats page): Added m+ stat priority, clarified Haste/Mastery efficacy.
  • 14 Nov. 2019 (Essences page): Updated descriptions and added Conflict and Strife to Notable Essences list.
  • 14 Nov. 2019 (easy mode page): Updated stat-weights and rotation.
  • 14 Nov. 2019 (rotation page): Updated single target and multi target priorities; removed Sharpened Blades, Exsanguinate and Blindside; added important notes for Vendetta and Garrote on multi-target; clarified Snapshotting, Pandemic and Pooling mechanics; updated MA opener, added Subterfuge+SS opener, added Essences to opener
  • 12 Nov. 2019 (talents page): Updated talent suggestions and clarifications for all tiers.
  • 17 Sep. 2019 (Essences page): Added Condensed Life-Force to Notable Essences list.
  • 17 Sep. 2019 (enchants page): Updated potion choice.
  • 17 Sep. 2019 (talents page): Added additional clarification regarding Tier 2 talents.
  • 17 Sep. 2019 (mythic+ page): Updated talent suggestions.
  • 15 Jul. 2019 (The Eternal Palace page): Added tips for all bosses.
  • 15 Jul. 2019 (azerite traits and gear page): Updated raiding recommendations.
  • 15 Jul. 2019 (mythic+ page): Updated Void-Toucher Emissary description.
  • 15 Jul. 2019 (gear page): Added a section on Operation: Mechagon gear and trinket sims from Bloodmallet.
  • 15 Jul. 2019 (enchants page): Updated weapon enchants, based on recent developments.
  • 15 Jul. 2019 (simulations page): Added Azerite trait simulations.
  • 12 Jul. 2019 (talents page): Updated for the release of Eternal Palace.
  • 12 Jul. 2019 (gear page): Updated for the release of Eternal Palace.
  • 12 Jul. 2019 (azerite traits and gear page): Updated for the release of Eternal Palace.
  • 12 Jul. 2019 (easy mode page): Updated for the release of Eternal Palace.
  • 12 Jul. 2019 (this page): Updated for the release of Eternal Palace.
  • 12 Jul. 2019 (stats page): Updated for the release of Eternal Palace.
  • 12 Jul. 2019 (enchants page): Updated for the release of Eternal Palace.
  • 12 Jul. 2019 (mythic+ page): Updated for the release of Eternal Palace.
  • 08 Jul. 2019 (The Eternal Palace page): Guide added.
  • 24 Jun. 2019 (FAQ page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
  • 24 Jun. 2019 (how to improve page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
  • 24 Jun. 2019 (gear page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
  • 24 Jun. 2019 (addons page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
  • 24 Jun. 2019 (enchants page): Updated for Patch 8.2.
  • 24 Jun. 2019 (stats page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
  • 24 Jun. 2019 (Uldir page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
  • 24 Jun. 2019 (Battle of Dazar'alor page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
  • 24 Jun. 2019 (Crucible of Storms page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
  • 24 Jun. 2019 (mythic+ page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
  • 24 Jun. 2019 (rotation page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
  • 24 Jun. 2019 (Essences page): Page added.
  • 24 Jun. 2019 (azerite traits and gear page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
  • 24 Jun. 2019 (talents page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
  • 24 Jun. 2019 (spells page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
  • 24 Jun. 2019 (easy mode page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
  • 24 Jun. 2019 (this page): Added note about Patch 8.2 changes.
  • 24 Jun. 2019 (simulations page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
  • 08 May 2019 (Crucible of Storms page): Added further boss tips.
  • 16 Apr. 2019 (gear page): Updated with gear from Crucible of Storms.
  • 15 Apr. 2019 (Crucible of Storms page): Guide added.
  • 23 Feb. 2019 (Battle of Dazar'alor page): Minor updates.
  • 21 Jan. 2019 (easy mode page): Updated for Season 2.
  • 21 Jan. 2019 (talents page): Minor changes for Season 2.
  • 21 Jan. 2019 (Battle of Dazar'alor page): Added Assassination Rogue advice for Battle of Dazar'alor.
  • 21 Jan. 2019 (gear page): Updated for Season 2.
  • 21 Jan. 2019 (azerite traits and gear page): Updated for Season 2.
  • 21 Jan. 2019 (mythic+ page): Updated for Season 2.
  • 21 Jan. 2019 (simulations page): Updated for Season 2.
  • 21 Jan. 2019 (FAQ page): Updated for Season 2.
  • 11 Dec. 2018 (this page): Updated for Patch 8.1.
  • 10 Dec. 2018 (stats page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.1 and no changes are necessary.
  • 10 Dec. 2018 (enchants page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.1 and no changes are necessary.
  • 10 Dec. 2018 (rotation page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.1 and no changes are necessary.
  • 10 Dec. 2018 (mythic+ page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.1 and no changes are necessary.
  • 10 Dec. 2018 (FAQ page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.1 and no changes are necessary.
  • 10 Dec. 2018 (gear page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.1 and no changes are necessary (future raid gear lists will come closer to release).
  • 10 Dec. 2018 (azerite traits and gear page): Updated for Patch 8.1.
  • 10 Dec. 2018 (talents page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.1 and no changes are necessary.
  • 10 Dec. 2018 (simulations page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.1 and no changes are necessary.
  • 10 Dec. 2018 (spells page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.1 and no changes are necessary.
  • 10 Dec. 2018 (how to improve page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.1 and no changes are necessary.
  • 10 Dec. 2018 (easy mode page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.1 and no changes are necessary.
  • 10 Dec. 2018 (Uldir page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.1 and no changes are necessary.
  • 10 Dec. 2018 (addons page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.1 and no changes are necessary.
  • 30 Sep. 2018 (azerite traits and gear page): Focused trait overview.
  • 07 Sep. 2018 (gear page): Added raid gear.
  • 07 Sep. 2018 (Uldir page): Added boss spec-specific tips.
  • 04 Sep. 2018 (mythic+ page): Added affixes and utility descriptions.
  • 30 Aug. 2018 (rotation page): Updated rotation for more Azerite conditionals.
  • 30 Aug. 2018 (simulations page): Updated for Raidbots syntax.
  • 30 Aug. 2018 (gear page): Updated Azerite slots.
  • 30 Aug. 2018 (azerite traits and gear page): Added Bloodmallet charts, added top 5 Azerite pieces to the page, removed disclaimer.
  • 13 Aug. 2018 (talents page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
  • 13 Aug. 2018 (Uldir page): Page added (placeholder for now).
  • 13 Aug. 2018 (addons page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
  • 13 Aug. 2018 (this page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
  • 13 Aug. 2018 (how to improve page): Page added.
  • 13 Aug. 2018 (rotation page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
  • 13 Aug. 2018 (gear page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
  • 13 Aug. 2018 (easy mode page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
  • 13 Aug. 2018 (mythic+ page): Page added (placeholder for now).
  • 13 Aug. 2018 (enchants page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
  • 13 Aug. 2018 (FAQ page): Page added.
  • 13 Aug. 2018 (azerite traits and gear page): Page added.
  • 13 Aug. 2018 (simulations page): Page added.
  • 07 Aug. 2018 (enchants page): Updated Healthstone advice.
  • 29 Jul. 2018 (talents page): Fixed a typo.
  • 22 Jul. 2018 (talents page): Split talents based on gear build (T21 4p vs T21 4p, T20 2p).
  • 22 Jul. 2018 (gear page): Added new gear builds using T20, added more information on Sephuz and Insignia of Grand Army. Updated Suggested gear per boss.
  • 22 Jul. 2018 (rotation page): Updated opener.
  • 20 Jul. 2018 (gear page): Updated trinket list order.
  • 16 Jul. 2018 (this page): Updated for the Battle for Azeroth pre-patch.
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Pages in this Guide
1 Introduction 2 Easy Mode 3 Spell Summary 4 Builds and Talents 5 Azerite Traits and Armor 6 Essences 7 Rotation, Cooldowns, and Abilities 8 Mythic+ Tips 9 Ny'alotha as Assassination Rogue 10 The Eternal Palace as Assassination Rogue 11 Stat Priority 12 Gems, Enchants, and Consumables 13 Macros and Addons 14 Gear and Best in Slot 15 Simulations 16 How to Improve 17 Frequently Asked Questions

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