Assassination Rogue DPS Guide - Battle for Azeroth 8.3 - World of Warcraft

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

Rogue Leveling Guide

Assassination Rogue PvP 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

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.

Patch 8.3 Changes for Assassination Rogues

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

new gear from the Ny'alotha raid, which can drop corrupted (see our guide to Corrupted Items for more information);
a new Legendary Cloak;
7 new Patch 8.3 Essences;
changes to existing Essences (including a 3rd Minor slot);
a new Azerite trait ( Heart of Darkness);
and a new reusable augment rune ( Lightning-Forged Augment Rune).

Assassination Rogue Strengths

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

Assassination Rogue Weaknesses

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

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.

Changelog

17 Feb. 2020 (Ny'alotha page): Updated Essence recommendations.
10 Feb. 2020 (Ny'alotha page): Added raiding tips.
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 (talents page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.3 and no changes are necessary.
14 Jan. 2020 (how to improve 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 (simulations page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.3 and no changes are necessary.
14 Jan. 2020 (rotation 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 (easy mode page): Page updated for Patch 8.3.
14 Jan. 2020 (gear page): Page updated for Patch 8.3.
14 Jan. 2020 (addons 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 Jan. 2020 (this 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 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
14 Nov. 2019 (how to improve page): Updated Overcapping exception; added Font+Coral section.
14 Nov. 2019 (gear page): Updated Chest and Ring best in slot; updated Benthic Priority; updated Mechagon section.
14 Nov. 2019 (Essences page): Updated descriptions and added Conflict and Strife to Notable Essences list.
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 (The Eternal Palace page): Removed disclaimer, updated talent and gameplay recommendations, added Mythic Zaqul section.
14 Nov. 2019 (easy mode page): Updated stat-weights and rotation.
14 Nov. 2019 (spells page): Various typo fixes here and there.
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 (azerite traits and gear page): Updated descriptions and trait explanations, added Gutripper/Impassive Visage, removed Sharpened Blades.
14 Nov. 2019 (stats page): Added m+ stat priority, clarified Haste/Mastery efficacy.
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 (mythic+ page): Updated talent suggestions.
17 Sep. 2019 (talents page): Added additional clarification regarding Tier 2 talents.
17 Sep. 2019 (enchants page): Updated potion choice.
15 Jul. 2019 (enchants page): Updated weapon enchants, based on recent developments.
15 Jul. 2019 (azerite traits and gear page): Updated raiding recommendations.
15 Jul. 2019 (mythic+ page): Updated Void-Toucher Emissary description.
15 Jul. 2019 (The Eternal Palace page): Added tips for all bosses.
15 Jul. 2019 (simulations page): Added Azerite trait simulations.
15 Jul. 2019 (gear page): Added a section on Operation: Mechagon gear and trinket sims from Bloodmallet.
12 Jul. 2019 (gear 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.
12 Jul. 2019 (azerite traits and gear page): Updated for the release of Eternal Palace.
12 Jul. 2019 (talents 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.
08 Jul. 2019 (The Eternal Palace page): Guide added.
24 Jun. 2019 (Essences page): Page added.
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 (simulations 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 (how to improve 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 (spells 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 (Crucible of Storms 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 (this page): Added note about Patch 8.2 changes.
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 (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 (easy mode page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
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 (FAQ 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 (mythic+ page): Updated for Season 2.
21 Jan. 2019 (gear page): Updated for Season 2.
21 Jan. 2019 (FAQ page): Updated for Season 2.
21 Jan. 2019 (Battle of Dazar'alor page): Added Assassination Rogue advice for Battle of Dazar'alor.
21 Jan. 2019 (talents page): Minor changes for Season 2.
21 Jan. 2019 (simulations page): Updated for Season 2.
21 Jan. 2019 (azerite traits and gear page): Updated for Season 2.
11 Dec. 2018 (this page): Updated for Patch 8.1.
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.
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 (rotation page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.1 and no changes are necessary.
10 Dec. 2018 (azerite traits and gear page): Updated for Patch 8.1.
10 Dec. 2018 (simulations page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.1 and no changes are necessary.
10 Dec. 2018 (talents 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 (spells 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 (FAQ page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.1 and no changes are necessary.
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 (mythic+ 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 (gear page): Updated Azerite slots.
30 Aug. 2018 (rotation page): Updated rotation for more Azerite conditionals.
30 Aug. 2018 (azerite traits and gear page): Added Bloodmallet charts, added top 5 Azerite pieces to the page, removed disclaimer.
30 Aug. 2018 (simulations page): Updated for Raidbots syntax.
13 Aug. 2018 (talents page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
13 Aug. 2018 (Uldir page): Page added (placeholder for now).
13 Aug. 2018 (rotation page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
13 Aug. 2018 (FAQ page): Page added.
13 Aug. 2018 (how to improve page): Page added.
13 Aug. 2018 (enchants page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
13 Aug. 2018 (azerite traits and gear page): Page added.
13 Aug. 2018 (mythic+ page): Page added (placeholder for now).
13 Aug. 2018 (gear page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
13 Aug. 2018 (this page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
13 Aug. 2018 (addons page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
13 Aug. 2018 (simulations page): Page added.
13 Aug. 2018 (easy mode page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
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 (rotation page): Updated opener.
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.
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

Rogue Leveling Guide

Assassination Rogue PvP Guide

More Rogue Guides

Subtlety Rogue Guide

Subtlety Rogue Gems, Enchants, and Consumables

Outlaw Rogue How to Improve

Outlaw Rogue Gems, Enchants, and Consumables

Guides from Other Classes

Retribution Paladin Guide

Destruction Warlock Guide

Shadow Priest Guide

Brewmaster Monk Guide

Raid Guides

Carapace of N'Zoth Heroic Encounter Journal

Prophet Skitra Heroic Encounter Journal

N'Zoth Mythic Encounter Journal

Xanesh Normal Encounter Journal

BfA Guides

Patch 8.3 Mage Changes

Fangs of the Father Legendary Weapons Transmog

Corrupted Mementos Overview

Stormwind Horrific Vision Guide

Patch 8.3 Profession Changes

Patch 8.3 Alchemy Guide

Patch 8.3 Enchanting Guide

Patch 8.3 Blacksmithing Guide

Patch 8.3 Tailoring Guide

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

This guide has been written and reviewed by Seliathan, who has been playing Rogue for over 14 years. He currently raids in Familiar with Drama, and is one of the foremost Mythic+ Rogue players. You can often find him streaming on twitch.

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