Assassination Rogue DPS Guide (Legion 7.3.5)

Table of Contents

• ×Introduction
  • 1. Class Overview
  • 2. Patch 7.3 Changes for Assassination Rogue
  • 3. Patch 7.2.5 Changes for Assassination Rogue
  • 4. Patch 7.2 Changes for Assassination Rogue
  • 5. Assassination Rogue Strengths
  • 6. Assassination Rogue Weaknesses
  • 7. Assassination Rogue Viability in the Current Patch
  • 8. Contents
  • 9. ChangeLog
• +Easy Mode
  • 1. The Basics for Assassination Rogue
  • 2. Talent Choice for Assassination Rogue
  • 3. Stat Choice for Assassination Rogue
  • 4. Basic Rotational Priority for Assassination Rogue
    • 4.1. Tips and Tricks
    • 4.2. Basic Opener
  • 5. ChangeLog
• +Spell Summary
  • 1. Assassination Rogue Spell Summary
  • 2. Main Resources for Assassination Rogue
  • 3. Basic Abilities for Assassination Rogue
  • 4. Important Procs for Assassination Rogue
  • 5. DPS Cooldowns for Assassination Rogue
  • 6. ChangeLog
• +Builds and Talents
  • 1. Talent Choices
  • 2. Talent Cheat Sheets for Assassination Rogue
    • 2.1. Poison Build
    • 2.2. Bleed Build
  • 3. Tier 1 (Level 15) Talents for Assassination Rogue
  • 4. Tier 2 (Level 30) Talents for Assassination Rogue
  • 5. Tier 3 (Level 45) Talents for Assassination Rogue
  • 6. Tier 4 (Level 60) Talents for Assassination Rogue
  • 7. Tier 5 (Level 75) Talents for Assassination Rogue
  • 8. Tier 6 (Level 90) Talents for Assassination Rogue
  • 9. Tier 7 (Level 100) Talents for Assassination Rogue
  • 10. ChangeLog
• +Artifact Traits and Relics
  • 1. Artifact Progression for Assassination Rogue — First 35 Points
  • 2. Patch 7.2: 35+ Trait Path for Assassination Rogue
  • 3. Relic Priority for Assassination Rogue
  • 4. ChangeLog
• +Netherlight Crucible Relic Paths
  • 1. General Optimization Advice for Assassination Rogue
  • 2. Crucible Priority for Assassination Rogue
  • 3. ChangeLog
• +Rotation, Cooldowns, and Abilities
  • 1. Ability Priority List for Assassination Rogue
    • 1.1. Poison Build
      • 1.1.1. Important Notes
    • 1.2. Bleed Build
  • 2. Poisons
  • 3. Notable Mechanics for Assassination Rogue
    • 3.1. Surge of Toxins
    • 3.2. Kingsbane
    • 3.3. Nightstalker
    • 3.4. Pandemic and Rupture Refresh
  • 4. Academic Information for Assassination Rogue
    • 4.1. The Interaction Between Combo Points and Energy
    • 4.2. Pooling Energy and Combo Points
    • 4.3. Defensive Utility
  • 5. Opening Sequences for Assassination Rogue
    • 5.1. Poison Build
    • 5.2. Bleed Build
  • 6. ChangeLog
• +Boss by Boss Strategies
  • 1. Assassination Rogue Boss Advice: Antorus, the Burning Throne
    • 1.1. Garothi Worldbreaker
      • 1.1.1. Talents, Trinkets, and Legendaries
    • 1.2. Felhounds of Sargeras
      • 1.2.1. Talents, Trinkets, and Legendaries
    • 1.3. Antoran High Command
      • 1.3.1. Talents, Trinkets, and Legendaries
    • 1.4. Eonar the Life-Binder
      • 1.4.1. Talents, Trinkets, and Legendaries
    • 1.5. Portal Keeper Hasabel
      • 1.5.1. Talents, Trinkets, and Legendaries
    • 1.6. Imonar the Soulhunter
      • 1.6.1. Talents, Trinkets, and Legendaries
    • 1.7. Kin'garoth
      • 1.7.1. Talents, Trinkets, and Legendaries
    • 1.8. Varimathras
      • 1.8.1. Talents, Trinkets, and Legendaries
    • 1.9. The Coven of Shivarra
      • 1.9.1. Talents, Trinkets, and Legendaries
    • 1.10. Aggramar
      • 1.10.1. Talents, Trinkets, and Legendaries
    • 1.11. Argus the Unmaker
      • 1.11.1. Talents, Trinkets, and Legendaries
  • 2. Tomb of Sargeras
    • 2.1. Goroth
      • 2.1.1. Talents, Trinkets, and Legendaries
    • 2.2. The Demonic Inquisition
      • 2.2.1. Talents, Trinkets, and Legendaries
    • 2.3. Harjatan
      • 2.3.1. Talents, Trinkets, and Legendaries
    • 2.4. Sisters of the Moon
      • 2.4.1. Talents, Trinkets, and Legendaries
    • 2.5. Mistress Sassz'ine
      • 2.5.1. Talents, Trinkets, and Legendaries
    • 2.6. The Desolate Host
      • 2.6.1. Talents, Trinkets, and Legendaries
    • 2.7. Maiden of Vigilance
      • 2.7.1. Talents, Trinkets, and Legendaries
    • 2.8. Fallen Avatar
      • 2.8.1. Talents, Trinkets, and Legendaries
    • 2.9. Kil'jaeden
      • 2.9.1. Talents, Trinkets, and Legendaries
  • 3. The Nighthold
    • 3.1. Skorpyron
      • 3.1.1. Talents, Trinkets, and Legendaries
    • 3.2. Chronomatic Anomaly
      • 3.2.1. Talents, Trinkets, and Legendaries
    • 3.3. Trilliax
      • 3.3.1. Talents, Trinkets, and Legendaries
    • 3.4. Spellblade Aluriel
      • 3.4.1. Talents, Trinkets, and Legendaries
    • 3.5. Tichondrius
      • 3.5.1. Talents, Trinkets, and Legendaries
    • 3.6. Star Augur Etraeus
      • 3.6.1. Talents, Trinkets, and Legendaries
    • 3.7. Krosus
      • 3.7.1. Talents, Trinkets, and Legendaries
    • 3.8. High Botanist Tel'arn
      • 3.8.1. Talents, Trinkets, and Legendaries
    • 3.9. Grand Magistrix Elisande
      • 3.9.1. Talents, Trinkets, and Legendaries
    • 3.10. Gul'dan
      • 3.10.1. Talents, Trinkets, and Legendaries
  • 4. ChangeLog
• +Stat Priority
  • 1. Stat Priority for Assassination Rogue
    • 1.1. Master Poisoner/Toxic Blade
    • 1.2. Elaborate Planning/Alacrity
    • 1.3. Elaborate Planning/Exsanguinate
  • 2. Assassination Rogue: Getting a Better Understanding
  • 3. ChangeLog
• +Gems, Enchants, and Consumables
  • 1. Gems for Assassination Rogue
    • 1.1. Master Poisoner/Toxic Blade or Elaborate Planning/Alacrity
    • 1.2. Elaborate Planning/Exsanguinate
  • 2. Enchants for Assassination Rogue
    • 2.1. Master Poisoner/Toxic Blade or Elaborate Planning/Alacrity
    • 2.2. Elaborate Planning/Exsanguinate
  • 3. Consumables for Assassination Rogue
  • 4. ChangeLog
• +Macros and Addons
  • 1. AddOns for Assassination Rogue
    • 1.1. ElvUI
    • 1.2. Weak Auras
    • 1.3. Boss Mods
      • 1.3.1. BigWigs Bossmods
      • 1.3.2. Deadly Boss Mods
    • 1.4. Name Plates
      • 1.4.1. KUI Nameplates
      • 1.4.2. TidyPlates
    • 1.5. Damage Meters
      • 1.5.1. Skada
      • 1.5.2. Details
    • 1.6. Extra AddOns
      • 1.6.1. Mik's Scrolling Battle Text
      • 1.6.2. Death Note
      • 1.6.3. Doom CooldownPulse
      • 1.6.4. Angry Assignments
  • 2. Macros for Assassination Rogue
    • 2.1. Startattack Macros
    • 2.2. Tricks of the Trade
  • 3. ChangeLog
• +Gear, Legendaries, and Best in Slot
  • 1. Tier 21 Set Bonuses for Assassination Rogue
  • 2. Tier 20 Set Bonuses for Assassination Rogue
  • 3. Best in Slot List for Assassination Rogue
  • 4. Trinket List for Assassination Rogue
    • 4.1. Poison Build
    • 4.2. Bleed Build
  • 5. Legendaries for Assassination Rogue
    • 5.1. Antorus Recommendations
  • 6. Legendary Tier List for Assassination Rogue
    • 6.1. Top Tier
    • 6.2. Mid Tier
    • 6.3. Bottom Tier
    • 6.4. Extra Information
  • 7. Loot Competition
  • 8. ChangeLog
• +Battle for Azeroth
  • 1. Foreword
  • 2. Basic Mechanics & Abilities Changes for Assassination Rogue in BfA
  • 3. The BfA Assassination Rogue Talent Tree
    • 3.1. Level 15 (Specialty Tier)
    • 3.2. Level 30 (Stealth Damage Tier)
    • 3.3. Level 45 (Finisher Tier)
    • 3.4. Level 60 (Defensive Tier)
    • 3.5. Level 75 (Crowd Control &mdash PvP Utility Tier)
    • 3.6. Level 90 (Extended Specialty Tier)
    • 3.7. Level 100 (Area of Effect Tier)
  • 4. Azerite Traits for Assassination Rogues
  • 5. The Base Rotation for Assassination Rogue in BfA
  • 6. Multiple Target Rotation for Assassination Rogue in BfA
  • 7. Leveling in Battle for Azeroth as Assassination Rogue
  • 8. ChangeLog

General Information

Welcome to our Assassination Rogue DPS guide for World of Warcraft Legion 7.3.5. Here, you will learn everything you need to know about playing an Assassination Rogue in a raid environment and in Mythic+ dungeons.

About Our Author and Reviewer

This guide has been written by Furty, who has an illustrious history in the World of Warcraft raiding scene and race for World First. He has been a member of guilds such as Serenity, Midwinter, and many more, and is currently raiding in Future. He plays most classes at the highest level. You can follow him on Twitter and watch him play on Twitch.

This guide has been reviewed and approved by Perfecto, an Outlaw/Assassination Rogue who raids in Method.

1. Class 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 7.3 Changes for Assassination Rogue

• None

3. Patch 7.2.5 Changes for Assassination Rogue

• New legendary items have been added.
• All damage done increased by 10%.
• Agonizing Poison has been removed and replaced by Toxic Blade.
• Exsanguinate bleed out speed increased to 150% (up from 100%). It now costs 25 Energy to cast.
• Fan of Knives damage increased by 40%.
• Vendetta now affects Poison Bomb damage.

4. Patch 7.2 Changes for Assassination Rogue

• New Artifact traits added.
• Bag of Tricks is now a 2.5% chance proc per Combo Point spent.
• Urge to Kill now causes Vendetta to grant 60 Energy, plus an additional 60 Energy over 2 seconds.

5. Assassination Rogue Strengths

• Strong and consistent single target damage
• Exceptional defensive utility

6. Assassination Rogue Weaknesses

• Weak AoE and cleave
• Very cooldown reliant, and cooldowns only affect one target

7. Assassination Rogue Viability in the Current Patch

Assassination is arguably the best Rogue specialization, in terms of pure numbers, in Antorus, the Burning Throne. Due to their limited damage profile, focusing exclusively on single target damage, Assassination is not the ideal choice on every encounter. Overall, however, it is a strong specialization and a suitable choice for any Rogue looking to progress through Antorus.

8. Contents

To make it easy to navigate the guide, we have split it into 12 pages:

• Easy Mode: TL;DR to own without reading much;
• Spell Summary: see a summary of all your useful spells;
• Builds and Talents: learn how to choose your talents;
• Artifact Traits and Relics: discover how to level up your Artifact;
• Netherlight Crucible Relic Paths: choose the right paths on your Netherlight Crucible;
• Rotation, Cooldowns, and Abilities: master your rotation and your cooldowns;
• Boss by Boss Strategies: find out how to defeat current content bosses;
• Stat Priority: read up on the respective values of your statistics;
• Gems, Enchants, and Consumables: choose the best gems, enchantments, etc.;
• Macros and Addons: step up your game with useful macros and addons;
• Gear, Legendaries, and Best in Slot: find the best gear you can wear;
• Battle for Azeroth: learn how to play your class in Battle for Azeroth.

9. ChangeLog

• 07 Jun. 2018 (Battle for Azeroth page): Page added.
• 05 Mar. 2018 (Netherlight Crucible page): Redesigned entire page; Tier 2 and Tier 3 sections removed.
• 05 Mar. 2018 (artifact page): Updated relic priority and added weapon item levels for context.
• 04 Feb. 2018 (bosses page): Added Antorus bosses.
• 04 Feb. 2018 (talents page): Added a note to Subterfuge about use on Coven of Shivarra.
• 03 Feb. 2018 (gear page): Updated Antorus recommendations to be in line with our new Boss by Boss section. Small update to Best-in-Slot list, added notation for Shadow-Singed Fang.
• 12 Jan. 2018 (easy mode page): Updated talents, restructured Rotation section, added Tips and Tricks, added Basic Opener.
• 12 Jan. 2018 (this page): Updated intro text, strengths/weaknesses, and viability section.
• 12 Jan. 2018 (talents page): Fully updated talents page.
• 12 Jan. 2018 (enchants page): Updated Exsanguinate neck enchant.
• 12 Jan. 2018 (artifact page): Cleaned up early point investment section.
• 12 Jan. 2018 (gear page): Restructured gear page. Added Antorus legendary recommendations and further expanded tier lists.
• 11 Jan. 2018 (rotation page): Restructured and fully updated the page. Split APL & openers into poison/bleed sections.
• 30 Nov. 2017 (talents page): Updated Tier 2 & 3 talents.
• 30 Nov. 2017 (artifact page): Updated Relic Priority.
• 30 Nov. 2017 (Netherlight Crucible page): Updated Tier 2 & 3 hierarchy.
• 30 Nov. 2017 (gear page): Updated legendaries, best in slot, and added Tier 21 explanation.
• 13 Oct. 2017 (Netherlight Crucible page): Swapped positions of Dark Sorrows and Light Speed on hierarchy.
• 17 Sep. 2017 (gear page): Updated 4-set bonus from 40% to 60%.
• 13 Sep. 2017 (Netherlight Crucible page): Updated Tier 2 priority after recent rebalancing based on new SimCraft results.
• 12 Sep. 2017 (Netherlight Crucible page): Added Netherlight Crucible page for Assassination Rogue.
• 10 Sep. 2017 (gear page): Updated Best-in-Slot and trinket list with a new paragraph on recommended trinket combinations.
• 10 Sep. 2017 (rotation page): Updated opener.
• 10 Sep. 2017 (artifact page): Updated Relic Priority and added a note about the 3-Master Assassin relic setup.
• 10 Sep. 2017 (bosses page): Added boss by boss page for Tomb of Sargeras. Updated Nighthold talent choices.
• 29 Aug. 2017 (enchants page): Added a mention about Healthstones in Patch 7.3, removed a mention of Old War, and slightly redesigned "Consumables" section.
• 28 Aug. 2017 (this page): Updated strengths/weaknesses and viability section. Added 7.3 changes.
• 28 Aug. 2017 (enchants page): Added Lightforged Augment Rune and new 7.3 epic gems.
• 28 Aug. 2017 (rotation page): Added a more detailed explanation of Toxic Blade usage.
• 28 Aug. 2017 (talents page): Updated talents for Patch 7.3.
• 28 Aug. 2017 (stats page): No changes needed for Patch 7.3.
• 28 Jun. 2017 (rotation page): Updated opener.
• 28 Jun. 2017 (artifact page): Updated Relic Priority.
• 28 Jun. 2017 (gear page): Updated trinket list.
• 18 Jun. 2017 (gear page): Added Tomb of Sargeras Best-in-Slot and Tier 20 set bonus.
• 12 Jun. 2017 (gear page): Added The Empty Crown and Soul of the Shadowblade to the Legendary items section.
• 12 Jun. 2017 (enchants page): Updated consumables according to our new split stat priorities.
• 12 Jun. 2017 (stats page): Split stat priority into 3 sections for each T6 talent combination and removed stat weights.
• 12 Jun. 2017 (rotation page): A few improvements here and there. Split opener in 2 sections: with and without Mantle of the Master Assassin.
• 12 Jun. 2017 (artifact page): Updated Relic Priority.
• 12 Jun. 2017 (talents page): Updated for Patch 7.2.5 (Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 6).
• 12 Jun. 2017 (spells page): Page reviewed and deemed updated for 7.2.5.
• 12 Jun. 2017 (this page): Added Patch 7.2.5 changes.
• 12 Jun. 2017 (easy mode page): Updated talents for Patch 7.2.5.
• 17 May 2017 (artifact page): Updated Relic Priority and 7.2 pathing slightly.
• 29 Mar. 2017 (enchants page): Added Lavish Suramar Feast.
• 27 Mar. 2017 (gear page): No changes needed for Patch 7.2.
• 27 Mar. 2017 (rotation page): No changes needed for Patch 7.2.
• 27 Mar. 2017 (stats page): No changes needed for Patch 7.2.
• 27 Mar. 2017 (this page): Added Patch 7.2 changes.
• 27 Mar. 2017 (talents page): No changes needed for Patch 7.2.
• 27 Mar. 2017 (artifact page): Added path for new 7.2 traits.
• 07 Mar. 2017 (rotation page): Numerous updates, new sections added, reworked several existing sections.
• 05 Mar. 2017 (gear page): Updated trinket list slightly.
• 05 Mar. 2017 (artifact page): Added further exposition in the Duskwalker's section.
• 13 Feb. 2017 (stats page): Minor wording update.
• 13 Feb. 2017 (talents page): Minor update to talent descriptions.
• 13 Feb. 2017 (gear page): Updated trinket list & legendary priority.
• 13 Feb. 2017 (artifact page): Updated Relic priority, added additional explanation for Master Assassin Relics.
• 10 Feb. 2017 (bosses page): Added boss by boss page for Nighthold.
• 26 Jan. 2017 (gear page): Updated trinket list following stealth hotfixes.
• 26 Jan. 2017 (artifact page): Updated Relic priority; Toxic Blades roughly on par with Gushing Wound with Tier 19 4-piece bonus.
• 24 Jan. 2017 (gear page): Full update including Nighthold Best-in-Slot list, trinket update, and set bonus explanation.
• 18 Jan. 2017 (this page): Updated viability section.
• 14 Jan. 2017 (gear page): Added new legendary items and updated ranking.
• 14 Jan. 2017 (artifact page): Added a new Relic priority for players with Duskwalker's Footpads.
• 14 Jan. 2017 (rotation page): Trimmed some mentions of Deeper Strategem and updated opener.
• 14 Jan. 2017 (talents page): Minor update to talents; Alacrity for multitarget.
• 09 Jan. 2017 (this page): Added a Patch 7.1.5 changes section and updated strengths/weaknesses.
• 09 Jan. 2017 (enchants page): Checked and confirmed for Patch 7.1.5.
• 09 Jan. 2017 (artifact page): Checked and confirmed for Patch 7.1.5.
• 09 Jan. 2017 (talents page): Updated for Patch 7.1.5.
• 09 Jan. 2017 (easy mode page): Checked and confirmed for Patch 7.1.5.
• 09 Jan. 2017 (stats page): Checked and confirmed for Patch 7.1.5.
• 09 Jan. 2017 (rotation page): Checked and confirmed for Patch 7.1.5.
• 21 Dec. 2016 (easy mode page): Added easy mode for Assassination Rogues.
• 11 Dec. 2016 (this page): Further clarified wording in weaknesses to make sure no ambiguity was possible.
• 09 Dec. 2016 (artifact page): Updated Relic priorities (Master Assassin/Master Alchemist).
• 09 Dec. 2016 (this page): Revised weaknesses a little.
• 09 Dec. 2016 (talents page): Updated talent tiers (T1/T2/T3/T6) to include further details and references to legendaries and Mythic+.
• 09 Dec. 2016 (gear page): Updated trinkets and legendary lists.
• 09 Dec. 2016 (stats page): Minor update to AP stat priority (Crit=Vers).
• 09 Dec. 2016 (rotation page): Updated Kingsbane section, Opening Sequence, and Action Priority List.
• 02 Nov. 2016 (rotation page): Updated pooling section to make note of Urge to Kill.
• 02 Nov. 2016 (talents page): Updated Raid Encounters build to include a reference to Exsanguinate for players with lower item levels/Mastery levels.
• 02 Nov. 2016 (stats page): Added Exsanguinate priority for players with lower item levels/Mastery levels.
• 25 Oct. 2016 (this page): No changes in patch 7.1.
• 25 Oct. 2016 (rotation page): Updated Kingsbane section to note that it generates a Combo Point in Patch 7.1.
• 22 Oct. 2016 (this page): Updated viability.
• 07 Oct. 2016 (rotation page): Adjusted page to be further in line with the Agonizing Poison build.
• 07 Oct. 2016 (artifact page): Updated Relic choice.
• 06 Oct. 2016 (gear page): Updated best in slot & legendary list.
• 05 Oct. 2016 (this page): Updated strengths/weaknesses and viability section.
• 05 Oct. 2016 (enchants page): Updated enchants and food to be in line with current stat priority.
• 05 Oct. 2016 (rotation page): Updated opener.
• 05 Oct. 2016 (talents page): Updated talent build.
• 05 Oct. 2016 (stats page): Updated stat priority and weights.
• 29 Aug. 2016 (enchants page): Updated for Legion's launch.
• 29 Aug. 2016 (talents page): Updated for Legion's launch.
• 29 Aug. 2016 (rotation page): Updated for Legion's launch.
• 29 Aug. 2016 (spells page): Updated for Legion's launch.
• 29 Aug. 2016 (gear page): Updated for Legion's launch.
• 29 Aug. 2016 (this page): Updated for Legion's launch.
• 29 Aug. 2016 (artifact page): Added.
• 29 Aug. 2016 (stats page): Updated for Legion's launch.
• 29 Jul. 2016 (rotation page): Updated Opening Sequence & added note about 5-6 CP vs. 6 CP finisher usage.
• 29 Jul. 2016 (enchants page): Updated Weapon Enchants with a note on Shadowmoon ICD.
• 19 Jul. 2016 (talents page): Made Thuggee an alternative to Prey on the Weak in Tier 5.
• 19 Jul. 2016 (rotation page): Added a mention about safe Pandemic refresh for Rupture.
• 19 Jul. 2016 (gear page): Removed trinket sims and added BiS recommendations.
• 18 Jul. 2016 (talents page): Updated for the Legion pre-patch.
• 18 Jul. 2016 (this page): Updated for the Legion pre-patch.
• 18 Jul. 2016 (addons page): Updated for the Legion pre-patch.
• 18 Jul. 2016 (stats page): Updated for the Legion pre-patch.
• 18 Jul. 2016 (gear page): Updated for the Legion pre-patch.
• 18 Jul. 2016 (spells page): Updated for the Legion pre-patch.
• 18 Jul. 2016 (rotation page): Updated for the Legion pre-patch.
• 18 Jul. 2016 (enchants page): Updated for the Legion pre-patch.

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