Cataclysm Classic Assassination Rogue Guide

These guides are based on simulation data, tools, and theorycrafting from original Cataclysm. We'll be sure to update them when modern sims are finished. Rotations are likely to get optimized via sims, but it should already give you a very strong starting point.

Introduction

    Assassination Rogues bring 8% Magic Damage taken with
    Master Poisoner
    to raids, and can also bring an Armor debuff with
    Expose Armor
    if required to.

Cataclysm Classic Assassination Rogue Rotation

    Assassination Rogues are all about proper Combo Points and Energy management. They have a handful talents that increase their Energy or Energy Regeneration such as
    Relentless Strikes
    ,
    Overkill
    ,
    Venomous Wounds
    , and
    Murderous Intent
    for targets below 35% HP. They also have talents that generate additional Combo Points with
    Ruthlessness
    and
    Seal Fate
    . Your goal is to not cap on Energy, and not waste Combo Points, so you need to pay close attention during high Energy Regeneration windows, and when your
    Mutilate
    and
    Backstab
    critically strike.

Opener

  1. Use
    Tricks of the Trade
    pre-pull.
  2. If you can start close to the boss, pre-pot
    Potion of the Tol'vir
    , go into
    Stealth
    , and open with
    Garrote
    .
  3. If you can't get close to the boss, start in
    Stealth
    , use
    Sprint
    , pre-pot
    Potion of the Tol'vir
    (breaks
    Stealth
    ), and open with
    Mutilate
    .
  4. Use
    Slice and Dice
    .
  5. Use
    Mutilate
    .
  6. Use
    Rupture
    .
  7. Use
    Mutilate
    .
  8. Use
    Envenom
    .
  9. Use
    Vendetta
    .
  10. Proceed with singlet target rotation.

Single Target

  1. Use
    Instant Poison
    on Main-hand,
    Deadly Poison
    on Off-hand and Thrown weapon.
  2. Maintain
    Slice and Dice
    .
    Envenom
    will take care of this with
    Cut to the Chase
    .
  3. Maintain
    Rupture
    at any amount of Combo Points because of
    Venomous Wounds
    .
  4. Use
    Vendetta
    .
  5. Use
    Vanish
    to proc
    Overkill
    .
  6. Use
    Tricks of the Trade
    .
  7. Use
    Cold Blood
    with
    Envenom
    at 5 Combo Points and won't cap your Energy.
  8. Use
    Envenom
    at 3, 4, or 5 Combo Points. Pool Energy before using so you can fit in 2
    Mutilate
    or
    Backstab
    casts during the buff in provides.
  9. Use
    Garrote
    while in
    Stealth
    because of
    Venomous Wounds
    .
  10. Use
    Mutilate
    to generate Combo Points on enemies at or above 35% HP.
  11. Use
    Backstab
    to generate Combo Points on enemies below 35% HP. You can switch to
    Mutilate
    if you find yourself capping on Energy.

AoE

    For large pulls:

  1. Use
    Fan of Knives
    .
  2. Otherwise

  3. Perform single target rotation.

Cataclysm Classic Assassination Rogue Talents

Standard Build

0
Assassination
0
Combat
0
Subtlety

Cataclysm Classic Assassination Rogue Glyphs

  1. Prime:
    MutilateMutilate
    ,
    RuptureRupture
    ,
    BackstabBackstab
  2. Optional: If you can't
    BackstabBackstab
    , replace
    BackstabBackstab
    with
    VendettaVendetta
  3. Major:
    Tricks of the TradeTricks of the Trade
    ,
    Fan of KnivesFan of Knives
    ,
    FeintFeint
  4. Minor:
    Safe FallSafe Fall
    ,
    Blurred SpeedBlurred Speed
    ,
    PoisonsPoisons

Cataclysm Classic Assassination Rogue Best Consumables

Flasks and Elixirs

    Best:
  • Flask of the Winds

Food

    Best:
  • Seafood Magnifique Feast
    ,
  • Skewered Eel
    ,
  • Fortune Cookie
    Alternatives:
  • Broiled Dragon Feast
    ,
  • Tender Baked Turtle

Potions

    Best:
  • Potion of the Tol'vir

Cataclysm Classic Assassination Rogue Best Races

Alliance

  1. Worgen:
    Viciousness
    and
    Darkflight
  2. Gnome:
    Shortblade Specialization

Horde

  1. Troll:
    Berserking
  2. Goblin:
    Time is Money
    ,
    Rocket Barrage
    , and
    Rocket Jump
  3. Orc:
    Blood Fury
  4. Blood Elf:
    Arcane Torrent

Cataclysm Classic Assassination Rogue Best Professions

  1. Engineering:
    Synapse Springs
    .
  2. Tailoring:
    Swordguard Embroidery
    .
  3. Blacksmithing:
    Socket Bracer
    and
    Socket Gloves
    . Becomes 2nd best in T13.
  4. The rest of the Crafting Professions provide nearly identical benefits.