Subtlety Rogue guide

Rotation and opener

Open from Stealth when safe, use Premeditation before reaching four combo points, and establish Slice and Dice and your bleed effects.

Combat priority

1. 
   Ambush

   Open from Stealth with a dagger. Later, use Cutthroat opportunities to Ambush during combat; a proc does not remove the weapon requirement.

2. 
   Slice and Dice

   Maintain for sustained fights. Plan the refresh around your bleed and builder resources rather than letting every finisher compete at the last moment.

3. 
   Rupture

   Keep a bleed on an enemy that will live for its duration. Skip a fresh long bleed on trash about to die.

4. 
   Hemorrhage

   With the talent, maintain its damage-supporting effect. Refresh deliberately; do not overwrite a useful effect just because the button is available.

5. 
   Premeditation

   Use when there is room for the additional combo points. Activating at an already full point bar wastes its contribution.

6. 
   Backstab

   Build from behind with a dagger, using Ambush when Stealth or Cutthroat makes it available. Spend surplus points on Eviscerate after maintenance needs are covered.

Multiple targets and dungeon pulls

Choose an enemy which will live long enough for Rupture. Bleeding every short-lived mob can spend all your combo points before any effect pays off.

Subtlety excels at controlling one enemy while killing another. Sap before the pull and interrupt the priority caster; avoid breaking that control with an unnecessary bleed.

Resources and cooldowns

Vanish creates another Ambush opportunity; Preparation can restore important cooldowns. Save those tools for a useful burst or escape window instead of treating every reset as an automatic damage button.

• Vanish can create another Ambush opportunity. Use it only when the target will remain reachable and you are not immediately exposed by ongoing damage.
• Preparation supports a second use of eligible Rogue cooldowns. Spend the first cooldown use meaningfully before resetting it; do not reset abilities which are already available.

Specialization mechanics and group play

Cutthroat makes Ambush available outside Stealth under its proc condition. React to the opportunity, but keep enough Energy and avoid wasting combo points at the cap.

Rupture, Hemorrhage and Slice and Dice make the deep build a maintenance spec. Start the next refresh before two effects expire together.

For PvP, build a controlled burst window: Sap or Blind an extra opponent, Kidney Shot the kill target and use Sprint to stay connected. Bleeds on a target you intend to Blind will spoil your control.

Stealth detection still depends on approach and level difference. Approach behind an enemy when possible and do not treat Stealth as immunity to detection.

PvE talent choices

Standard Build 51 points · 12 / 8 / 31

Assassination

0/3Improved Gouge0/3 · PassiveIncreases the duration of your Gouge ability by 0.5 sec.0/2Remorseless Attacks0/2 · PassiveAfter killing a non-trivial enemy, gives you a 20% increased critical strike chance on your next Sinister Strike, Backstab, Ambush, Mutilate, or Ghostly Strike. Lasts 20 sec.5/5Malice5/5 · PassiveIncreases your critical strike chance with all attacks and Poisons by 1%.3/3Ruthlessness3/3 · PassiveGives your finishing moves a 60% chance to add a combo point to your target.0/2Murder0/2 · PassiveIncreases all damage dealt by 2% against Humanoid and Giant targets.3/3Improved Slice and Dice3/3 · PassiveIncreases the duration of your Slice and Dice ability by 45%.1/1Relentless Strikes1/1 · PassiveYour finishing moves have a 20% chance per combo point to restore 25 energy.0/2Improved Expose Armor0/2 · PassiveReduces the Energy cost of your Expose Armor ability by 5, and refunds 1 Combo Point when cast with 5 Combo Points.0/5Lethality0/5 · PassiveIncreases the critical strike damage bonus of your Sinister Strike, Gouge, Backstab, Mutilate, Ghostly Strike, and Hemorrhage abilities by 6%.Requires Malice0/5Vile Poisons0/5 · PassiveIncreases the damage dealt by your poisons by 4% and gives your poisons an additional 8% chance to resist dispel effects.0/1Cold Blood0/1 · ActiveWhen activated, increases the critical strike chance of your next Sinister Strike, Backstab, Ambush, Eviscerate, or Mutilate by 100%.0/5Improved Poisons0/5 · PassiveIncreases the chance to apply Poisons to your target by 2%, and gives Poison applications a 10% chance to not consume a charge.0/2Vigor0/2 · PassiveIncreases your maximum Energy by 5.0/1Mutilate0/1 · ActiveInstantly attacks with both weapons for 75% weapon damage plus an additional 13 with each weapon. Damage increased by 20% against Poisoned targets. Awards 2 Combo Points.0/2Improved Kidney Shot0/2 · PassiveEnemies Stunned by your Kidney Shot ability take 5% increased damage from your poisons and attacks.0/5Seal Fate0/5 · PassiveYour critical strikes from abilities that add combo points have a 20% chance to add an additional combo point.0/1Venom0/1 · ActiveFinishing move that increases the damage of your Poisons by 30% and your chance to apply Poisons by 10%. Lasts longer per combo point: 1 point: 9 seconds 2 points: 12 seconds 3 points: 15 seconds 4 points: 18 seconds 5 points: 21 secondsRequires Mutilate

Malice 5/5Ruthlessness 3/3Improved Slice and Dice 3/3Relentless Strikes 1/1

Combat

3/3Improved Eviscerate3/3 · PassiveIncreases the damage done by your Eviscerate ability by 7%.2/2Improved Sinister Strike2/2 · PassiveReduces the Energy cost of your Sinister Strike ability by 5.0/5Lightning Reflexes0/5 · PassiveIncreases your Dodge chance by 1%.3/3Puncturing Wounds3/3 · PassiveIncreases the critical strike chance of your Backstab by 10% and your Mutilate by 5%, and gives Backstab a 15% chance to add an additional Combo Point.0/3Deflection0/3 · PassiveIncreases your Parry chance by 2%.0/3Precision0/3 · PassiveIncreases your chance to hit with all attacks and Poisons by 1%.0/2Endurance0/2 · PassiveReduces the cooldown of your Sprint and Evasion abilities by 30%.0/1Riposte0/1 · ActiveA strike that becomes active after parrying an opponent's attack. This attack deals 150% weapon damage and disarms the target for 6 sec.Requires Deflection0/2Improved Sprint0/2 · PassiveGives a 50% chance to remove all movement impairing effects when you activate your Sprint ability.0/2Improved Kick0/2 · PassiveGives your Kick ability a 50% chance to silence the target for 2 sec.0/1Restless Blades0/1 · PassiveYour damaging finishing moves reduce the remaining cooldown of your Adrenaline Rush, Blade Flurry, Evasion, Sprint, and Vanish abilities by 2 sec per combo point.0/5Dual Wield Specialization0/5 · PassiveIncreases the damage done by your off-hand weapon by 5%.Requires Precision0/1Blade Flurry0/1 · ActiveIncreases your melee attack speed by 20% and your melee attacks strike an additional nearby opponent. Lasts 15 sec.0/5Hack and Slash0/5 · PassiveGives your melee weapon attacks a benefit depending on the weapon: Axe/Sword: Your successful melee attacks have a 1% chance to trigger an extra attack on the target. Dagger/Fist: Increases your critical strike chance by 1%. Mace: Your attacks ignore 3% of your target's armor.0/2Weapon Expertise0/2 · PassiveReduces the chance for your attacks to be Dodged or Parried by 1%.Requires Blade Flurry0/3Aggression0/3 · PassiveIncreases the damage of your Sinister Strike, Backstab, and Eviscerate abilities by 2%.Requires Hack and Slash0/1Adrenaline Rush0/1 · ActiveIncreases your Energy regeneration rate by 100% for 15 sec.

Improved Eviscerate 3/3Improved Sinister Strike 2/2Puncturing Wounds 3/3

Subtlety

5/5Camouflage5/5 · PassiveReduces your speed penalty from your Stealth ability by 3% and reduces its cooldown by 2 sec.0/3Master of Deception0/3 · PassiveReduces the chance enemies have to detect you while in Stealth mode as if you were 1 level higher.2/2Opportunity2/2 · PassiveIncreases the damage dealt by your Backstab, Garrote, Ambush, and Mutilate abilities by 5%.3/3Setup3/3 · PassiveGives you a 33% chance to add a Combo Point to your target after Dodging an attack or fully resisting a spell.2/2Elusiveness2/2 · PassiveReduces the cooldown of your Vanish and Blind abilities by 1.5 min.0/2Dirty Tricks0/2 · PassiveReduces the Energy cost of your Sap and Blind abilities by 25%.3/3Improved Ambush3/3 · PassiveIncreases the critical strike chance of your Ambush ability by 45%.3/3Initiative3/3 · PassiveGives you a 33% chance to add an additional combo point to your target when using your Ambush, Garrote, or Cheap Shot ability.0/1Ghostly Strike0/1 · ActiveA strike that deals 125% (180% if a Dagger is equipped in your Main Hand) weapon damage and increases your chance to dodge by 15% for 7 sec. Awards 1 combo point.0/2Improved Distract0/2 · PassiveIncreases the radius of your Distract ability by 3 yds, and further reduces the Stealth detection of distracted enemies as though they were an additional 1 level lower.1/2Heightened Senses1/2 · PassiveIncreases your Stealth detection as if you were 1 level higher and reduces your chance to be hit by spells and ranged attacks by 2%.1/1Premeditation1/1 · ActiveAdds 2 Combo Points to your target. You must add to or use those combo points within 20 sec or the combo points are lost.3/3Serrated Blades3/3 · PassiveCauses your attacks to ignore 9% of your target's Armor and increases the damage dealt by your Rupture ability by 30%.0/2Dirty Deeds0/2 · PassiveReduces the Energy cost of your Cheap Shot and Garrote abilities by 10, and your Garrote ability no longer requires you to be behind your target.1/1Preparation1/1 · ActiveWhen activated, this ability immediately finishes the cooldown on your other Rogue abilities.1/1Hemorrhage1/1 · ActiveAn instant strike that deals 100% weapon damage (145% if a Dagger is equipped) and causes the target to take 15% increased Rupture damage from the Rogue. Lasts 15 sec. Awards 1 Combo Point.Requires Serrated Blades0/5Quietus0/5 · PassiveYour Sinister Strike, Ghostly Strike, and Hemorrhage abilities cause 2% more damage against targets below 35% health.Requires Dirty Deeds5/5Cutthroat5/5 · PassiveYour Backstab has a 3% chance to cause your next Ambush within 10 sec to not require Stealth.1/1Thousand Cuts1/1 · PassiveWhen your Rupture ability deals periodic damage, the Energy cost of your next Hemorrhage or Backstab ability within 10 sec is reduced by 3, stacking up to 5 times.Requires Preparation

Camouflage 5/5Opportunity 2/2Setup 3/3Elusiveness 2/2Improved Ambush 3/3Initiative 3/3Heightened Senses 1/2Premeditation 1/1Serrated Blades 3/3Preparation 1/1Hemorrhage 1/1Cutthroat 5/5Thousand Cuts 1/1

Open this exact build in the calculator

Build reference · Level-60 allocations are beta plans, not final launch performance rankings.

Level 30 (Beta) 21 points · 2 / 11 / 8

Assassination

0/3Improved Gouge0/3 · PassiveIncreases the duration of your Gouge ability by 0.5 sec.0/2Remorseless Attacks0/2 · PassiveAfter killing a non-trivial enemy, gives you a 20% increased critical strike chance on your next Sinister Strike, Backstab, Ambush, Mutilate, or Ghostly Strike. Lasts 20 sec.2/5Malice2/5 · PassiveIncreases your critical strike chance with all attacks and Poisons by 1%.0/3Ruthlessness0/3 · PassiveGives your finishing moves a 20% chance to add a combo point to your target.0/2Murder0/2 · PassiveIncreases all damage dealt by 2% against Humanoid and Giant targets.0/3Improved Slice and Dice0/3 · PassiveIncreases the duration of your Slice and Dice ability by 15%.0/1Relentless Strikes0/1 · PassiveYour finishing moves have a 20% chance per combo point to restore 25 energy.0/2Improved Expose Armor0/2 · PassiveReduces the Energy cost of your Expose Armor ability by 5, and refunds 1 Combo Point when cast with 5 Combo Points.0/5Lethality0/5 · PassiveIncreases the critical strike damage bonus of your Sinister Strike, Gouge, Backstab, Mutilate, Ghostly Strike, and Hemorrhage abilities by 6%.Requires Malice0/5Vile Poisons0/5 · PassiveIncreases the damage dealt by your poisons by 4% and gives your poisons an additional 8% chance to resist dispel effects.0/1Cold Blood0/1 · ActiveWhen activated, increases the critical strike chance of your next Sinister Strike, Backstab, Ambush, Eviscerate, or Mutilate by 100%.0/5Improved Poisons0/5 · PassiveIncreases the chance to apply Poisons to your target by 2%, and gives Poison applications a 10% chance to not consume a charge.0/2Vigor0/2 · PassiveIncreases your maximum Energy by 5.0/1Mutilate0/1 · ActiveInstantly attacks with both weapons for 75% weapon damage plus an additional 13 with each weapon. Damage increased by 20% against Poisoned targets. Awards 2 Combo Points.0/2Improved Kidney Shot0/2 · PassiveEnemies Stunned by your Kidney Shot ability take 5% increased damage from your poisons and attacks.0/5Seal Fate0/5 · PassiveYour critical strikes from abilities that add combo points have a 20% chance to add an additional combo point.0/1Venom0/1 · ActiveFinishing move that increases the damage of your Poisons by 30% and your chance to apply Poisons by 10%. Lasts longer per combo point: 1 point: 9 seconds 2 points: 12 seconds 3 points: 15 seconds 4 points: 18 seconds 5 points: 21 secondsRequires Mutilate

Malice 2/5

Combat

3/3Improved Eviscerate3/3 · PassiveIncreases the damage done by your Eviscerate ability by 7%.2/2Improved Sinister Strike2/2 · PassiveReduces the Energy cost of your Sinister Strike ability by 5.0/5Lightning Reflexes0/5 · PassiveIncreases your Dodge chance by 1%.3/3Puncturing Wounds3/3 · PassiveIncreases the critical strike chance of your Backstab by 10% and your Mutilate by 5%, and gives Backstab a 15% chance to add an additional Combo Point.0/3Deflection0/3 · PassiveIncreases your Parry chance by 2%.3/3Precision3/3 · PassiveIncreases your chance to hit with all attacks and Poisons by 1%.0/2Endurance0/2 · PassiveReduces the cooldown of your Sprint and Evasion abilities by 30%.0/1Riposte0/1 · ActiveA strike that becomes active after parrying an opponent's attack. This attack deals 150% weapon damage and disarms the target for 6 sec.Requires Deflection0/2Improved Sprint0/2 · PassiveGives a 50% chance to remove all movement impairing effects when you activate your Sprint ability.0/2Improved Kick0/2 · PassiveGives your Kick ability a 50% chance to silence the target for 2 sec.0/1Restless Blades0/1 · PassiveYour damaging finishing moves reduce the remaining cooldown of your Adrenaline Rush, Blade Flurry, Evasion, Sprint, and Vanish abilities by 2 sec per combo point.0/5Dual Wield Specialization0/5 · PassiveIncreases the damage done by your off-hand weapon by 5%.Requires Precision0/1Blade Flurry0/1 · ActiveIncreases your melee attack speed by 20% and your melee attacks strike an additional nearby opponent. Lasts 15 sec.0/5Hack and Slash0/5 · PassiveGives your melee weapon attacks a benefit depending on the weapon: Axe/Sword: Your successful melee attacks have a 1% chance to trigger an extra attack on the target. Dagger/Fist: Increases your critical strike chance by 1%. Mace: Your attacks ignore 3% of your target's armor.0/2Weapon Expertise0/2 · PassiveReduces the chance for your attacks to be Dodged or Parried by 1%.Requires Blade Flurry0/3Aggression0/3 · PassiveIncreases the damage of your Sinister Strike, Backstab, and Eviscerate abilities by 2%.Requires Hack and Slash0/1Adrenaline Rush0/1 · ActiveIncreases your Energy regeneration rate by 100% for 15 sec.

Improved Eviscerate 3/3Improved Sinister Strike 2/2Puncturing Wounds 3/3Precision 3/3

Subtlety

3/5Camouflage3/5 · PassiveReduces your speed penalty from your Stealth ability by 3% and reduces its cooldown by 2 sec.0/3Master of Deception0/3 · PassiveReduces the chance enemies have to detect you while in Stealth mode as if you were 1 level higher.2/2Opportunity2/2 · PassiveIncreases the damage dealt by your Backstab, Garrote, Ambush, and Mutilate abilities by 5%.0/3Setup0/3 · PassiveGives you a 33% chance to add a Combo Point to your target after Dodging an attack or fully resisting a spell.0/2Elusiveness0/2 · PassiveReduces the cooldown of your Vanish and Blind abilities by 45 sec.0/2Dirty Tricks0/2 · PassiveReduces the Energy cost of your Sap and Blind abilities by 25%.3/3Improved Ambush3/3 · PassiveIncreases the critical strike chance of your Ambush ability by 45%.0/3Initiative0/3 · PassiveGives you a 33% chance to add an additional combo point to your target when using your Ambush, Garrote, or Cheap Shot ability.0/1Ghostly Strike0/1 · ActiveA strike that deals 125% (180% if a Dagger is equipped in your Main Hand) weapon damage and increases your chance to dodge by 15% for 7 sec. Awards 1 combo point.0/2Improved Distract0/2 · PassiveIncreases the radius of your Distract ability by 3 yds, and further reduces the Stealth detection of distracted enemies as though they were an additional 1 level lower.0/2Heightened Senses0/2 · PassiveIncreases your Stealth detection as if you were 1 level higher and reduces your chance to be hit by spells and ranged attacks by 2%.0/1Premeditation0/1 · ActiveAdds 2 Combo Points to your target. You must add to or use those combo points within 20 sec or the combo points are lost.0/3Serrated Blades0/3 · PassiveCauses your attacks to ignore 3% of your target's Armor and increases the damage dealt by your Rupture ability by 10%.0/2Dirty Deeds0/2 · PassiveReduces the Energy cost of your Cheap Shot and Garrote abilities by 10, and your Garrote ability no longer requires you to be behind your target.0/1Preparation0/1 · ActiveWhen activated, this ability immediately finishes the cooldown on your other Rogue abilities.0/1Hemorrhage0/1 · ActiveAn instant strike that deals 100% weapon damage (145% if a Dagger is equipped) and causes the target to take 15% increased Rupture damage from the Rogue. Lasts 15 sec. Awards 1 Combo Point.Requires Serrated Blades0/5Quietus0/5 · PassiveYour Sinister Strike, Ghostly Strike, and Hemorrhage abilities cause 2% more damage against targets below 35% health.Requires Dirty Deeds0/5Cutthroat0/5 · PassiveYour Backstab has a 3% chance to cause your next Ambush within 10 sec to not require Stealth.0/1Thousand Cuts0/1 · PassiveWhen your Rupture ability deals periodic damage, the Energy cost of your next Hemorrhage or Backstab ability within 10 sec is reduced by 3, stacking up to 5 times.Requires Preparation

Camouflage 3/5Opportunity 2/2Improved Ambush 3/3

Open this exact build in the calculator

Build reference · Level-60 allocations are beta plans, not final launch performance rankings.

Important talent effects

Opportunity

Increases the damage dealt by your Backstab, Garrote, Ambush, and Mutilate abilities by 5%.

2 ranks

Improved Ambush

Increases the critical strike chance of your Ambush ability by 15%.

3 ranks

Premeditation

Adds 2 Combo Points to your target. You must add to or use those combo points within 20 sec or the combo points are lost.

1 rank

Preparation

When activated, this ability immediately finishes the cooldown on your other Rogue abilities.

1 rank

Hemorrhage

An instant strike that deals 100% weapon damage (145% if a Dagger is equipped) and causes the target to take 15% increased Rupture damage from the Rogue. Lasts 15 sec. Awards 1 Combo Point.

1 rank · Requires Serrated Blades

Cutthroat

Your Backstab has a 3% chance to cause your next Ambush within 10 sec to not require Stealth.

5 ranks

PvP talent choices and play

Preparation, Dirty Tricks and Heightened Senses support repeated control and resets. Separate your damage target from your control target. Pool Energy before an Ambush or stun window and use Vanish defensively when surviving matters more than another attack.

Recommended gear & upgrades

Forever beta equipment options. Compare level requirements and sources; these are not final launch rankings.

Head

Source / location

Azure Gustwoven Hoodleather · Level 30

LeatherworkingCrafted

Brawler's Leather Helmleather · Level 25

Multiple BossesDungeons

Brawler's Leather Hoodleather · Level 20

LeatherworkingCrafted

Cloudy Gustwoven Hoodleather · Level 30

LeatherworkingCrafted

Defender's Leather Helmleather · Level 25

LeatherworkingCrafted

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Chest

Source / location

Brawler's Leather Armorleather · Level 15

LeatherworkingCrafted

Brawler's Leather Tunicleather · Level 22

LeatherworkingCrafted

Bristlepelt Vestleather

Defender's Leather Tunicleather · Level 22

LeatherworkingCrafted

Dusky Leather Armorleather · Level 30

LeatherworkingCrafted

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Main Hand

Source / location

Claw of the Shadowmancerdagger · Level 27

World drop

Daring Dirkdagger · Level 29

Prison Shankdagger · Level 23

Bruegal IronknuckleThe Stockade

Silent Hunterdagger

Call to ArmsQuest (Horde)

Subdued Dragon's Fangdagger

Stopping the CycleQuest (Alliance)

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Off Hand

Source / location

Bloody Brass Knucklesfist weapon · Level 29

Interrogator VishasScarlet Monastery

Curly's Chopperaxe

Ironspine's Fistmace · Level 30

IronspineScarlet Monastery

Pronged Reaveraxe · Level 30

Charlga RazorflankRazorfen Kraul

Ruby-Adorned Bladesword

The Eye of BhosscaQuest

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View equipment for every slot

Stats and equipment decisions

Enchanting equipment

For inexpensive leveling preparation, Enchant Bracer - Inferior Stamina and Enchant Chest - Inferior Stamina add survival to equipment you expect to keep. Prioritize an important weapon or role-specific item upgrade before spending heavily on temporary armor.

Consumables and preparation

Instant Poison

For short leveling fights, coat both weapons. Reapply when charges run low, not just when the timer expires.

Deadly Poison

Use on the off hand for sustained encounters after it becomes available; short-lived enemies may die before its damage pays off.

Elixir of Agility

An Agility buff for dungeon runs and difficult quest chains. Save a supply for encounters where you expect to stay alive and keep attacking.

Greater Healing Potion

Emergency recovery when a stun or incoming damage prevents a bandage. Use it before the next hit would kill you.

Rough Sharpening Stone

A cheap weapon enhancement which can coexist with poison in Forever. Apply an appropriate stone when restocking.

Wool Bandage

Recover between pulls, or after Gouge when no bleed or poison will break the control. Incoming damage interrupts bandaging; wait until the enemy is controlled or you are safe.

Useful profession pairings

Skinning and Leatherworking suit a self-supplied leveling character: beasts provide leather for crafted armor. Keep useful Agility pieces rather than crafting purely to raise skill.

Mining and Engineering are a control-focused alternative. Bombs and other devices supplement Rogue tools in dangerous pulls and PvP, but crafting costs compete with weapon upgrades.

First Aid is particularly valuable without a healing spell. Cooking supplies recovery food and camping access; neither takes a primary-profession slot.

Skinning · Leatherworking · Engineering · First Aid · Recipe database · Camping buffs

Races and racial abilities

Orc: Blood Fury gives an offensive cooldown to use during a sustained damage window. Hardiness helps against stuns; Shatter Curse adds a response to hostile magic.

Gnome: Eureka! offers an active damage boost, while Escape Artist is useful when a root would keep you away from your target.

Undead: Will of the Forsaken answers fear, sleep and charm. Cannibalize supports recovery between fights; its value is practical downtime reduction.

Human swords and Dwarf maces have revised critical-strike racials in Forever. Compare the weapon you actually use rather than importing Classic weapon-skill rules. Skyborne can also play Rogue; faction tradition changes the racial toolkit.

Leveling and solo play

1. Train poisons at level 20 and refill supplies before leaving town. Instant Poison suits quick kills. Do not spend a long-duration finisher on an enemy which will die in the next couple of attacks.
2. For a difficult solo pull, Sap an extra enemy, use Evasion against incoming melee attacks and save Sprint for an escape route. A controlled pull followed by a bandage usually costs less time than a corpse run.

Leveling routes and preparation · Dungeon entrances and level ranges

Useful macros

#showtooltip Kick
/cast [@mouseover,harm,nodead][] Kick

#showtooltip Gouge
/stopattack
/cast Gouge

Strengths and weaknesses

Common mistakes

• Using a finisher while Rupture is about to expire
• Missing a Cutthroat Ambush opportunity
• Spending Vanish before deciding whether it is needed to escape

Full Subtlety talent reference

Exact rank text and prerequisites from the calculator’s existing talent data. Use the interactive tooltip for additional ranks.

View every Subtlety talent

Camouflage

Passive · Tier 1 · 5 ranks

Reduces your speed penalty from your Stealth ability by 3% and reduces its cooldown by 2 sec.

Master of Deception

Passive · Tier 1 · 3 ranks

Reduces the chance enemies have to detect you while in Stealth mode as if you were 1 level higher.

Opportunity

Passive · Tier 1 · 2 ranks

Increases the damage dealt by your Backstab, Garrote, Ambush, and Mutilate abilities by 5%.

Setup

Passive · Tier 2 · 3 ranks

Gives you a 33% chance to add a Combo Point to your target after Dodging an attack or fully resisting a spell.

Elusiveness

Passive · Tier 2 · 2 ranks

Reduces the cooldown of your Vanish and Blind abilities by 45 sec.

Dirty Tricks

Passive · Tier 2 · 2 ranks

Reduces the Energy cost of your Sap and Blind abilities by 25%.

Improved Ambush

Passive · Tier 2 · 3 ranks

Increases the critical strike chance of your Ambush ability by 15%.

Initiative

Passive · Tier 3 · 3 ranks

Gives you a 33% chance to add an additional combo point to your target when using your Ambush, Garrote, or Cheap Shot ability.

Ghostly Strike

Active · Tier 3 · 1 ranks

40 Energy; Melee Range; Instant; 20 sec cooldown

A strike that deals 125% (180% if a Dagger is equipped in your Main Hand) weapon damage and increases your chance to dodge by 15% for 7 sec. Awards 1 combo point.

Improved Distract

Passive · Tier 3 · 2 ranks

Increases the radius of your Distract ability by 3 yds, and further reduces the Stealth detection of distracted enemies as though they were an additional 1 level lower.

Heightened Senses

Passive · Tier 4 · 2 ranks

Increases your Stealth detection as if you were 1 level higher and reduces your chance to be hit by spells and ranged attacks by 2%.

Premeditation

Active · Tier 4 · 1 ranks

20 yd range; Instant; 2 min cooldown

Adds 2 Combo Points to your target. You must add to or use those combo points within 20 sec or the combo points are lost.

Serrated Blades

Passive · Tier 4 · 3 ranks

Causes your attacks to ignore 3% of your target's Armor and increases the damage dealt by your Rupture ability by 10%.

Dirty Deeds

Passive · Tier 5 · 2 ranks

Reduces the Energy cost of your Cheap Shot and Garrote abilities by 10, and your Garrote ability no longer requires you to be behind your target.

Preparation

Active · Tier 5 · 1 ranks

Instant; 10 min cooldown

When activated, this ability immediately finishes the cooldown on your other Rogue abilities.

Hemorrhage

Active · Tier 5 · 1 ranks

35 Energy; Melee Range; Instant

An instant strike that deals 100% weapon damage (145% if a Dagger is equipped) and causes the target to take 15% increased Rupture damage from the Rogue. Lasts 15 sec. Awards 1 Combo Point.

Requires Serrated Blades

Quietus

Passive · Tier 6 · 5 ranks

Your Sinister Strike, Ghostly Strike, and Hemorrhage abilities cause 2% more damage against targets below 35% health.

Requires Dirty Deeds

Cutthroat

Passive · Tier 6 · 5 ranks

Your Backstab has a 3% chance to cause your next Ambush within 10 sec to not require Stealth.

Thousand Cuts

Passive · Tier 7 · 1 ranks

When your Rupture ability deals periodic damage, the Energy cost of your next Hemorrhage or Backstab ability within 10 sec is reduced by 3, stacking up to 5 times.

Requires Preparation

Changes from Classic