Cataclysm Classic Subtlety Rogue Guide

This page contains all relevant information needed for Subtlety Rogue before the release of Cataclysm Classic. Be sure to check back as we get closer to the release date, as this page will be updated with the latest information as it becomes available.

Yes! While more of a niche spec than Assassination or Combat and certainly more gear dependent, Subtlety is an entirely viable spec and can provide critical buffs that your group otherwise may be missing, especially in smaller format content. Subtlety brings Honor Among Thieves which is a reliable source of the 5% Critical Strike buff, Hemorrhage which provides the 30% bleed damage taken debuff, and of course Tricks of the Trade which allows you to redirect threat and provide a 15% damage increase to an ally for 6 seconds.

Strengths

• Provides the raid with the Hemorrhage debuff.
• Brings Tricks of the Trade buff for threat generation and added DPS.
• Solid burst damage.
• Can soak and negate raid mechanics with Cloak of Shadows to make fights easier.

Weaknesses

• Lowest consistent damage of the three Rogue specializations, more of a niche use for fights that require large burst windows.
• Incredibly limited AoE/Cleave damage.
• Extremely gear dependent.

As a member of the Horde you really cannot go wrong with the race you choose. Orc and Troll will provide you the most DPS with Troll being slightly more powerful than Orc, but Goblin is also a great choice thanks to the added mobility with Rocket Jump helping you close the gap. Undead is a strong choice; while lacking a true DPS increase racial the crowd control removal from Will of the Forsaken can still be situationaly useful.

As Alliance the default choice will be Worgen thanks their Viciousness racial. Critical Strike is an incredible powerful stat for Rogue, and while Human is another great choice, you are likely to find the Expertise you would have benefited from being a Human already existing on gear you will incorporate into your best in slot lists.

1. Engineering — Engineering remains king largely due to Synapse Springs which synergizes incredibly with any kind of damage increase like Find Weakness. Grounded Plasma Shield adds another solid defensive cooldown to help you mitigate incoming damage especially against large bursts of Physical damage as Combat Readiness can at times be difficult to use. Nitro Boosts also provides a ton of movement speed which acts almost as a second Sprint should you need it.
2. Blacksmithing — Lets you add an extra socket to both your Gloves and Bracers thanks to Socket Gloves and Socket Bracer. As a Rogue Agility is incredibly valuable compared to most secondary stats and these bonus sockets only become more valuable as the expansion progresses onward and Epic Gems are introduced.

Addons and Macros can greatly improve your quality of life during Cataclysm. Listed below are some of our recommendations on Addons and Macros to help get the most out of your time playing the game.