d4EndgameGuideShadowColdrogueRangedseason 7

Barrage – Rogue Build for Diablo 4 (Season 7)

Shotgun your foes with a barrage of arrows.

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Lexyu

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BarragePunctureDashShadow StepCold ImbuementShadow Imbuement


Season

Build Introduction

The Barrage Rogue unleashes multiple arrows in an arcing area to kill all foes on the battlefield. BarrageBarrage is the perfect Core Skill for players wanting a simple playstyle that is effective for any fight. It can be used to deliver a spread of arrows to hit multiple enemies within a pack or cast up close to tougher elites and bosses to shotgun them with every arrow.

If your character has not reached Level 60, follow the Leveling Guide for the Barrage Rogue.


Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths
  • Barrage can shotgun elites and bosses, while ricocheting to multiple enemies
  • Barrage ricochets auto-target nearby enemies
  • Relatively simple playstyle for a Rogue
Weaknesses
  • Slightly lower single-target damage than Rapid Fire
  • Limited targeting against high density packs
  • Combo Points require a rotation

Check the build tier lists to see how this build compares to others on Icy Veins.


Skill Tree Points and Skill Bar

Skill Bar Setup for Barrage Rogue (order does not matter)
BarrageBarragePuncturePunctureDashDashShadow StepShadow StepCold ImbuementCold ImbuementShadow ImbuementShadow Imbuement

The Skill Tree above shows the full allocation of 71 Skill Points for the Barrage Rogue build. Make sure you obtain the 12 Skill Points available from Renown.

Dark ShroudDark Shroud is not equipped on the Skill Bar. It is instead automatically activated by Umbrous AspectUmbrous Aspect.

Smoke GrenadeSmoke Grenade is not equipped on the Skill Bar. It is instead activated through Aspect of Quickening FogAspect of Quickening Fog.

Alternative Skills

If a further playstyle is preferred, swap PuncturePuncture for HeartseekerHeartseeker for a Basic Attack with more range with Fundamental HeartseekerFundamental Heartseeker for a damage increase to BarrageBarrage. Puncture is the top recommendation for the Barrage Rogue, due to the faster Combo Points generation and consistent Vulnerable application.


Barrage Rogue Specialization

Combo Points is the preferred Rogue Specialization for general farming due to the burst damage playstyle of the Barrage Rogue. Build Combo Points with PuncturePuncture to unleash additional damage and arrows for BarrageBarrage.

Combo Points Rogue Diablo 4
Combo Points Are Counted Above the Skill Bar

Gear, Gems, Elixirs, and Stats

The following sections cover the important systems that are essential to improving the power of your character in the endgame of Diablo 4.

Legendary Aspects

Listed below are all the best-in-slot Aspects for the Barrage Rogue build. Salvage Legendary Items with higher Aspect values to unlock them in the Codex of Power, and then imprint them onto Legendary Items with the preferred affixes.

Gear SlotAspect NameAspect Power
Ranged Weapon (replaced by SkyhunterSkyhunter or WindforceWindforce)Edgemaster's AspectEdgemaster’s AspectSkills deal up to [10 – 20%] increased damage based on your available Primary Resource when cast, receiving the maximum benefit while you have full Primary Resource.
AmuletAspect of Branching VolleysAspect of Branching VolleysIncrease the damage of arrows that Ricochet from Barrage from 40% to [60 – 80%]. In addition, Barrage’s arrows have a [40 – 60%] chance to split into 2 arrows whenever they ricochet.
Dual-Wielded Weapon Slot #1 (replaced by CondemnationCondemnation)Accelerating AspectAccelerating AspectCritical Strikes with Core Skills increase your Attack Speed by [15 – 25%] for 3 seconds.
Gloves (optional replacement with Fists of FateFists of Fate)Aspect of the ExpectantAspect of the ExpectantAttacking enemies with a Basic Skill increases the damage of your next Core Skill cast by [5 – 10%], up to 30%.
Ring Slot #1 (replaced by Ring of Starless SkiesRing of Starless Skies)Aspect of RetributionAspect of RetributionDistant enemies have a 10% chance to be Stunned for 2 seconds when they hit you. You deal [15 – 30%] increased damage to Stunned and Knocked Down enemies.
Dual-Wielded Weapon Slot #2 or Ring Slot #2Coldclip AspectColdclip AspectYour Basic Skills are always Cold Imbued. You deal x [5 – 20%] increased damage to enemies who are Chilled or Frozen.
Dual-Wielded Weapon Slot #2 or Ring Slot #2High Velocity AspectHigh Velocity AspectBarrage arrows now pierce through 1 enemy. Barrage has [10 – 20%] increased Attack Speed.
Helm (replaced by Harlequin CrestHarlequin Crest)Aspect of MightAspect of MightBasic Skills grant 20% Damage Reduction for [2 – 6] seconds
Chest (replaced by Tyrael's MightTyrael’s Might or Shroud of False DeathShroud of False Death)Aspect of Quickening FogAspect of Quickening FogYou automatically drop a Smoke Grenade at the end of Dash. Smoke Grenades reduce Dash’s Cooldown by [0.4 – 0.6] seconds for each enemy hit, up to [2.0 – 3.0] seconds.
PantsUmbrous AspectUmbrous AspectLucky Hit: Critical Strikes have up to a [45 – 60%] chance to grant a free Dark Shroud shadow.
BootsAspect of Concussive StrikesAspect of Concussive StrikesLucky Hit: Damaging an enemy has up to a 20% chance to Daze them for 2 seconds. You deal x [5 – 20%] increased damage to Dazed enemies.

Gems and Runewords

Listed below are the best Gems to socket into gear for each item type.

Weapon GemsArmor GemsJewelry Gems
Grand EmeraldGrand Emerald for increased Critical Strike Damage.Grand EmeraldGrand Emerald for Dexterity.Any Resistance Gems needed or Grand SkullGrand Skull for Armor (up to the 1,000 Armor cap).

If you are playing the Season of Witchcraft (Season 7), visit Gelena at the Tree of Whispers to craft Occult Gems. Socketing 3 of the following Occult Gems into your jewelry, listed in order of importance.

  1. Witching HourWitching Hour — While you have three or more Eldritch Witch Powers slotted, every 1 second, the next Core Skill you cast gains the Eldritch tag. Note: interacts with Purging TouchPurging Touch
  2. Moonlight WardMoonlight Ward — For each rank in your slotted Unique Witchcraft Power, you gain 3% Damage Reduction and 0.5% Maximum Resistance to All Elements.
  3. Dust StoneDust Stone — For each of your Auras and Hexes an enemy is afflicted by, they take 2.5% increased damage from you.
  4. Killing WindKilling Wind — While you have three or more Eldritch Witch Powers slotted, gain 25% Movement Speed and 15% Critical Strike Chance.
  5. Wicked PactWicked Pact — Your Non-Unique Eldritch Witch Powers gain 25% Potency.
  6. Hungering VoidHungering Void — While you have an Aura active, pull Nearby enemies toward you every 8 seconds.

Insert one of the following Runewords, consisting of a Rune of Offering and a Rune of Invocation, into your equipped Ranged Weapon. The other Runeword can be inserted into any equipped Helm, Chest, or Pants item. Add sockets to your equipment at the Jeweler if necessary.

RunewordsEffects
XolXol
OhmOhm
Gain: 150 Offering — Evoke power from another Class.
Requires: 600 Offering, Cooldown: 2 Seconds — Evoke the Barbarian’s Enhanced War Cry, increasing your Movement Speed and damage dealt.
LithLith
WatWat
Gain: 25 Offering — Stand still for 0.3 seconds.
Requires: 100 Offering, Cooldown: 1 Second — Evoke the Necromancer’s Horrid Decrepify, Slowing enemies, reducing their damage, and letting you Execute them.

Elixirs

Visit the Alchemist in any main town to craft helpful Elixirs, or find Elixirs by killing enemies or opening chests during various activities in Diablo 4. Listed below are the best Elixirs to consume for the Barrage Rogue, ranked by importance.

  1. Elixir of AdvantageElixir of Advantage increases damage output, if not already capped at 100% Attack Speed bonus from gear and Paragon.
  2. Elixir of ResourceElixir of Resource is helpful if you are having Energy issues. This elixir is highly recommended for starting characters to maintain the casting of Core Skills.
  3. Elixir of FortitudeElixir of Fortitude is the best general-purpose option for survivability.
  4.  Elixir of Iron Barbs Elixir of Iron Barbs can provide a high amount of Physical Damage Reduction. Armor becomes more effective as you approach the Armor cap (9,320 against monster level 100 and above).
  5. Specific Resistance Elixirs can be utilized to survive against Uber Bosses with elemental attacks.

Stat Priority and Tempering Affixes

Listed below are the affixes to prioritize on gear for Barrage Rogues. Each line of affixes are listed in order of importance. Affixes on the same line are considered to be equally important, but their benefits may vary depending on how much is stacked or other character stats. Attempt to obtain all affixes in each line before moving to the next line. Bolded affixes are the most important targets for Masterworking upgrades.

When comparing Legendary weapons with similar item levels, Crossbows are preferred over Bows for the higher Damage per Hit for BarrageBarrage. Daggers are selected for the fastest weapon speed to generate Combo Points.

PrecisionPrecision increases the priority of Critical Strike Damage to scale the bonus multiplier, while reducing the need for Critical Strike Chance.

The priority order of Resistances is Lightning > Poison > Fire > Cold > Shadow. Maximum Resistance is 70% by default for each element and can be increased to 85% by various sources.

Armor is only needed until capped at 1,000.

Check out our Tempering Guide for more details on Blacksmith upgrading.

SlotGear AffixesTempering Affixes
Weapons1. Dexterity, Maximum Life, Critical Strike DamageMarksman Augments — CoreMarksman Augments — Core (Weapon): Chance for Barrage Projectiles to Cast Twice
Subterfuge ExpertiseSubterfuge Expertise (Offensive): Damage per Dark Shroud
Helm1. Cooldown Reduction
2. Any uncapped Resistances or Armor
3. Maximum Life, Dexterity, Lucky Hit Chance
Imbuement AbundanceImbuement Abundance (Utility): Shadow/Cold Imbue Additional Casts
Worldly EnduranceWorldly Endurance (Defensive): Armor up to 1,000 cap, otherwise Dodge Chance
Chest1. Ranks to Dark Shroud
2. Any uncapped Resistances or Armor
3. Maximum Life, Dexterity
Imbuement AbundanceImbuement Abundance (Utility): Shadow/Cold Imbue Additional Casts
Worldly EnduranceWorldly Endurance (Defensive): Armor up to 1,000 cap, otherwise Dodge Chance
Gloves1. Ranks to Barrage, Attack Speed, Critical Strike Damage
2. Any uncapped Resistances or Armor
3. Maximum Life, Dexterity, Lucky Hit Chance
Subterfuge ExpertiseSubterfuge Expertise (Offensive): Damage per Dark Shroud
Worldly FortuneWorldly Fortune (Utility): Lucky Hit Chance to Freeze
Pants1. Dexterity, Maximum Life
2. Any uncapped Resistances or Armor
Worldly FortuneWorldly Fortune (Utility): Lucky Hit Chance to Stun
Worldly EnduranceWorldly Endurance (Defensive): Armor up to 1,000 cap, otherwise Dodge Chance
BootsImplicit Stat: Attacks Reduce Evade’s Cooldown
1. Movement Speed
2. Resistances, Armor
3. Ranks to Dash, Maximum Life, Dexterity
Natural MotionNatural Motion (Mobility): Movement Speed
Imbuement AbundanceImbuement Abundance (Utility): Shadow/Cold Imbue Additional Casts
Amulet1. Ranks to Unstable Elixirs, Frigid Finesse, and Weapon Mastery
2. Critical Strike Chance, Cooldown Reduction, Attack Speed
Imbuement AbundanceImbuement Abundance (Utility): Shadow/Cold Imbue Additional Casts
Subterfuge ExpertiseSubterfuge Expertise (Offensive): Damage per Dark Shroud
Rings1. Attack Speed, Critical Strike Damage
2. Resource Cost Reduction, Maximum Life
3. Dexterity, Lucky Hit Chance, Critical Strike Chance
Subterfuge ExpertiseSubterfuge Expertise (Offensive): Damage per Dark Shroud
Agility EfficiencyAgility Efficiency (Resource): Agility Cooldown Reduction

Unique and Mythic Items

Listed below are the recommended and optional Unique Items for the Barrage Rogue build. Each item description includes the most important affix to target for Masterworking upgrades.

  • SkyhunterSkyhunter (recommended starter) synergies well with PrecisionPrecision to increase its bonus damage and restore Energy. However, the value of Critical Strike Damage becomes diminished in a min-maxed endgame build, making WindforceWindforce the better choice for damage output. Skyhunter can be a good starting weapon early on when you do not have a high amount of Critical Strike Damage.
    • Masterworking Priority: Attack Speed, Critical Strike Damage, or Chance for Marksman Projectiles to Cast Twice
  • WindforceWindforce (late endgame potential) provides a 1.5x multiplier in the unique effect, in addition to 4 valuable stats. Windforce can eventually provide more damage output than SkyhunterSkyhunter with the proper Masterworking.
    • Masterworking Priority: Ranks to Barrage
  • CondemnationCondemnation (recommended) provides a 1.4x multiplier that works well in this Combo Points build.
    • Masterworking Priority: Basic Skill Attack Speed
  • Harlequin CrestHarlequin Crest (recommended) provides a good amount of offense and defense, if you are lucky enough to find this Mythic Unique Item.
    • Masterworking Priority: Cooldown Reduction
  • Ring of Starless SkiesRing of Starless Skies (recommended) is a Mythic Unique Item that provides a highly valuable 1.5x multiplier. The downside is the unique effect requires some management to ramp up and maintain the buff stacks.
    • Masterworking Priority: Critical Strike Chance or Ranks to Core Skills
  • Fists of FateFists of Fate (optional) increases overall damage by 50% with a 300% value on the unique effect. They are comparable to well-rolled Legendary Gloves with Ranks to BarrageBarrage, Attack Speed, Critical Strike Chance, and an Offensive Aspect. The downside is the drastic damage range of the unique effect can cause an inconsistency in the hits required to kill enemies.
    • Masterworking Priority: Attack Speed
  • The UmbracruxThe Umbracrux (optional) spawns an additional target for Boss fights. Ricocheting arrows from BarrageBarrage deal 120% damage with Aspect of Branching VolleysAspect of Branching Volleys imprinted on an Amulet. Shotgun all your arrows into the Shade Totem to ricochet them to a Boss for more damage output. Replace Shadow StepShadow Step or DashDash with Smoke GrenadeSmoke Grenade on your Skill Bar for this setup. Reallocate points from the replaced Skill into Countering Smoke GrenadeCountering Smoke Grenade and AgileAgile Rank 2.
  • Cowl of the NamelessCowl of the Nameless (optional) provides the highest damage output when properly Masterworked.
  • Tyrael's MightTyrael’s Might (optional) is the best defensive option for a Chest Armor. The divine barrage does not contribute a significant portion of the total damage in this build.
    • Masterworking Priority: Damage Reduction
  • Shroud of False DeathShroud of False Death (optional) provides the highest damage increase in the slot due to the +1 Ranks to All Passives inherent affix.
    • Masterworking Priority: All Stats or Maximum Life

Paragon

After Character Level 60, experience gains are applied to Paragon up to Level 300. A maximum of 228 Paragon Points can be obtained through Paragon Levels, Renown, and Altars of Lilith. Follow the Paragon setup designed for the Barrage Rogue to gain a considerable amount of progression for your character.

Glyphs are inserted into sockets on each Paragon board and can be found during various activities in Diablo 4. Level up the Glyphs included in the Paragon setup by completing The Pit. Clearing higher tiers of The Pit allows Glyphs to reach higher levels.

Important Notes:

  • Make sure you select the correct Legendary Boards and rotate them into the proper orientation.
  • Attach Legendary Boards in the order shown, as bonus requirements of Rare Nodes increase with their placement order.
  • Prioritize leveling each of your equipped Glyphs to 15 to gain the increased radius, which can be required to meet additional bonus requirements. Afterward, level each Glyph to 46 to unlock its Legendary Bonus and gain another radius increase.

The Paragon setup displayed above focuses on quickly unlocking the essential Glyph sockets and Legendary Nodes at a moderate Paragon Level. Once the base setup is complete, allocate the remaining Paragon points in the following order.

  1. Obtain any remaining nodes providing a damage increase within the radius of Glyph sockets.
  2. Path to the remaining Rare and Magic nodes. Prioritize obtaining damage reduction, any needed Resistances/Armor, and damage increases.
  3. Any remaining points can be spent on Dexterity nodes within the radius of HeadhunterHeadhunter.

Witchcraft Powers

In the Season of Witchcraft (Season 7), earn seasonal reputation to unlock Witchcraft Powers. Equip the following Witchcraft Powers to enhance this build.

  1. Doom OrbDoom Orb: Eldritch Power
    • An ominous orb of pure Eldritch energy circles you, damaging any enemy it touches for [X] Fire damage. Doom Orb may launch itself at distant enemies before returning.
    • At Rank 5: Kills or damage to Bosses empower the orb’s damage by 5%. After 100%, the orb explodes dealing [X] damage to nearby enemies before reforming 3 seconds later.
  2. Aura of SiphoningAura of Siphoning: Growth and Decay Power
    • Conjure an aura of decay that deals [X] Poison damage to enemies every second.
    • At Rank 10: Each time Aura of Siphoning deals damage, you are healed for 1% of Maximum Life.
  3. Aura SpecializationAura Specialization: Lost Power
    • The size of your Aura Effects are increased by [79%].
    • At Rank 10: Increase the Critical Strike Damage by 50% against enemies inside your Aura Effects.
  4. Purging TouchPurging Touch: Eldritch Power
    • Eldritch Effects deal [39.9%] increased damage against Headrotten.
    • At Rank 10: This damage bonus now extends to all monsters.
  5. Hex of ShatteringHex of Shattering: Psyche Power
    • Damage done by your Witchcraft Effects afflicts enemies with Hex of Shattering causing them to deal [20%] reduced damage for 5 seconds.
    • At Rank 8: When any Hex Effect is applied to Headrotten, all damage will be guaranteed Critical Strikes for 5 seconds.
  6. Hex of FlamesHex of Flames: Eldritch Power
    • Lucky Hit: You have up to an 60% chance to apply Hex of Flames. Hex of Flames deals [X] additional Fire damage each time you deal damage to the target.
    • At Rank 7: Hex of Flames explodes dealing damage to all nearby enemies when you land a Critical Strike.

Mercenaries

Once the Den is unlocked during the main questline in the Vessel of Hatred expansion for Diablo 4, complete Mercenary key quests to acquire them. Hire a Mercenary and enlist a Reinforcement in the following setup.


Advanced Information

Additional details are provided in the following sections for a more in-depth explanation of the Barrage Rogue. Read this advanced information after understanding the basic overview of the build in the previous sections.

Build Mechanics

BarrageBarrage fires arrows in an arc similar to Multishot skills in other ARPG games, making it useful for killing multiple enemies spread out in a pack. Barrage can also be cast right next to elites and bosses to shotgun them with all arrows for high single-target damage.

Dark ShroudDark Shroud is not equipped on the Skill Bar. Dark Shrouds stacks are instead granted through Umbrous AspectUmbrous Aspect with the high amount of hits per cast from BarrageBarrage.

Shadow StepShadow Step and DashDash are Cutthroat Skills that can be used before casting BarrageBarrage to gain the damage bonus from Tricks of the TradeTricks of the Trade.

Smoke GrenadeSmoke Grenade is not equipped on the Skill Bar, but is instead auto-casted through Aspect of Quickening FogAspect of Quickening Fog by using DashDash. Use Dash offensively to land on top of enemies and Daze them. Enhanced Smoke GrenadeEnhanced Smoke Grenade is also allocated for enemies to take 25% increased damage.

Resource Management

InnervationInnervation, Enhanced PunctureEnhanced Puncture, and CombatCombat should provide enough Energy generation if you are taking the time to build 3 Combo Points before casting each BarrageBarrage. SkyhunterSkyhunter, The UmbracruxThe Umbracrux, and Ring of Starless SkiesRing of Starless Skies are options for additional resource management.

Crowd Controls and Boss Stagger

Cold ImbuementCold Imbuement is utilized to activate Mixed Cold ImbuementMixed Cold Imbuement, Frigid FinesseFrigid Finesse, and ControlControl for additional damage. These damage bonuses do not apply to Bosses unless they are Staggered.

Stun from Methodical Shadow StepMethodical Shadow Step, Chill from Cold ImbuementCold Imbuement, and Lucky Hit Chance to Freeze/Daze/Immobilize/Slow tempers are utilized to quickly Stagger bosses. Repeated Crowd Controls of the same type in a short duration apply less Stagger to bosses, so separate sources of Crowd Controls are tempered for maximum effect. Make sure to optimize damage against Staggered bosses by activating Cold ImbuementCold Imbuement.

The In-Game Crowd Control Tooltip

Animation Cancel Technique

An Evade can be used immediately after using BarrageBarrage to cancel their casting animations. This technique is important to quickly dodge incoming attacks or advance forward. Boots with the implicit effect, Attacks Reduce Evade’s Cooldown, allow for an animation cancel after using 3 Basic Attacks and a Core Skill. Practice hitting Evade after every Core Skill to build muscle memory.

Arrows continue to fire after animation cancel

Damage Rotation

Use the following rotation to optimize damage output.

  1. Cast PuncturePuncture up to 3 times to build Combo Points.
  2. Initiate combat with one of the following Skills:
  3. Activate one of the following Imbuement Skills:
    • Cast Shadow ImbuementShadow Imbuement against groups of enemies for increased damage and explosions.
    • Cast Cold ImbuementCold Imbuement against Elites to Freeze them and deal additional damage.
  4. Use a Potion to activate the damage buff from Unstable ElixirsUnstable Elixirs.
  5. Cast BarrageBarrage to deal damage. Stand next to elites or bosses to shotgun them with all arrows.
  6. Immediately animation cancel BarrageBarrage.
  7. Restart the rotation, refreshing Imbuement Skills when necessary.

Obol Gambling

Obol gambling is a great way to potentially find item upgrades or items missing from your build. Use Obols on your target equipment for a chance to receive Greater Affixes. Check out the new tool guide from Icy Veins for gambling Obols in the link below.

Obol Gambling Optimization Tool

Changelog

  • January 19, 2025: Guide updated for Season 7 (Patch 2.1.0).
  • October 16, 2024: New Paragon tool added.
  • October 4, 2024: Guide updated for Season 6 (Patch 2.0.2).
  • August 6, 2024: Guide updated for Season 5 (Patch 1.5.0).
  • May 14, 2024: Guide updated for Season 4 (Patch 1.4.0).
  • January 22, 2024: Guide updated for Season 3 (Patch 1.3.0).
  • October 17, 2023: Guide updated for Season 2 (Patch 1.2.0).
  • July 18, 2023: Guide updated for Season 1.
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