DPS Rotation & Cooldowns
This rotation guide provides a quick, basic understanding of which abilities to prioritize when playing a Subtlety Rogue, along with additional details on important cooldowns at the bottom. Updated for the latest patch in World of Warcraft: The War Within (11.1).
Single Target
Begin in Stealth with Instant Poison applied.
- Cast when > 5 combo points, Shadow Blades ready, and conditions met.
- Cast with Shadow Dance.
- Use during Flagellation and Shadow Dance.
- Use at 6+ combo points, prioritize Secret Technique if available.
- If not up or < 9 seconds remaining.
- Use to build combo points outside of Shadow Dance.
- Use during Shadow Dance for combo points.
- Use on cooldown with low combo points.
Start with Stealth and Instant Poison. Use Flagellation at high combo points, followed by Symbols Of Death and Shadow Dance. Maintain Rupture and prioritize Eviscerate at 6+ combo points.
AoE
Begin in Stealth with Instant Poison applied.
- Cast when > 6 combo points, Shadow Blades ready, and conditions met.
- Cast with Shadow Dance.
- Use during Flagellation and Shadow Dance.
- Use to build combo points on multiple targets.
- Use at 6+ combo points, prioritize Secret Technique if available.
- If not up or < 9 seconds remaining.
- Use during Shadow Dance for combo points.
- Use on cooldown with low combo points.
For AoE, start with Stealth and Instant Poison. Use Flagellation at high combo points, followed by Symbols Of Death and Shadow Dance. Maintain Rupture and prioritize Eviscerate at 6+ combo points.
Cooldowns
Use cooldowns effectively during burst phases.
- Use every 90 seconds.
- Use during burst phases.
- Use to maximize damage during cooldowns.
- Use as a finisher during cooldowns.
- Use with Secret Technique for maximum damage.
Prioritize Flagellation and Shadow Blades during burst phases. Use Symbols Of Death and Secret Technique to maximize damage.