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 (11.0.5).
Single Target
Start in Stealth.
- To open the encounter.
- Maintain this buff.
- Repeat to generate Combo Points.
- Use on cooldown.
- Apply to the target.
- Use on cooldown.
- Cast when available.
- Use with low Combo Points.
- Continue generating Combo Points.
- Spend Combo Points when >= 6.
- Use if low on Energy.
- Use with Cold Blood on cooldown.
- Spend Combo Points when >= 6.
- Continue generating Combo Points.
- Spend Combo Points when >= 6.
Begin with Shadowstrike, maintain Slice And Dice, and use Flagellation on cooldown. Apply Rupture and Symbols Of Death as they become available, followed by Shadow Blades and Shadow Dance. Spend Combo Points with Eviscerate and Secret Technique as needed.
AoE
Start in Stealth.
- Use to open on multiple targets.
- Maintain this buff.
- Repeat for AoE damage.
- Use on cooldown.
- Apply to targets that live > 12 seconds.
- Use on cooldown.
- Use with low Combo Points.
- Use with Shadow Dance.
- Use on cooldown.
- Cast when available.
- Spend Combo Points when >= 6.
- Continue generating Combo Points.
- Spend Combo Points when >= 6.
- Continue generating Combo Points.
For AoE, start with Shuriken Storm and maintain Slice And Dice. Use Flagellation and Rupture as needed, followed by Shuriken Tornado and Shadow Dance. Spend Combo Points with Black Powder and Shadowstrike as necessary.
Cooldowns
- Primary damage cooldown.
- Use on cooldown for burst.
- Use with Shadow Blades for maximum effect.
- Use on cooldown for increased damage.
- Use when low on Energy.
Prioritize Shadow Dance and Shadow Blades for burst phases. Use Flagellation in conjunction with Shadow Blades and Symbols Of Death on cooldown.