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TBC Rogue Arena Mastery

Complete Guide from Beginner to Gladiator (2200+)

Rogue Identity

Rogues are the control and burst kings of TBC. You dictate the pace of every fight through stealth, stuns, and devastating openers. Master the art of stunlock chains and you'll delete targets before they can react.

Stealth

Stealth Control

Open fights on YOUR terms. Sap, Cheap Shot, and re-stealth for total control

Cheap Shot

Stunlock Master

Chain CC: Cheap Shot > Kidney Shot > Blind keeps targets locked down

Cold Blood

Burst Assassin

Cold Blood + Eviscerate deletes targets. Mutilate builds combo points fast

Vanish

Escape Artist

Vanish, Cloak of Shadows, Sprint - you choose when to fight and when to reset

Hidden Mechanics

1.0 Second GCD

Rogues have a 1.0s GCD, not 1.5s like casters. You can use abilities faster than most classes!

Energy Tick Rate

20 energy every 2 seconds. Time your abilities to not waste energy regen ticks.

Kidney Shot Duration

1 second per combo point in PvP (max 6s at 5 CP). But 2-3 CP kidneys are often better for energy efficiency.

Blind Has No DR With Stuns

Blind is DISORIENT, not stun. Chain Cheap Shot > Kidney > Blind for 18+ seconds of CC!

Cloak Removes Everything

Cloak of Shadows removes ALL magic debuffs instantly AND gives 90% magic resist for 5 seconds.

Gouge Requires Facing

Target must be facing you to Gouge. Use it to re-stealth - damage breaks it!

Pro Tips & Tricks

1

Sap Before Opening

ALWAYS Sap healer before opening on DPS. 10s of free damage before heals come.

2

Kick and Blind Are Off-GCD

You can Kick or Blind WHILE doing other abilities. Weave them between strikes.

3

Gouge to Re-Stealth

Gouge > wait for energy > Vanish > re-open with full combo. Devastating in duels.

4

Prep Resets Key Cooldowns

Preparation resets Evasion, Sprint, Vanish, Cold Blood. Use it to get a second chance.

5

Rupture Cannot Be Dispelled

Use Rupture vs Paladins and Priests. The bleed keeps ticking through Bubble and dispels.

6

Shadowstep Behind Pillars

Shadowstep puts you BEHIND the target. Use it to get LoS on their healer.

Poison Knowledge

Wound Poison

vs Healers
  • Reduces healing by 10% per stack
  • Stacks up to 5 times (50%!)
  • Essential vs healer teams
  • Main hand always

Crippling Poison

vs Kiters
  • 70% movement slow
  • Off-hand default
  • Essential vs Druids, Hunters
  • Stops kiting dead

Mind-Numbing Poison

vs Casters
  • 60% slower casting
  • Great vs healers
  • Stack with Wound vs Priests
  • Makes interrupts easier

Combo Point System

Builders (Generate CP)

Cheap Shot (2 CP) > Mutilate (2 CP) > SS/Hemo (1 CP)

Finishers (Spend CP)

Kidney Shot - Eviscerate - Rupture

Standard CC Chain

Sap > Cheap Shot > Kidney Shot > Blind

Common Mistakes

X

Opening Without Sap

ALWAYS Sap healer first. Cheap Shot on DPS with healer free = wasted opener.

X

Burning Full Kidney Early

6 second Kidney at start wastes potential. Short kidneys for control, full kidney for kills.

X

Evasion vs Casters

Evasion is DODGE. It does nothing vs spells. Use Cloak vs casters instead.

X

Wasting Vanish

Vanish is 5 min CD. Use it to re-open for kills, not to run away from lost fights.

X

Energy Capping

Sitting at 100 energy = wasted regen. Always be using energy, even if just Sinister Strike.

X

Forgetting Focus Macros

Focus Kick on healer is mandatory. Swap target to kick = lost damage and control.

Win Conditions

✓

Perfect CC Chain

Sap > Cheap Shot > Kidney Shot > Blind = 25+ seconds of CC. Enough time to kill anyone.

✓

Opener Burst Kill

From stealth: CS > 5pt Kidney > Blade Flurry + AR + trinket. Delete targets before healer reacts.

✓

Reset & Re-Open

When cooldowns are down, Vanish and wait for healer trinket. Second opener often wins the game.

✓

Lock Out the Healer

Focus Kick on healer at critical moment = 4s silence. Time your team's burst with the interrupt.

Rating Progression Roadmap

What to focus on at each rating bracket to keep climbing. Master each tier before moving on.

BRONZE 1200-1500 Assassin's Primer

Focus: Opener Execution

  • Sap healer every single game before opening
  • Learn the basic chain: Cheap Shot > build > Kidney Shot
  • Use Blind to extend CC when healer comes out of Sap
  • Keep Wound Poison up on kill target
  • Use Cloak early if you get CC'd
Goal: Execute clean openers with Sap > CS > KS chain
SILVER 1500-1700 Shadow's Edge

Focus: Re-Stealth & Focus Macros

  • Learn to Gouge > Vanish for mid-fight re-opens
  • Master Focus Kick - interrupt healer without swapping
  • Track enemy trinkets - full opener when trinket is down
  • Coordinate Blind with partner CC for kill windows
  • Start using Preparation aggressively, not just defensively
Goal: Land 2+ openers per game using re-stealth
GOLD 1700-1900 Challenger's Path

Focus: Cooldown Economy

  • Track all enemy defensives (Bubble, Ice Block, etc.)
  • Save full burst for when defensives are down
  • Use short kidneys for control, full kidney only for kills
  • Prep usage: know when to reset vs when to commit
  • Fake opener to bait trinkets, then re-stealth and go again
Goal: Win through cooldown advantage and patience
DUELIST 1900-2200+ Gladiator's Edge

Focus: Micro-Optimization & Mind Games

  • Pre-position for re-opens before target reaches safety
  • Bait kicks with fake Gouge positioning
  • Track GCDs - know exactly when healer can respond
  • Shadowstep usage for LoS manipulation
  • Read enemy patterns and punish predictable play
Goal: Outplay through prediction and flawless execution

Positioning & Pillar Play

The Reset Pattern

1 Burst from stealth
->
2 Gouge when low
->
3 LoS and Vanish
->
4 Re-open fresh

You control when fights happen. Reset if the first opener fails.

*
vs Healers

Open behind pillar so healer cant LoS you. Shadowstep keeps you on target.

*
vs Casters

Stay on top of them. Kick window is tiny - be in melee at all times.

*
Sap Position

Sap healer away from DPS. Longer travel time = more free damage.

*
Vanish Position

Vanish behind pillar so AoE cant break your stealth. Then re-open.

Cooldown Trading Framework

Arena is won by making better trades. Your cooldowns vs their cooldowns.

Defensive Cooldowns

Cloak of Shadows Use to remove magic CC/DoTs or prevent incoming magic burst
Evasion Pop when trained by melee. Useless vs casters!
Vanish Emergency escape OR re-open for kills. Never waste it!
PvP Trinket Only trinket when you will die or miss a kill window

Kill Windows

Enemy trinket down -> Full opener = guaranteed stun chain
Healer in Blind -> Cold Blood + Eviscerate for kill
Enemy Ice Block/Bubble used -> Reset and full go when it fades
Prep available -> Double opener potential = massive pressure

Best 2v2 Comps (Casual Friendly) - Click for Guide

S
Rogue + Priest (Disc) Mana burn, CC chains, incredible control
V

Win Condition

Control the game with overlapping CC while Priest mana burns. When enemy healer is OOM or in CC, burst for kill.

Opening Strategy

  1. Sap enemy healer
  2. Cheap Shot kill target (Q)
  3. Priest Mana Burns during your stun chain
  4. Kidney Shot (5) when Cheap Shot ends
  5. Priest Fears enemy DPS if needed

Kill Setup

  • CC Chain: Sap > CS > KS > Blind on healer
  • Priest Psychic Scream if they trinket
  • Cold Blood + Eviscerate for kill
  • Focus Kick healer if they get cast off

Tips & Tricks

  • Priest can drink while you control
  • Pain Suppression saves you from burst
  • Mana Burn wins long games
  • Fear and Blind dont share DR!
S
Rogue + Mage Burst kings, double CC, fast games
V

Win Condition

Overwhelming burst and CC. Sheep healer + stunlock DPS = dead in seconds. No sustain - must win fast.

Opening Strategy

  1. Sap healer from stealth
  2. Cheap Shot DPS, Mage Polymorphs healer
  3. Full burst on DPS during stuns
  4. Blind healer when Poly ends
  5. Kill before Blind ends or reset

Kill Setup

  • Mage Frost Nova > Shatter combo during Kidney
  • Your Cold Blood Evisc + Mage burst = instant kill
  • Counterspell backup if healer gets cast
  • Ice Block resets if you mess up

Tips & Tricks

  • Games should last 30 seconds to 2 minutes
  • If first go fails, Vanish + Mage Invis reset
  • No healer = must end fast
  • Coordinate burst - call "GO!" together
A
Rogue + Druid Control and sustain, Cyclone chains
V

Win Condition

Extended CC chains with Cyclone + your stuns. Druid keeps you alive through anything. Win on attrition.

Opening Strategy

  1. Sap healer
  2. Cheap Shot DPS
  3. Druid Cyclones healer after Sap
  4. Chain your stuns with Cyclone DR

Kill Setup

  • Cyclone doesnt DR with any of your CC!
  • Chain: CS > KS > Cyclone > Blind > Cyclone
  • Druid can HoT you through enemy burst
  • Save Kick for crucial heals

Tips & Tricks

  • Druid drinks in Travel Form during your CC
  • Long games favor you - Druid mana is infinite
  • Play patient, dont force bad openers
  • Your burst + Druid Feral DPS = high damage
A
Rogue + Warlock DoT pressure, Fear chains, CC overload
V

Win Condition

You stunlock, Lock DoTs and Fears. Double Fear + your stuns = target doesnt play the game.

Opening Strategy

  1. Sap healer
  2. Lock pre-DoTs kill target
  3. Cheap Shot DPS
  4. Lock Fears healer when Sap ends
  5. Kidney + burst during Fear

Kill Setup

  • DoTs tick through your stuns = huge damage
  • Blind healer, Lock Fears if trinket
  • Death Coil is Horror, not Fear DR!
  • UA punishes dispels

Tips & Tricks

  • Soul Link makes Lock very tanky
  • Felhunter can interrupt if you miss Kick
  • Coordinate Fear and Blind timing
  • Lock can survive while you reset

Core Arena Abilities

Cheap Shot 4s stun + 2 CP from stealth
Kidney Shot 1s/CP stun (max 6s), 20s CD
Blind 10s disorient, OFF-GCD, 3min CD
Kick 5s lockout, OFF-GCD, 10s CD
Gouge 4s incap (dmg breaks), 10s CD
Cloak of Shadows Remove magic + 90% resist 5s
Vanish Instant stealth, 5min CD
Shadowstep 25yd teleport behind target

Arena Points Calculator

Weekly Points 261
Base Points (5v5) 297
Weeks for S1 Weapon (3150) -
Weeks for S1 Shoulders (2000) -
Weeks for Full S1 Set (8575) -

Rating Breakpoints

1500~261 pts (3v3)
1700~323 pts (3v3)
1850~369 pts (3v3)
2000~411 pts (3v3)
2200~466 pts + S1 Shoulders

Arena Checklist

  • Poisons applied (Wound + Crippling)
  • Thistle Tea ready (instant energy)
  • Health potions in bags
  • Start in stealth position
  • Focus target set on healer
  • Sap healer before opening
  • Track enemy trinket usage
  • Save Blind for kill windows
  • Kick healer casts, not DPS
  • Prep available for emergencies

Quick Win Conditions

vs Double DPS

Kill one fast. Sap > Cheap Shot > Kidney > Cold Blood Evisc. No healer = they die.

vs Healer/DPS

CC healer endlessly. Sap > CS on DPS > Blind healer > Kidney > kill during Blind.

vs Double Healer

Long game. Keep one CC'd, pressure other. Wound Poison on both. OOM them.

Matchup Knowledge

Understanding each class's strengths and weaknesses is essential. Master these matchups to know exactly what to do in every fight.

Favorable - Rogue Advantage
Even - Skill Dependent
Hard - Requires Outplay
Warrior

vs Warrior

Favorable

Win Condition

Kite with Crippling, stun lock when they overextend, reset if they pop cooldowns. You control this fight completely.

Danger Points

  • Overpower: Procs after you dodge - dont Evasion tank!
  • Intercept: Gap closer + stun, avoid kiting in straight lines
  • Spell Reflect: Reflects poisons for 5s - wait it out
  • Mortal Strike: 50% healing reduction if they hit you

Pro Tips

  • Crippling Poison is mandatory - they cant catch you
  • Dont use Evasion - Overpower ignores dodge
  • Gouge > run away > re-stealth if needed
  • Full kidney during their Recklessness = dead warrior
Rogue

vs Rogue (Mirror)

Even

Win Condition

Whoever opens first usually wins. Prep gives you a second chance. Save Cloak for their burst window.

Danger Points

  • Their opener: Getting opened = likely loss
  • Blind trades: Both have it, timing is everything
  • Evasion: Useless - both have it, cancels out
  • Cloak: Their Cloak negates your poisons

Pro Tips

  • Open first at all costs - position aggressively
  • Vanish their Blind if possible
  • Cloak their Kidney if theyre about to kill you
  • Prep is your trump card - whoever has it wins the reset
Mage

vs Mage

Favorable

Win Condition

Stay on them constantly. Interrupt Polymorph, Cloak their Frost Nova, Shadowstep their Blink. They cant escape you.

Danger Points

  • Polymorph: Kick this ALWAYS - full sheep = reset
  • Frost Nova + Shatter: Huge burst if you get caught
  • Ice Block: Full immunity reset - wait it out
  • Blink: 20yd escape - Shadowstep follows

Pro Tips

  • Cloak removes ALL frost novas and slows
  • Kick Polymorph, not Frostbolt
  • Shadowstep after Blink - they cant escape
  • Mind-Numbing Poison makes their casts very slow
Priest

vs Priest

Even

Win Condition

Interrupt heals, keep Wound Poison stacked, burst through shields. Garrote silence is huge vs them.

Danger Points

  • Psychic Scream: 8s fear - Cloak it or trinket
  • Pain Suppression: 40% DR - swap targets or wait
  • Dispel: Removes your poisons constantly
  • Shadow (SPriest): Dots + silence + mana burn

Pro Tips

  • Garrote opener for 3s silence - they cant Fear
  • Cloak Psychic Scream immediately
  • Kick Flash Heal, not Greater Heal (faster)
  • Wound Poison 5 stacks = 50% less healing
Hunter

vs Hunter

Hard

Win Condition

Get into melee and stay there. Cloak Scatter Shot, Vanish the trap, kill them before they reset.

Danger Points

  • Flare: Reveals your stealth - dont open into Flare
  • Scatter + Trap: 4s + 10s CC if you eat it
  • Aimed Shot: Huge crits from range
  • Intimidation (BM): Pet stun into burst

Pro Tips

  • Cloak the Scatter - cant be trapped while magic immune
  • Vanish the Freezing Trap if you get caught
  • Stay in their dead zone (0-8 yards) - they cant shoot
  • Kill pet first if BM - Bestial Wrath is scary
Druid

vs Druid

Hard

Win Condition

Keep Rupture up (undispellable), Crippling Poison stops kiting. Burst when they shift to caster form.

Danger Points

  • Travel Form: They can kite forever without Crippling
  • Bear Form: Tanky + stuns, hard to burst
  • Cyclone: 6s CC, no DR with your stuns
  • Lifebloom: HoT stacking = infinite healing

Pro Tips

  • Rupture cannot be shifted or dispelled!
  • Crippling Poison mandatory - they cant kite
  • Kidney when they shift to caster for heals
  • Long fight - dont waste CDs early
Shaman

vs Shaman

Even

Win Condition

Kill totems, interrupt heals, burst during stun windows. Watch for Grounding eating your Blind.

Danger Points

  • Grounding Totem: Absorbs your Blind - kill it first
  • Earthbind Totem: Slows you, kiting tool
  • Earth Shock: 2s interrupt, short CD
  • Windfury: Enhancement can global you with procs

Pro Tips

  • Kill Grounding before using Blind
  • Kick Chain Heal - biggest heal
  • Enhancement: respect the Windfury burst
  • Elemental: stay on them, they fold to melee
Paladin

vs Paladin

Hard

Win Condition

Wait out Bubble, keep Wound Poison stacked, Rupture for undispellable damage. Long fight.

Danger Points

  • Divine Shield: 12s full immunity - wait it out
  • Blessing of Freedom: Immune to Crippling Poison
  • Hammer of Justice: 6s stun every 60s
  • Flash Heals: Very mana efficient, hard to oom

Pro Tips

  • Rupture continues ticking through Bubble!
  • Wound Poison 5 stacks before burst
  • They WILL BoP their partner - have a swap target
  • Games go long - save Prep for late
Warlock

vs Warlock

Even

Win Condition

Cloak is your best friend. Removes all DoTs, immune to Fear. Kill Felhunter to remove Soul Link.

Danger Points

  • Fear: 1.5s cast, DR with Blind
  • Death Coil: Horror (not Fear DR!) + heal
  • DoT Pressure: Corruption/Siphon tick hard
  • Soul Link: 20% damage to pet = very tanky

Pro Tips

  • Cloak removes ALL their DoTs instantly
  • Garrote opener silences Fear casts
  • Kill Felhunter first - removes Soul Link
  • Kick Fear or Drain Life, depending on pressure

Quick Matchup Reference

Class Opener Key Ability Priority
Warrior Cheap Shot Crippling Poison Kite, stunlock
Rogue Open First! Cloak/Prep Win the opener
Mage Cheap Shot Kick Poly Stay on them
Priest Garrote Cloak Fear Wound Poison
Hunter Cheap Shot Cloak Scatter Stay in melee
Druid Cheap Shot Rupture Crippling Poison
Shaman Cheap Shot Kill Grounding Kick heals
Paladin Cheap Shot Rupture Wait Bubble
Warlock Garrote Cloak DoTs Kill Felhunter
Score 0
Combo 0x
Time 0:00
Best 0
Enemy DPS Mage
100%
Enemy Healer Priest
100%
Casting...
0.0s
You 70 Rogue
HP: 100%
Energy: 100
CP: 0
Builders
1

Sinister Strike

Instant | 45 Energy

Main combo builder. Works from any angle.

3

Mutilate

Instant | 60 Energy | Behind

2 combo points! Requires daggers + behind.

4

Hemorrhage

Instant | 35 Energy

Cheap builder + damage debuff.

Finishers
5

Kidney Shot

Instant | 25 Energy | 20s CD

1s stun per combo point (max 6s PvP).

T

Eviscerate

Instant | 35 Energy

Main damage finisher. Use at 5 CP.

6

Rupture

Instant | 25 Energy

Bleed DoT - cannot be dispelled!

Openers
Q

Cheap Shot

Stealth | 60 Energy

4s stun + 2 combo points!

E

Garrote

Stealth | 50 Energy

3s silence + bleed DoT. vs Casters!

V

Sap

Stealth | 65 Energy

10s incapacitate. Keeps you in stealth!

CC/Utility
F

Gouge

Instant | 45 Energy | 10s CD

4s incap - damage breaks it!

G

Blind

OFF-GCD | 3min CD

10s disorient. No DR with stuns!

C

Kick

OFF-GCD | 25 Energy | 10s CD

5s school lockout interrupt!

Defensives
s#

Vanish

OFF-GCD | 5min CD

Instant stealth! Escape or re-open.

s@

Cloak of Shadows

OFF-GCD | 1min CD

Remove magic + 90% resist 5s!

s!

Evasion

OFF-GCD | 5min CD

50% dodge 15s. vs Melee only!

Select difficulty and click Start Training!

Rogue Training Tips

  • Sap healer FIRST, then open on DPS
  • Cheap Shot gives 2 CP + 4s stun
  • Blind is OFF-GCD - use it mid-combat!
  • Kick is OFF-GCD - weave with abilities
  • Gouge to re-stealth (damage breaks it)
  • Vanish mid-fight for second opener
  • Cold Blood + Evisc at 5 CP = huge damage
  • 1.0s GCD = faster than other classes!

TBC Rogue Talent Builds

Click on a build to see the full talent breakdown and explanations

Shadowstep (Subtlety)

0/20/41 - The Control Master

Difficulty: Medium Playstyle: Control & Burst Best For: 2v2/3v3 Arena

Why This Build?

Shadowstep is the premier arena spec in TBC. The 25-yard teleport combined with Preparation (resets Evasion, Sprint, Vanish, Cold Blood) gives you unmatched control and reset potential. Hemorrhage is your primary builder.

Assassination

0 Points

No points in Assassination

Shadowstep focuses on Subtlety tree

Combat

20 Points
Lightning Reflexes 5/5
Deflection 5/5
Precision 2/2
Camouflage 5/5
Improved Kick 2/2

Subtlety

41 Points
Master of Deception 5/5
Sleight of Hand 2/2
Elusiveness 2/2
Dirty Tricks 2/2
Ghostly Strike 1/1
Serrated Blades 3/3
Hemorrhage 1/1
Premeditation 1/1
Sinister Calling 5/5
Deadliness 5/5
Preparation 1/1 KEY
Master of Subtlety 3/3
Shadowstep 1/1 KEY

Key Talent Explanations

Shadowstep

25-yard teleport behind your target. Use to gap close after Blink, follow targets through pillars, or position for Backstab.

Preparation

Resets Evasion, Sprint, Vanish, Cold Blood. This single talent lets you have TWO full openers per fight.

Hemorrhage

35 energy builder (cheap!). Debuffs target to take bonus physical damage. Main combo builder for Sub.

Premeditation

Adds 2 combo points before you open. Cheap Shot + Premed = 4 CP instantly for fast Kidney.

How to Play Shadowstep

1
Prep for Double Opener

First opener fails? Vanish > re-open. Prep resets Vanish for a THIRD opener if needed.

2
Shadowstep Aggressively

30s CD means you can use it frequently. Gap close, catch Blinks, position behind pillars.

3
Hemorrhage for Energy

35 energy vs 45 for Sinister Strike. More abilities per stunlock = more damage.

4
Premeditation Setup

Premed > Cheap Shot = 4 CP. One more builder = 5 CP Kidney in 2 globals.

Mutilate (Assassination)

41/20/0 - Maximum Burst

Difficulty: Easy Playstyle: Pure Burst Best For: 2v2 with Healer

Why This Build?

Mutilate generates 2 combo points per use. Combined with Seal Fate (extra CP on crit), you can reach 5 CP in 2 globals. Highest burst damage of any rogue spec.

Assassination

41 Points
Malice 5/5
Ruthlessness 3/3
Murder 2/2
Relentless Strikes 1/1
Lethality 5/5
Cold Blood 1/1 KEY
Seal Fate 5/5
Vile Poisons 5/5
Find Weakness 5/5
Mutilate 1/1 KEY

Combat

20 Points
Lightning Reflexes 5/5
Deflection 5/5
Precision 5/5
Improved Kick 2/2
Dagger Specialization 3/3

Subtlety

0 Points

No points in Subtlety

Mutilate focuses on Assassination burst

Key Talent Explanations

Mutilate

2 combo points! Requires daggers and being behind target. Highest damage builder in the game.

Cold Blood

Next ability is guaranteed crit. Use with Eviscerate at 5 CP for massive burst.

Seal Fate

Crits give extra combo point. With high crit, you can 5 CP in 1-2 Mutilates.

Find Weakness

Your finishers ignore 50% armor for 10s. Huge damage increase on burst windows.

How to Play Mutilate

1
Dagger Requirement

Must use daggers in both hands. Cant swap to swords for this spec.

2
Position Behind

Mutilate requires being behind. Strafe to maintain position during fights.

3
Fast 5 CP

Cheap Shot (2 CP) + Mutilate (2 CP) + Mutilate (2 CP) = 5-6 CP in 3 globals.

4
Cold Blood Evisc

Save Cold Blood for 5 CP Eviscerate. Guaranteed crit = huge damage.

Combat Swords

20/41/0 - Sustained Pressure

Difficulty: Easy Playstyle: Constant Damage Best For: BGs, Cleave Comps

Why This Build?

Combat provides sustained damage with Adrenaline Rush and Blade Flurry. Less control than Sub, but great cleave damage. Popular in 5v5 and BGs.

Assassination

20 Points
Malice 5/5
Ruthlessness 3/3
Murder 2/2
Relentless Strikes 1/1
Lethality 5/5

Combat

41 Points
Improved Gouge 3/3
Improved Sprint 2/2
Lightning Reflexes 5/5
Deflection 5/5
Precision 5/5
Riposte 1/1
Blade Flurry 1/1 KEY
Sword Specialization 5/5
Weapon Expertise 2/2
Aggression 5/5
Adrenaline Rush 1/1 KEY
Combat Potency 5/5

Subtlety

0 Points

No points in Subtlety

Combat focuses on sustained damage

Key Talent Explanations

Adrenaline Rush

100% energy regeneration for 15s. Spam abilities non-stop during this window.

Blade Flurry

Attacks hit an additional nearby enemy. Amazing for 2v2 cleave or BG fights.

Sword Specialization

5% chance for extra attack with swords. Procs = free damage.

Combat Potency

Off-hand hits can restore 15 energy. More energy = more Sinister Strikes.

Stat Priority

Resilience 400+ for arena

Reduces crit chance and crit damage against you. Essential for survival.

Hit Rating 5% (79 rating)

Never miss abilities. Missing a Kidney Shot = death.

Attack Power Stack after caps

Increases all physical damage. More AP = bigger crits.

Crit Rating 25-30%

Critical strikes for burst. Pairs with Cold Blood.

Stamina Stack it

Rogues are squishy. More HP = survive longer to get resets.

Season 1 Gladiator Gear

Gladiator's Leather

Head Gladiator's Leather Helm 1875 pts
Shoulders Gladiator's Leather Spaulders 1500 pts + 2000 rating
Chest Gladiator's Leather Tunic 1875 pts
Gloves Gladiator's Leather Gloves 1125 pts
Legs Gladiator's Leather Legguards 1875 pts

2-piece: +35 Resilience

4-piece: Reduces Kick energy cost by 10

Weapons

Main Hand Gladiator's Shanker / Slicer Dagger for Mutilate, Sword for Combat
Off Hand Gladiator's Quickblade / Shiv Fast weapon for poison procs
Ranged Any Thrown Weapon For pulling, stats dont matter much

Gem Priority

Red Bold Living Ruby +8 Attack Power
Yellow Rigid Dawnstone +8 Hit Rating
Blue Solid Star of Elune +12 Stamina
Meta Relentless Earthstorm +12 Agility, 3% crit damage

Hit cap first (5%), then stack AP and Stamina for arena.

Essential Rogue Macros

Focus Kick

#showtooltip Kick /cast [@focus,exists,harm][@target] Kick

Interrupt focus target without swapping

Focus Blind

#showtooltip Blind /stopcasting /cast [@focus,exists,harm][@target] Blind

Blind focus (healer) without swapping

Focus Sap

#showtooltip Sap /cast [@focus,exists,harm][@target] Sap

Sap focus target in stealth

Stealth + Cheap Shot

#showtooltip /cast [nostealth] Stealth /cast [stealth] Cheap Shot

One button for stealth or Cheap Shot

Cold Blood + Eviscerate

#showtooltip Eviscerate /cast Cold Blood /cast Eviscerate

Guaranteed crit Eviscerate

Cloak + Vanish

#showtooltip /cast Cloak of Shadows /cast Vanish

Remove debuffs and re-stealth instantly

Keybind Suggestions

Builders (1-4)

1 Sinister Strike
2 Backstab
3 Mutilate/Hemo
4 Ambush

Finishers (5, T, 6)

5 Kidney Shot
T Eviscerate
6 Rupture

Openers (Q, E, V)

Q Cheap Shot
E Garrote
V Sap

CC/Utility (F, G, C)

F Gouge
G Blind
C Kick

Must-Have Addons

Gladius Arena enemy frames with DR tracking
OmniCC Cooldown numbers on abilities
NugEnergy Energy tick timer for pooling
NugComboBar Clear combo point display
BigDebuffs Shows CC on nameplates
WeakAuras Custom tracking for everything

Quick Tips Cheatsheet

Stun DR: 4s > 2s > 1s > immune (resets after 15s)
Blind: DISORIENT not stun - no DR with Kidney!
Energy: 20 per 2 seconds, pool before burst
Kick: Off-GCD, 5s lockout, 10s CD
Cloak: Removes all magic, 90% resist 5s
Prep: Resets Evasion, Sprint, Vanish, CB
Sap: 10s in PvP, stays in stealth
Gouge: 4s incap, damage breaks it

Top Arena Videos

Learn from legendary TBC Rogues. These videos showcase high-level arena gameplay, openers, crowd control chains, and burst setups.

Mir III - Rank 1 Rogue | Classic TBC Arena PvP

Rank 1 rogue gameplay showcasing perfect CC chains, blind timing, and devastating burst windows in 2v2 and 3v3.

Mir IV - Rank 1 Rogue | Classic TBC Arena PvP

More Rank 1 rogue arena gameplay. Study opener sequences, kidney shot timing, and vanish plays.

Teddys 2 - TBC Rogue/Shadow Priest 2v2 Arena

Classic TBC Rogue/Shadow Priest combo featuring Evolve. Learn sap rotations and kill target selection.