Rogue + Warlock + Shaman
Also known as: RLS
Overview
RLS (Rogue/Warlock/Shaman) combines the best of setup comps and rot comps. You have the control of RMP, the pressure of WLD, and the utility of Shaman to cover any gaps. This versatility makes RLS one of the most dangerous and well-rounded compositions in TBC 3v3. The core strategy involves Rogue setting up CC chains while Warlock deals massive damage during stuns. Unlike pure burst comps, RLS has sustained DoT pressure as a backup win condition. Unlike pure rot comps, RLS has kill potential in every CC chain. This flexibility makes the comp unpredictable and difficult to counter. What makes RLS special is Shaman utility: Purge removes crucial buffs (Pain Suppression, HoTs, shields), Wind Shear interrupts on 5s cooldown, and Tremor Totem prevents Fear chains against you. Every tool has a purpose.
Playstyle
RLS operates in phases that blend setup and pressure:
**Opener Phase**: Rogue Saps one target while Warlock applies DoTs. You can either go for immediate burst (Cheap Shot > burst target) or establish pressure first (DoT both enemies, then set up).
**Setup Phase**: Rogue looks for CC opportunities. Kidney Shot on kill target, Blind on off-target. During Rogue stuns, Warlock dumps damage: Shadowfury > DoTs > Drain Life. Shaman Purges defensive buffs.
**Pressure Phase**: Between setups, Warlock maintains DoTs while Shaman heals. Rogue can reset with Vanish for another opener or continue pressure. Wind Shear prevents enemy healer from catching up.
**Execute Phase**: When target is low and enemy healer is out of cooldowns, commit with Bloodlust. Rogue opens with full CC chain, Warlock uses Deathcoil + burst, Shaman Purges any last-second saves.
The key insight: RLS can win through burst OR attrition. Read the game and adapt.
Why It Works
RLS synergy covers all bases:
Rogue + Warlock: Stuns enable freecast Shadowfury and Drain Life. DoTs prevent Rogue resets from being countered. Fear and Blind are different DR categories for extended CC.
Shaman Utility: Purge removes Pain Suppression, Ice Block bubble, HoTs, shields - anything that would save the target. Wind Shear on 5s cooldown means the enemy healer can't cast freely. Tremor Totem prevents enemy Fear CC on your team.
Bloodlust: 30% haste for 40 seconds. During Bloodlust, Warlock casting is 30% faster, Rogue energy regen is 30% faster, Shaman heals are 30% faster. This cooldown wins games.
Flexibility: Against burst comps, play defensive with Tremor and healing. Against control comps, out-pressure with DoTs. Against rot comps, set up kills faster. RLS adapts to every matchup.
Win Conditions
- Kidney Shot + Shadowfury + Chaos Bolt burst
- Fear chains while Rogue resets
- Bloodlust burst windows
- Purge key defensives then kill
Strengths
- High burst potential
- Good CC variety
- Purge and Wind Shear utility
- Versatile kill targets
Weaknesses
- Shaman is trainable
- Requires setup to kill
- Weak to aggressive melee
- Moderate skill requirement
Tips & Tricks
Rogue should open on kill target
Coordinate stun with Shadowfury
Wind Shear key healer casts
Use Tremor for Fears reactively
Countered By
- Melee cleaves
- High mobility comps
Role Breakdown
Openers
Kill Setups
Matchup Guide
Communication
Essential Calls
"Sapping" Pre-opener"Going [target]" Kill target"Kidney" Stun timing"Shadowfury" AoE stun"Purge [buff]" Removing defensive"Bloodlust" Using Lust"Tremor down/up" Totem status"Wind Shear" InterruptTarget Calling
Rogue calls kill targets. Simple calls: "Going Mage", "Swapping Priest". Warlock confirms for Shadowfury timing. Shaman calls Purge targets.
Cooldown Tracking
- Track enemy trinkets
- Track Pain Suppression/Ice Block
- Track enemy healer mana
- Call Bloodlust usage
Rating Progression
Focus Areas
- Learn basic Kidney > Shadowfury setup
- Keep DoTs rolling always
- Shaman stay alive
- Use Tremor vs Fear comps
Common Issues
- Shadowfury timing wrong
- Shaman dying to training
- DoTs falling off
- Not using Tremor Totem
Practice Drills
- Practice Kidney > Shadowfury timing
- Shaman pillar practice
- DoT uptime tracking
Common Mistakes
Consequence: Stuns overlap on DR, lose duration
Correction: Cheap Shot > Shadowfury during CS > Kidney after both end.
Consequence: Get Fear chained by enemy Warlock/Priest
Correction: Drop Tremor BEFORE feared. It pulses every 3s.
Consequence: Waste mana and GCDs on minor buffs
Correction: Purge priority: Pain Supp > Shields > Big HoTs > rest
Consequence: Gets trained and dies
Correction: Pillar constantly. Shaman has NO mobility - position matters.
Consequence: Lose kill potential, still might die
Correction: Bloodlust is for KILLING, not surviving.
Consequence: Shaman dies while Rogue is on enemy
Correction: Shaman alive > your damage. Peel when needed.
Consequence: Enemy healer casts freely
Correction: Wind Shear is 5s CD. Use it constantly on healer.
Consequence: Lose sustained pressure, target might survive
Correction: Refresh DoTs before going for setup.
Advanced Tips & Tricks
General Tips
- Tremor Totem BEFORE you get feared
- Purge priority: Pain Supp > Shields > HoTs
- Wind Shear every 5 seconds on healer
- Bloodlust is for kills, not survival
- Shaman alive > your damage
- DoTs always rolling on all targets
- Kidney > Shadowfury timing is crucial
- Track enemy trinkets for clean setups
Advanced Techniques
- Pre-place Tremor before gates open vs Fear comps
- Spell Lock for critical interrupt over Wind Shear
- Vanish > Cheap Shot angle for unpredictable opens
- Purge during stuns for maximum value
- Earthbind Totem helps Shaman kite
- Coordinate Fear and Blind DR
- Grounding Totem for key spells
- Frost Shock kiting when Shaman trained
Positioning
- Rogue: Behind pillar in stealth, behind target for opener
- Warlock: Max range, angle for Shadowfury
- Shaman: MAX range behind pillar always
- Dont stack vs cleave damage
- Shaman controls totem positioning
- Reset to pillar when pressured
- Position for Fear + Kidney angles