Rogue PvP Talents

Rogue talents are pretty simple; you can choose between damage, damage, or damage.

The trick of course is to find the spec that is good for YOU. The first reflex most rogues have is to just go with the mainstream spec that everyone uses because it works. There is always a mainstream spec but it sometimes changes from one expansion to the next or even from one patch to the next. There are advantages and disadvantages to going mainstream. The biggest advantage is that the mainstream spec is usually the easiest to master or even easiest to use. There is also a major disadvantage that rogues ignore. Choosing a mainstream spec means that your actions are easily predictable by your opponents, you lose some of that crucial element of surprise  which can give you the slight edge needed to win. Diversity pays off.

Let us start with the current mainstream spec.

Mutilate Prep (41/5/25)

http://www.wowhead.com/?talent#fhxcoeMoirsMzZ0xZebfbh0db

This is a good multipurpose spec that works ok in almost every situation. It has both burst and sustained damage potential. The major disadvantage of this spec is its weakness against plate classes or bear druids.

Mutilate Envenom PvP (44/2/25)

http://www.wowhead.com/?talent#fhecofMoirsMuZ0bZebfbh0db

The spec born from the recent buffs to Envenom and Deadly Poison. It still has most of the power on squishies from the standard mutilate spec and also allows for more damage against plate and bear druids thanks to armor ignoring envenom. Disadvantages is that Deadly Poison breaks Blind and Gouge. Should be used with Instant Poison on main-hand for Deadly Brew and Deadly Poison on offhand allowing for Shiv application if needed.

Deep Combat PvP (17/51/3)

http://www.wowhead.com/?talent#fhe0oxZGxVo0bE0MubTRtc

This spec is less effective against cloth compared to other specs but does well against plate and bear druids. Killing Spree can be very powerful but is difficult to use. The advantage of Killing Spree is that it makes you immune to CC during its duration and for the time being ignores Evasion. It lacks a little in mobility but imp sprint makes up a little for that. This spec requires a good amount of crit rating and high weapon damage.

Shadowstep Assassination (27/0/44)

http://www.wowhead.com/?talent#fheoRxMobbZZezfdh0ddAzVco

My personal favorite at the moment, a revisit of the old hemo spam spec that dominated previously in TBC. This spec has a great amount of mobility, Shadowstep is totally unexpected now days and has shown its utility in both BGs and Arena. Damage is consistent and works decently even against plate. Requires a high damage main hand.

More will come soon! Please send us any talent specs you think are viable! (coope@rogueweekly.com)