At home in the shadows and skilled at disappearing from sight, the Rogues of Azeroth are most comfortable when acting in the background. Twisting events to their favor, striking only when advantage is greatest: this is where a Rogue excels. With their cunning tricks, physical abilities, and mastery of concealment and disguise, Rogues have no trouble finding employment as thieves, cutthroats, spies, and assassins.

The Rogue is a very involved and fun class to play. Your effectiveness depends on how well you learn to use the Rogue. There is a lot to take in, but players can master the Rogue with knowledge and experience. Rogue's abilties fall into two major categories, damaging attacks and utility. These are described in the follo9wing sections.

[[Rogue Damage Abilties]]

[[Rogue Utility Abilties]]

No guide would be complete without a discussion of the class' talents. This is such a large topic it has a section of its own. 
[[Rogue Talents]] 
Poisons : Quest walkthrough and general info. 
[[Poisons]] 
 
Rogue Talent Templates: 
[[Group Rogue template]] 
[[Ass/Sub Builds]] 
[[Balanced Rogue Build]] 
 
== Leveling guide ==
== Level 1-9 ==
In this level range your role is pretty much as a light tank. Stealth works very poorly with mobs even one level above you. You will do large amounts of damage in short periods of time however and will be fine. If you manage to get adds you should quickly consider running.

At these levels, Sinister Strike is a Rogues bread and butter skill. Evisceration is the only 'finishing' attack that is available in this level range. Backstab is another useful skill while grouping when another player has the mobs attention. Gouge and Evasion become available in this level range.

The key to success as a low level Rogue will be your weapon. Rogues start out with training in Daggers. In order to train more weapons you must visit a major city and spend 10 silver to learn the new weapon skill. It is suggested that you just stick with daggers for the first 10 levels. Following is a list of low level easily obtainable daggers:

Thottbot lists 22 daggers between the levels of 1 and 9. 3 are available from vendors, 1 craftable, 6 are quest rewards, 11 are random drops and 3 have no documented source. Of the 22, 9 are listed as green items, 2 are grey items and the rest are all yellow items. 8 Daggers are discussed below.

The [http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?i=2471 Copper Dagger] is a craftable dagger that can be used at level 6. It has a 5DPS capability.

For the Horde the [http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?i=1594 Jagged Dagger] is a very good quest reward for a level 8 quest. +1 Str and 6 DPS.

The [http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?i=2766 Ceremonial Knife] is another Horde quest reward that could prove to be useful, if not as good as the jagged dagger. 5.4 DPS with no stat bonuses. This is the reward from a level 12 quest that is the 4th in a quest line.

The [http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?i=360 Pruning Knife] is the first questable dagger available to Night Elves on Teldrassil. It is a 4.1DPS weapon from a quest that is first available at level 6.

The [http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?i=669 Long Bayonette] is available through a quest in Elwynn Forest at level 7. It provides 4.4 DPS to its user.

For random drops the [http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?i=626 Carving Knife] is fairly common and nice for a level 6 item. It provides +1 Str and 5.9 DPS for level 6. The [http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?i=6208 Curved Dagger] is a nice drop for a level 9 dagger. It provides +1 Agi and 7.2 DPS. It should be fairly easy to obtain in Ragefire Chasm.

The [http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?i=549 Stonesplinter Dagger] is a random drop from Troggs in Loch Modan. It provides +1 Agi and 7DPS at level 8 or higher.

In summary go with whatever drops until level 6. At this point try to get a crafted Copper Dagger. Try to get a Carving Knife or a Curved Dagger as you level. If you are Horde, getting the Jagged Dagger is a very good idea. If starting as a Gnome/Dwarf a Stonesplinter Dagger makes a nice alternative if it can be found.

== Level 10-19 ==
At level 10 the Rogue gains Dual Wield, Sap, Sprint, and a second 'finishing move' Slice and Dice. Damage is increased by about 10-15% through the use of Dual Wield. Sap provides the Rogues major form of CC throughout his career. Sprint in combination with Evasion provide the basis for a Rogues escape abilities.

The Rogue is still pretty much a light tank in this level range as he was in the first level range. At level 18, when gaining Ambush, the Rogue can start to effectively experiment with some stealth to gain an upper hand on his foes.

Later in this level range Rogues gain Kick, Garrote, Expose Armor, Feint, Pick Locks, Ambush, and Parry. Kick provides spell interruption. Garrotte is a from stealth DoT opener. Expose Armor is a widely disparaged 'finishing. move that reduces the targets armor. Feint is an aggro reducing ability that has limited utility. Pick locks is useful for getting items/money, your guildmates will request help in this area quite often. Ambush is a from stealth opening move that does a large amount of damage all at once. Parry provides a melee defensive ability.

Level 10 is the level where all classes start to earn Talent Points and the Rogue is included. One common build is the [[Group Rogue template]]. To start with, Improved Sinister Strike is perhaps the biggest bang for the buck at low level. Obtaining mastery of deception at a low level could be good for pickpocketing to gain cash faster. This path also leads to obtaining Improved Sap earlier in your career. This is one of the most important group skills for instances.

Again the rogues weapons are the key to his success as his main role in a group is to do damage. Thottbot lists 30 daggers in the 10-15 level range

The [http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?i=558 Blade of Cunning] is widely available from a variety of quests at level 10 for the Alliance and level 13 for the Horde. This dagger improves your Subtlety skill by one and does 6.7 DPS. The appropriate quest can be obtained from the Rogue Trainer in the race specific level 1-10 areas. At level 10 this is a good dagger to obtain.

There are many green dropped daggers in this level range. They will not all be described here in an attempt to lessen confusion. Top DPS numbers for each level are as follows: 
lvl DPS 
10 6.7 The above mentioned Blade of Cunning 
12 8.7 The rare [http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?i=5977 Slicer Blade] from Westfall. 
13 8.9 Scrimshaw dagger as shown below 
14 9.7+1 This is the [http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?i=1183 Venom Web Fang] that drops in Duskwood. 
15 10 Big Bronze Knife as shown below 
17 11.1 See below 
18 15.3 See below 
19 15.5 See below 

Questable daggers include [http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?i=2712 Scrimshaw Dagger] at level 13 with 8.9DPS, [http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?i=1275 Harpy Skinner] at level 15 for the Horde with 9.6 DPS amd 3 Agi, [http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?i=2975 Relic Blade] at level 15 for the Alliance in Darkshore with 10DPS and 3 Sta.

The crafted [http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?i=2401 Big Bronze Knife], aka BBK, is a viable alternative to dropped weapons. This weapon provides 3 Sta and 10DPS at level 15.

There are an additional 11 daggers listed for levels 16-19. In this range we start to see the first blue items.

[http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?i=3194 Assassin's Blade], a rare drop off of Archmage Arugal in Shadowfang keep. This weapon provides 15.5 DPS, +3 Str and +4 Agi.

Thottbot lists the [http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?i=10838 Bramble Blade] as having 13.6 DPS but provides no known source.

The [http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?i=10328 Evocator's Blade] is a caster weapon with 15.3 DPS and provides 4 Int and 2 Spi. It will be tough to pry this one from the Mage/Warlock in your party.

The Boss Sneed in The Deadmines drops the [http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?i=1756 Buzzer Blade]. This weapon is slightly inferior to the level 15 crafted dagger.

The [http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?i=11121 Spikelash] and [http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?i=9688 Tail Spike] daggers are identical daggers with 11.1 DPS, +2 Str and +2 Agi.

The crafted [http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?i=866 Pearl-handled Dagger] is good to obtain at level 18 if you have not already obtained a better dropped item. This dagger provides 11.5 DPS along with 2 each of Agi and Sta.

== Level 20-29 ==
At level 20 the Rogue gains a 10% increase to his Stealth speed through the second rank of Stealth. The Rogue's poison quest becomes available at this level as well. Backstab improves in damage and the Rupture finishing move becomes available.

Later in this level range Rogues gain: 
Vanish, an ability to go into stealth mode at any time with a 5 minute cooldown. Distract, an ability that causes mobs to turn to face the distraction. 
Detect Traps, should be self evident. 
Cheap Shot, a stun stealth opener. 
Instant Poison, instant poison damage. 
Crippling Poison, a snare poison. 
Mind-numbing Poison, a poison that increases a caster's cast times. 
And an upgrade to all of his other abilities.

Only 6 new abilities will be gained by the Rogue past level 29. At this time the Rogue transforms into more of a Stealth fighter. Choices need to be made as to which Talent path the Rogue wishes to follow. ((Note add list of major talent builds here))

In this level range it is possible to take part in many instance groups. One key instance is the [[Deadmines]]. [http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?q=190 The Defias Brotherhood] quest is a key to a Rogue's career. The reward is the [http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?i=2450 Tunic of Westfall]. This chest piece can easily last a Rogue until his late 20s. This quest is at the end of a long chain starting at Gryan Stoutmantle on Sentinal Hill in Westfall.

Again the Rogue's weapons are the key to his success as his main role in a group is to do damage. Thottbot lists 24 daggers in the 20-24 level range.

7 of the listed daggers are 'blue'.

[http://www.thottbot.com/?i=5182 Blackfang] level 20 - 16.3 DPS - 1.50 speed 
This is a random world drop.

[http://www.thottbot.com/?i=11976 Doomspike] level 20 - 16.3 DPS - 1.50 speed 
Unknown source, although it has been seen in ther retail version of the game.

[http://www.thottbot.com/?i=4099 Blackvenom Blade] level 21 - 18.9 DPS - 1.80 speed 
This dagger drops off of Rohh the Silent in eastern Redridge Mountains. This mob may be hard to find.

[http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?i=11785 Prison Shank] level 21 - 16.7 DPS - 1.80 speed 
This is a drop off of Bruegal Ironknuckle in the [[Stockades]].

[http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?i=5663 Talon of Vultros] level 21 - 16.7 DPS 2.00 speed 
This is a drop off of a named rare spawn Vulture in Westfall.

[http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?i=9688 Bite of Serra'kis] level 23 - 17.7DPS - 1.30 speed 
This is a drop off of Old Serra'kis in [[Blackfathom Deeps]].

[http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?i=9472 Meteor Shard] level 24 - 18.3 DPS - 1.80 speed 
This is a rare drop off of Archmage Arugal in [[ShadowFang Keep]].

There is one crafted dagger in this range, the [http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?i=4561 Deadly Bronze Poniard]. Yep, they spelled it wrong. It is available at level 20, does 12.8 DPS with 1.8 speed and adds 4 agility.

Random 'green' daggers include:

Battle Knife of XXX level 21 - 13.4 DPS - 1.60 speed

Cross Dagger of XXX level 23 - 14.6 DPS - 1.30 speed

[http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?i=5161 Wyvern Tailspike] drops off the Pridewing Patriarch in the Stonetalon Mountains. It comes with a level 21 requirement and delivers 13.6 DPS with 1.8 speed and has a chance at a 2 DPS poison.

[http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?i=9423 Naraxis Fang] drops off of Naraxis in eastern Duskwood. It comes with a level 22 requirement and delivers 13.7 DPS with 1.6 speed and has a chance at a 2 DPS poison.

[http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?i=9986 Flesh Piercer] drops in the Hillsbrad Foothills. It is a level 24, 15.2 DPS, 2 speed dagger with a chance for a 1 DPS bleed.

There are an additional 14 daggers listed on Thottbot for levels 25-29.

This list includes three 'blue' daggers as follow.

[http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?i=3900 Claw of the Shadowmancer] level 27 - 20.5 DPS - 1.90 speed 
This is a very rare world drop. This weapon has a chance to proc a 35 damage shadowbolt and gives the wielder 2 additional Int.

[http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?i=9007 Toxic Revenger] level 27 - 20.5 DPS - 1.90 speed 
This item drops off of the Vicious Fallout in Gnomeregan. It has a chance to proc a 5 second 5DPS PBAoE.

[http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?i=11965 Torturing Poker] level 29 - 21.2 DPS - 1.70 speed 
This item drops off of Interrogator Vishas in the [[Scarlet Monastery]]. It also adds 5-7 fire damage per strike.

Random 'green' daggers include:

Honed Stilettos of XXX which are a random world drop item available at level 25 that offer 15.7 DPS with 1.4 second speed.

The [http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?i=6182 Broad Bladed Knife] and the [http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?i=3864 Daring Dirk] are both available from Vendors in Duskwood/Hillsbrad and Stranglethorn Vale respectively.

== Level 30-39 ==

{| border="1" cellpadding="2"
|+ Superior Daggers level 30-39
| Name || DPS || Speed || Max Damage || Stat bonus || proc||Source||Notes
|-
| [http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?i=3801 Swinetusk Shank] || 23 || 1.50 || 45||6 Sta 4 Spi || -||[http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?n=7340 Agathelos the Raging] in [[Razorfen Kraul]]||-
|-
| [http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?i=10293 Howling Blade] || 23.9 || 1.40 || 44 ||- || Reduces targets' attack power by 30 for 30 seconds || [http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?n=16403 Skhowl], a random spawn Yeti in Alterac || -
|-
| [http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?i=11705 Stonevault Shiv] || 24 || 1.50 ||47||7 Agi 3 Sta ||-||Various mobs in [[Uldaman]]|| -
|-
| [http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?i=7970 Sliverblade] ||25 ||1.40 ||46||- || 45 frost damage || various mobs in [[Scarlet Monastery]] || -
|-
| [http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?i=5045 The Ziggler] || 26.5|| 1.70|| 59||-||10-20 Nature damage||Random world drop||-
|-
| [http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?i=4015 Hypnotic Blade] ||26.8 ||1.40||49||8 Int 3 Spi|| -|| [http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?n=18577 Arcanist Doan] in the Library section of the [[Scarlet Monastery]] || A nice caster weapon, don't be greedy :)
|-
| [http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?i=3148 Black Menace] ||29.7|| 1.50 ||58||-|| 30 Shadow Damage || Quest reward from [http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?q=1176 In the Name of the Light] quest in [[Scarlet Monastery]] || No reason not to get this one
|-
| [http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?i=12457 Coldrage Dagger] ||29.7|| 1.50||58||-||20-30 Frost damage with 50% snare || Drops from [http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?n=52566 Amnennar the Coldbringer] in [[Razorfen Downs]] || -
|}

== Level 40-49 ==
{| border="1" cellpadding="2"
|+ Superior+ Daggers level 40-49
| Name || DPS || Speed || Max Damage || Stat bonus || proc||Source||Notes
|-
| [http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?i=9247 Widowmaker]|| 31.6 || 1.90 || 78 || 8 Agi 7 Str || - || random world drop || Nice slow dagger - Unique
|-
| [http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?i=16256 Stealthblade] || 32.9 || 1.40 || 60 || - || Each hit reduces threat on all enemies || Random drop in [[The Temple of Atal'Hakkar]] || Unique
|-
| [http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?i=8994 Gut Ripper] || 33.9 || 1.80 || 80 || - || Wounds for 95 - 121 || Random world drop? || Epic
|-
| [http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?i=11935 Searing Needle] || 33.9 || 1.80 || 80 || - || 60 Fire damage and increase future fire damage by 10 || Random drop in [[Blackrock Depths]] || Would be fun to use with a fire mage around
|-
| [http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?i=3725 Lifeforce Dirk] || 35.9 || 1.60 || 75 || 11 Sta || - || Quest reward from [http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?q=1090 The God Hakkar] quest in [[The Temple of Atal'Hakkar]] || Get this if you are still using the Black Menace
|-
| [http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?i=7245 Shadowblade] || 38.9 || 1.40 || 71 || - || 110 - 140 shadow damage || Random world drop || Unique Epic
|}

== Level 50-59 ==
{| border="1" cellpadding="2"
|+ Superior+ Daggers level 50-59
| Name || DPS || Speed || Max Damage || Stat bonus || proc||Source||Notes
|-
| [http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?i=14900 Barman Shanker] || 36.5 || 2.00 || 95 || - || Target bleeds for 100 damage over 30 sec || Dropped by [http://www.thottbot.com/?n=Plugger%20Spazzring Plugger Spazzring] in [[Blackrock Depths]] || Possibly the best main hand dagger in the game
|-
| [http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?i=4822 Julie's Dagger] || 36.5 || 1.30 || 62 || - || Heals wielder of 78 damage over 12 sec || Random drop, either world or in [[Blackrock Spire ]] || -
|-
| [http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?s=Dire+Nail+of+the Dire Nail of the XXX] || 36.7 || 1.50 || 72 || +7-8 for two stats, +5 shadow resist || - || Drops from the [http://www.thottbot.com/beta.cgi?n=63732 Shade of Eranikus] in [[The Temple of Atal'Hakkar]] || Unique
|-
| [http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?i=3780 Keris of Zul'Serak] || 39.4 || 1.80 || 93 || - || 10 Nature damage every 2 sec and slows target's attack speed by 10% for 10 sec || Dropped by [http://www.thottbot.com/?n=War%20Master%20Voone War Master Voone] in [[Blackrock Spire ]] || -
|-
| [http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?i=13374 Finkle's Skinner] || 41.2 || 1.30 || 67 || - || Skinning +10. +45 Attack Power when fighting Beasts. || Dropped by [http://www.thottbot.com/index.cgi?n=23897 The Beast] in [[Blackrock Spire ]] || -

|}