08.28
Gemming your rogue is quite an easy process actually. First and for foremost say hello to Rigid Lionseye, your new best friend in the whole world(of warcraft). If you don’t have access to epic gems a Rigid Dawnstone will work as well. As a rogue, hit is your best friend and you want to stack it and stack it and stack it some more. While attaining the hit cap isn’t the end all be all for rogue like it may be for some other classes it is still something you want to keep in mind.
Your base hit cap against a boss is 363 (wowzers!). If you happen to have a boomkin with improved faerie fire (unlikely) the cap drops to 316. If you happen to have access to the Draenei aura (silly alliance) 347 is your cap and if you happen to have both (I hate you btw) your cap is a flat 300. Woah boy those are some big numbers. Now you see why the hit gem is your best friend. Basically, you’ll be using them until you start poking your head at that hit cap ceiling at which point you’ll be wanting Glinting Pyrestone or Delicate Crimson Spinel (or their rare equivalents). That is really all their is to it, you’ll want to stick with those gems expect when it comes to filling the requirement for your metagem, which should be a Relentless Earthstorm Diamond (no ifs ands or buts on this one).
“But Zatu, what about socket bonuses?”, you ask. Fugettaboutit. Often times the socket bonus does not make up for using an inferior gem. That said, when you’re gemming to meet your meta requirements it is best to try to do it while receiving socket bonuses (preferably hit). Nyn’jah’s Tabi Boots and Trousers of the Scryers’ Retainer (two items all rogues should be aiming to buy because they’re amazing) are perfect for this as they provide the two blue sockets you need while offering hit rating socket bonuses. Throw a Shifting Shadowsong Amethyst and call it a day. Remember, if you find yourself with more than 2 blue gems (purple and green as well) then you’re probably not gemmed the best you can be.
For some more detailed information you should consult the amazing awesome elitist jerks rogue dps post.
Happy stabbing!
Thanks for the Website… just bookmarked it. I’m new to WoW and am pretty-much solo and taking my time (Level 20 after about 3 weeks = no “How to Level 70+ in One Week” books for me!!!).
I’ll read more of your stuff… but “gems” is ENTIRELY new to me (so, more research). So, thanks for the post to get my mind on something important.
Also, noticed there is a free realm change to “lower populated” realms. I’m PVe/normal… any advantages/disadvantages you can provide advice on. I’m currently ‘residing’ in Muradin.
Thanks again… and keep up the great work.
Glad you found the site useful Ken. As a lower level gems aren’t something you’re going to have to worry about for awhile now (in fact you won’t find much gear with gems slots until you hit the max level) but it is something to learn about early.
As far as a realm change goes, it’s really up to you. Lower population realms are nice since they aren’t so crowded but that is also their downfall since with fewer people the economies can be a bit behind. For me personally it’s all about the people I play with. If you have some friends on another realm, jump there, it makes a world of difference. Otherwise, unless you find yourself miserable on your current realm for some reason, stick it out where you are.
From what I’ve understood in game discussions, it was not a good idea to gem with Hit on lvl 80 Rogues, but instead use your gear and trinkits to reach the cap – 363plus. What epic gems would your suggest for lvl 80 rogues if the gear and trinkits support the cap? Thanks. Your site is the shnizzle.