Specialization is a unique Class Mechanic of the Rogue in Diablo 4. This system allows players to choose one out of three passive bonuses that enhance their playstyle, and it can be swapped at any time, even in the middle of combat. In this article, we will delve into the details of the Rogue's Specialization system and explore how it contributes to the build-making process.
Diablo 4 Rogue Specialization
How to unlock the Class Specialization
The Specialization system for the Rogue unlocks at level 15 after completing a special Rogue-only questline, called True Potential. This questline introduces players to the Rogue's abilities and playstyle and culminates in a challenging encounter that tests their skills.
Swapping Your Specialization
The Rogue's Specialization system allows players to swap their passive bonus at any time, even in the middle of combat. This flexibility allows players to adjust their playstyle on the fly, making it easier to adapt to different situations and enemies. However, swapping Specializations comes at a cost: each time you do it, there is a cooldown before you can swap again.
Combo Points
Diablo 4 Combo Points overview
"Your Basic Skills now Generate Combo Points. Certain skills consume Combo Points for additional effects."
Combo Points are a powerful tool that can be used to enhance any Core Skill, making it even more potent and devastating. This mechanic is especially useful in the early game when Energy recovery options are limited, and Basic Skills make up a significant portion of your attacks. By combining Basic and Core Skills, you can build up to three Combo Points, which can be used to unleash a more powerful Core Skill at no extra cost. In this article, we will explore the Combo Point system and how it can be used to enhance your Rogue's abilities.
How Combo Points Work
Combo Points are built up by using Basic Skills. Each Basic Skill generates one Combo Point when used, up to a maximum of three Combo Points. Once you have built up three Combo Points, you can use a Core Skill to unleash a devastating attack that deals extra damage and has additional effects. However, Rogues can spend 1 Combo Point or 2 Combo Points, if they have that amount at the moment. Note that Core Skills nor the game will ask how many combo points you want to spend when using a Core Skill. As soon as the Core Skill is cast, all accumulated Combo Points will be spent, be it 1,2 or 3.
| Core Skill | 1 Combo Point | 2 Combo Points | 3 Combo Points |
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 Barrage |
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 Rapid Fire |
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 Penetrating Shot |
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 Flurry |
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 Twisting Blades |
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Inner Sight
Diablo 4 Inner Sight Overview
“Attack marked enemies to fill up your Inner Sight gauge. When it's full, gain unlimited Energy for 4 seconds.”
Inner Sight, which unlocks at level 20, allows players to mark a random enemy in a group, and hitting the marked enemies fills up the Inner Sight gauge located next to the Energy bar. The gauge fills up faster with larger hits, making it more beneficial for stronger characters. Once the gauge is full, players gain unlimited Energy for four seconds, regardless of how little they had before.
This specialization is useful in two different scenarios. Firstly, if you reliably hit most of a pull with your abilities at all times, such as with Penetrating Shot or Flurry. Secondly, if you can easily target and hit the right enemy in a pull at will, such as with Twisting Blades or Shadow Step. In regular gameplay, players can expect a proc every 10–20 seconds of combat, depending on their clear speed. Against bosses, it procs even faster if the player's damage is good.
Overall, Inner Sight is an incredibly useful specialization for the Rogue class. Its ability to provide unlimited energy for a short time can be a lifesaver in many combat situations, and players can easily tailor their play style to take advantage of this unique mechanic.
Preparation
Diablo 4 Preparation Overview
Preparation is unlocked at level 30.
"Every 100 energy you spend reduces your Ultimate skill's Cooldown by 5 seconds. Using an Ultimate Skill resets the Cooldowns of your other Skills."
Preparation is unlocked at level 30, and allows Rogues to use more frequently their Ultimate Skills the more energy they spend, which when used, resets the cooldowns of all your other skills. This creates a great synergy between using as much energy as possible to trigger Preparation, and in turn be able to keep casting Skills as fast as possible.
