With the best Rogue build in Diablo 4, you can maximize your damage output with this new class. Rogue is often considered a copy of the agility-type class, the Demon Hunter. They shared some similarities in past entries in the franchise. Unlike the Demon Hunter, the Rogue has the option to use melee attacks in addition to its ranged attacks. With the introduction of energy-based skills, this class also no longer relies on mana meters.
However, many who love playing the Demon Hunter can rebuild their Rogue to bear the same skill and abilities. With this, you can create unique subclasses with an entirely different experience by respeccing your characters. That said, this article will list the five best builds you can try for a Rogue in Diablo 4 Season 5.
Note: This article is subjective and reflects the writer's opinions.
Best Rogue builds to try in Diablo 4 Season 5
Here are some of the best Rogue builds that you can try in Diablo 4 Season 5:
1) Barrage Rogue
The Barrage Rogue was one of the best Rogue builds in Diablo 4 Season 4, and that doesn’t change here in Season 5. You’re going to want to use Puncture for Combo Points, and Barrage for the main attack skill of the build. The previous season used Cold Imbuement or Poison Imbuement, but considering the Poison buffs Rogue received, we feel like Poison's going to be the right pick.
Then you combine Caltrops to reposition/slow enemies down, and Shadow Step to get out of dangerous situations and deal damage in melee range. That’s what makes this build so much fun - being able to seamlessly weave in and out of melee range, while bursting enemies down with the power of Barrage.
Since it’s primarily an AOE class, it doesn’t quite clear bosses as great as some other builds, but don’t sell it short. Poison Imbuement could really go a long way to change that in Season 5.
2) Rapid Fire Rogue
Rapid Fire Rogue was a great way to play through The Pit in Season 4, and it appears to be one of the strongest options for Rogues in Season 5 of Diablo 4. Unlike Barrage, Rapid Fire unleashes a blast of arrows in a line in front of the Rogue. It’s got less AOE, but it could be said to be far more powerful.
It’s used Heartseeker for combo point building, and to help build Precision stacks. That will likely remain the same way in Season 5. Other than that, you want Shadow Step, Caltrops, and Dash to move around. I’m torn on Cold or Poison Imbuement, but I think for me personally, I’ll go for Poison. I can see Cold still working, because this is a harder build to play. You really have to stay out of melee range, and play like a sniper.
Read more: Best builds to try in Diablo 4 Season 5
3) Penetrating Shot Rogue
Penetrating Shot is one of the best Rogue builds in Diablo 4. It is a fun build if you can master lining up enemies in the right ways. However, this is made less stressful by the fact that Penetrating Shot was buffed in a pretty serious way in the 1.5.0 patch notes.
Now it deals 10% increased damage per enemy it pierces, and Enhanced now has a 25% chance to fire an additional shot for free when hitting bosses/elites.
You run Trickshot Aspect with it to get even more free arrows, and Puncture to grab Combo Points, and Slow/Vulnerable enemies. You also run Dash, Shadow Step, and Caltrops for easy movement. I think Poison Imbuement will also help more than Cold, due to buffs.
Once you master kiting enemies around the way you want them, this build becomes a pretty serious contender for best build in Diablo 4 Season 5 for Rogues.
4) Andariel Rogue
Andariel Rogue is an interesting build in Diablo 4. It’s a pretty complicated build, in that it requires a series of Mythics/Unique Mythics - in this case, you want Andariel’s Visage, Fists of Fate, and the new The Umbracrux. Until you have these, it’s basically a Barrage build.
You also want your Andariel’s to have +30% Lucky Hit Chance and Poison Imbue Lasts for +3 Casts from Tempering.
You can run this without those items, but it’s going to be a weaker, less efficient build. Thankfully the actual meat of the build is simple enough. You use Barrage with Poison Imbuement to deal as much damage as possible.
You’re looking for those sweet poison nova procs, so tag enemies with damage, and move on. There’s a lot to know about the actual rotation, but it can be one of the best Rogue builds in Diablo 4 if you have all the pieces to make this build work.
Also read: Diablo 4 Echo of Andariel guide
5) Twisting Blades Rogue
Twisting Blades Rogue is a pretty interesting pick in Diablo 4 Season 5 - it’s one of the best Mapping/Speedfarming picks you can go with. However, when it comes to doing other content like bosses, The Pit, and other end-game activities, it lags behind the other builds. Not by a lot, but just a bit.
You’ll want to build Combo Points with Puncture - which also applies Vulnerable, and then use Twisting Blades to deal damage.
Eventually, you’ll be able to just swap seamlessly between the two, but at the start, you’ll have to use a few Punctures first. Poison Imbuement is great in this build, allowing you way more damage - which you certainly need. Pair these with Dash, Shadowstep, and Caltrops and you have a winning farm build.
Check out our other Diablo 4 guides:
- Diablo 4 Season 5 release date and start time countdown
- All new Uniques in Diablo 4 Season 5 (known so far)
- Diablo 4 Season 5: 5 biggest things to look forward to
- Best class in Diablo 4 Season 5
- Diablo 4 Season 5 Battle Pass
- Best Uniques for Sorcerers in Diablo 4 Season 5