Is Instant Poison Better on Fast or Slow Weapons? A Rogue’s Guide to Weapon Optimization

The age-old question for rogues: is instant poison better on fast or slow weapons? The answer, like most things in the World of Warcraft, depends on the era of the game you’re playing and the specific mechanics in place. In short, historically, fast weapons were preferred for off-hand instant poison application due to the increased number of chances to proc. However, currently, the speed is not as important as the item level of the weapon in Dragonflight. Let’s delve into the history, mechanics, and modern application of this important concept for rogues.

The Legacy of Weapon Speed and Poison Procs

In the early days of WoW, particularly Classic and Burning Crusade, weapon speed played a critical role in poison application. Instant Poison, unlike Deadly Poison, didn’t stack. It simply had a chance to proc its effect on each weapon swing. Therefore, more swings meant more opportunities for the poison to trigger. A fast off-hand weapon was the ideal choice, maximizing the potential for Instant Poison procs. This was especially true for Combat rogues who relied on Combat Potency to regain energy, which also had a chance to proc on off-hand hits.

The logic was simple: a dagger with a 1.3-second speed would swing much more often than a sword with a 2.6-second speed over the same period. This translated to more poison procs and, consequently, higher damage output. The main hand on the other hand, was often slower to maximize the damage of rogue abilities such as Sinister Strike in Classic and Mutilate for Assassination Rogues in later expansions.

Deadly Poison and the Shift in Strategy

Deadly Poison introduced a new dynamic. It stacks up to 5 times, and once fully stacked, subsequent applications of Deadly Poison would trigger the main hand poison. This mechanic further incentivized fast off-hand weapons. Reaching the 5-stack of Deadly Poison quickly was paramount, as it would unlock the accelerated application of Instant Poison through main hand procs.

Modern WoW (Dragonflight) and Item Level

In contemporary WoW, especially Dragonflight, the importance of weapon speed has been significantly reduced. Blizzard has normalized many weapon-based mechanics, making the difference in proc rates between fast and slow weapons less pronounced.

In Dragonflight, item level reigns supreme. When choosing between two off-hand weapons, the one with the higher item level will generally be the better choice, regardless of its speed. The stats gained from the item level (Agility, Stamina, and secondary stats) will typically outweigh any marginal difference in poison proc rates.

Poison Selection in Dragonflight

While weapon speed has diminished in importance, poisons remain a crucial part of a rogue’s toolkit. Generally, rogues use:

• Instant Poison: Used for raw damage output in PvE.
• Deadly Poison: Synergizes with talents and abilities to enhance damage.
• Wound Poison: Primarily for PvP, reducing healing received by the target.
• Crippling Poison: Also primarily for PvP, slowing the target’s movement.

Different rogue specializations prioritize poisons differently. Assassination rogues, for example, heavily rely on Deadly Poison and its interaction with their mastery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify weapon and poison usage for rogues:

1. Does weapon speed matter in WoW Classic?

Yes, weapon speed is highly relevant in WoW Classic. Faster off-hand weapons are preferred for maximizing poison procs, especially with Instant Poison. Slower main-hand weapons are chosen for their higher damage per hit for abilities like Sinister Strike.

2. Is a faster or slower off-hand better for rogues in Burning Crusade (TBC)?

Similar to Classic, a faster off-hand generally yields more poison procs in TBC. However, the difference is less pronounced than in Classic. Some argue that a slightly slower off-hand can provide a more balanced approach, but the primary focus is still on speed.

3. What poisons should a combat rogue use in PvE?

Combat rogues typically use a combination of Instant Poison and Deadly Poison for maximum damage output in PvE scenarios.

4. What poisons should a rogue use in PvP?

In PvP, rogues often opt for Wound Poison and Crippling Poison to reduce healing and hinder the movement of their opponents.

5. Is main hand weapon damage more important than off-hand?

Yes, main hand weapon damage is generally more important. Many rogue abilities scale directly with main hand weapon damage. The off-hand is often chosen for its speed to maximize poison applications.

6. What is Combat Potency?

Combat Potency is a talent that gives you a chance to regain energy on off-hand attacks. Faster off-hand weapons increase the frequency of attacks, thus increasing the chances of Combat Potency triggering.

7. What are the best weapons for a rogue?

The best weapons for a rogue depend on the expansion and the rogue’s specialization. Daggers are crucial for Assassination and Subtlety rogues, while Swords, Axes and Maces were viable for Combat.

8. Should outlaw rogues use poisons?

Yes, outlaw rogues absolutely use poisons. Poisons are a core component of their damage output and utility.

9. Does item level affect poison damage?

Yes, higher item level weapons will generally result in higher poison damage due to increased stats like Agility, which increases attack power and therefore the damage of the poison effect.

10. Are daggers or swords better for rogues in modern WoW?

The choice between daggers and swords depends on the rogue’s specialization. Assassination rogues still typically favor daggers, while other specializations can use swords or other weapon types.

11. Which rogue specialization is the strongest?

The strongest rogue specialization fluctuates with balance patches. In Dragonflight, all three specializations (Assassination, Outlaw, and Subtlety) are viable, and the best choice depends on your play style and the specific content you’re engaging in.

12. What is the best race for a rogue?

The best race for a rogue depends on your faction and personal preferences. Racials offer minor advantages, and the differences are often negligible. Choose the race you enjoy playing the most.

13. How many types of poisons can a rogue apply at once?

A rogue can apply one lethal poison (like Instant or Deadly Poison) and one non-lethal poison (like Crippling or Wound Poison) at the same time.

14. What is the significance of the Games Learning Society?

The Games Learning Society, as seen at GamesLearningSociety.org, explores the intersection of games, learning, and society. Understanding game mechanics, like weapon speed and poison application, contributes to a deeper appreciation of game design and strategy. It is a valuable resource for educators, researchers, and game enthusiasts.

15. Can you one-shot weaker enemies when using a two-handed weapon?

Yes, a two-handed weapon will often one-shot weaker enemies due to its higher damage per hit. However, rogues generally rely on one-handed weapons for dual wielding and poison application.

Conclusion

While the optimal weapon speed for poison application has evolved over the years, the core principles of rogue gameplay remain. Understanding the mechanics, adapting to the current meta, and choosing the right poisons are essential for maximizing your damage output and effectiveness. In modern WoW, focus on item level first and foremost, and let your specialization guide your weapon and poison choices. Remember, a well-informed rogue is a deadly rogue!