Of the five unique class mechanics Diablo 4 offers players, the Rogue's specialization system is arguably the most build-defining, even though it's the least customizable. Rogues don't have to earn extra Experience like the Barbarian or collect Spirit Offerings like a Druid, and they don't have to mess with a custom tree: Rogues simply get three game-changing passive options.
The three Rogue specializations – Combo Points, Inner Sight, and Preparation – each benefit players differently, but there's no way to have all three equipped at once. All three choices are unlocked by the time players hit level 30, giving plenty of time to figure out which spec works best for your preferred Rogue playstyle in Diablo 4.
How To Unlock & Equip Rogue Specializations
Rogue Specializations become available at Level 15, but only one of the three choices is unlocked: the Combo Points specialization. At Level 20, the Inner Sight Specialization becomes available, while Level 30 unlocks the final Specialization, Preparation.
Before actually being able to use any of these Rogue Specializations, though, players must complete an associated questline. Once Rogues reach Level 15, their quest log will update with the quest "True Potential," which sees them go into the Forsaken Quarry dungeon. After Bakira is defeated, and the quest is complete, Combo Points should unlock as a choice. After this initial quest is complete, reaching Level 20 and Level 30 will automatically unlock the other choices without any requirements.
To select a Specialization, simply open the character/inventory menu and tab over to the Specializations screen with the shoulder buttons or by clicking on it. Here, your currently-available Specializations will be shown. Just select one to activate it – it's really that simple. This is more convenient than most other class' options, as it can be changed at any time, even in the middle of combat.
Rogue Specializations Overview: Effects and Synergies
Combo Points Specialization – Level 15
This Rogue specialization gives new effects to an array of abilities with the addition of Combo Points. Similar to the Rogue of World of Warcraft, Combo Points are generated by Basic Attacks and are spent by Core Skills to enhance their strength or add another effect. Core Skills include Barrage, Rapid Fire, Penetrating Shot, Flurry, and Twisting Blades.
Ability Name | One Combo Point | Two Combo Points | Three Combo Points |
|---|---|---|---|
Barrage | +25% damage, 6 Arrows | +29% damage, 7 Arrows | +33% damage, 8 Arrows |
Rapid Fire | +26% damage, 6 Arrows | +29% damage, 7 Arrows | +34% damage, 8 Arrows |
Penetrating Shot | +91% damage, +10% Lucky hit chance | +112% damage, +20% Lucky hit chance | +133% damage, +30% Lucky hit chance |
Flurry | +15% Attack Speed, +75% damage for 3s | +30% Attack Speed, +90% damage for 3s | +45% Attack Speed, +105% damage for 3s |
Twisting Blades | +59% damage, +20% Speed | +72% damage, +40% Speed | +86% damage, +60% speed |
Inner Sight Specialization – Level 20
The Inner Sight Specialization marks a random enemy in a pack with a purple icon. When players hit this enemy, they will gain Inner Sight, a new resource that can be seen next to the regular Energy meter. When the Inner Sight meter fills up completely, it will empty and completely fill the player's Energy reserves.
The Inner Sight marking will move from enemy to enemy once they are killed or if they live for longer than 10 seconds while marked. This doesn't negatively impact the Rogue, the mark just moves to a new target. In boss fights, the Inner Sight marking pretty much always stays on the Boss themselves, meaning a much faster time to proc the Energy refill.
Preparation Specialization – Level 30
The Preparation Specialization reduces the cooldown of the Rogue's Ultimate abilities, but only once they have spent at least 100 Energy. Every 100 Energy a player spends on abilities, their Ultimate ability cooldown will be reduced by four seconds. Additionally, using an Ultimate ability completely resets the cooldown on all other abilities.
This might not seem like a lot, but players can build and spend Energy remarkably quickly, especially with late-game Rogue builds. Preparation is a skill that's worth building around for the potential to nearly never run out of ability uptime, and for making Ultimate abilities much more of a feasible choice thanks to its enormous cooldown reduction.
Diablo 4 is available for PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, and Xbox One and Series X|S