Q & A Time Patch 4.0.1

It's been a long time since I did this, in fact it was February 22nd 2010 (okay so it just feels like it was along time ago). So it's about time I start answering some questions asked by readers by scouring the old search strings database. After a good look I did find plenty of questions kicking around that people wanted to know so here goes:

1. What is the rogue hit cap 4.0.1?

Hit Caps found here. Specifically the poison cap is 446 without precision.

2. What is the best rogue spec 4.0.1?

No one knows but preliminary views show that it could be Mutilate, then Subtlety and Combat last.

3. What is the rogue expertise cap for 4.0.1?
It is now 23 expertise skill at level 80 in patch 4.0.1. That's roughly 177 Expertise rating.
4. What are the 4.0.1 rogue weapon enchants?
Weapon enchants are Mongoose OH, Mongoose MH for all rogue builds.
5. What is the rogue crit cap in 4.0.1?

Your personal crit cap will depend on your character hit and expertise. Use the Crit Cap Program to find out yours.

6. What are the best rogue PVE builds in 4.0.1?
Currently the following talent builds are considered optimal for each specialisation. Combat 2/31/3, Mutilate 31/3/2,  and Subtlety 3/2/31.
7. What rogue poisons should I use in 4.0.1?

Poisons are Combat: WP MH, DP OH. Mutilate: IP Slow, DP Fast. Subtlety: IP (WP for fiddly fights) MH, DP OH.

8. Are there any Mutilate spreadsheets for 4.0.1?

Not yet no.

9. Armor Penetration for rogues?
Sorry, Armor Penetration for rogues was removed completely in patch 4.0.1. If you happen to be on a private server that is pre-patch 4.0.1 Arp is still viable for combat rogues only.
10. What are the rogue gems in Cataclysm.
Basically rogue gems are Red: Agility, Yellow: Agility & Haste and Blue: Agility or Agility and Hit.
11. What are the Rogue stat values in 4.0.1.

Stat values can be found over here, referred to as EP values.

12. What should I reforge to as a rogue?
Info on Reforging. Summary: Crit to Haste is your main priority once poison hit capped.
13. Combat rogue 4.0.1 what swords do I want?
You want a slow MH sword or axe and a fast dagger OH or a fast axe OH.
14. Should I give up Combat?
Not if you don't want to, your guild may ask you to go Mutilate though for now because combat is so low on damage at the moment.
15. Can I really try Subtlety for PVE now?
Yes indeed. It's a nightmare rotation wise but yields impressive results now that exceed combat at the moment and rival Mutilate.
16. Do we use rupture now?
Yes rupture is back in fashion. It's still not ideal for fiddly fights and if you have low haste (say below 40% at least) it's better to give it a miss. However, otherwise it's a definite winner.
17. Best Professions for a rogue in patch 4.0.1?
Professions currently remain the same until Cataclysm. At level 80 raiding in patch 4.0.1 best rogue professions are Engineering and JC/BS.
18. What is the rogue stat priority?
Agility > Poison Hit > Haste > White Hit > Crit > AP. Mutilate rogues may insert Mastery above White hit.
19. What should I reforge after I'm under the crit cap?
Still Crit. Crit is our worst stat so always reforge your crit unless you have really low crit i.e. 30% and below (not likely).
20. What should my hit be for a rogue in 4.0.1?
Anything above the poison hit cap. Do not try to get the hard hit cap. Poison hit cap is 446 hit rating unbuffed, 288 hit rating for combat rogues (3/3 precision) and 342 hit rating for mutilate rogues (2/3 precision).