Rogue: Swords v. Fists?

Calisue · March 07, 2008, 08:36 AM

I just started a Rogue alt and was trying to find some additional information regarding the difference between swords and fists at 70.

If I understand it correctly, both can be used effectively in a combat build, the difference is that with specialization you get an extra swing with a sword and higher crit with fists. The outdated info I did find suggested that this was more of a personal choice and the DPS usually equaled out eventually. Is this still the case?

Theleb · March 07, 2008, 08:59 AM

Generally swords are the superior raid DPS build because of the Specialisation proc interaction with Windfury (and up until recently, better itemisation as well) which leads to (as you've probably seen) a prevalance of Combat Sword Rogues....however its a very, very small difference given equivalent itemisation and the 5% extra crit goes a long way towards making up the extra mileage from the extra swing.

Also take a look here:

RogueSpot :: Log in

For a discussion of a Sword OH/Fist MH Hybrid.

Maltyrius · March 07, 2008, 10:16 AM

Traditionally, the problem with fists has been itemization. Even if you could find a good MH at level cap getting an OH was almost out of the question. With arena gear via honor that issue is pretty much dead. I always liked the passive boost to crit over an occasional extra swing but as mentioned above the differences over a long stretch of time are pretty minimal.

Having said that, fists are just super cool and worth style points if nothing else. I still have my Claw http://www.wowhead.com/?item=19365 collecting dust in the bank.

Theleb · March 07, 2008, 10:54 AM

I like to see fist rogues and yeah, the itemisation is SO much better now!

forketta · March 07, 2008, 11:00 AM

The correct answer has already been written: while leveling itemization pushes you to swords. Eg.: warglaives are swords. That said, i think that rogue is fists or dagger. Sword rumor is.... bah. The "clonk" of maces is funny for the first time. Soon it will become boring. The thousands of little numbers filling your screen while SnD with daggers is amazing. The tearing effect of a crit hemo is too good not to be heard! Easy way to try fists at 66+, if no better fist is available to you. Buy consortium fists at Dealer Jadyan in Netherstorm, and IF your guild is not too demanding, go full combact or one of hemo variations, get double agility, or double moongoose if you are wealthy, and simply stay in front of the mob unleashing all your brute force.

Calisue · March 07, 2008, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by forketta

The correct answer has already been written: while leveling itemization pushes you to swords. Eg.: warglaives are swords. That said, i think that rogue is fists or dagger. Sword rumor is.... bah. The "clonk" of maces is funny for the first time. Soon it will become boring. The thousands of little numbers filling your screen while SnD with daggers is amazing. The tearing effect of a crit hemo is too good not to be heard! Easy way to try fists at 66+, if no better fist is available to you. Buy consortium fists at Dealer Jadyan in Netherstorm, and IF your guild is not too demanding, go full combact or one of hemo variations, get double agility, or double moongoose if you are wealthy, and simply stay in front of the mob unleashing all your brute force.

Thanks everyone for the replies. I am the GM and we are a casual, PVE guild so I think I could go whatever I wanted as long as I hold my own well.

March 07, 2008, 08:36 AM	#1 (permalink)
Calisue Lurker Character Info Calisue 70 Human Warlock Shattered Halls US PvP Guild: Company H Profile: Blizzard Armory Talent Spec: 43/7/11	Swords v. Fists? I just started a Rogue alt and was trying to find some additional information regarding the difference between swords and fists at 70. If I understand it correctly, both can be used effectively in a combat build, the difference is that with specialization you get an extra swing with a sword and higher crit with fists. The outdated info I did find suggested that this was more of a personal choice and the DPS usually equaled out eventually. Is this still the case?

March 07, 2008, 08:59 AM	#2 (permalink)
Theleb Moderator Character Info Theleb 70 Human Warlock Shadowsong Euro PvE Guild: Original Talent Spec: 0/46/15	Re: Swords v. Fists? Generally swords are the superior raid DPS build because of the Specialisation proc interaction with Windfury (and up until recently, better itemisation as well) which leads to (as you've probably seen) a prevalance of Combat Sword Rogues....however its a very, very small difference given equivalent itemisation and the 5% extra crit goes a long way towards making up the extra mileage from the extra swing. Also take a look here: RogueSpot :: Log in For a discussion of a Sword OH/Fist MH Hybrid. Last edited by Theleb; March 07, 2008 at 10:54 AM.

March 07, 2008, 10:16 AM	#3 (permalink)
Maltyrius Moderator Character Info Lôkhan 80 Blood Elf Hunter Kilrogg US PvE Guild: Apotheosis Talent Spec: 5/20/46	Re: Swords v. Fists? Traditionally, the problem with fists has been itemization. Even if you could find a good MH at level cap getting an OH was almost out of the question. With arena gear via honor that issue is pretty much dead. I always liked the passive boost to crit over an occasional extra swing but as mentioned above the differences over a long stretch of time are pretty minimal. Having said that, fists are just super cool and worth style points if nothing else. I still have my Claw http://www.wowhead.com/?item=19365 collecting dust in the bank.

March 07, 2008, 10:54 AM	#4 (permalink)
Theleb Moderator Character Info Theleb 70 Human Warlock Shadowsong Euro PvE Guild: Original Talent Spec: 0/46/15	Re: Swords v. Fists? I like to see fist rogues and yeah, the itemisation is SO much better now!

March 07, 2008, 11:00 AM	#5 (permalink)
forketta Member Character Info temet 70 Orc Warlock Burning Legion Euro PvP Talent Spec: Sl/Sl	Re: Swords v. Fists? The correct answer has already been written: while leveling itemization pushes you to swords. Eg.: warglaives are swords. That said, i think that rogue is fists or dagger. Sword rumor is.... bah. The "clonk" of maces is funny for the first time. Soon it will become boring. The thousands of little numbers filling your screen while SnD with daggers is amazing. The tearing effect of a crit hemo is too good not to be heard! Easy way to try fists at 66+, if no better fist is available to you. Buy consortium fists at Dealer Jadyan in Netherstorm, and IF your guild is not too demanding, go full combact or one of hemo variations, get double agility, or double moongoose if you are wealthy, and simply stay in front of the mob unleashing all your brute force.