As you get more familiar with the mechanics and classes in Diablo 4, you’ll notice that each class has a unique mechanic that gives it an edge in battle. For the Rogue class, this is called its “Specialization,” and it’s worth investing in if you plan on running the Rogue in Diablo 4.
So if you’re keen on knowing more about the Rogue class’s Specialization mechanic, how it works, how to unlock it, and more, then this guide is for you. Below we’ll cover all the details surrounding the Rogue Specialization in Diablo 4, including how to unlock it, the combo points system, insights, and much more.
Update on 14 June 2023: We've updated this article with the latest info on the Diablo 4 Rogue class' unique mechanic. While you are here, check out our complete Rogue build guide.
How To Unlock The Rogue’s Specialization System in Diablo 4
Unlocking the SPecialization ability for the Rogue class in Diablo 4 is fairly simple, as all you need to do is reach level 15. Once you do, you’ll automatically begin the Priority Quest called “True Potential,” which, once completed, will unlock the Specialization ability.
The Specialization System essentially allows the Rogue class to choose or “specialize” using three passive bonuses that you can swap between at any time, even during combat. These three passives are Combo Points, Inner Sight, and Preparation, so let’s take a look at each one below.
Diablo 4 Rogue Specialization System Combo Points
The Combo Points Specialization works by building up a combo as you use your basic skills (up to three points max), and when using a specific Core Skill, you’ll unleash a more powerful version of it based on how many combo points you’ve built up.
Below you can find the Core Skills that consume Combo points when used and how much damage they output depending on the combo points you have built up:
- Barrage: Combo Points increase damage and arrows fired: +20%/+40%/+60% damage, 6/7/8 arrows.
- Rapid Fire: Combo Points increase damage and arrows fired: +13%/+26%/+39% damage, 6/7/8 arrows.
- Penetrating Shot: Combo Points increase damage and grant a chance to Knock Down for 1.5 seconds: +30%/+60%/+90% damage, 10%/20%/30% chance.
- Flurry: Combo Points increase damage and grant a +30% Attack Speed bonus: +25%/+50%/+75% damage, 1.5/3.0/4.5-second bonus.
- Twisting Blades: Combo Points increase damage and grant a Movement Speed bonus: +30%/+60%/+90% damage, 20%/40%/60% bonus.
Diablo 4 Rogue Specialization Inner Sight Ability
Next, we have the Inner Sight Specialization, which only unlocks at level 20. This ability works with crowds and functions by marking a particular enemy in a crowd with a purple eye at random.
Hitting this enemy with any attack builds up your Inner Sight gauge (Next to your Energy bar) and, once full, grants you unlimited Energy for 4 seconds. Be aware that if the marked enemy doesn’t die within ten seconds of being marked, the marker will move to a different random enemy.
Once the fight is over, you will receive a full energy bar, and the Inner Sight bar resets to zero. This Specialization is extremely useful if you can constantly land hits or target a specific enemy granting nearly infinite energy during fights.
Diablo 4 Rogue Specialization Preparation Ability
Lastly, we have the Preparation Specialization, which only unlocks at level 30. This specialization wasn’t available during the preview and beta of the game, so we aren’t fully sure of what it does just yet, though some speculate that it may be a cooldown reduction ability, letting us use our Ultimate more frequently.
This theory comes from an in-game achievement that reads: “Rogue: Preparation – Use your Ultimate 3 times in 60 seconds as a Rogue”. But be sure to expect us to update this listing with an accurate description of the Preparation Specialization as soon as it becomes available.
And there you have it, everything you need to know about Diablo 4’s Specialization system for Rogue players to enjoy. We will endeavor to update this article as soon as any information changes.