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Dual Core Rapid Fire Flurry Rogue Leveling Build Guide for Diablo 4 (Season 5)

Our top recommended build for leveling a Rogue.

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Lexyu

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Rapid FireFlurryPunctureDashShadow StepConcealment


Build Introduction

Rogue leveling is a breeze as you fly through Sanctuary with the Rapid FireRapid Fire and FlurryFlurry leveling build. This is your leveling guide for Diablo 4, with the maximum Skill Point allocation at Level 50. Let us go over the build mechanics, character progression, and playstyle!

This Dual Core Skill build is perfect for players who want the best of both single-target damage and Area of Effect (AoE) clearing. Rapid FireRapid Fire deals high single-target damage to snipe elite and bosses, while FlurryFlurry hits every enemy around the Rogue with AoE damage.

Unlike builds using Shadow ImbuementShadow Imbuement or other cooldowns to clear packs of enemies, this hybrid build has unlimited AoE available for every engagement. Another key advantage is having both Cutthroat and Marksman Skills to activate Close Quarters CombatClose Quarters Combat for more Attack Speed and Damage.

Season 5 Update (Patch 1.5.0): FlurryFlurry base damage is increased by 1.38x and Enhanced FlurryEnhanced Flurry receives a 1.25x damage multiplier to improve the already powerful Flurry Rogue build. Improved FlurryImproved Flurry is reworked to dash to enemies to make this leveling build feature the highest starting mobility.

Once your Rogue character reaches Level 50 or enters World Tier 3, switch to the endgame guide for Dual Core Rapid Fire Flurry to continue this build.

Check the Rogue leveling page for a comparison of all the leveling builds and general tips.

Skill Tree Points and Skill Bar

Skill Bar Setup for Dual Core Rapid Fire Flurry Rogue (order does not matter)
Flurry Flurry Puncture Puncture Rapid Fire Rapid Fire Dash Dash Cold Imbuement Cold Imbuement Concealment Concealment

The following table shows the order in which to allocate your Skill Points for the Rapid Fire and Flurry Rogue leveling build. You gain 48 points at Level 50 and 2 points from completing Renown in each Act zone, for a total of 58.

OrderSkillCluster
1PuncturePuncture Rank 1Basic SkillBasic Skill
2Enhanced PunctureEnhanced PunctureBasic SkillBasic Skill
3FlurryFlurry Rank 1Core SkillCore Skill
4Fundamental PunctureFundamental PunctureBasic SkillBasic Skill
5Enhanced FlurryEnhanced FlurryCore SkillCore Skill
6Improved FlurryImproved FlurryCore SkillCore Skill
7DashDash Rank 1Agility SkillAgility Skill
8FlurryFlurry Rank 2Core SkillCore Skill
9FlurryFlurry Rank 3Core SkillCore Skill
10FlurryFlurry Rank 4Core SkillCore Skill
11FlurryFlurry Rank 5Core SkillCore Skill
12Unstable ElixirsUnstable Elixirs Rank 1Agility SkillAgility Skill
13Unstable ElixirsUnstable Elixirs Rank 2Agility SkillAgility Skill
14Unstable ElixirsUnstable Elixirs Rank 3Agility SkillAgility Skill
15Enhanced DashEnhanced DashAgility SkillAgility Skill
16Methodical DashMethodical DashAgility SkillAgility Skill
17ExploitExploit Rank 1Subterfuge SkillSubterfuge Skill
18ExploitExploit Rank 2Subterfuge SkillSubterfuge Skill
19ExploitExploit Rank 3Subterfuge SkillSubterfuge Skill
20MaliceMalice Rank 1Subterfuge SkillSubterfuge Skill
21MaliceMalice Rank 2Subterfuge SkillSubterfuge Skill
22MaliceMalice Rank 3Subterfuge SkillSubterfuge Skill
23Weapon MasteryWeapon Mastery Rank 1Agility SkillAgility Skill
24Weapon MasteryWeapon Mastery Rank 2Agility SkillAgility Skill
25Weapon MasteryWeapon Mastery Rank 3Agility SkillAgility Skill
26Adrenaline RushAdrenaline Rush Rank 1Ultimate SkillUltimate Skill
27HasteHaste Rank 1Ultimate SkillUltimate Skill
28HasteHaste Rank 2Ultimate SkillUltimate Skill
29HasteHaste Rank 3Ultimate SkillUltimate Skill
30Rapid FireRapid Fire Rank 1Core SkillCore Skill
31Enhanced Rapid FireEnhanced Rapid FireCore SkillCore Skill
32Advanced Rapid FireAdvanced Rapid FireCore SkillCore Skill
33Rapid FireRapid Fire Rank 2Core SkillCore Skill
34Close Quarters CombatClose Quarters CombatKey PassivesKey Passives
35Rapid FireRapid Fire Rank 3Core SkillCore Skill
36Rapid FireRapid Fire Rank 4Core SkillCore Skill
37Rapid FireRapid Fire Rank 5Core SkillCore Skill
38Stutter StepStutter Step Rank 1Core SkillCore Skill
39Stutter StepStutter Step Rank 2Core SkillCore Skill
40Stutter StepStutter Step Rank 3Core SkillCore Skill
41Cold ImbuementCold Imbuement Rank 1Imbuement SkillImbuement Skill
42Enhanced Cold ImbuementEnhanced Cold ImbuementImbuement SkillImbuement Skill
43Mixed Cold ImbuementMixed Cold ImbuementImbuement SkillImbuement Skill
44Frigid FinesseFrigid Finesse Rank 1Imbuement SkillImbuement Skill
45Frigid FinesseFrigid Finesse Rank 2Imbuement SkillImbuement Skill
46Frigid FinesseFrigid Finesse Rank 3Imbuement SkillImbuement Skill
47ConcealmentConcealment Rank 1Subterfuge SkillSubterfuge Skill
48Enhanced ConcealmentEnhanced ConcealmentSubterfuge SkillSubterfuge Skill
49Countering ConcealmentCountering ConcealmentSubterfuge SkillSubterfuge Skill
50SturdySturdy Rank 1Core SkillCore Skill
51SturdySturdy Rank 2Core SkillCore Skill
52SturdySturdy Rank 3Core SkillCore Skill
53AgileAgile Rank 1Subterfuge SkillSubterfuge Skill
54AgileAgile Rank 2Subterfuge SkillSubterfuge Skill
55AgileAgile Rank 3Subterfuge SkillSubterfuge Skill
56Precision ImbuementPrecision Imbuement Rank 1Imbuement SkillImbuement Skill
57Precision ImbuementPrecision Imbuement Rank 2Imbuement SkillImbuement Skill
58Precision ImbuementPrecision Imbuement Rank 3Imbuement SkillImbuement Skill

Dual Core Rogue Specialization

The Rogue Specialization can be unlocked at Level 15. Complete the True Potential questline as soon as possible to gain access to the first Specialization option, Combo Points. This is the preferred Specialization for leveling a Rogue.

Build Combo Points with PuncturePuncture to unleash additional damage and arrows for Rapid FireRapid Fire. Combo Points can also be used to gain additional damage and an Attack Speed buff with FlurryFlurry.

Twisting Blades
Combo Points Are Counted Above the Skill Bar

Build Mechanics and Playstyle

FlurryFlurry provides Area of Effect damage to clear groups of enemies. Improved FlurryImproved Flurry dashes to enemies to quickly traverse between enemy packs. Rapid FireRapid Fire is eventually supplemented to deal higher single-target damage to tougher Elites and Bosses.

This hybrid build has an arsenal of both Cutthroat Skills (FlurryFlurry and DashDash) and Marksman Skills (Rapid FireRapid Fire and PuncturePuncture) to activate damage increases from Close Quarters CombatClose Quarters Combat and eventually Tricks of the Trade in Paragon.

Cold ImbuementCold Imbuement freezes enemies to activate damage bonuses from Mixed Cold ImbuementMixed Cold Imbuement and Frigid FinesseFrigid Finesse.

Animation Cancel Technique

Evade immediately after using Rapid FireRapid Fire or FlurryFlurry to cancel their casting animations. This technique is important to quickly dodge incoming attacks while activating Advanced Rapid FireAdvanced Rapid Fire. Boots with the implicit effect, attacks reduce Evade’s cooldown by 1.5 seconds, allow for an animation cancel after using 3 Basic Attacks and a Core Skill. Practice hitting Evade after every Core Skill to build muscle memory.

Arrows continue to fire after an animation cancel

AoE Damage Rotation

Explode groups of mobs with the following rotation.

  1. (Optional) DashDash to enemies to activate Enhanced DashEnhanced Dash.
  2. Use a Potion to activate the damage buff from Unstable ElixirsUnstable Elixirs.
  3. Build 3 Combo Points with PuncturePuncture.
  4. Activate Cold ImbuementCold Imbuement.
  5. Cast FlurryFlurry to deal AoE damage.
  6. Immediately animation cancel FlurryFlurry with an Evade
  7. Restart the rotation.

Single Target Damage Rotation

Use the following rotation against Elites and Bosses for high single-target damage.

  1. Evade to activate Advanced Rapid FireAdvanced Rapid Fire.
  2. Use a Potion to activate the damage buff from Unstable ElixirsUnstable Elixirs.
  3. Build 3 Combo Points with PuncturePuncture. Make sure you are close enough for Fundamental PunctureFundamental Puncture to apply Vulnerable.
  4. Activate Cold ImbuementCold Imbuement.
  5. Cast Rapid FireRapid Fire at the target.
  6. Immediately animation cancel Rapid FireRapid Fire with an Evade to restart the rotation.

Gear, Gems, Elixirs, and Stats

The following sections cover the important systems that are essential to improving the power of your character during the leveling process.

Legendary Aspects

Aspect of Encircling BladesAspect of Encircling Blades can be unlocked in the Codex of Power by completing the Forsaken Quarry in Fractured Peaks. It is located right above the first major town of Kyovashad. The dungeon is part of the Rogue Specialization Quest, so follow it after it unlocks at Level 15. Immediately visit the Occultist to imprint this Aspect onto an item to increase the AoE range of FlurryFlurry.

Forsaken Quarry location

Higher Tier Aspects with stronger effects can be found on dropped Legendary Items. Salvage unwanted Legendary Items at the Blacksmith to unlock these Aspects in the Codex of Power, and then imprint them onto well-rolled Rare Items. Check the in-depth Aspect and Codex of Power guide for more information.

Listed below are all the Aspects found on Legendary Items that are important for the Rapid Fire and Flurry Rogue leveling build. They are listed in order of priority. The best-in-slot Aspects List is in the Endgame Guide for Dual Core Rogue.

Aspect NameLegendary Aspect PowerSource
Aspect of Encircling BladesAspect of Encircling BladesFlurry damages enemies in a circle around you and deals [15 – 22%] increased damage.Forsaken Quarry, Fractured Peaks
Breakneck Bandit's AspectBreakneck Bandit’s AspectFlurry deals [25 – 40%] increased damage and has a 20% chance to Stun enemies for 3 seconds with each hit.Random Drop Only
Aspect of the ExpectantAspect of the ExpectantAttacking enemies with a Basic Skill increases the damage of your next Core Skill cast by [5 – 10%], up to 30%.Underroot, Scosglen
Edgemaster's AspectEdgemaster’s AspectSkills deal up to [10 – 20%] increased damage based on your available Primary Resource when cast, receiving the maximum benefit while you have full Primary Resource.Oldstones, Scosglen
Aspect of RetributionAspect of RetributionDistant enemies have a 8% chance to be Stunned for 2 seconds when they hit you. You deal [10 – 20%] increased damage to Stunned enemies.Abandoned Mineworks, Kehjistan
Aspect of MightAspect of MightBasic Skills grant 20% Damage Reduction for [2 – 6] secondsDark Ravine, Dry Steppes
Rapid AspectRapid AspectBasic Skills gain [15 – 30%] Attack Speed.Buried Halls, Dry Steppes
Accelerating AspectAccelerating AspectCritical Strikes with Core Skills increase your Attack Speed by [15 – 25%] for 3 seconds.Random Drop Only

Gems

Listed below are the best Gems to socket into gear for each item type.

Weapon GemsArmor GemsJewelry Gems
Royal SapphireRoyal Sapphire for increased Vulnerable Damage.Royal RubyRoyal Ruby for increased Maximum Life.Any Resistance Gems needed or Royal SkullRoyal Skull for Armor (up to the 9,230 Armor cap).

Elixirs

Visit the Alchemist in any main town to craft helpful Elixirs that increase stats and experience gain for 30 minutes. Make sure to forage plants and pick up the necessary crafting materials during your adventures; they randomly spawn around the world. Elixirs can also drop randomly from enemies and chests during many activities in Diablo 4. Listed below are the best Elixirs to consume, ranked by importance.

  1. Elixir of ResourceElixir of Resource greatly helps with Energy issues, if you do not already have the appropriate Energy gear. This elixir is highly recommended for starting characters to maintain casting of Core Skills.
  2. Elixir of PrecisionElixir of Precision provides the highest damage output increase, if not already capped at 100% Critical Strike Chance.
  3. Elixir of AdvantageElixir of Advantage increases damage output, if not already capped at 100% Attack Speed bonus from gear and Paragon.
  4. Elixir of FortitudeElixir of Fortitude is the best general purpose option for survivability.

Return to the Alchemist again when you reach Level 20, 30, 45, 60, 70, 80 and 90, to upgrade your potion. The extra healing is essential to survival.

Stat Priority and Tempering Affixes

Listed below are the affixes to prioritize on gear during the early leveling of a Dual Core Rapid Fire Flurry Rogue. Each line of affixes are listed in order of importance. Affixes on the same line are considered to be equally important, but their benefits may vary depending on how much is stacked or other character stats.

The Item Power of Weapons determines its DPS and is the most important factor when searching for upgrades. When comparing weapons with similar Item Power, Crossbows are preferred over Bows for a higher Damage per Hit for Rapid FireRapid Fire. Daggers are selected for the fastest weapon speed to generate Combo Points.

Prioritize Boots with the implicit effect, attacks reduce Evade’s cooldown, for constant Evades to activate Advanced Rapid FireAdvanced Rapid Fire and Advanced FlurryAdvanced Flurry.

Tempering Manuals are randomly dropped while leveling, and they need to be found to unlock their usage at the Blacksmith. Highlighted affixes are the most beneficial temper to prioritize while leveling. All other tempers may not be worthwhile during early levels if you are consistently replacing gear with new item upgrades.

SlotGear AffixesTempering Affixes
Weapons1. Maximum Life
2. Dexterity, Critical Strike Damage, Vulnerable Damage
Core Augments — RogueCore Augments — Rogue: Chance for Rapid Fire Projectiles to Cast Twice
Specialist EvolutionSpecialist Evolution (Offensive): Damage to Crowd Controlled Enemies
Helm1. Cooldown Reduction, Energy per Second
2. Resistances, Armor
3. Maximum Life, Dexterity, Lucky Hit Chance
Alchemist ControlAlchemist Control (Utility): Flurry Size
Rogue RecoveryRogue Recovery (Defensive): Flurry Healing
Chest1. Energy per Second
2. Resistances, Armor
3. Maximum Life, Dexterity
Alchemist ControlAlchemist Control (Utility): Flurry Size
Rogue RecoveryRogue Recovery (Defensive): Flurry Healing
Gloves1. Ranks to Core Skills, Critical Strike Chance, Attack Speed
2. Resistances, Armor
3. Resource Cost Reduction, Maximum Life, Lucky Hit Chance
Specialist EvolutionSpecialist Evolution (Offensive): Damage to Crowd Controlled Enemies
Alchemist ControlAlchemist Control (Utility): Flurry Size
Pants1. Resistances, Armor
2. Maximum Life, Dexterity
Worldly FortuneWorldly Fortune (Utility): Lucky Hit Chance to Freeze
Rogue RecoveryRogue Recovery (Defensive): Flurry Healing
BootsImplicit Stat: Attacks Reduce Evade’s Cooldown
1. Movement Speed, Energy per Second
2. Resistances, Armor
3. Ranks to Dash, Maximum Life, Dexterity
Natural MotionNatural Motion (Mobility): Movement Speed
Rogue InnovationRogue Innovation (Utility): Flurry Size
Amulet1. Ranks to Exploit, Critical Strike Chance, Cooldown Reduction, Attack Speed
2. Movement Speed, Armor
Imbuement AbundanceImbuement Abundance (Resource): Cold Imbue Additional Casts
Natural MotionNatural Motion (Mobility): Movement Speed
Rings1. Critical Strike Chance, Attack Speed
2. Resource Cost Reduction, Critical Strike Damage, Vulnerable Damage, Resistances, Maximum Life
3. Dexterity, Lucky Hit Chance
Imbuement AbundanceImbuement Abundance (Resource): Cold Imbue Additional Casts
Specialist EvolutionSpecialist Evolution (Offensive): Damage to Crowd Controlled Enemies

Paragon

Paragon unlocks after reaching Level 50, and the progression system offers a considerable boost to character power. The images below provide a visual of an early Paragon board setup for the Dual Core Rogue.

The Paragon boards in this leveling guide are designed as a temporary setup for characters that have recently reached Level 50. Continue your progress with the fully optimized Paragon setup in the Dual Core endgame guide.

Important Notes:

  • Make sure you select the correct Legendary Boards and rotate them into the correct orientation.
  • Attach Legendary Boards in the correct order, as bonus requirements of Rare Nodes increase with their placement order.
  • Additional bonus requirements on Rare Glyphs may not be obtainable until they gain increased radius range at Level 15.

1. Starting Board (Exploit)

Socket ExploitExploit in the starting board. Prioritize leveling Exploit to 15 for increased radius, as it is needed to allocate enough Strength to activate the additional bonus.

2. Tricks of the Trade (Turf)

Rotate the Tricks of the TradeTricks of the Trade board 2 times before attachment. Immediately obtain the Legendary node, and then Socket TurfTurf for some valuable Damage Reduction. Prioritize leveling Turf to 15 for increased radius, as it is needed to allocate enough Strength to activate the additional bonus.

3. Cheap Shot (Control)

Rotate the Cheap ShotCheap Shot board 2 times before attachment. Immediately obtain the Legendary node on this board. Socket ControlControl to gain Damage to Crowd Controlled Enemies for an increased damage bonus on Close Quarters CombatClose Quarters Combat.

Paragon Board images courtesy of d4builds.gg. Click this link for the Paragon planner.

Changelog

  • August 6th, 2024: Guide updated for Season 5 (Patch 1.5.0).
  • May 15th, 2024: Priority Affixes updated with game changes made since the Season 4 PTR.
  • May 14th, 2024: Guide updated for Season 4 (Patch 1.4.0).
  • March 5th, 2024: Guide updated for the Mid Season 3 Update (Patch 1.3.3).
  • January 22nd, 2024: Guide updated for Season 3 (Patch 1.3.0).
  • October 17th, 2023: Guide updated for Season 2 (Patch 1.2.0).
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