Rogue • Assassination • PVE

Assassination Rogue (PVE)

Sustained damage with poisons and strong boss DPS.

DPSPVE

Aldor vs Scryer

When you first reach Shattrath City at level 60 or higher, you are given a choice between two factions: The Aldor and the Scryers. This decision affects which reputation rewards you can purchase, which quest lines you can pursue, and which faction strongholds you can access in Shadowmoon Valley. While it is possible to switch later, it is best to avoid making a haphazard choice. For Assassination Rogues, the choice between Aldor and Scryer has very little impact on overall raid performance. The primary long-term consideration is the shoulder enchant, while faction weapons provide little to no value for Mutilate builds.

Before you choose

Here are the only things you need to know before picking a side.

Performance difference is minimal

The difference between Aldor and Scryer for Assassination Rogues is extremely small. You are unlikely to notice any impact in real raid scenarios.

Shoulder enchants are the main factor

Aldor provides a very slightly stronger PvE shoulder enchant, but the gap is so small that it should not outweigh personal preference.

Daggers matter more than faction weapons

Mutilate builds require slow daggers for best performance. Faction-provided weapons do not meaningfully support this requirement.

Switching is possible

You can change factions later if needed, but it costs time and gold. Fortunately, Assassination Rogues lose very little by choosing either option.

Aldor vs Scryer

Side-by-side comparison of early highlights, pros, and cons.

Neither choice is permanent, but your early gearing experience can feel very different depending on which faction you choose

Aldor

Recommended

Slightly better PvE enchantSimple default choiceNo weapon downsides

Highlights

Greater Inscription of Vengeance is very slightly stronger for PvE damage than the Scryer alternative
Provides a clean, no-compromise option for Assassination PvE
Works well regardless of weapon progression

Cons

Often more expensive to rush due to higher demand for Aldor turn-in items

Best if you want the marginally stronger PvE enchant without worrying about weapon compatibility.

Scryer

Gold efficientProfession utilityPlayable alternative

Highlights

Greater Inscription of the Blade is extremely close in value to the Aldor enchant
Plans such as Enchanted Adamantite Belt can reduce the cost of leveling Blacksmithing
Scryer reputation turn-ins are often cheaper due to lower faction popularity

Cons

Retainer's Blade is too fast to be used effectively in Mutilate builds, which require slow daggers for optimal performance
Provides no meaningful gearing advantage for Assassination PvE

A fine alternative if you prefer Scryer or want to save gold, but it offers no weapon benefits for Mutilate.

Recommendation for Assassination Rogue PvE

We recommend choosing Aldor as an Assassination Rogue in TBC Classic. Greater Inscription of Vengeance is slightly stronger than Greater Inscription of the Blade for PvE damage, even though the difference is very small. Unlike Combat, Assassination Rogues gain no meaningful benefit from faction weapons, and the Scryer dagger Retainer's Blade is too fast to be effective for Mutilate builds. Overall, Aldor provides the cleanest and most straightforward choice for Assassination PvE.