Rogue • Combat • PVE

Combat Rogue (PVE)

Weapon-focused PvE spec with strong sustained damage and scaling.

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 Combat Rogues, the choice between Aldor and Scryer has a very small impact on overall raid performance. The main long-term consideration is your shoulder enchant, with minor early gearing differences.

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 Combat Rogues is extremely small. You are unlikely to ever notice it in real raid scenarios.

Shoulder enchants are the main factor

The Aldor enchant is technically slightly stronger for PvE damage, but the gap is so small that it should not outweigh personal preference.

Early weapons are temporary

Vindicator's Brand can help early on, but it is quickly replaced by Phase 1 dungeon and raid weapons.

Switching is possible

You can change factions later if needed, but it costs time and gold. Fortunately, Combat 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 enchantEarly weapon optionSimple default choice

Highlights

Greater Inscription of Vengeance is very slightly stronger for PvE damage than the Scryer alternative
Access to Vindicator's Brand at Exalted provides a usable early sword option
A straightforward and commonly chosen option for Combat PvE

Cons

Vindicator's Brand is quickly outclassed by other Phase 1 raid weapons
Often more expensive to rush due to higher demand for Aldor turn-in items

Best if you want the marginally stronger PvE enchant and a simple early gearing path.

Scryer

Gold efficientProfession utilityPerfectly viable

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 turn-in items are often cheaper due to lower faction popularity

Cons

Provides no meaningful performance advantage over Aldor for Combat PvE

A fine alternative if you prefer Scryer or want to save gold while leveling professions.

Recommendation for Combat Rogue PvE

We recommend choosing Aldor as a Combat Rogue in TBC Classic. Greater Inscription of Vengeance is slightly better than Greater Inscription of the Blade for PvE damage, even though the difference is very small. Aldor also provides access to Vindicator's Brand, which can help during early gearing before it is replaced by stronger Phase 1 weapons. That said, the practical difference between the two factions is minimal, and Combat Rogues will perform well regardless of which faction they choose.