Combat the only leveling spec?Follow

So I'm thinking about making a rogue as my first character, they just seem like the coolest class IMO. I've done a little research on leveling builds, and the only "good" ones are combat. Now it seems to me that a rogue with a combat spec bashes whatever key sinister strike is hotkeyed to and then uses eviscerate, over and over and over. Seems kinda boring to do for 70 levels. To me, shadowstep seems like a really fun skill to use, so is Subtlety a good leveling spec or even assassination? Is a combat spec more than just 1 1 1 1 1 2 (repeat as necessary)? Also, is it possible to make my first character a PvP char or will I not have enough money?

You don't really need any money for PvP gear except the enchants, which you need for PvE as well, so the point is moot. And what Devz said is right, combat is the best, but not the only. I've levelled my rogue mutilate, swords and maces respectively and they all work- As long as you stick to a cookie cutter build you should be fine.

Also, getting money on your first char isn't a problem because of the Quel'Danas dailies. For about 40 minutes of your time (30 if you have good gear) you can get 110g, every day. However, this just means that most prices got inflated to take this into account. So not much has changed, but now you can get your money from boring dailies instead of boring farming.

This probably needs a bit of clarification. Quel'Danas dailies don't help you (directly) until you hit 70. However, and Morg alluded to this, the greater presence of gold nowadays has inflated the prices of pretty much everything else ... trade mats in particular ... I used to be chuffed when a stack of copper ore sold for 2-3 g ... now you can sell it for 4-5 g as an average.

So, as a new character, pick a gathering profession (or 2) and you can have as much gold for your gear / enchants as is necessary.

wrt levelling .. combat rocks (as mentioned), but it doesn't HAVE to be SSx* then Evis. You can mix it up, using cheap shot as an opener ... popping slice and dice after getting a combo point or 2 ... opening with garotte, etc. I have found each to have their own pro's and con's, and some work better in some situations.

Bear in mind that the rotations which deal the most damage (open with 2 SS, then SnD, the SS till dead), will mean a little more downtime, due to the fact that you'll be taking damage and will have to eat more. Opening with Cheap Shot, building 2 more points with SS, and re-stunning with Kidney shot, means a longer kill time, but practically zero downtime. ofc, this only comes later on (level 30 iirc when you get KS). Bottom line is that you can have fun with every build, and within every build, there are further variations, each having their own little bit of appeal ;-)

Have fun, it's a great class.

You're dumb.