The latest updates from Diablo 4’s 2.2.0 PTR patch notes indicate a substantial transformation for the Rogue class, particularly concerning its Trap skills. This comprehensive rework encompasses both Active and Passive skills, adjusting the overall playstyle of the Rogue. Traditionally known for their agility and high damage output through abilities like Twisting Blades, Flurry, Caltrops, and various Trap skills (such as Poison Trap and Death Trap), the Rogue has always posed a challenge for players aiming to master its mechanics.
Historically, players needed to gather multiple items for top performance, adding layers of complexity for those unfamiliar with the game’s inner workings. In this article, we will explore the significant enhancements to the Rogue class in Diablo 4.
Significant Enhancements to Rogue Skills
Poison Trap: The damage inflicted upon enemies ensnared by this trap has been increased from 15% to a robust 20% non-physical damage.
Caltrops: The slowing effect has been enhanced, increasing from 50% to 65%, while the damage output has been raised from 45% to 60%.
Death Trap: Both eliminating and overpowering enemies with this skill now reduce its cooldown by 10 seconds, a shift from the previous mechanic which only allowed cooldown reduction through kills.
Prime Death Trap: Instead of merely slowing enemies for a short duration, this skill now inflicts a 50% damage increase on enemies for 8 seconds.
Trap Mastery: Activation of trap skills now provides a 4% boost to critical strike chance that lasts for 4 seconds, no longer confined to targets that are Vulnerable or crowd-controlled.
Exposure: Hitting an enemy affected by traps now offers a 40% chance to decrease the cooldown of trap skills by 30%. Additionally, it drops a cluster of stun grenades dealing 80% total physical damage and stunning foes for 1 second.
Lucky Hit: Attacking a trap-inflicted enemy also offers a 40% chance to amplify Trap skill damage for 10 seconds, stacking up to a maximum of 100%. Furthermore, it reduces the cooldown of that skill by 30%.
Modifications to Trap-Centric Unique Items
Writing Band of Trickery: The Decoy trap from any subterfuge skill now inflicts shadow damage over time instead of causing an explosion upon triggering.
Developer’s Note: Decoy traps now deal damage over time and can be repositioned easily. When combined with thrown Trap Skills, they will be deployed where the skill is aimed.
Scoundrel’s Leathers: Trap skills can now be thrown, allowing you to summon a Death Trap every 10 seconds. Upon activation, stepping through shadows to the Death Trap grants 10-30% increased damage for 5 seconds.
Adjustments to Trap-Centric Paragon Legendary Nodes
Deadly Ambush: The critical strike damage bonus has received an increase from 23% to 30%.
These significant updates represent a concerted effort to enhance the Rogue class in Diablo 4, particularly its Trap skills. Having experimented with builds like the Twisting Blades Rogue and Death Trap Rogue, I can confirm that Trap skills often felt lagging compared to conventional damage abilities. With these new adjustments, players can anticipate a more streamlined experience that favors direct damage output against adversaries.
In Diablo 4’s Season 8, builds centered around Trap skills such as Poison Trap Rogue and Death Trap Rogue are poised for exceptional improvements thanks to this revamped skill set.