This page is maintained to show how Assassination Rogues and Frost Mages compare in PvE end-game at level 90 — and was last updated for patch 12.0.1 of the Midnight expansion.
Sim Your Character for most accurate results
Get a personalized report showing which spec your character performs best as for Raids, Mythics+, Solo Delves, and more.
Note: Midnight launch rankings are now live and highly preliminary. Expect rapid shifts as SimulationCraft and theorycraft data mature.
Comparing DPS (Assassination Rogue vs. Frost Mage)
Anytime the game updates, we run simulations using BiS profiles and SimulationCraft to analyze the current meta of all specs in WoW. Below shows which spec had the highest DPS for each category. To view more information in a category, click the Details button.
Performance ComparisonPatch 12.0.1
Frost Mage+24.76% DPS
When simulating for maximum theoretical single-target DPS, Frost Mages averaged 24.76% more DPS than Assassination Rogues (+24K DPS).
Frost Mage+44.3% DPS
When simulating for light AoE DPS potential, with small waves of adds, Frost Mages averaged 44.3% more DPS than Assassination Rogues (+64K DPS).
Frost Mage+1.77% DPS
When upgrading the gear for both specs by +74 ilvl, Frost Mage DPS improved the most, +1.77% more than Assassination Rogue. In total, Frost Mages DPS increased by 51.29% and Assassination Rogues by 49.52%.
Assassination Rogue+4.76% DPS
When simulating for max single-target DPS with the new Single-Button Assistant, Assassination Rogues averaged 4.76% more DPS than Frost Mages (+3K DPS).
This category evaluates the burst DPS potential of each spec by simulating a short encounter with full raid buffs and bloodlust.
This category evaluates the solo DPS potential of each spec by simulating a typical solo delve encounter with no raid buffs.
This category evaluates the pure AoE DPS potential of each spec by simulating both specs to fight intense groups of adds, with nearly 16 adds at any given moment.
This category evaluates the performance of each spec when introducing occasional movement and stuns during boss encounters.
This category evaluates the latency tolerance of each spec by simulating both specs with moderate-to-high latency. This can indicate which spec performs better when facing high latency, whether due to far server/realm location or limited access to quality internet.
This category evaluates the skill level required to play each spec by simulating both specs with greatly reduced player skill. This can indicate which spec is more forgiving of mistakes or has a simpler rotation.
The comparisons above highlight some of the key differences between Assassination Rogue and Frost Mage in the current meta, which can hopefully help you determine which spec to play or group up with.
Assassination Roguevs Frost Mage
Frost Mage+24.76% DPS 
Assassination Rogue+4.76% DPS