How to Pick Pockets and Steal from Merchants in Baldur’s Gate 3

In the sprawling world of Baldur’s Gate 3, the thrill of thievery beckons adventurous players to test their stealth and cunning. Whether you’re eyeing valuable loot in a bustling market or plotting to pickpocket unsuspecting NPCs, mastering the art of stealing can significantly enhance your gameplay. This guide delves into essential techniques for successful theft, from activating stealth mode and utilizing the right skills to evade detection and maximize your spoils. Prepare to embrace your inner rogue as we explore the shadows of Faerûn!

How to sneak and steal?

Sneaking and stealing in Baldur’s Gate 3 require strategic planning and execution. Begin by activating stealth mode using the C key on the PC version, which causes your character to move in a crouched position. Ensure your Agility ability is high, as it significantly enhances your sneaking capabilities. Avoid drawing attention by staying out of the line of sight of non-player characters (NPCs); wait for them to turn away or change directions before proceeding. For particularly challenging environments, utilize invisibility spells to bypass guard patrols and secure artifacts undetected. When approaching targets, maintain stealth mode and stand behind obstacles to minimize visibility. Each successful pickpocketing attempt relies on rolling a skill check; failure leads to immediate detection and potential consequences, so save frequently to mitigate risks.

1. Activate stealth mode before trying to steal something. In the PC version, it is activated by default with the C key. The character will start to move in a crouched position.
2. The Agility ability is linked to the effectiveness of sneaking – it’s best if it’s as high as possible. Always make sure that you are not in the field of view of the NPCs. Wait until the characters from the area turn around or go in a different direction, or position yourselves behind them.
3. In locations where traditional stealth is difficult, you can try to experiment with, for example, invisibility spells. This will help you pass through a guarded area or steal a protected artifact.

How does pickpocketing work?

Pickpocketing is a stealthy form of theft that relies on skillful misdirection and dexterity to steal valuables from unsuspecting victims. Typically, a pickpocket will identify a target, often in crowded areas where distractions abound, and create an opportunity to lift items without the victim noticing. Techniques may include using accomplices to engage the victim in conversation or create physical obstructions, such as bumping into them, to mask the act of stealing. The actual theft can occur quickly, often involving subtle movements that allow the pickpocket to reach into pockets or bags without drawing attention. This method of theft is particularly prevalent in tourist-heavy locations, where individuals may be less vigilant about their belongings .

1. You can use pickpocketing to rob living characters. Use a hero with the Sleight of Hand skill. It is available as a class skill for the Bard and the Rogue and is associated with the Dexterity ability.
2. Always start by hiding behind and obstacle with the stealth mode enabled. Approach the selected target and stand behind their back.

1. After selecting the pickpocketing option, you will see the inventory of the person you want to rob. You can choose which items you want to steal. However, you cannot steal all the items with one action. Try to steal the most valuable items, such as quest items (keys, etc.) or rare gear.
2. Each attempt to pickpocket is a skillcheck – the dice must roll a value higher than or equal to the required value (in the example in the picture the requirement is 6 points). Failure means detection.

Save the game before each theft attempt. Detection may mean that your party can get attacked (by the robbed person and other people in the vicinity) or impose some penalty on the character (e.g. negative reputation points). If that happens, simply load the save.

Red color while stealing something

In Baldur’s Gate 3, items that can be stolen are marked with a red outline, indicating they belong to another character. This visual cue serves as a warning to players that they are about to commit theft. To successfully steal these items without facing consequences, players must remain out of sight of the item’s owner and avoid entering their field of vision, represented by the red area surrounding them. If players can manage to pick up a red-outlined item while hidden, they can do so without immediate repercussions. However, if detected during the act, they may face confrontation or even attack from the owner, making stealth and timing crucial for successful thievery.

1. Red outlines around characters and objects can be helpful while stealing. They symbolize restricted actions, including stealing items in plain sight or from various types of containers (example in the picture). Make sure no one is looking your way before you steal something. Once you are safe, try to steal the items.
2. Red circles around the doors are restricted areas. Even attempting to enter such a location will be considered a crime. You must be doubly careful if you want to steal something from this type of places.
3. The red color can also relate to robbing corpses. Stealing from friendly characters, such as dead inhabitants of the Druid Grove, is prohibited. Other NPCs can stop you from looting corpses or attack immediately. Wait until the area is safe. This restriction does not apply to enemies or monsters.

What are the best characters to use for stealing in Baldur’s Gate 3

In Baldur’s Gate 3, certain characters excel at stealing due to their skills and abilities. Here are the best choices for players looking to master the art of thievery:

Best Characters for Stealing

1. Astarion (Rogue)
   • Astarion is a natural choice for thievery, being a rogue with high Dexterity and proficiency in Sleight of Hand. His ability to use stealth effectively makes him ideal for pickpocketing NPCs without getting caught.
2. Thief Subclass Rogues
   • While any rogue can steal, those who choose the Thief subclass gain additional bonus actions at level three, enhancing their versatility in both combat and stealth scenarios. However, they do not receive specific bonuses for stealing.
3. Arcane Trickster Rogues
   • This subclass offers unique spells like Mage Hand and Disguise Self, which can significantly aid in thievery by allowing players to manipulate objects or disguise themselves while stealing. Their magical abilities provide a strategic advantage over other subclasses.
4. Bards (with Sleight of Hand)
   • Bards can also be effective thieves, especially when they invest in the Sleight of Hand skill. Their charm and charisma can help them talk their way out of trouble if caught.
5. Halflings (Lightfoot)
   • Halflings, particularly Lightfoot Halflings, benefit from racial traits that enhance their stealth capabilities, making them excellent candidates for sneaky characters focused on thievery.

Notable NPC Targets for Looting

• Dammon: Known for carrying valuable items throughout the game.
• Roah Moonglow: Found at the goblin camp with rare weapons.
• Brem (Trader at Zhent Hideout): Offers valuable gloves that assist in pickpocketing.
• Blurg and Derryth (Myconid Colony): Both carry rare equipment worth stealing.

Utilizing these characters and targets will enhance your thieving experience in Baldur’s Gate 3, allowing you to gather valuable loot while navigating the shadows of Faerûn.

Which NPCs have the best loot in Baldur’s Gate 3

In Baldur’s Gate 3, several NPCs are known for carrying valuable loot that can significantly enhance your gameplay experience. Here are some of the best NPCs to target for their impressive items:

Top NPCs with Great Loot

1. Dammon
   • Location: Various acts
   • Loot: Dammon is a key NPC who offers powerful armor and weapons, especially in Act 3. Players can acquire items like the Helldusk Armor by stealing or defeating him.
2. Brem (Trader at Zhent Hideout)
   • Location: Act 1
   • Loot: Brem carries the Gloves of Thievery, which can aid in pickpocketing, along with several rare weapons. Completing his box delivery quest unlocks better items.
3. Roah Moonglow
   • Location: Goblin Camp
   • Loot: Known for carrying multiple rare weapons, Roah is a prime target for players seeking valuable gear.
4. Blurg and Derryth
   • Location: Myconid Colony (Underdark)
   • Loot: Both NPCs possess rare equipment that can be beneficial for players exploring the Underdark.
5. Kith’rak Voss
   • Location: Throughout the game
   • Loot: Voss’ Silver Sword is one of the best long swords available, dealing extra psychic damage and providing access to powerful spells.
6. Lucretious
   • Location: Circus of the Last Days
   • Loot: Lucretious wields the Hollow’s Staff, which enhances necromancy spells and grants powerful abilities.
7. Elder Brithvar
   • Location: Duergar Camp (Underdark)
   • Loot: He carries the Deep Delver warpick, which deals additional damage on its first hit against a target.
8. Raphael
   • Location: House of Hope (Act 3)
   • Loot: Players can loot Helldusk Armor and Gloves of Soul Catching after defeating him, along with other powerful items in his domain.

These NPCs not only provide excellent loot but also contribute to the rich narrative and gameplay mechanics in Baldur’s Gate 3, making them worthwhile targets for any aspiring thief or adventurer.