Best Rogue build in Baldur’s Gate 3: Race, skills, subclass & more

In the treacherous world of Baldur’s Gate 3, mastering the art of stealth and deception as a Rogue can turn the tide of battle in your favor. Whether you prefer to strike from the shadows or manipulate foes with cunning tactics, building the ultimate Rogue character is essential for any aspiring adventurer. This guide dives deep into the best Rogue build, focusing on the Thief subclass, which offers unparalleled versatility and lethal efficiency. Prepare to unlock the secrets of dual-wielding rapiers, executing devastating sneak attacks, and navigating the complexities of combat with finesse. Your journey to becoming a master thief starts here!

You can find more basic information about the class and character creation on the page Rogue – BG3 Guide. We recommend getting acquainted with this page if this is your first contact with the class or the D&D system.

Character creation wizard

Character creation in Baldur’s Gate 3 is a crucial step that sets the foundation for your adventure. As you embark on this journey, you’ll need to select your class, race, background, and abilities carefully to optimize your character’s potential. For a Rogue build, consider choosing a race that enhances Dexterity and a background that grants useful skills like Stealth or Sleight of Hand. Pay attention to your ability scores; prioritizing Dexterity will improve your attack rolls and damage output, while Constitution can bolster your survivability. The choices you make during character creation will significantly influence your gameplay experience, allowing you to tailor your Rogue to fit your preferred playstyle, whether it be stealthy infiltration or agile combat.

The best race for a Rogue is a Lightfoot Halfling due to their natural ability making Stealth checks easier. Additionally, you don’t have to worry about rolling a 1, as this race has the ability to reroll a critical failure. Alternatively, you can choose a Wood Elf, who grants long bow proficiency and increases movement speed.

As far as the background is concerned, you should focus on playing off your greatest feats. Orphan or Criminal are good options – the former provides access to Stealth and Sleight of Hand, while the latter to Stealth and Deception.

Class progression

In Baldur’s Gate 3, the Rogue class offers a dynamic progression system that emphasizes stealth and cunning. As players advance through levels, they gain access to a variety of unique abilities and features that enhance their effectiveness in both combat and exploration. Starting with the foundational Sneak Attack ability, Rogues can deal significant damage when attacking from a hidden position or when they have advantage. Progressing to Level 2 introduces Cunning Action, allowing for quick maneuvers such as dashing or hiding as a bonus action. At Level 3, players choose a subclass—Thief, Arcane Trickster, or Assassin—each providing distinct advantages that shape gameplay style. As they continue to level up, Rogues gain additional feats and skills, such as increased proficiency in various abilities and the capacity to reduce damage from incoming attacks. This progression not only enhances their combat capabilities but also solidifies their role as invaluable support characters in any party, adept at handling traps, locks, and social interactions with finesse.

1. At level 1, you get your main damage-boosting skill, Sneak Attack. Additionally, you receive Expertise – you choose two skills and double your proficiency bonus for them.
2. Level 2 unlocks the following actions as part of a bonus action: Hide, Dash and Disengage.
3. At level 3, choose Thief – it’ll provide you with an additional bonus action, which translates into an additional attack in the case of fighting with two types of weapons. In addition, your Sneak Attack damage increases by 1d6.
4. At level 4, you choose a feat – choose Two-Weapon Fighting, which will allow you to use a Dexterity bonus for attacks with the second weapon.
5. Level 5 brings another damage dice for Sneak Attacks and the Uncanny Dodge ability, which reduces the damage taken by half (once per turn).
6. Level 6 means another expertise.
7. At level 7, your Sneak Attack damage dice increases. You also gain the Evasion ability – it reduces damage from area effects and spells by half.
8. Level 8 means another feat. In this case, it is worth choosing to increase the attribute.
9. Level 9 gives you another Sneak Attack damage dice and the Invisibility ability.
10. Level 10 brings another feat. At this stage of the game, follow your own instinct and choose what you consider most useful.
11. At level 11, you get a new increase to your Sneak Attack damage dice and an ability that allows you to treat all skill check scores below 10 as a 10.
12. The last level is a feat – again, follow your instincts.

Ilithild Powers

Ilithid Powers in Baldur’s Gate 3 introduce unique abilities that can significantly enhance a Rogue’s gameplay. These powers, derived from the illithid tadpoles that players encounter, allow for the manipulation of psychic energy and the ability to perform extraordinary feats. For Rogues, this means augmenting their stealth and combat capabilities with abilities such as enhanced movement, mind control, or even teleportation. These powers can be strategically utilized to gain the upper hand in both combat and exploration, making the Rogue not only a master of stealth but also a formidable opponent capable of outsmarting enemies in unexpected ways. By integrating Ilithid Powers into their build, players can create a Rogue that excels in versatility and cunning, adapting to various challenges throughout their adventure.

Don’t be afraid to unlock and use these skills – focus especially on Cull the Weak, Repulsor and Black Hole. Unleashing the full power of Ilithild Powers doesn’t affect the character negatively, so leave all tadpoles for yourself.

Equipment and bonuses from it

Rogues in Baldur’s Gate 3 can significantly enhance their gameplay through specific equipment and bonuses tailored to their stealthy and damage-dealing capabilities. Key armors like Elegant Studded Leather provide a +2 bonus to initiative and advantage on stealth checks, making it easier for rogues to strike first in combat. Additionally, items such as the Shade-Slayer Cloak reduce the threshold for critical hits while hidden, amplifying damage potential during sneak attacks. Other notable equipment includes the Drow Studded Leather Armor, which offers early-game bonuses to stealth and armor class, and the Gloves of Archery, enhancing ranged capabilities. Collectively, these items not only bolster survivability but also maximize the rogue’s effectiveness in both combat and exploration scenarios.

Unfortunately, in the case of Act 1, the Rogue class does not have too many good items that they could use.

You should craft a dagger; you will receive a quest for it in the forge during your first encounter with the goblins in the Blighted Village. Alternatively, while exploring the Underdark, you will find Phalar Aluve – a pretty good one-handed sword providing good bonuses for the entire team.

As far as armor is concerned, after killing Razglin, you will find gloves on the treasure pile, which provide an advantage in melee combat when surrounded by two enemies. In the same location, look for Crusher – kill him or rob him to get a ring that increases movement speed by 3m. Additionally, in the Underdark you will find the Shadow of Menzoberranzan – a hood that allows you to become invisible.

Finally, towards the end of Act 1, when exploring the Githyanki enclave, you will be able to find the Gloves of Dexterity, which boost it to 18 and grant you a 1 attack bonus.

In Act 3, the situation is completely different. One of the main antagonists (Orin) will drop two fantastic weapons upon being killed – Crimson Mischief and Bloodthirst. The first one is a short sword that deals extra damage for attacks with Advantage. The second one reduces the number you need to roll for a critical hit by 1 and it allows to launch a riposte after an unsuccessful attack by the enemy.

Additionally, in Act 3 you should acquire the Bhaalist Armour, which creates an aura with a radius of two meters, in which enemies are vulnerable to piercing damage.

Party members – their skills and spells

Rogues in Baldur’s Gate 3 are versatile characters, excelling in stealth and cunning, making them invaluable party members. Their primary skills revolve around Dexterity, which enhances their attack rolls, damage output, and crucially, their ability to execute Sneak Attacks—a signature feature that allows them to deal extra damage when attacking from a hidden position or when they have advantage. Rogues possess unique abilities such as Cunning Action, enabling them to dash, disengage, or hide as a bonus action, thereby increasing their mobility and tactical options in combat. Moreover, they can choose from three subclasses—Thief, Assassin, and Arcane Trickster—each offering distinct spells and skills that further diversify their combat style and utility. This combination of skills and spells allows Rogues to adapt to various scenarios, whether dealing massive damage or manipulating the battlefield through stealth and deception.

If you want to get the most of your class, you will need your allies’ support. The best solution is to have a Fighter/Paladin/Druid, a Cleric, and a Wizard on the team because of their skills.

The Cleric is able to heal your hero and provides you with useful buffs such as Shield of Faith, which increases AC by 2. Alternatively, they can soak some of the damage by targeting it on themselves, imbue your weapons and cast an extremely useful Bless. Shadowheart fits this role perfectly.

A Fighter/Paladin/Druid will also be extremely useful. These three classes are listed together because each of them are naturally predisposed to tank damage – especially the Druid, who can take an exceptionally large amount. Fortunately, during the game you have the opportunity to recruit Halsin and Jaheira, who can fulfill this role.

Consumables

Consumables play a crucial role in enhancing the effectiveness of a Rogue in Baldur’s Gate 3. These items can significantly boost a Rogue’s stealth capabilities, damage output, and survivability during encounters. Potions such as those granting increased Dexterity or temporary invisibility can provide the edge needed to execute successful sneak attacks or evade detection. Additionally, scrolls and elixirs that enhance skills like Stealth or provide buffs to critical hit chances are invaluable for maximizing the Rogue’s potential in both combat and exploration. Players should prioritize acquiring and utilizing these consumables strategically to complement their build and ensure they can navigate the challenges of the game effectively.

Below you will find a list of consumables that will make your Rogue even stronger.

1. Oil of Accuracy – provides 2 to Attack Rolls.
2. Elixir of Heroism – gives additional 10HP temporarily and applies “Blessed” status.
3. Potion of Flying – additional mobility is something that is always needed.
4. Potion of Hill Giant Strength – perfect if you don’t have 20 Strength yet.
5. Elixir of Vigilance – provides 5 to Initiative, make sure to drink it before tougher battles.

What are the key differences between the Thief, Assassin, and Arcane Trickster subclasses for Rogues in Baldur’s Gate 3

In Baldur’s Gate 3, the Rogue class features three distinct subclasses: Thief, Assassin, and Arcane Trickster. Each offers unique abilities that cater to different playstyles and strategies.

Thief

The Thief subclass is characterized by its versatility and utility. At level 3, Thieves gain the Fast Hands feature, which provides an additional bonus action each turn. This allows them to perform actions like hiding, using items, or making an extra attack, significantly enhancing their combat effectiveness. Additionally, they receive Second-Story Work, which reduces fall damage and improves mobility in vertical environments. The Thief excels in both combat and exploration, making them invaluable for tasks like disarming traps and picking locks.

Assassin

Assassins are designed for high burst damage and ambush tactics. Their key feature at level 3, Assassinate, grants them advantage on attack rolls against creatures that haven’t acted yet in combat, allowing for devastating sneak attacks. They also gain the ability to automatically score critical hits against surprised enemies. However, their effectiveness diminishes in prolonged engagements as they rely heavily on quick eliminations rather than sustained combat.

Arcane Trickster

The Arcane Trickster blends rogue skills with spellcasting. This subclass gains access to a limited selection of spells from the wizard spell list, including utility spells that enhance their stealth capabilities. At level 3, they acquire Mage Hand Legerdemain, allowing them to use the Mage Hand cantrip for more complex tasks like picking locks or stealing items from a distance. While they lack the raw combat power of Thieves and Assassins, Arcane Tricksters offer a unique playstyle that combines magic with traditional rogue tactics2.

Summary Table

Choosing the right subclass depends on your preferred playstyle—whether you favor stealthy utility, lethal ambushes, or a mix of magic and mischief.

Which subclass is best for a beginner Rogue in Baldur’s Gate 3

For beginners diving into Baldur’s Gate 3 as a Rogue, the Thief subclass is widely regarded as the best choice. Here’s why:

Key Advantages of the Thief Subclass

1. Versatile Combat Utility: The Thief’s primary feature, Fast Hands, grants an additional bonus action at level 3. This allows players to perform actions like hiding or using items more frequently during combat, enhancing both survivability and damage output through sneak attacks.
2. Stealth and Mobility: Thieves excel in stealth, making them adept at navigating combat scenarios. Their ability to hide and reposition effectively allows them to maximize their sneak attack potential, especially in fights with multiple enemies.
3. Utility Outside Combat: Beyond combat, Thieves are invaluable for their skills in lockpicking and disarming traps, making them essential for exploration and party dynamics. This utility can significantly enhance the overall gameplay experience, especially for new players still learning the game’s mechanics.
4. Simplicity in Playstyle: The Thief subclass offers a straightforward playstyle that focuses on core Rogue abilities without the added complexity of spellcasting or specific ambush tactics required by the other subclasses (Assassin and Arcane Trickster). This makes it easier for beginners to grasp the mechanics and enjoy their gameplay experience.

Comparison with Other Subclasses

• Assassin: While Assassins can deal massive damage with surprise attacks, their effectiveness diminishes in prolonged fights. They require more tactical positioning and timing, which might be challenging for new players.
• Arcane Trickster: This subclass introduces spellcasting into the mix, offering versatility but also increasing complexity. Beginners may find managing spells alongside traditional Rogue skills overwhelming.

In summary, the Thief subclass provides a balanced combination of combat effectiveness, utility, and ease of use, making it the ideal choice for new players looking to explore the Rogue class in Baldur’s Gate 3.