Ultimate Rogue Class Build Guide for Baldur’s Gate 3

Baldur’s Gate 3 offers an expansive array of classes pilfered from Dungeons and Dragons Fifth Edition, allowing players to delve into familiar gameplay. Each class shines, particularly the Thief Rogue, renowned for its potent build capabilities.

The Thief rogue subclass provides a crucial edge: an additional Bonus Action in combat. This feature is particularly advantageous for stealth maneuvers. Stealth remains a dominant mechanic in Baldur’s Gate 3, allowing players utilizing the Thief Rogue to maximize damage output effectively.

Updated: January 1, 2025 by Erik Petrovich. As we embrace 2025, the acclaim for Baldur’s Gate 3 remains palpable, cementing its reputation as a leading RPG. However, for newcomers to Dungeons and Dragons or turn-based RPGs, grasping the intricacies of crafting an optimal BG3 Rogue build can be daunting. This guide aims to elucidate both the ‘how’ and the ‘why’ behind successful Rogue build strategies, enhancing comprehension of class fundamentals and leveling mechanics.

Rogue Class Introduction & Overview

The Baldur’s Gate 3 Rogue Class Explained

Astarion facing enemies in baldurs gate 3

Rogue Playstyle & Signature Abilities

“With stealth, skill and uncanny reflexes, a rogue’s versatility lets them get the upper hand in almost any situation.”

Rogues excel in stealth, enabling them to navigate perilous situations by consistently gaining Advantage when possible. Their skills extend to lockpicking and trap disarming, making them invaluable in teams needing a nimble melee fighter capable of doing the dirty work.

Rogues aren’t confined to melee combat; they also excel at ranged attacks courtesy of their unique Sneak Attacks, delivering significant damage while out of sight.

The standout feature of Rogues is the Sneak Attack mechanic, providing increased damage on successful hits when certain conditions are met, such as having Advantage against a target. Similar to melee combat, the class can execute ranged Sneak Attacks but will break Stealth upon activation.

The class benefit, Cunning Actions, allows Rogues to use a Bonus Action to hide again, disengage, or dash, enhancing their tactical options and playstyle focused on speed and stealth.

Base Rogue Class Proficiencies: Armor, Weapons, Saving Throws & Skill Choices

As you embark on creating your Rogue build, you’ll be presented with foundational Class Proficiencies, along with the chance to select four specific Skill Proficiencies.

Each class comes with unique Armor, Weapon, and Saving Throw proficiencies, and the available Skills vary by class. Once these selections are made during character creation, they cannot be altered without resetting your build.

Proficiency Type	Proficiencies Granted/Choices Offered
Rogue Armor Proficiencies	Light Armor
Rogue Weapon Proficiencies	Simple Weapons Hand Crossbows Longswords Shortswords Rapiers
Rogue Saving Throws	Dexterity & Intelligence
Rogue Skill Proficiency Choices	Choose four from the following Skill proficiencies: Acrobatics Athletics Deception Insight Intimidation Investigation Perception Performance Persuasion Sleight of Hand Stealth

All Rogue Subclasses

Baldur’s Gate 3 presents players with three distinct Rogue subclasses, each emphasizing unique aspects of the class and bestowing a variety of skills, proficiencies, and features. Progressing through a chosen subclass unlocks abilities that further define gameplay strategy.

Players can adjust their subclass by conversing with Withers, acknowledging that any change will reset them to Level 1, necessitating a complete reinterpretation of their Rogue journey.

While the chart encompasses details for all subclasses, aspiring to craft the optimal Rogue build in BG3, the Thief subclass is the recommended path.

Subclass Name	Base Spec Features	Special Spec Proficiencies	Spells & Abilities
Arcane Trickster	Mage Hand: Legerdemain Bonus Action Unique Mage Hand can use Thieves Tools, remain Invisible, and carry objects Grants Spell Slots and a choice of 2 Wizard Cantrips, 2 Level 1 Enchantment or Illusion spells, and 1 Level 1 Wizard Spell Subsequent levels allow for more Spell choices, higher-level spells, and combine ambush attacks with Spells.	Proficiency in Intelligence as your primary Spellcasting attribute	Mage Hand: Legerdemain Select 2 Wizard Cantrips upon subclass choice Choose 2 Level 1 Wizard Spells from Enchantment or Illusion (e.g., Charm Person, Color Spray, Disguise Self, Sleep, Tasha’s Hideous Laughter) Any Wizard spell up to Level 1 can be selected.
Assassin	Assassin’s Alacrity: Passive ability restores your Action and Bonus Action at the start of combat. Assassinate: Ambush: Passive ability that converts successful attacks on surprised foes into Critical hits. Assassinate: Initiative: Passive ability granting Advantage against enemies yet to take their turn. Higher levels enable appearance change at will.	N/A	N/A
Thief	Fast Hands: Passive ability providing an additional Bonus Action slot. Second-story Work: Passive ability offering Resistance to all Falling damage. Advances at later levels to gain invisibility while sneaking.	N/A	N/A

Rogue Class Features – Level By Level

The maximum level achievable in Baldur’s Gate 3 is Level 12. Each level-up typically introduces new enhancements and features for your Rogue. Initial character creation covers the fundamental aspects of the Rogue class, followed by the gradual acquisition of Feat choices, additional spells or abilities, and unique subclass features.

The following chart outlines what players can anticipate at each level gained as a Rogue throughout their Baldur’s Gate 3 adventure.

Class Feature	Proficiency Bonus
Rogue Level 1	Sneak Attack Action, Melee or Ranged (Finesse weapon required) Requires Advantage against the target Deals an additional 1d6 damage on hit Expertise Gain Proficiency in 2 additional Skills	+2
Rogue Level 2	Cunning Action: Hide, Dash, Disengage Bonus Action variants for Hide, Dash, and Disengage	+2
Rogue Level 3	Subclass choice Sneak Attack Improvement Deals (Main Hand Weapon) +2d6 damage	+2
Rogue Level 4	Feat choice	+2
Rogue Level 5	Sneak Attack Improvement Deals (Main Hand Weapon) +3d6 damage Uncanny Dodge Passive ability (requires toggling) Reduces incoming ranged damage once per round of combat.	+3
Rogue Level 6	Expertise Add 2 more Skills from the Rogue Skill Proficiency list	+3
Rogue Level 7	Subclass Feature Sneak Attack Improvement Deals (Main Hand Weapon) +4d6 damage	+3
Rogue Level 8	Feat choice	+3
Rogue Level 9	Sneak Attack Improvement Deals (Main Hand Weapon) +5d6 damage	+4
Rogue Level 10	Feat choice	+4
Rogue Level 11	Sneak Attack Improvement Deals (Main Hand Weapon) +6d6 damage Reliable Talent Passive Ability Prevents rolling below 10 on Proficient Skills.	+4
Rogue Level 12	Feat choice	+4

BG3 Rogue Subclass Choice – Thief

Overview Of BG3 Rogue Thief Subclass

What Makes Thief the Best BG3 Rogue Subclass?

“Thieves use their skills in stealth and larceny to acquire whatever they wish, whether from a third story window or the depths of long-forgotten ruins.”

The Thief subclass possesses a decisive advantage over the Arcane Trickster: an extra Bonus Action. This extra action provides tactical flexibility, empowering Thief Rogues to evade enemies, reposition tactically, or engage in stealthy maneuvers more frequently.

While Arcane Tricksters enjoy access to magical spells, the Thief’s added Bonus Action enables a more effective use of stealth mechanics, facilitating Sneak Attacks consistently.

The sheer power of the Thief Rogue stems from its ability to maintain stealth before an encounter, strike effectively with Sneak Attacks, and inflict considerable damage with higher sneak attack damage bonus at Level 5.

Thief Rogues can remain in Stealth almost indefinitely, allowing them to Dash or Disengage with their Cunning Action, while also benefiting from resistance to Fall damage which proves advantageous in various circumstances.

Thief Subclass Features – Level By Level

When players select a subclass at Level 3, they unlock abilities unique to that choice. For the ultimate Rogue build in BG3, players should opt for the Thief subclass upon reaching that level.

Thief Rogue Level 3	Fast Hands Passive Ability providing an additional Bonus Action. Second-Story Work Passive Ability reducing Fall Damage by half.
Thief Rogue Level 9	Supreme Sneak Action that grants the Rogue invisibility for 10 turns.

Best BG3 Rogue Build Character Creation Choices

BG3 Rogue Build Race, Background, Proficiency, Feats, & Stat Choices

Baldur's Gate 3 Rogue As Wood Elf In Character Creation

Best BG3 Rogue Race: Duergar

The Duergar race is an exceptional choice for players aiming to maintain both defensive capabilities and mobility. While Rogues gain the ability to become invisible at Level 9 with Supreme Sneak, Duergar can utilize invisibility starting at Level 5, providing them a significant early advantage.

Duergar also possess significant defensive traits such as Dwarven Resilience, offering Advantage on saves against various conditions. While their Darkvision serves a strategic benefit, the decreased movement speed is a noted drawback as Duergar can move only 7.5m compared to the standard 9m.

Best Rogue Backgrounds in BG3: Urchin, Charlatan, or Guild Artisan

The ideal background for Rogues in BG3 is undoubtedly the Urchin background, granting proficiency in Sleight of Hand and Stealth—two vital skills that exceptionally align with a Rogue’s stealthy prowess. This background encourages inspiring moments during gameplay, particularly when disarming traps or sneaking into restricted areas.

However, if players select a Wood Half-Elf for their Thief Rogue, they might find the Urchin background’s Stealth proficiency redundant, as it is already granted by the subrace.

For those not choosing Duergar, opting for a Half-Elf could lead to selecting the Charlatan background for added bonuses in Deception and Sleight of Hand, or the Guild Artisan background for Insight and Persuasion. Among these, Charlatan emerges as the most advantageous choice.

Best BG3 Rogue Skill Proficiency Choices: Persuasion, Perception, Deception, & Investigation

Regardless of the background selected, players should aim to pick up Stealth, Persuasion, Perception, and Deception skills. These proficiencies align tightly with the Rogue playstyle, particularly enhancing stealth capabilities. If one of these options overlaps with the selected background, consider adding Insight or Investigation to bolster useful dialogue checks.

Best BG3 Rogue Expertise Choices: Insight, Stealth, Persuasion, or Sleight of Hand

During character creation as well as at Level 6, Rogues can choose two additional skills to gain Expertise in, culminating in a total of four specialized skills. It’s crucial to remember that Expertise benefits yield doubling of the standard Proficiency bonus for those selected skills.

For Level 1, prioritize Expertise in Stealth and Persuasion to cater to the Rogue’s natural talents in covert actions and dialogue interactions. Moving to Level 6, players can then pick up Insight and Sleight of Hand; however, those who prefer less emphasis on pickpocketing might find Deception a more beneficial skill to gain Expertise in here.

Best BG3 Rogue Feats: Dual Wielder, Savage Attacker, Sharpshooter, Alert

Dual Wielder Effects: Enables Two-Weapon Fighting with Non-Light weapons (except Heavy) and adds +1 AC while Dual Wielding.
Savage Attacker Effects: When making Melee Weapon attacks, players roll the damage dice twice, opting for the better result.
Sharpshooter Effects: Introduces two new abilities: Sharpshooter: Low Ground nullifies High Ground bonuses for ranged attacks made below a target; Sharpshooter: All In sacrifices -5 attack rolls for a +10 damage increase.
Alert Effects: Provides +5 to Initiative and immunity to surprise attacks.

Best Rogue Ability Scores & Stat Distribution

For the optimal BG3 Rogue build, prioritize points into Dexterity, followed by balanced investments in Constitution, Wisdom, and Charisma. Dexterity acts as the primary attribute for Thief Rogue spells and abilities, with the complementary stats enhancing overall character performance and out-of-combat proficiency.

Both Strength and Intelligence are less critical for excelling as a Thief Rogue.

STR	DEX	WITH	INT	ALREADY	NO
Base	10	16	14	8	14	14
Modifier	0	+3	+2	-1	+2	+2

Best BG3 Rogue Leveling Choices

Best Rogue Spells, Feats, & Other Choices At Every Level

Although many classes present a variety of leveling options, the BG3 Rogue build’s melee focus results in fewer spell-related decisions. Consequently, numerous levels provide limited choices aside from Rogue-specific abilities unlocked globally through subclass specialization.

Act 1: Typically advances players to around Level 5, providing subclass choice (Thief), initial two Expertise skills, and the first Feat.
Act 2: Often extends players to about Level 9, allowing Thief Rogues to select another two Expertise skills and an additional Feat.
Act 3: Reaches up to Level 12, unlocking two more Feats (totaling four Feats).

At Levels 2, 5, 7, 9, and 11, Rogues will notice an absence of decisions. However, with the ability to learn four distinctive Feats, considered choices during the leveling process prove to be significantly critical. The table below outlines recommended choices that synergize excellently with the stealth-oriented Thief subclass playstyle.

Class Level	Choices & Recommendations
Level 1	Best Expertise Skills Stealth & Sleight of Hand
Level 2	NONE
Level 3	Subclass Choice Thief
Level 4	Feat Choice Dual Wielder or Ability Improvement If focusing on Ranged combat, consider improving Ability Scores (DEX) at Level 4.
Level 5	NONE
Level 6	Best Expertise Skills Perception & Deception
Level 7	NONE
Level 8	Feat Choice Dual Wielder or Savage Attacker
Level 9	NONE
Level 10	Feat Choice Sharpshooter or Ability Improvement
Level 11	NONE
Level 12	Feat Choice Savage Attacker or Alert

Best Rogue Build Companions & Party Composition

Best Companions For Thief Rogue Builds

Companion	Class/Specialization	Role In Party	Unique Attributes
Shadowheart	Cleric	Support	Difficult to CC (Charm & Sleep), a hybrid of Damage and Support spells
Gale	Wizard	Ranged Damage	Possesses access to all Spells, marking Gale as the most versatile starting companion.
Karlach	Barbarian	Melee Damage	Augmented Rage & the ability to capitalize on Soul Coin damage buffs.

The optimal companions for a BG3 Rogue are Shadowheart, who serves as a robust healer and support foundation, Gale, your primary ranged spellcaster, and Karlach, your dependable melee ally, fostering an effective party dynamic.

While companions can be respecialized, these three characters bring beneficial pre-defined class combinations that provide balance in your Rogue-centric party setup.

Shadowheart: As a Trickery Cleric, she represents a synergistic companion supporting both damage and support capabilities, aligning well with a Circle of the Moon Druid’s playstyle.
Gale: As an Evocation Wizard, he adapts effectively to most scenarios, making him the range’s premier damage dealer.
Karlach: Best suited for the Berserker subclass, capable of delivering consistently high melee damage, complemented by robust support from your spellcasters for effective durability.

If you’re eager to include a specific character in your party, engage Withers to respec the character into one of the recommended Rogue companion classes for optimal synergy. This ensures that you retain character questlines without compromising party efficiency.

Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Rogue Build Equipment

Get The Best BG3 Rogue Gear In All Three Acts

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This section details optimal equipment selections for Thief Rogues throughout each act in BG3. Some early pieces retain relevance in later stages, continuing to serve your build effectively.

Bolded items signify new additions to your build for each act and may supersede previously equipped items.
Unbolded items are retained from earlier acts due to their sustained power and viability, making them useful in Acts 2 and 3.

Best Thief Rogue Items & Equipment: Act 1

Name	Effect	Location
Head	+1 to DEX saving throws.	Acquired from a deceased Drow to the south of the Selunite Outpost.
Cloak	Deathstalker Mantle	Provides Expertise in Stealth. Grants the wearer invisibility for two turns after successfully eliminating an enemy.	Exclusive to Dark Urge origin characters after Alfira’s arrival at camp.
Chest	+2 to DEX (max 20). +1 to DEX saving throws. Increases jump distance by 1.5m (5ft).	Purchased from Lady Esther outside the Rosymorn Monastery.
Gloves	Sets DEX score to 18. Increases Attack Rolls by +1.	Purchased from A’jak’nir in the Githyanki Creche Y’llek.
Boots	Immune to being ensnared, entangled, or caught in webs. Grants Misty Step ability.	Looted from True Soul Nere within the Grymforge.
Neck	Dissolves Opportunity Attacks against the wearer when under 50% HP.	Acquired from the locked Selunite Gilded Chest found in the Owlbear Nest.
Ring 1	+2 to Stealth and Sleight of Hand, but -1 to Charisma.	Obtained from a Skeleton near the Risen Road bridge.
Ring 2	+1 to AC and Saving Throws.	Acquired by stealing the Druid Idol in the Emerald Grove for Mol.
Main Weapon	Critical Hit threshold reduced to 19. Damage Rolls of 2 or less are automatically re-rolled. Grants Advantage against enemies that are Light or Heavily Obscured.	Purchased from Ajak’nir Jeera in Creche Y’llek within the Mountain Pass.
Offhand	+1 to hit chance. Chance to Silence enemies upon hitting.	Complete the “Finish The Masterwork Weapon”quest and select the Dagger.

Best Thief Rogue Items & Equipment: Act 2

Name	Effect	Location
Head	When Obscured, reduces the roll needed for a Critical Hit by 1, along with +1 to DEX saving throws.	Found beneath the Last Light Inn, on one of the Meenlocks’ bodies.
Cloak	Deathstalker Mantle	Grants Expertise in Stealth. Wearer becomes invisible for two turns upon eliminating an enemy.	Only available to Dark Urge origin characters after Alfira joins the camp (from Act 1).
Chest	+2 to DEX (max 20). +1 to DEX saving throws. Jump distance increased by 1.5m (5ft).	Available from Lady Esther outside the Rosymorn Monastery (from Act 1).
Gloves	Sets DEX score to 18. +1 to Attack Rolls.	Available from A’jak’nir in the Githyanki Creche Y’llek (from Act 1).
Boots	Immunity to being enwebbed, entangled, ensnared, and slipping. Grants Misty Step ability.	Obtained from True Soul Nere within the Grymforge (from Act 1).
Neck	Paralyze humanoid enemies briefly on critical hits once per Long Rest.	Obtained from Malus Thorm (the surgeon) in the House of Healing.
Ring 1	+2 to Stealth and Sleight of Hand with a -1 to Charisma penalty.	Looted from a skeleton near the Risen Road bridge (Act 1).
Ring 2	Wearer immune to Difficult Terrain, paralysis, and restraints.	Purchased from Araj Oblodra in Moonrise Towers.
Main Weapon	Critical Hit threshold reduced to 19. Damage Rolls of 2 or less are automatically re-rolled. Grants Advantage against Light or Heavily Obscured enemies.	Acquired from Ajak’nir Jeera in Creche Y’llek within the Mountain Pass (Act 1).
Offhand	+1 to hit chance. Chance to Silence enemies upon hit.	Complete the “Finish The Masterwork Weapon”quest and opt for the Dagger (Act 1).

Best Thief Rogue Items & Equipment: Act 3

Name	Effect	Location
Head	When Obscured, reduces the number needed for a Critical Hit by 1, alongside +1 to DEX saving throws.	Found beneath the Last Light Inn, on one of the Meenlocks’ bodies (Act 2).
Cloak	Shade-Slayer Cloak	Updates the Critical Hit threshold when Hidden.	Obtained from Sticky Dondo in the Guild’s Hideout within the Baldur’s Gate sewers.
Chest	Bhaalist Armor	Enemies within 2 meters become vulnerable to Piercing damage. Grants a +2 increase to Initiative.	Purchased from the Echo of Abazigal after transitioning into an Unholy Assassin.
Gloves	Sets DEX score to 18. Increases Attack Rolls by +1.	Purchased from A’jak’nir in the Githyanki Creche Y’llek (Act 1).
Boots	Immunity from being ensnared. Grants Misty Step ability.	Obtained from True Soul Nere in the Grymforge (Act 1).
Neck	Magic Amulet	Allows the wearer to use a Reaction to perform an Attack or Saving Throw with Advantage.	Found when reuniting Sarin’s skull with her skeleton near the Undercity Ruins Past the Baldur’s Gate 3 sewers.
Ring 1	+2 to Stealth and Sleight of Hand, with a -1 penalty to Charisma.	Looted from a skeleton near the Risen Road bridge (Act 1).
Ring 2	Wearer immune to Difficult Terrain, paralysis, and restraint effects.	Purchased from Araj Oblodra in Moonrise Towers (Act 2).
Main Weapon	Reduces Critical Hit threshold to 19. All damage rolls of 2 or less are auto-re-rolled. Grants Advantage against Light or Heavily Obscured enemies.	Purchased from Ajak’nir Jeera in Creche Y’llek in the Mountain Pass (Act 1).
Offhand	+1 to hit chance. Chance to Silence targets upon hit.	Complete the “Finish The Masterwork Weapon”quest and choose the Dagger (Act 1).

Best BG3 Rogue Multiclass Choices

Maximize Your BG3 Rogue Build With Complimentary Rogue Multiclass Options

Baldur's Gate 3 Ranger Animal Companion Bear BG3

Players are granted the choice to Multiclass beginning at Level 2 by selecting the “Add Class”option from the leveling menu, which enables the selection of any other class within Baldur’s Gate 3.

Ranger Multiclass – Ranger 3/Rogue 9

Multiclassing as a Rogue can be intricate due to the focus on stealth in all subclasses. The Thief Rogue has a compelling pairing with the Gloomstalker Ranger, necessitating three levels in Ranger to unlock.

Gloomstalker Rangers, akin to Rogues, excel in stealth combat, possessing unique abilities and tactical battlefield movements, though they lack access to the Sneak Attack feature. By multiclassing into Gloomstalker as a Rogue, players can enjoy both the power of Sneak Attack and the stealth capabilities of the Ranger.

Alternatively, consider progressing to Rogue Level 7 before multiclassing into Fighter for two levels; Action Surge adds substantial value to this build.

Fighter Multiclass – Rogue 10/Fighter 2

The Fighter multiclass is a prevalent choice in Baldur’s Gate 3 due to minimal investment yielding significant returns. Investing two levels into Fighter unlocks the Action Surge ability, which delivers an additional Action in a turn at the expense of a Bonus Action.

For Rogues, this tactic trades a portion of Sneak Attack damage for the opportunity to trigger an additional Sneak Attack in one turn. Maintaining level 10 in Rogue allows the Sneak Attack bonus damage to reach 5d6, and executing two attacks within a single turn results in a formidable total of 10d6 damage in addition to regular weapon damage—alongside the perk of equipping heavier armor for added survivability.

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