Facebook
Reddit
Email
Discover the best Rogue subclasses in Baldur’s Gate 3 ranked from best to worst, including the upcoming Swashbuckler subclass in Patch 8.
Rogues are masters of stealth, deception, and precision strikes. They excel in both melee and ranged combat, and their Sneak Attack feature allows them to deal substantial damage in a single strike. Rogues also possess a wide array of skills, making them exceptional in non-combat situations. Rogues may not be a front-line tank, but they can dish out a ton of damage in a single turn. This is your prototypical stealth damage dealer and a strong one in Baldur’s Gate 3. In this guide, we will be ranking all subclasses of Rogue in Baldur’s Gate 3 from the best to worst, and tell you how the upcoming Swashbuckler subclass will play out for the Rogue class.
What are Rogue subclasses in BG3? Explained
Rogue currently has three subclasses, Assassin, Thief, and Arcane Trickster. Each subclass grants access to unique features during level progress, allowing players to experience a new playstyle with Rogue and choose a certain playstyle for their build.
Here are all Rogue subclasses in Baldur’s Gate 3:
- Thief: This subclass is all about being stealthy and resourceful. Thieves can pick locks, disarm traps, and move quickly and quietly. They also get several bonus actions that they can use to gain an edge in combat. Thieves are perfect for players who want to be able to sneak around and take out enemies from behind.
- Arcane Trickster: This subclass combines the skills of a rogue with the magic of a wizard. Arcane Tricksters can cast spells, use magic items, and even sneak attack while invisible. They are versatile and powerful, making them a good choice for players who want to be able to do a little bit of everything.
- Assassin: The Assassin is a rogue subclass that focuses on stealth, surprise attacks, and dealing devastating blows to unsuspecting foes. The Assassin is a master of assassination, infiltration, and eliminating high-priority targets efficiently.
- Swashbuckler: This new subclass has a lot of dirty tricks up its sleeve. It focuses on ensuring enemies cannot make opportunity attacks with its exclusive Fancy Footwork passive. Moreover, you can blind enemies by throwing sand at them, and disarm them with the Flick of the weapon.
Rogue Class Sneak Attack Explained
Before we rank the subclasses and explain their roles and features, it is best that you learn about Rogue Sneak Attack ability and how it works. In Baldur’s Gate 3, the Rogue’s Sneak Attack ability is vital to do the most damage per turn. The Sneak Attack action allows a Rogue to deal extra damage under certain conditions, representing the character’s ability to exploit an opponent’s vulnerabilities during combat.
Here’s how the Sneak Attack works in Baldur’s Gate 3 Rogue Arcane Trickster Build:
- Trigger Conditions: The primary condition is that the Rogue must have an Advantage on the attack roll, or an ally of the Rogue must be within 1.5m, engaged in melee combat with the enemy, and the Rogue doesn’t have a disadvantage on the attack roll. Additionally, the attack must use a finesse or ranged weapon.
- Extra Damage: If the conditions for Sneak Attack are met, the Rogue can add extra damage to the attack. The amount of extra damage increases with the Rogue’s level and can be substantial, making Sneak Attack a crucial feature for the Rogue class.
- Once per Turn: The Sneak Attack ability can only be used once per turn, so the Rogue must choose wisely when to apply it for maximum impact.
- No High Ground: Having high ground will no longer give an Advantage because it was changed to a +2 Attack Roll bonus.
Sneak Attack is a core feature of the Rogue class in D&D 5e and plays a significant role in enhancing the Rogue’s damage output. It encourages tactical positioning and teamwork, as the Rogue benefits from having allies engaged in close combat with the enemy to trigger the Sneak Attack conditions.
Below, we have ranked the Rogue Subclasses in Baldur’s Gate 3 from the best to worst order. Each corresponding section explains the role of the subclass and its progression.
Best Rogue Subclasses in BG3, Ranked
1. Thief
The Best Subclass for the Rogue is Thief, because it provides additional bonus actions, can pick locks, disarm traps, and has high movement. The Thief subclass can be unlocked at level 3 and is great in combat and out to provide your team with high damage and great group utility.
The Thief Rogue is a master of stealth, able to move unseen and unheard. This makes them ideal for scouting ahead, sneaking past enemies, disarming traps, or picking locks. The Rogue class uses sneak attacks in melee or range for their burst damage before getting back into stealth.
Thief Features
While leveling up, the following features become available for the Thief subclass of Rogue.
- Fast Hands (Level 3): Gain an additional Bonus Action.
- Second-Story Work (Level 3): You’ve mastered the art of falling and gain Resistance to Falling damage.
- Supreme Sneak (Level 9): Blend into the environment so completely that you become Invisible.
2. Assassin
The Assassin Subclass is the best because it gets three additional skills and abilities to help with damage. This specialization of the rogue class focuses on stealth, precision, and deadly strikes. It allows you to play with dual wield and focus on high single-target burst damage. Assassin Rogues may not be a front-line tank, but they can dish out a ton of damage in a single turn.
Assassin Features
While leveling up, the following features will become available for the Assassin subclass of Rogue.
- Assassinate Initiative (Level 3): You are deadliest against unprepared enemies. In combat, you have Advantage on Attack Rolls against creatures that haven‘t taken a turn yet.
- Assassinate Ambush (Level 3): Any successful Attack Roll against a Surprised creature is a Critical Hit.
- Assassin’s Alacrity (Level 3): Quick as an alley cat in a rain-dark city, you immediately restore your action and bonus action at the start of combat.
- Infiltration Expertise (Level 9): Adopt a new identity, changing your appearance.
3. Arcane Trickster
The Arcane Trickster is a subclass of Rogue, and it will grant you access to spells in addition to the typical Rogue stealth advantages. Moreover, the benefit of this build is the ability to cast spells, mainly crowd control, stuns, and immobilization. This adds to the Rogue’s kit while allowing the class to still do great damage and play its natural tendencies.
You unlock the Arcane Trickster Subclass at level 3 like the other two subclasses. However, unlike others, you gain three cantrips and three spells, and learn more over time as you level.
Arcane Trickster Features and Spells
While leveling up, the following features and spells will unlock for the Arcane Trickster subclass of Rogue.
- Mage Hand Legerdemain (Level 3):
- Spellcasting Ability: Intelligence (Level 3): An ability score that affects your Arcana, Nature, History, Investigation, and Religion Skills.
- Known Spells (Level 3): Choose 3 Spells from the Wizard spell list but only from Enchantment or Illusion school, up to Level 1. Eldritch Knight Spells are Always Prepared.
- Level 1 Spell Slots Unlocked: 2 (Level 3): Gain two Level 1 Spell Slots.
- Cantrips Known: 2 (Level 3): Choose any two Cantrips from the Wizard spell list.
- Level 1 Spell Slots Unlocked: 3 (Level 4): Gain an additional Level 1 Spell Slot.
- Known Spells (Level 4): Choose 1 Spell from the Arcane Trickster spell list but only from Enchantment or Illusion school.
- Replacement Spell (Optional) (Level 4): Choose 1 Known Spell and replace it with another Spell from the Wizard spell list.
- Replacement Spell (Optional) (Level 5): Choose 1 Known Spell and replace it with another Spell from the Wizard spell list.
- Replacement Spell (Optional) (Level 6): Choose 1 Known Spell and replace it with another Spell from the Wizard spell list.
- Level 1 Spell Slots Unlocked: 4 (Level 7): Gain an additional Level 1 Spell Slot.
- Level 2 Spell Slots Unlocked: 2 (Level 7): Gain two Level 2 Spell Slots.
- Known Spells (Level 7): Choose 1 Spell from the Wizard spell list, but from only Enchantment or Illusion spell schools.
- New Level 2 Spells (Level 7): Six new spells from Enchantment and Illusion spell schools are available.
- Replacement Spell (Optional) (Level 7): Choose 1 Known Spell and replace it with another Spell from the Wizard spell list.
- New Level 2 Spells (Level 8): New Level 2 Wizard spells unlock.
- Replacement Spell (Optional) (Level 8): Choose 1 Known Spell and replace it with another Spell from the Wizard spell list.
- Magical Ambush (Level 9): While you are Hiding, your targets have a Disadvantage on Saving throws against your Spells.
- Replacement Spell (Optional) (Level 9): Choose 1 Known Spell and replace it with another Spell from the Wizard spell list.
- Level 1 Spell Slots Unlocked: 6 (Level 10): Gain an additional Level 1 Spell Slot.
- Known Cantrips (Level 10): Choose any one Cantrip from the Wizard spell list.
- Known Spells (Level 10): Choose 1 Spell from the Wizard spell list, but from only Enchantment or Illusion spell schools.
- Known Spells (Level 11): Choose 1 Spell from the Wizard spell list, but from only Enchantment or Illusion spell schools.
- Replacement Spell (Optional) (Level 12): Choose 1 Known Spell and replace it with another Spell from the Wizard spell list.
Patch 8 New Rogue Subclass Swashbuckler
This new subclass has a lot of dirty tricks up its sleeve. It focuses on ensuring enemies cannot make opportunity attacks with its exclusive Fancy Footwork passive. Moreover, you can blind enemies by throwing sand at them, and disarm them with the Flick of the weapon.
NOTE: The actual features and properties of Swashbuckler are unknown at this point. The explanation below is a general overview and playstyle of Swashbuckler Rogue.
This Rogue subclass introduces a range of new actions fit for the piratical life. Play dirty by tossing sand at enemies to Blind them. Flick your weapon at a target to Disarm them. Or use your new Fancy Footwork passive while meleeing your enemy to ensure they can’t make opportunity attacks against you for the rest of your turn.
FAQs about Rogue Subclasses in BG3
1. Question: How many Rogue subclasses are there in BG3?
Answer: Currently, there are three subclasses available for Rogue in Baldur’s Gate 3. It includes the Thief, Assassin, and Arcane Trickster. Moreover, a fourth subclass was announced for the Rogue class called Swashbuckler which will be available in Patch 8, coming out in early 2025.
2. Question: Which is the strongest Rogue subclass in BG3?
Answer: Thief is the strongest Rogue subclass in Baldur’s Gate 3 for now. Thieves can pick locks, disarm traps, and move quickly and quietly. They also get several bonus actions that they can use to gain an edge in combat. Thieves are perfect for players who want to be able to sneak around and take out enemies from behind.
Looking For More About Baldur’s Gate 3?
Thank you for reading the Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Rogue Subclasses Ranked. We provide the latest news and create guides for Baldur’s Gate 3. Also, watch me play games on Twitch or visit my YouTube channel!
