Best Baldur's Gate 3 Rogue build, from race to subclass

Best Baldur's Gate 3 Rogue build, from race to subclass
Images via Larian Studios

Written by 

Tarran Stockton

Last updated 

4th Apr 2024 16:22

Contents

We've got the ideal race, skills, subclass, and background that you'll need for the best Rogue build in Baldur's Gate 3, letting you excel with this stealth-focused class.

There are so many classes to choose from in Baldur's Gate 3, and the Rogue is definitely one of the strongest in the game - especially if you like to keep to the shadows. While the Rogue does have fewer choices to make when levelling up in the game, we've got the right picks for you when you do need them, so you don't have to worry about messing anything up.

So, continue reading to find out what the best Baldur's Gate 3 Rogue build is, and start your stealthy journey with instant success.

Best Baldur's Gate 3 Rogue build

Read on for everything you need to know when building the best Rogue build.

It's worth noting you can respec your character in Baldur's Gate 3, so if you've already started, you can use the feature to make some of the changes below.

The Rogue class also doesn't have options for every level, so we've only covered the level-ups where you can make choices for new features.

Level 1

the best Baldur's Gate 3 Rogue class at level 1
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Option Selection
Race & Subrace Half-Elf / Wood Half-Elf
Background Criminal
Skill Proficiencies Acrobatics, Sleight of Hand, Investigation, Persuasion
Skill Expertise Sleight of Hand, Stealth
Ability Points
  • Strength: 8
  • Dexterity: 17
  • Constitution: 14
  • Intelligence: 14
  • Wisdom: 12
  • Charisma: 10

Level 3

the Rogue in Baldur's Gate 3 at level 3
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Option Selection
Subclass Assassin

Level 4

the best Baldur's Gate 3 Rogue class at level 4
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Option Selection
Feat Mobile

Level 8

a level 8 Rogue in Baldur's Gate 3
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Option Selection
Feat Ability Improvement, +2 Dexterity

Level 10

the best Baldur's Gate 3 Rogue build at level 10
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Option Selection
Feat Sharpshooter

Level 12

Image of level 12 for the best Rogue build in Baldur's Gate 3
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Option Selection
Feat Crossbow Expert

Baldur's Gate 3 Rogue explained

an image of the Rogue class in Baldur's Gate 3 character creation
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The Rogue is a Dexterity-based class that focuses on stealth and subterfuge, excelling when striking from the shadows, accessing locked-off areas, or disarming traps to keep the party safe.

Rogues are the premiere stealth class in the game and an excellent class for the more patient players looking to pick off enemies with high single-target damage. Outside of combat, they are highly perceptive, able to spot and disarm traps and unlock containers and doors that are hard to open.

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Not a fan of the Rogue build? Check out our recommendations for other best builds in Baldur's Gate 3:

All Rogue subclasses in Baldur's Gate 3

the Baldur's Gate 3 Rogue subclasses
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The Rogue class has three subclasses to pick from: Thief, Arcane Trickster, and Assassin. We'll explain each one below.

Thief

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.

Subclass Feature Description
Fast Hands Gain an additional bonus action
Second-Story Work Gain resistance to falling damage

Arcane Trickster

Arcane Tricksters are rogues with a clever touch of magic, using illusions and enchantments to keep their opponents on the back foot.

Subclass Feature Description
Cantrips Pick two cantrips of your choice
Spells Pick two spells of your choice
Mage Hand Legerdemain When you cast Mage Hand, the hand is invisible and can carry out additional tasks

Assassin

You prefer to deal sublime punishment to a single foe at a time - not in a duel, mind, because a dual implies chivalry, and you're too busy getting the job done for honour.

Subclass Feature Description
Assassinate: Initiative In combat, you have Advantage on Attack Rolls against creatures that haven't taken a turn yet
Assassinate: Ambush Any successful Attack Roll against a Surprised creature is a Critical Hit
Assassin's Alacrity Immediately restore your action and bonus action at the start of combat

What is the best Rogue subclass in Baldur's Gate 3?

an image of Shrouded in Shadow action in Baldur's Gate 3
Click to enlarge

Our pick for the best Rogue subclass is the Assassin, as they excel at high-single target damage, and their passive features are huge boons during combat encounters, especially when you get to make the first move on Surprised enemies.

Check out our Baldur's Gate 3 homepage for more guides. We've also covered Karmic Dice, how long to beat, how to find Infernal Iron, how to find the Flower Key, and the Strange Ox.

Tarran Stockton
About the author
Tarran Stockton
Tarran is a Senior Guides Writer at GGRecon. He previously wrote reviews for his college newspaper before studying Media and Communication at university. His favourite genres include role-playing games, strategy games, and boomer shooters - along with anything indie. You can also find him in the pit at local hardcore shows.
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