Baldurs Gate 3: Rogue - best build Baldurs Gate 3 guide, walkthrough

Rogue is a versatile class with lots of utility and high damage potential. On this page of our guide, you'll learn how to build an optimal Rogue.

Last update: 28 November 2023

Rogue is one of the most universal classes in Baldur's Gate 3. Thanks to their many skills, they are able to meet the various challenges posed by the game. Their class abilities such as Sneak Attack allow them to be a versatile and effective damage dealer. In this guide, you will learn how to create the best Rogue build.

• Character creation wizard
• Class progression
• Ilithild Powers
• Equipment and bonuses from it
• Party members - their skills and spells
• Consumables

Character creation wizard

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

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

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

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

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

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.