Rogues are a staple in any fantasy game, especially those based on parties or companions such as Dungeons and Dragons or the upcoming Baldur's Gate 3. Rogues are often the most capable of finding traps, stealing, picking locks, and so forth, with a nice touch of stealth-based gameplay to boot. Having a Rogue in the party is often considered essential, and while Baldur's Gate 3 ensures players have companions of all shapes and sizes, they may want to take on the Rogue class themselves.
Those who do so are in for a treat, as Baldur's Gate 3 heavily leans on Dungeons and Dragons 5E. Stealth, sneak attacks, and more are at the player's disposal in combat, while players can be as dastardly or as creative as they'd like in terms of roleplaying. Indeed, while players could maximize their Baldur's Gate 3 Rogue build by pairing it with a Human, Halfling, or certain Elven options, they could also roleplay a Half-Orc Rogue whose interpretation of stealth is leaving no witness alive. The sky's the limit in Larian's upcoming game, but some players are still likely to push those limitations.
Baldur's Gate 3: Rogue Roleplaying Features
Those interested in playing a Rogue in Baldur's Gate 3 essentially have two options: they could make a custom character, or they could use the Origin Character Astarion. Should players want to play a different class in Baldur's Gate 3, like a monk, they can recruit Astarion early on to make sure they have that Rogue companion readily available. Playing as Astarion obviously comes with all the perks of roleplaying a charming, if sometimes duplicitous Rogue, but there are some added benefits.
For example, Astarion is a vampire as well at the beck and call of a sadistic master and is someone who is on the run from his past. Reacting to this as Astarion, instead of being at his side, adds a new perspective to the story of Baldur's Gate 3 that a standard Rogue class may not get. The vampiric touches go a long way in terms of roleplay and could open interesting avenues for players, in conjunction with the standard rogue options.
Either way, Rogues are also great for their general skill monkey abilities, ensuring players have some form of modifier for most dice rolls. Because of this, players will hardly feel as if they are unprepared for some unexpected encounter or roll. Sneaking and skulking around outside of combat is much easier as a Rogue too, while some quests will rely on a bit of a Rogue's wit and tool kit to complete. If players are going to commit a heist within the city of Baldur's Gate, for example, a Rogue custom character could come in clutch. Of course, there's nothing to stop a heavily-clad Paladin from trying to sneak around, but a Rogue will have the advantage here. The Rogue is the best class for those more inclined to stealth and would prefer to have those mandated party abilities (such as lockpicking) with high modifiers.
Baldur's Gate 3: Rogue Gameplay Features
From a gameplay perspective, Rogues are easily the "Jack of All Trades, Master of None" class. Not only do they begin play with a ton of proficiencies, skills, and stealth-based actions like sneak attacks, but they get to expand their repertoire with three subclasses: Thief, Arcane Trickster, or Assassin. Sneak Attack is the defining feature of Rogues in Dungeons and Dragons, and that's true here too. The damage buff and ease of use could see Rogues quickly becoming a glass cannon with the high damage output, but the mobility of the class in combat is a huge get too. Many Rogue players will be able to get the damage output they want and the mobility they need with level 2 Rogue abilities like Cunning Action: Dash and Disengage.
Core Baldur's Gate 3 Rogue Features
- Dex and Int Saving Throw Proficiencies
- Light armor, Simple Weapon, Hand Crossbow, Longsword, Rapier, and Shortsword Proficiencies
- Expertise: Doubles Proficiency Bonus on 2 Skills
Those core elements are just the tip of the iceberg, as the subclasses greatly aid in a Rogue's direction when leveling up. The Thief subclass is great for utility, as the initial Fast Hands feature grants an additional bonus action, with more utility coming in down the line too. Meanwhile, Baldur's Gate 3's Arcane Trickster ensures that players get even more general utility as a full spell list is also given to the Rogue. They'll never rival the magical aptitude of other classes like the Wizard or Sorcerer, but having damage spells like Thunderwave or Witch Bolt, defensive spells like Mage Armor, or some fun chaotic spells like Disguise Self (even outside combat) add a lot of roleplay and gameplay favor to the class.
- Thief Initial Features
- Fast Hands
- Second-Story Work
- Arcane Trickster Features
- Spell List
- Mage Hand Legerdermain
The Assassin Subclass for Baldur's Gate 3's Rogue is the least known about, as it wasn't available in Early Access. Just like in Dungeons and Dragons, it's clear that Assassins are Masters of Death and ensure that Rogues are even more effective in combat. After all, even their initial feature grants them an advantage on attack rolls against those who haven't taken a turn yet (and paired with a high Dex Mod/Initiative, this makes them super effective early in a fight). If it tracks just like DnD, fans can also expect some deadly poison use to be thrown in.
- Assassin Feature
- Assassinate
Furthermore, it's worth acknowledging the Uncanny Dodge feat for Rogues as it goes a long way in granting the class some survivability. In Baldur's Gate 3, Rogues get Uncanny Dodge at level 5 which means players take half-damage from attacks when applicable. Rogues may still be considered a glass cannon, but this going a long way in beefing up any Rogue build. They're still going to be skill monkeys and all-rounders at the end of the day, but Rogue builds are likely to have some of the most interesting options as a whole. That's not even counting Multiclassing in Baldur's Gate 3. No matter what, a stealth-loving player is going to love the versatility of this class.
Baldur's Gate 3 releases on August 3 on PC and September 6 on PS5.