What is the best multiclass combination for a Rogue in Baldur's Gate 3?
Multiclassing a Rogue in Baldur's Gate 3 can create a highly versatile and powerful character, capable of excelling in both combat and utility. One of the best multiclass combinations for a Rogue is with the Ranger class, specifically the Gloom Stalker subclass. This combination leverages the Rogue's sneak attack and stealth capabilities with the Ranger's combat prowess and exploration skills, creating a character that is deadly in both melee and ranged combat, as well as highly effective in exploration and stealth scenarios.
To start, you should begin as a Rogue. This gives you proficiency in Dexterity and Intelligence saving throws, which are useful for avoiding certain types of damage and effects. At level 1, you gain Sneak Attack, which allows you to deal extra damage to a creature if you have advantage on the attack roll or if another enemy of the target is within 5 feet of it. You also gain Expertise, which doubles your proficiency bonus for two skills of your choice, making you exceptionally skilled in those areas.
At level 2, you gain Cunning Action, which allows you to Dash, Disengage, or Hide as a bonus action. This is incredibly useful for positioning yourself in combat or escaping dangerous situations. At level 3, you choose your Rogue subclass. The Thief subclass is particularly strong for multiclassing, as it grants you an additional bonus action, allowing you to perform more actions in a single turn.
After reaching level 3 or 4 in Rogue, you should start taking levels in Ranger. The Ranger class complements the Rogue's abilities by providing additional combat options and utility. At level 1, you gain proficiency in medium armor, shields, and martial weapons, which can increase your survivability and damage output. You also gain the Favored Enemy feature, which allows you to choose a type of creature to gain bonuses against, and Natural Explorer, which improves your exploration capabilities.
At level 2, you gain the Fighting Style feature. For a Rogue multiclass, the Archery fighting style is a strong choice, as it increases your accuracy with ranged weapons, making your sneak attacks more reliable. You also gain Spellcasting, which allows you to cast a limited number of spells. Useful spells for a Rogue/Ranger multiclass include Hunter's Mark, which increases your damage output, and Pass Without Trace, which improves your stealth capabilities.
At level 3, you choose your Ranger subclass. The Gloom Stalker subclass is particularly synergistic with the Rogue, as it enhances your abilities in darkness and provides additional combat options. The Gloom Stalker's Dread Ambusher feature allows you to make an additional attack on your first turn in combat, and you gain a bonus to your initiative rolls. You also gain the Umbral Sight feature, which makes you invisible to creatures that rely on darkvision to see you in darkness, further enhancing your stealth capabilities.
When multiclassing, it's important to consider your ability scores. Dexterity should be your primary stat, as it affects your attack rolls, damage, and AC. Wisdom is also important for your Ranger spells and abilities. Constitution is important for your hit points and survivability. You should aim to have at least 16 in Dexterity and 14 in Wisdom and Constitution at character creation.
One common mistake to avoid is spreading your levels too thin. It's generally best to focus on one class before multiclassing, as this allows you to gain powerful class features and abilities early on. For a Rogue/Ranger multiclass, it's recommended to take at least 3 levels in Rogue before multiclassing into Ranger, and then take at least 3 levels in Ranger to gain your subclass features.
Advanced techniques for optimizing a Rogue/Ranger multiclass include using your bonus actions effectively. With the Thief subclass's additional bonus action, you can use Cunning Action to Hide or Disengage, and still have a bonus action left to attack or use an item. You can also use your bonus action to cast Hunter's Mark, which increases your damage output on subsequent turns.
In terms of combat tactics, you should focus on positioning yourself to gain advantage on your attacks, allowing you to use Sneak Attack. Use your stealth and invisibility abilities to stay hidden and avoid being targeted by enemies. In ranged combat, use your Archery fighting style and Hunter's Mark to deal consistent damage from a safe distance. In melee combat, use your Cunning Action to Disengage and move away from enemies after attacking, avoiding opportunity attacks.
In summary, a Rogue/Ranger multiclass, particularly with the Thief and Gloom Stalker subclasses, is a highly effective and versatile build in Baldur's Gate 3. By carefully planning your ability scores, class progression, and combat tactics, you can create a character that excels in both combat and exploration, making you a valuable asset to any party.
To start, you should begin as a Rogue. This gives you proficiency in Dexterity and Intelligence saving throws, which are useful for avoiding certain types of damage and effects. At level 1, you gain Sneak Attack, which allows you to deal extra damage to a creature if you have advantage on the attack roll or if another enemy of the target is within 5 feet of it. You also gain Expertise, which doubles your proficiency bonus for two skills of your choice, making you exceptionally skilled in those areas.
At level 2, you gain Cunning Action, which allows you to Dash, Disengage, or Hide as a bonus action. This is incredibly useful for positioning yourself in combat or escaping dangerous situations. At level 3, you choose your Rogue subclass. The Thief subclass is particularly strong for multiclassing, as it grants you an additional bonus action, allowing you to perform more actions in a single turn.
After reaching level 3 or 4 in Rogue, you should start taking levels in Ranger. The Ranger class complements the Rogue's abilities by providing additional combat options and utility. At level 1, you gain proficiency in medium armor, shields, and martial weapons, which can increase your survivability and damage output. You also gain the Favored Enemy feature, which allows you to choose a type of creature to gain bonuses against, and Natural Explorer, which improves your exploration capabilities.
At level 2, you gain the Fighting Style feature. For a Rogue multiclass, the Archery fighting style is a strong choice, as it increases your accuracy with ranged weapons, making your sneak attacks more reliable. You also gain Spellcasting, which allows you to cast a limited number of spells. Useful spells for a Rogue/Ranger multiclass include Hunter's Mark, which increases your damage output, and Pass Without Trace, which improves your stealth capabilities.
At level 3, you choose your Ranger subclass. The Gloom Stalker subclass is particularly synergistic with the Rogue, as it enhances your abilities in darkness and provides additional combat options. The Gloom Stalker's Dread Ambusher feature allows you to make an additional attack on your first turn in combat, and you gain a bonus to your initiative rolls. You also gain the Umbral Sight feature, which makes you invisible to creatures that rely on darkvision to see you in darkness, further enhancing your stealth capabilities.
When multiclassing, it's important to consider your ability scores. Dexterity should be your primary stat, as it affects your attack rolls, damage, and AC. Wisdom is also important for your Ranger spells and abilities. Constitution is important for your hit points and survivability. You should aim to have at least 16 in Dexterity and 14 in Wisdom and Constitution at character creation.
One common mistake to avoid is spreading your levels too thin. It's generally best to focus on one class before multiclassing, as this allows you to gain powerful class features and abilities early on. For a Rogue/Ranger multiclass, it's recommended to take at least 3 levels in Rogue before multiclassing into Ranger, and then take at least 3 levels in Ranger to gain your subclass features.
Advanced techniques for optimizing a Rogue/Ranger multiclass include using your bonus actions effectively. With the Thief subclass's additional bonus action, you can use Cunning Action to Hide or Disengage, and still have a bonus action left to attack or use an item. You can also use your bonus action to cast Hunter's Mark, which increases your damage output on subsequent turns.
In terms of combat tactics, you should focus on positioning yourself to gain advantage on your attacks, allowing you to use Sneak Attack. Use your stealth and invisibility abilities to stay hidden and avoid being targeted by enemies. In ranged combat, use your Archery fighting style and Hunter's Mark to deal consistent damage from a safe distance. In melee combat, use your Cunning Action to Disengage and move away from enemies after attacking, avoiding opportunity attacks.
In summary, a Rogue/Ranger multiclass, particularly with the Thief and Gloom Stalker subclasses, is a highly effective and versatile build in Baldur's Gate 3. By carefully planning your ability scores, class progression, and combat tactics, you can create a character that excels in both combat and exploration, making you a valuable asset to any party.