What is the best multiclass combination for a Rogue in Baldur's Gate 3?

Multiclassing a Rogue in Baldur's Gate 3 can significantly enhance your character's versatility, allowing you to combine the Rogue's stealth and precision with the strengths of another class. One of the most effective multiclass combinations for a Rogue is pairing it with the Fighter class. This combination leverages the Rogue's Sneak Attack and the Fighter's combat prowess to create a highly adaptable and powerful character. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to achieve this build, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics involved. Rogues excel in dealing high burst damage through Sneak Attack, which requires advantage on the attack roll or having an ally within 5 feet of the target. Fighters, on the other hand, are versatile combatants with access to multiple attacks, Action Surge, and a variety of fighting styles. By multiclassing, you can combine the RogueÔÇÖs Sneak Attack with the FighterÔÇÖs extra attacks and combat flexibility, creating a character that can deal significant damage while remaining durable in combat.

To start this build, you should begin as a Rogue. This ensures you gain proficiency in Dexterity and Intelligence saving throws, which are crucial for avoiding certain spells and effects. At level 1, youÔÇÖll also gain Sneak Attack, which is the cornerstone of your damage output. As you progress, take at least three levels in Rogue to unlock the Assassin subclass. The AssassinÔÇÖs features, such as Assassinate, allow you to deal critical hits on surprised enemies, making it an excellent choice for maximizing damage in the early rounds of combat.

After reaching Rogue level 3, you should multiclass into Fighter. The Fighter class provides several benefits, including a Fighting Style, Second Wind for healing, and Action Surge, which allows you to take an additional action on your turn. At Fighter level 2, you gain Action Surge, which can be used to unleash a devastating combination of attacks and Sneak Attacks in a single turn. Additionally, the FighterÔÇÖs Extra Attack feature at level 5 (Fighter level 5) allows you to make two attacks per turn, increasing your chances of landing a Sneak Attack.

When building your character, prioritize Dexterity as your primary ability score, as it affects your attack rolls, damage, and Armor Class. Constitution is also important for increasing your hit points and survivability. Strength can be a secondary focus if you plan to use melee weapons, but Dexterity-based weapons like rapiers and shortswords are generally more effective for this build.

One common mistake to avoid is neglecting your defensive capabilities. While this build focuses on dealing damage, itÔÇÖs essential to maintain a balance between offense and defense. Consider taking the Defensive Fighting Style when you multiclass into Fighter, as it provides a +1 bonus to your Armor Class when wearing armor. Additionally, using light or medium armor will allow you to benefit from your high Dexterity score while maintaining mobility.

Advanced techniques for this build include using the RogueÔÇÖs Cunning Action to position yourself strategically in combat. Cunning Action allows you to Dash, Disengage, or Hide as a bonus action, giving you the flexibility to move around the battlefield and set up Sneak Attacks. Combining this with the FighterÔÇÖs Action Surge can allow you to reposition and attack multiple times in a single turn, overwhelming your enemies.

In terms of related D&D rules and mechanics, itÔÇÖs important to note that Sneak Attack can only be used once per turn, regardless of how many attacks you make. However, the FighterÔÇÖs Extra Attack increases your chances of landing a Sneak Attack by providing multiple attack rolls. Additionally, the AssassinÔÇÖs Assassinate feature ensures that any hit you land on a surprised creature is a critical hit, significantly boosting your damage output in the first round of combat.

Specific examples of this build in action include scenarios where you can use your high mobility and stealth to ambush enemies. For instance, you can use Cunning Action to Hide before combat begins, then use your Assassinate feature to deal a critical Sneak Attack on an unsuspecting enemy. Following this, you can use Action Surge to make additional attacks, ensuring that you eliminate key targets quickly.

In conclusion, multiclassing a Rogue with a Fighter in Baldur's Gate 3 creates a highly effective and versatile character. By combining the RogueÔÇÖs Sneak Attack and stealth capabilities with the FighterÔÇÖs combat prowess and extra attacks, you can deal significant damage while remaining adaptable in various combat situations. Prioritize Dexterity and Constitution, choose the Assassin subclass, and take advantage of the FighterÔÇÖs Action Surge and Extra Attack features to maximize your effectiveness. Avoid common mistakes like neglecting defense, and use advanced techniques such as strategic positioning and ambush tactics to dominate your enemies. This build is a proven strategy for creating a powerful and dynamic character in Baldur's Gate 3.