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 pairing it 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 survival 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 is important because Rogues gain more skill proficiencies at level 1 compared to other classes. Choose skills that complement your playstyle, such as Stealth, Perception, and Sleight of Hand. These will be crucial for scouting, disarming traps, and picking locks. At level 1, Rogues also gain Sneak Attack, which allows you to deal extra damage when you have advantage on an attack roll or when an ally is within 5 feet of your target. This ability scales with your Rogue level, so it's important to keep that in mind when deciding how many levels to invest in Rogue versus Ranger.
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 in combat, allowing you to move in and out of danger quickly. At level 3, you can choose a Rogue subclass. The Thief subclass is particularly strong for multiclassing because it grants an additional bonus action, which can be used for an extra attack or another Cunning Action. This synergizes well with the Ranger's abilities, especially when using two-weapon fighting.
After reaching level 3 in Rogue, you should start taking levels in Ranger. At level 1, Rangers gain proficiency in medium armor, shields, and martial weapons, which can significantly boost your survivability and damage output. You also gain the Favored Enemy feature, which allows you to choose a type of enemy you are particularly effective against. This is more of a roleplay feature, but it can provide some useful bonuses depending on your choice.
At level 2, Rangers gain the Fighting Style feature. For a Rogue multiclass, the Two-Weapon Fighting style is highly recommended. This allows you to add your ability modifier to the damage of your off-hand weapon, increasing your overall damage output. You also gain Spellcasting at this level, which provides access to utility spells like Hunter's Mark, which can further increase your damage.
At level 3, you can choose the Gloom Stalker subclass. This subclass is particularly powerful for a Rogue multiclass because it enhances your abilities in darkness and provides additional combat benefits. The Gloom Stalker's Dread Ambusher feature allows you to make an additional attack on your first turn in combat, and it increases your movement speed during that turn. This synergizes well with the Rogue's Sneak Attack, allowing you to deal massive damage in the opening round of combat.
One important tip is to focus on Dexterity as your primary ability score. Dexterity not only increases your attack and damage with finesse weapons but also improves your Armor Class, initiative, and many of your skill checks. Constitution should be your secondary focus, as it increases your hit points and survivability. Wisdom is also important for your Ranger spells and abilities, so try to keep it at a decent level.
A common mistake to avoid is spreading your ability scores too thin. While it might be tempting to invest in multiple stats, focusing on Dexterity, Constitution, and Wisdom will provide the most benefit for this multiclass build. Another mistake is neglecting your Rogue levels. While the Ranger abilities are powerful, the Rogue's Sneak Attack scales with Rogue levels, so you should aim to have at least 5 levels in Rogue to maximize your damage potential.
Advanced techniques for this build include using your Cunning Action to Hide before attacking, ensuring you have advantage on your attack rolls and triggering Sneak Attack. You can also use your Ranger spells to enhance your combat effectiveness. For example, Hunter's Mark can be used to mark a target, dealing extra damage whenever you hit them. This can be combined with your Sneak Attack for devastating results.
In terms of related D&D rules and mechanics, it's important to understand how Sneak Attack works. You can only use Sneak Attack once per turn, but it can be used on any attack that meets the conditions, not just your first attack. This means that if you have multiple attacks, you can choose which one to apply Sneak Attack to, allowing for more tactical flexibility.
Specific examples of this build in action include scenarios where you are ambushing enemies in the dark. As a Gloom Stalker, you are invisible to creatures that rely on darkvision to see you in darkness, making it easier to get into position for a Sneak Attack. In combat, you can use your bonus action to Hide, then move into position and attack with advantage, triggering Sneak Attack. If you have Hunter's Mark active, you can deal even more damage, making you a formidable opponent in any encounter.
Overall, the Rogue/Ranger multiclass is a highly effective build that combines the best aspects of both classes. By focusing on Dexterity, using your abilities strategically, and avoiding common mistakes, you can create a character that excels in both combat and exploration, making them a valuable asset to any party in Baldur's Gate 3.
To start, you should begin as a Rogue. This is important because Rogues gain more skill proficiencies at level 1 compared to other classes. Choose skills that complement your playstyle, such as Stealth, Perception, and Sleight of Hand. These will be crucial for scouting, disarming traps, and picking locks. At level 1, Rogues also gain Sneak Attack, which allows you to deal extra damage when you have advantage on an attack roll or when an ally is within 5 feet of your target. This ability scales with your Rogue level, so it's important to keep that in mind when deciding how many levels to invest in Rogue versus Ranger.
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 in combat, allowing you to move in and out of danger quickly. At level 3, you can choose a Rogue subclass. The Thief subclass is particularly strong for multiclassing because it grants an additional bonus action, which can be used for an extra attack or another Cunning Action. This synergizes well with the Ranger's abilities, especially when using two-weapon fighting.
After reaching level 3 in Rogue, you should start taking levels in Ranger. At level 1, Rangers gain proficiency in medium armor, shields, and martial weapons, which can significantly boost your survivability and damage output. You also gain the Favored Enemy feature, which allows you to choose a type of enemy you are particularly effective against. This is more of a roleplay feature, but it can provide some useful bonuses depending on your choice.
At level 2, Rangers gain the Fighting Style feature. For a Rogue multiclass, the Two-Weapon Fighting style is highly recommended. This allows you to add your ability modifier to the damage of your off-hand weapon, increasing your overall damage output. You also gain Spellcasting at this level, which provides access to utility spells like Hunter's Mark, which can further increase your damage.
At level 3, you can choose the Gloom Stalker subclass. This subclass is particularly powerful for a Rogue multiclass because it enhances your abilities in darkness and provides additional combat benefits. The Gloom Stalker's Dread Ambusher feature allows you to make an additional attack on your first turn in combat, and it increases your movement speed during that turn. This synergizes well with the Rogue's Sneak Attack, allowing you to deal massive damage in the opening round of combat.
One important tip is to focus on Dexterity as your primary ability score. Dexterity not only increases your attack and damage with finesse weapons but also improves your Armor Class, initiative, and many of your skill checks. Constitution should be your secondary focus, as it increases your hit points and survivability. Wisdom is also important for your Ranger spells and abilities, so try to keep it at a decent level.
A common mistake to avoid is spreading your ability scores too thin. While it might be tempting to invest in multiple stats, focusing on Dexterity, Constitution, and Wisdom will provide the most benefit for this multiclass build. Another mistake is neglecting your Rogue levels. While the Ranger abilities are powerful, the Rogue's Sneak Attack scales with Rogue levels, so you should aim to have at least 5 levels in Rogue to maximize your damage potential.
Advanced techniques for this build include using your Cunning Action to Hide before attacking, ensuring you have advantage on your attack rolls and triggering Sneak Attack. You can also use your Ranger spells to enhance your combat effectiveness. For example, Hunter's Mark can be used to mark a target, dealing extra damage whenever you hit them. This can be combined with your Sneak Attack for devastating results.
In terms of related D&D rules and mechanics, it's important to understand how Sneak Attack works. You can only use Sneak Attack once per turn, but it can be used on any attack that meets the conditions, not just your first attack. This means that if you have multiple attacks, you can choose which one to apply Sneak Attack to, allowing for more tactical flexibility.
Specific examples of this build in action include scenarios where you are ambushing enemies in the dark. As a Gloom Stalker, you are invisible to creatures that rely on darkvision to see you in darkness, making it easier to get into position for a Sneak Attack. In combat, you can use your bonus action to Hide, then move into position and attack with advantage, triggering Sneak Attack. If you have Hunter's Mark active, you can deal even more damage, making you a formidable opponent in any encounter.
Overall, the Rogue/Ranger multiclass is a highly effective build that combines the best aspects of both classes. By focusing on Dexterity, using your abilities strategically, and avoiding common mistakes, you can create a character that excels in both combat and exploration, making them a valuable asset to any party in Baldur's Gate 3.