Baldur’s Gate 3 offers a plethora of options for character customization, including the dynamic and versatile Rogue class. One of the most rewarding sub-classes to pursue for a Rogue is the Thief, and in this detailed guide, we will walk you through how to build one effectively.

Why Choose a Thief Rogue?

The Thief archetype excels in a wide variety of situations. It allows your Rogue to attack up to three times per turn and grants bonus actions for movements and stealth. This versatility makes a Thief Rogue an asset in any adventuring party. However, this guide focuses exclusively on a pure Thief Rogue build without multiclassing.

Build Overview

The end goal is to create a dual-wielding Rogue that can make three attacks per turn—one with the main hand and two with the off-hand. High mobility is crucial, as is the ability to excel at stealth checks.

  • Race: Wood Elf, Half-Elf, or Drow
  • Background: Charlatan, Criminal, or Urchin
  • Abilities: 8 STR, 17 DEX, 14 CON, 13 INT, 13 WIS, 10 CHA
  • Weapons: Rapiers, scimitars, shortswords, daggers, and hand crossbows
  • Armor: Light armor only

Abilities and Skills

Sneak Attacks

A Thief Rogue should frequently use Sneak Attack (Melee) and Sneak Attack (Ranged) to maximize damage output. Attacking from stealth provides Advantage on attack rolls and facilitates the use of these potent abilities.

Cunning Actions

Upon reaching Level 2, your Rogue gains access to Cunning Actions, which include:

  • Cunning Action: Hide – Allows you to hide effectively, benefiting from Stealth checks.
  • Cunning Action: Dash – Doubles your movement speed for the turn.
  • Cunning Action: Disengage – Enables you to retreat without provoking Opportunity Attacks.

Thief Subclass Features

At Level 3, you can opt for the Thief subclass. This grants:

  • Fast Hands – An additional bonus action per turn.
  • Second-Story Work – Resistance to fall damage.

Level 4 Choices

Here, you’ll face a critical decision between Dual Wielding and Ability Improvement. Our recommendation is to select Dual Wielding to maximize your damage output, as it allows you to dual-wield non-light weapons like rapiers.

Subsequent Levels

As you advance, you’ll gain further abilities like Uncanny Dodge at Level 5, which halves damage from incoming attacks. By Level 7, your character gains Evasion, enabling you to dodge spells and take reduced damage. Level 8 and Level 12 are additional points where you can choose to increase your Ability Scores or select a Feat.

Leveling Progression: Additional Skills and Feats

Level 6

At this stage, you should consider selecting skill proficiencies in:

  • Persuasion – Useful for dialogue.
  • Acrobatics – Assists in maintaining balance and resisting shoves.

Level 9 and Beyond

Further down the line, you will unlock class features like Supreme Sneak, which makes you invisible for 10 turns, and Reliable Talent, ensuring that the lowest you can roll on a proficient Ability Check is a 10. At Level 10, the Lucky Feat is recommended to optimize dice rolls.

Final Thoughts

This guide outlines the optimal path for building a Thief Rogue in Baldur’s Gate 3. While multiclassing is an option, this guide remains focused on maximizing the Thief Rogue’s capabilities within its own class framework. This build ensures that you are well-equipped to face the challenges that lie ahead in your Baldur’s Gate 3 journey.

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