The Rogue class is known for being adept, stealthy, fast-hitting, and high-damage attacks in Baldur’s Gate 3. This class works best for players looking to adopt a stealthy playstyle capable of dealing high burst damage. The Rogue class has three further subclasses. But if you want something capitalizing on stealth mechanics, the Thief build is your answer in Baldur’s Gate 3.
The Thief subclass is known for its efficiency in stealth and maneuvering around the battlefield quickly without being caught. They are proficient in Sleight of Hand and can earn a lot of gold via stealing and pickpocketing.
The Thief build also has a special ability that allows them to fall from heights without taking damage and is also one of the best builds for Astarion in Baldur’s Gate 3.
Is Rogue Thief any good in Baldur’s Gate 3?
Thief sub-class from Rogues get an extra bonus action and extra skill proficiency as compared to Assassins or Arcane Tricksters. This allows you to use stealth and attacks in the same turn, turning the tide of the battle instantly. An additional proficiency comes in handy during dialogue sequences, making Thief Rogue one of the most versatile of the bunch.
However, they are generally weak against foes and very weapon-dependent. To overcome their shortcoming, we recommend that you multiclass Rogue Thief with Open Hand Monk (7/5).
Starting Abilities and Skills for Rogue Thief Build in BG3
You will have several choices in the character creation phase that will lay the foundations of your thief build. Choices such as race and how you distribute your points to your abilities, backgrounds, etc., can boost your build.
| Class | Rogue | – |
| Sub-Class | Thief | – |
| Race | Elf | The Elf race is especially good for a Rogue thief build in Baldur’s Gate 3, thanks to their naturally high stealth stats. They also have Darkvision, which can allow you to see in the dark. This is particularly useful for exploring dark places. |
| Ability Points Distribution | 16 DEX, 14 CON, 14 WIS, 14 CHA | Keep the rest at default. |
| Skills | Acrobatics, Sleight of Hand, Insight, Persuasion | – |
Best Background
Backgrounds help you get useful bonuses for your social skills and more. We recommend using the Charlatan or Urchin backgrounds for the Thief Build in BG3. Both these backgrounds work best for your build.
What you choose boils down to what Build you want to make. If you want to be stealthier, choose Urchin, but if you want to be more deceptive, go with the Charlatan background.
Best Feats for Rogue Thief Build in Baldur’s Gate 3
Feats are special maneuvers, attacks, or bonuses that you can pick for your character every four levels. You will get the first at level 4, then at level 8, and the final at level 12. These can help you boost your capabilities or cover any shortcomings with your thief build in Baldur’s Gate 3. These are our recommendations for the best feats for your build and when you should get them.
| Level | Feat | Description |
| 4 | Athlete | Athlete allows you to increase your jump distance by a whopping 50%. This greatly benefits your build and allows you to be sneaky and agile. Additionally, it also randomly increases your strength or dexterity. This boost is helpful both for your build and in general gameplay. |
| 8 | Dungeon Delver | This feat allows you to gain an advantage on perception checks used to hide objects and avoid traps. This is especially useful for stealthy characters as they need to be able to move around the area without being detected. |
| 12 | Crossbow Expert | Crossbow Expert works in two ways. Firstly, when you make Crossbow shots within the melee range, you do not receive any disadvantage on your attack rolls. Secondly, when you use a piercing shot, the gaping wounds persist for twice as long upon your enemy. |
Best Alternatives for Rogue Thief Build in Baldur’s Gate 3
The Rogue class is not specifically known for casting spells and is more suited for stealth and closeup combat. Instead, you will get Sneak Attack as a Rogue at level 1. This will allow you to damage your target more, provided you have an advantage against them. This will work in tandem with your stealth bonuses.
If you attack from a place where your enemies cannot see you, you can have an advantage against them. Moreover, you can use another party member to buff you up further and grant you an advantage.
Best Armor and Weapons
The Rogue class is proficient in only light armor but can wield many different weapons. These are our picks for the best armor and weapons for Rogue Thief.
Helm – Sarevok’s Horned Helmet: The horned helmet greatly works to your advantage. Firstly, it protects you from spells that alter your emotions. Secondly, it allows you to enhance your Darkvision and see further into a dark area using Deathbringer’s sight.
Back – Deathstalker Mantle: This cloak gives you an advantage in your stealth checks and allows you to turn yourself invisible for up to two turns, once during combat.
Armor – Shadeclinger Armor: This light armor grants you an additional point in your Stealth abilities while giving you the effect of the Shadeclinger. This gives you an advantage on saving throws when your enemies have not spotted you.
Hands – Gloves of Thievery: Gloves of Thievery grants you a boost on Sleight of Hand checks, making this the perfect piece for the thief subclass.
Ranged Weapon – Firestoker Crossbow: Since you want to take a stealthy approach when playing as a thief, a ranged weapon is perfect. The Firestoker Crossbow is the best weapon you can select. It has a range of 18 meters and can also inflict fire damage. Coupled with the Crossbow Expert feat, this weapon can deal great damage.
Baldur’s Gate 3 Rogue Thief Build Level Progression in Baldur’s Gate 3
| Level | Unlocks | Description |
| 1 | Race, Background, and Ability Points Distribution. | Choose from the recommendations above. |
| 2 | Cunning bonus action. | Enables you to use Dash, Disengage, and Hide as bonus actions to avoid confrontation. |
| 3 | Fast Hands ability, Second-Story Work passive. | The former grants you an additional bonus action, while the latter provides you resistance against fall damage. |
| 4 | The first Feat unlocks. | Athlete to improve your jumping distance and get a random boost to your strength and dexterity. |
| 5 | Uncanny Dodge class action | Reduces incoming damage by half. |
| 6 | Chance to gain expertise in any two abilities. | We recommend going with Athletics and Deception. |
| 7 | Evasion class feature | Allows you to avoid incoming spell attacks and grants you an advantage on Dex saving throws. You take only half the damage if the saving throw fails and no damage on a successful saving throw. |
| 8 | The second Feat unlocks. | Dungeon Delver to avoid traps by using successful perception checks. |
| 9 | Super Sneak sub-class feature | This ability allows you to become completely invisible by using the environment to your advantage and is especially useful for more effective stealth. |
| 10 | No special unlocks. | – |
| 11 | Reliable Talent class feature | You can’t go lower than 10 on your die roll for an ability skill you are proficient in. |
| 12 | The final Feat unlocks. | Crossbow Expert to deal massive damage to close enemies. |
