In this article, we will discuss the optimal build for the Theif in Baldur’s Gate 3. Simply follow the steps outlined below and you’ll be set to go.
Theif build:
Rogues in Baldur’s Gate 3 can become Thiefs at Level 3, and it is recommended to take this Subclass over the Arcane Trickster. This is because Thiefs gain a Bonus Action, and they can use this for Shoving, Jumping, or even on their Cunning Action: Dash. This allows them to still attack with their main-hand and offhand Weapons after taking a Bonus Action.
Background:
There are some good Backgrounds for Thief: Urchin, Charlatan, and Criminal. These things have some great Skill Proficiencies that fit the theme of a Rogue.
Race:
Wood Elves make an excellent choice for a Thief because they gain +2 Dexterity, +1 Wisdom, and Proficiency in Perception and Stealth. They also have Darkvision and can’t be put to sleep by magic.
Skills:
This will gain 4 Skills in Character Creation, which is higher than any other Class. They will have high Dexterity, and having some Wisdom will not hurt them either to gain better roles on Perception. Perception is important to Rogues because it allows them to spot traps and see hidden switches or doors.
Dexterity has: Acrobatics, Sleight of Hand and Stealth, and Wisdom has: Animal Handling, Insight, Medicine, Perception, and Survival. Of these, you probably want Sleight of Hand, Stealth, Insight, and Perception.
Level 1:
Sneak Attack:
Sneak Attack is a special Action that all Rogues can use once every turn that boosts their damage tremendously under the right circumstances. In Baldur’s Gate 3, to deal with Sneak Attack Damage, you need to have Advantage, or the target needs to be within 1.5m of a character it considers an enemy.
The easiest ways to gain Advantage are from being on High Ground, being in Stealth, and being directly behind the target, though there are other ways.
Level 2:
At Level 2, Rogues gain Cunning Action: Dash, which can be used once per turn. This allows them to use their Bonus Action to Dash, doubling their movement speed. Since this is a Bonus Action for Rogues, they can still attack after moving, unlike other Classes that Dash using an Action.
Level 3:
At Level 3, Rogues can become Thiefs. They will gain Fast Hands and Second-Story Work. Fast Hands allows Rogues to use two Bonus Actions every turn, which can mean two Offhand attacks (Melee) in many cases, really upping their damage.
Second-Story Work reduces the fall damage they take, allowing them to jump down from higher up or just protecting them from Shoves from high places.
Level 4:
At Level 4, you’ll get a Feat choice, and I recommend the Dual Wielder feat to gain +1 Armour while dual-wielding and be able to use Rapiers in either hand. Rapiers deal 1d8 compared with the 1d6 of the Shortsword, so this will be a +1 damage upgrade on average, including your Offhand (if you use one there too).
