This guide focuses on the key aspects of a Swashbuckler Rogue build in Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3) and how to use those powers to your advantage.
In Baldur’s Gate 3, players can select from a wide range of variables in order to create a build. Builds the serves as an overall theme both in combat and dialogue. In this guide, we walk you through a Rogue Subclass, Swashbuckler, introduced in Patch 8 of BG3. Explaining all the critical choices like ability score, level progression, companions, weapons, armor, and consumables.
This build page has been updated for thePatch 8 versionof Baldur’s Gate 3.
Rogue Class Guide in BG3
The Rogue class in Baldur’s Gate 3 is known for its highdexterity, sneaking, and lockpicking potential. The Rogue excels at group utility, range, and melee combat. Most parties opt for a Rogue due to pickpocketing, lockpicking, and general non-combat usage. However, they can also be potent combatants, using both range and melee combat.
Why Should You Choose the Swashbuckler Subclass for the Rogue Class in BG3?
You should choose the Swashbuckler Rogue if you want to hit targets with advantage often and want a thematic build and character. The Swashbuckler’s feature Rakish Audacity makes it so that you automatically hit targets with sneak attack as long as you’re in 1.5 meter range. Moreover, the Swashbuckler gets power subclass features Dirty Trick, giving you extra utility with your attacks. Lastly, the Swashbuckler will have more Charisma than other Rogue builds and fit a thematic theme for players.
Everything About the Swashbuckler Rogue in Baldur’s Gate 3
What makes the Swashbuckler unique is its ability to automatically land sneak attacks in melee combat and its charisma-based dirty trick actions. This gives you a build focused on dexterity and charisma, allowing you to talk your way through combat or engage. The Swashbuckler emphasizes melee combat and makes sneak attack damage much easier with an overall simple build.
However, you will need to multiclass out of the Rogue for optimal combat performance. Moreover, you won’t gain the benefit of the auto sneak attack feature playing at range. Lastly, the racial choice is critical to get theweapon proficienciesneeded at the start of the game.
Patch 8 Changes to the Swashbuckler Rogue Build for BG3
Patch 8 of Baldur’s Gate 3 brings a major shake-up to Rogue builds with the introduction of the Swashbuckler subclass and theBooming Bladecantrip. These new options significantly enhance the versatility of assassin-style Rogues. Swashbuckler adds increased mobility and flair, allowing Rogues to slip in and out of stealth with agility and style. Alternatively, players can choose the Arcane Trickster subclass or multiclass into Fighter (Eldritch Knight) to gain access to Booming Blade.
Choosing the Booming Blade path shifts the Rogue’s playstyle from a purely stealth-based approach to a more aggressive, melee-oriented strategy. While opening with a powerful stealth attack is still viable, this build excels in prolonged frontline combat. It’s a more direct and proactive option that won’t appeal to everyone, but for those seeking a bold, high-impact playstyle, it’s both effective and rewarding. We break down this build in detail below.
Features and Mechanics of Swashbuckler Rogue
The following list presents all the essential Swashbuckler Rogue Build Mechanics and Features in Baldur’s Gate 3:
Character Creation for Swashbuckler Rogue Build
Race Choice for Swashbuckler Rogue
High Elf is best for the Swashbuckler Rogue race because you gain Longbow and Longsword proficiency and a cantrip. Patch 8 introduces a powerful cantrip, Booming Blade. You can select this and gain a thunder-based attack in melee range, making it the best choice and critical for this build. Alternatively, theGithyankialso has weapon proficiencies and additional movement spells but lacks a cantrip and darkvision. The Half-Orc has Savage Attacks and a decent choice depending on your preferred weapons.
Here is the bestracechoice for a Swashbuckler Rogue build in Baldur’s Gate 3:
Rogue Subclass – Swashbuckler
The Rogue unlocks their subclass at level three, and once selected, the Swashbuckler unlocks two features. The most notable is Rakish Audacity which helps automatically trigger sneak attack damage in melee. Then at level four, you gain Dirty Trick, three individual actions that help you control the battlefield.
Below are the Swashbuckler Rogue subclass features that become available while leveling up in Baldur’s Gate 3:
Recommended Background for Swashbuckler Rogue
Urchin is the recommended background for the Swashbuckler due to gaining two dexterity-based skills. However, you’re able to select Entertainer or another charisma-based background. You want to increase persuasion and/or intimidation skills to fit with the theme of the build.
Ability Score
The best ability score for the Swashbuckler Rogue Build is 17 Dexterity, 16 Constitution, and 14 Charisma.Dexerity is your primary means to avoid damage with AC in light armour as well as damage scaling with piercing weapons. However, at end game, you’re able to take an elixir of cloud giant strength and scale your damage with strength. This applies if your weapons scale either strength or dexterity (hover the mouse over it to tell you).
Next, you choose between constitution (health) or charisma (dialogue and subclass). If you prefer dialogue to combat, go with 16 charisma, however if playing in melee range, 16 constitution is advised for more survivability.
Also, Dexerity is at 17 an odd number and requires you to gain Auntie Ethel’s Hair in Act 1 to increase to 18. If you do not plan on getting this permanent bonus, put Dexerity at 16 and increase Wisdom to 10.
Below is the best ability score for a Swashbuckler Rogue in Baldur’s Gate 3:
You can increase your ability score via a quest in Act 1, Act 2, and Act 3. Make sure to check out ourPermanent bonus guideon how you can boost your ability score through quests.
Recommended Skills for Swashbuckler Rogue
Look to boost persuasion and intimidation-based skills along with sleight of hand and stealth for the most versatile Swashbuckler Rogue.
Illithid Powers College of Swashbuckler Rogue BG3
The best Illithid Powers for a Swashbuckler Rogue build are Luck of the Farm Realms, Black Hole, and Cull of the Weak. Luck of the Farm helps with critical hits and burst damage and, combined with Cull of the Weak, can trigger AOE damage passively. Black Hole requires you to take the Astral Tadpole in Act 2, but it sucks in 5 enemies, slows them, and can be recast for free. This is helpful in certain large-scale boss fights with many enemies. Below are the best IllithidTadpolePowers for the Swashbuckler Rogue build in Baldur’s Gate 3:
Best Companions for Swashbuckler Rogue
Shadowheart,Gale, andLae’zelmake the bestcompanionsfor the Swashbuckler Rogue build because you gain a melee damage dealer, support healer, and spellcaster.
Best Swashbuckler Rogue Build – Level Progression in Baldur’s Gate 3
Alternative Swashbuckler Rogue Build
This Swashbuckler Rogue variant trades subtlety for sheer combat prowess, focusing on aggressive, up-close encounters rather than relying solely on stealth and ranged attacks. While you’re able to still soften up enemies with a surprisesneak attack,the real strength of this build comes into play once you’re in the thick of battle, weaving through enemies and striking with precision.
To maximize its effectiveness, this build multiclasses into Fighter, eventually choosing the Eldritch Knight subclass. By Level 7, you’ll have access to the Booming Blade cantrip, adding magical punch to your melee strikes. Along the way, you’ll also pick up signature Fighter abilities like Action Surge and Extra Attack, plus three additional Feats. This combination empowers you to deal consistent damage, react to changing combat situations, and control the battlefield with a unique blend of finesse and force.
Read More:Baldur’s Gate 3 Bard College of Valour Build
At level one, the Rogue doesn’t gain much outside of Sneak Attack. You gain your subclass at level 3 so expect a slow start. If you chose the Half-Elf race, then rely on Booming Blade cantrip in melee and finding a ranged weapon during the tutorial.
Skill Selections
At level two, the Rogue gains cunning actions which helps your movement and survivability. Gameplay remains the same and you should look to equip duel wield shortswords or daggers at this point with a Longbow on ranged weapon if Half Elf.
At level 3, the Rogue will choose the Swashbuckler Subclass and unlock the following:
This gives you incentive to play in melee range, thus make sure you have duel wielding weapons.
At level 4 you unlock Dirty Tricks subclass feature and a feat. For feats, there are a lot of choices, but at this stage, Duel Wielder is a good choice. It lets you equip two non-heavy weapons such as Longswords or Rapiers. This frees up additional weapon options and gives you +1 AC in Light Armour. However, you can go with ability score improvement +2 Dexerity if you stick with shortswords and daggers. The Dirty Trick feature allows you to use a bonus action for an effect on the target. The two best choices are Flick of the wrist and Sand Toss. When fighting a weapon user, flick of the writs, fighting magic user, sand toss.
Read More:Baldur’s Gate 3 Shadow Magic Sorcerer Build
At level 5 and beyond, the Rogue suffers from weak bonuses. Therefore, it’s highly recommended to multiclass to a Fighter. You will gain a Fighting Style, Extra Attack, and three features giving you a much-needed performance boost in combat. Below is what you unlock:
Alternatively, you may multiclass to Warlock. 1-4 levels of Warlock can boost your damage, but will lack extra attack unless you take it to level 5. If you do, select Hexblade and boost your Charisma with feat.
At level 6, the Figher unlocks Action Surge which replenishes on short rest and gives you an extra action for a turn.
At level 7, with three levels into a fighter, you gain a subclass. For simplicity and damage, go with the Eldritch Knight which grants Booming Blade cantrips and other spells. Here’s our recommendations:
Now, use Booming Blade with you attack to get extra thunder damage.
At level 8 you can choose another feat. At this point, increase your Dexerity +2. If you completed Auntie Ethel’s Hair in Act 1, you’ll reach 20. In Act 3, you can increase Dex by +2 with the Mirror of Loss.
Take Magic Mirror spell.
At level 9, you will unlock extra attack, giving you two attacks with one action.
At level 10 select the Alert Feat. This will give you +5 initiative and avoid being surprised. This helps going first in combat and avoids getting killed when ambushed.
At level 11, your subclass gives you two level two spells. Take Darkness and Sorching Ray.
At level 12, take the Savage Attacker feat, which allows melee attacks to roll your damage dice twice and use the highest result.
Also take Shadow Blade if you want to use one hand and shield, or Mirror Image for dual wield.
Best Gear for Swashbuckler Rogue Build
Here’s the best beginner gear, items, and equipment for the Swashbuckler Rogue Build in Baldur’s Gate 3:
List of best Swashbuckler Rogue Baldur’s Gate 3 Equipment in Act 1:
The following table presents the best gear, items, and equipment for the Swashbuckler Rogue Build in Baldur’s Gate 3:
Below is the best Act 3 Armor, Weapons, and Equipment for Swashbuckler Rogue build in BG3:
How to Play Swashbuckler Rogue
The best way to play the Swashbuckler Rogue is in melee range to take advantage of the automatic sneak attack subclass feature. Use the Dirty Trick bonus action to disarm enemies or blind them if they are spell casters. Use piercing weapons like Crimson Mischief, Bloodthirst, daggers and shortswords in combination with Bhaalist Armour for double damage.
Below are some general tips on how to play the best Swashbuckler Rogue build in BG3:
Best Tips and Tricks for Swashbuckler Rogue in BG3
The best tip to playing the Swashbuckler Rogue is selecting a High Elf race to gain Longbow, Longsword proficiency, and Booming Blade Cantrip. This cantrip can be used once every turn, adding thunder damage to every attack. Then multiclass to a Fighter at level 5 to gain four feats, extra attack, and two-weapon fighting.
Best Consumables, Potions, Ammunition, and Items
The following list is the bestconsumableitems that will aid in our Guide:
Permanent Bonuses for Swashbuckler Rogue BG3
Throughout Baldur’s Gate 3, you will have the ability to gain permanent bonuses to your character. These can grant additional spells, ability scores, and other bonuses. Permanent Bonuses are not displayed throughout the campaign but are vital to increase overall combat performance. We have all permanent bonuses here in a guide, but the most important ones for you to collect are listed below.
Swashbuckler Rogue Changes in Patch 8 for BG3
Patch 8 adds 12 new subclasses, spells, and cantrips. The most important is the Swashbuckler Rogue and Booming Blade cantrip. You can access this powerful cantrip by selecting a High Elf ,giving you more melee burst starting at level 1.
Build Summary – Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Swashbuckler Rogue
FAQs about the Swashbuckler Rogue build in Baldur’s Gate 3
What abilities should the Swashbuckler Rogue prioritize for my class?
The Swashbuckler wants high dexterity for weapon damage and charisma for their unique dirty trick subclass features.
What are the best feats for Swashbuckler Rogue builds?
The best feats are Savage Attacker, Dual Wielder, and Alert
What are the best multiclass combos?
The Fighter is the best multiclass combo for the Swashbuckler because you gain Action Surge, feats, extra attack and Two-Weapon Fighting.
Are there “must-have” items for Swashbuckler Rogue builds?
Helmet of Grit is a must have item to give you an extra bonus action when health is below 50%. You can start off combat with low HP to trigger this, and thus give yourself a high constitution to make it easier to reach this bonus.
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