Hey everyone! So, you're diving into the world of Baldur's Gate 3 and thinking about creating a character that’s both charming and deadly? You've probably stumbled upon the Rogue Bard multiclass, and guess what? You're not alone! This combination is super popular, and for good reason. Let’s break down why this multiclass is so effective, what the Reddit community is saying about it, and how you can make the most of it in your BG3 adventure.

Why Rogue Bard? The Magic and Mayhem Combo

The Rogue and Bard classes might seem like an odd couple at first glance, but trust me, they synergize incredibly well. Think of it this way: you get the sneaky skills and high damage potential of a Rogue mixed with the spellcasting and support abilities of a Bard. This blend allows you to be versatile in combat and excel in social situations. You can talk your way out of trouble, pickpocket crucial items, and then, when things get hairy, unleash a barrage of spells or sneak attack your enemies from the shadows.

Skills and Synergies

One of the biggest advantages of this multiclass is the sheer number of skills you can become proficient in. As a Rogue, you get Expertise in two skills at level 1, which doubles your proficiency bonus. Bards also get a similar feature, giving you even more opportunities to become a master of skills like Deception, Persuasion, Stealth, and Sleight of Hand. This makes you the ultimate face of the party, capable of handling almost any social encounter or skill challenge the game throws at you.

Combat Prowess

In combat, the Rogue Bard multiclass shines with its ability to deal high damage while remaining elusive. Rogues are known for their Sneak Attack, which adds a significant chunk of damage to their attacks when they have advantage. Bards can provide that advantage through spells like Faerie Fire or by simply distracting enemies. Furthermore, Bards have access to a variety of control and support spells, allowing you to buff your allies, debuff your enemies, and manipulate the battlefield to your advantage. Imagine charming a powerful enemy to fight for you, then sneaking behind another to deliver a devastating Sneak Attack – that's the power of the Rogue Bard!

Roleplaying Potential

Beyond combat and skills, the Rogue Bard multiclass opens up a wealth of roleplaying opportunities. You can play a charming con artist, a witty spy, or a charismatic leader who inspires their allies with their words and deeds. The possibilities are endless, and you'll find that this build allows you to interact with the world of Baldur's Gate 3 in unique and engaging ways.

What Reddit Says: Diving into the Discussions

So, what's the Reddit buzz around the Rogue Bard multiclass? A quick search reveals a treasure trove of discussions, build guides, and personal experiences. Here’s a summary of what the community is saying:

Popular Opinions and Builds

Many Reddit users praise the Rogue Bard multiclass for its versatility and fun factor. Some common builds involve starting as a Rogue for the early game expertise and then dipping into Bard for the spellcasting and support abilities. Others prefer to start as a Bard to get access to certain spells and then multiclass into Rogue for the damage potential. There's no one-size-fits-all approach, and the best build for you will depend on your playstyle and preferences.

Key Discussions and Tips

• Leveling Splits: One of the most debated topics is the ideal level split between Rogue and Bard. Some players recommend a 8/4 split (8 levels in Rogue, 4 in Bard) to maximize Sneak Attack damage, while others prefer a 6/6 split for a more balanced approach. The consensus seems to be that at least 3 levels in Rogue are necessary to get the Assassin subclass, which can be incredibly powerful for burst damage.
• Subclass Choices: For Rogues, the Assassin subclass is a popular choice for its ability to automatically crit enemies who are surprised. For Bards, the College of Lore is a strong option for its additional skill proficiencies and access to powerful spells from other classes.
• Stat Allocation: Dexterity is your primary stat, as it affects your attack rolls, damage, and skills. Charisma is also important for your Bard spells and social interactions. Constitution should be your third priority to ensure you have enough health to survive in combat.
• Gear Recommendations: Look for gear that boosts your Dexterity, Charisma, and AC (Armor Class). Items that grant advantage on attack rolls or increase your spell save DC are also highly valuable.

User Experiences

Reading through Reddit threads, you'll find plenty of anecdotal evidence of the Rogue Bard's effectiveness. Players share stories of charming their way past guards, disarming traps with ease, and dealing massive damage to unsuspecting enemies. The overall sentiment is that this multiclass is not only powerful but also incredibly fun to play.

Building Your Own Rogue Bard: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to create your own Rogue Bard masterpiece? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Choose Your Race

Your race can provide valuable bonuses to your stats and skills. Some good options for a Rogue Bard include:

• Half-Elf: Offers +2 Charisma and +1 to two other stats of your choice, as well as proficiency in Perception.
• Tiefling: Provides +2 Charisma and +1 Intelligence, as well as resistance to fire damage.
• Wood Elf: Grants +2 Dexterity and +1 Wisdom, as well as increased movement speed.
• Gnome (Forest): Provides +2 Intelligence and +1 Dexterity, as well as Advantage on all Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma Saving Throws against magic.

Step 2: Determine Your Ability Scores

Use the point buy system or roll for your ability scores. Prioritize Dexterity, Charisma, and Constitution. A good starting spread might look like this:

• Strength: 8
• Dexterity: 16
• Constitution: 14
• Intelligence: 10
• Wisdom: 12
• Charisma: 16

Step 3: Select Your Starting Class and Skills

Most players recommend starting as a Rogue for the early game expertise and Sneak Attack. Choose two skills to become proficient in, such as Stealth and Sleight of Hand. Then, when you multiclass into Bard, you'll gain even more skill proficiencies.

Step 4: Choose Your Subclasses

• Rogue (Level 3): Assassin is a popular choice for its burst damage potential. When you surprise an enemy, you automatically crit and gain advantage on attack rolls.
• Bard (Level 3): College of Lore provides additional skill proficiencies and access to powerful spells from other classes through Magical Secrets.

Step 5: Select Your Spells

As a Bard, you'll have access to a variety of spells. Some good choices include:

• Tasha’s Hideous Laughter: Incapacitates an enemy with laughter, making them vulnerable to attacks.
• Sleep: Puts weaker enemies to sleep, allowing you to easily pick them off.
• Healing Word: Heals an ally from a distance, keeping them in the fight.
• Faerie Fire: Outlines enemies in light, giving you advantage on attack rolls against them.
• Hold Person: Paralyzes a humanoid enemy, making them an easy target for Sneak Attack.

Step 6: Leveling Up

As you level up, continue to invest in Dexterity and Charisma. Consider taking feats like Actor for +1 Charisma and advantage on Deception and Performance checks, or Sharpshooter if you plan on using ranged weapons. The Lucky feat is also great for any build.

Tips and Tricks for Mastering the Rogue Bard

Here are some additional tips and tricks to help you master the Rogue Bard multiclass:

• Utilize Stealth: Take advantage of your high Stealth skill to sneak around enemies and set up ambushes. A well-placed Sneak Attack can often one-shot weaker enemies.
• Exploit Advantage: Always look for ways to gain advantage on your attack rolls. This could be through spells like Faerie Fire, positioning yourself behind enemies, or having an ally distract them.
• Manage Your Spells: Bards have a limited number of spell slots, so use them wisely. Focus on spells that provide control, support, or advantage to your allies.
• Embrace the Roleplaying: The Rogue Bard is a versatile class that can excel in both combat and social situations. Embrace the roleplaying opportunities and have fun creating a unique and memorable character.
• Don't Underestimate the Power of Disguise: The disguise self spell can be useful to trick enemies or gain access to restricted areas.
• Take Advantage of Short Rests: Bards regain some spell slots and hit points during short rests, so be sure to take them whenever possible.

Final Thoughts: Is Rogue Bard the Ultimate Multiclass?

The Rogue Bard multiclass is undoubtedly one of the most versatile and fun builds in Baldur's Gate 3. With its blend of stealth, magic, and social skills, you'll be able to tackle almost any challenge the game throws at you. Whether you're charming your way out of trouble, sneaking behind enemies for a deadly Sneak Attack, or supporting your allies with powerful spells, the Rogue Bard is a force to be reckoned with.

So, is it the ultimate multiclass? That's a matter of personal preference. But if you're looking for a build that's both effective and engaging, the Rogue Bard is definitely worth a try. Dive into the Reddit discussions, experiment with different builds, and create a character that's uniquely yours. Happy adventuring in Baldur's Gate 3!