Hey guys! Are you diving into the world of Baldur's Gate 3 and trying to figure out the best way to create a character that's both sneaky and musically inclined? Well, you've come to the right place! In this guide, we're going to break down the awesome combination of a Rogue and a Bard multiclass. This build is fantastic for players who love to be versatile, dealing damage, providing support, and manipulating social situations all in one smooth package. Whether you found some interesting threads on Reddit or are just theory-crafting, we'll cover everything you need to know to make this multiclass shine.

Why Choose Rogue Bard Multiclass?

So, why should you even consider blending these two classes? The Rogue brings to the table some serious skills in stealth, lockpicking, and dealing massive burst damage with Sneak Attack. On the other hand, the Bard is the ultimate support and crowd control class, wielding powerful spells, buffs, and the ability to talk their way out of (or into) almost any situation.

When you combine these two, you get a character that’s not only deadly in combat but also incredibly useful outside of it. Imagine sneaking past enemies, charming a guard, and then unleashing a devastating attack on a priority target – all in the same encounter. This multiclass offers unparalleled versatility, making it a blast to play for those who enjoy a mix of combat, exploration, and social interaction. Plus, who doesn’t want to be a charming, witty, and deadly adventurer?

Versatility is Key

The beauty of the Rogue Bard multiclass lies in its versatility. You're not just a one-trick pony; you're a Swiss Army knife of character builds. You can adapt to almost any situation, whether it's disarming traps, picking pockets, inspiring your allies with a song, or landing a critical hit when the enemy least expects it. This makes for a dynamic and engaging gameplay experience where you always have something to contribute.

Roleplaying Potential

From a roleplaying perspective, this multiclass opens up a ton of possibilities. You could be a charming spy, a roguish entertainer, or a shadowy manipulator who uses their musical talents to deceive and control others. The combinations are endless, allowing you to create a truly unique and memorable character. Embrace the duality of your nature and let your creativity run wild!

Core Concepts of the Build

Before we dive into the specifics, let's nail down some core concepts that will drive your Rogue Bard multiclass. Understanding these principles will help you make informed decisions as you level up and customize your character.

Skill Allocation

Skills are the bread and butter of this multiclass. As a Rogue, you’ll want to prioritize skills like Stealth, Sleight of Hand, and Persuasion. Bards naturally excel in skills like Performance, Deception, and Persuasion as well. When multiclassing, consider which skills overlap and which ones complement each other. Focus on becoming proficient in a wide range of skills to maximize your effectiveness in various situations. Expertise, which allows you to double your proficiency bonus in certain skills, is incredibly valuable, so plan your build around acquiring it.

Spell Selection

As a Bard, you have access to a wide array of spells that can enhance your Rogue abilities. Spells like Charm Person, Sleep, and Invisibility can help you bypass enemies or manipulate them into doing your bidding. Support spells like Bless and Healing Word can keep your party alive during tough encounters. Choose spells that synergize with your Rogue skills and playstyle to create a cohesive and effective build. Don't underestimate the power of a well-placed Vicious Mockery to debuff your enemies!

Combat Tactics

In combat, your primary role will be to deal damage while providing support to your allies. Use your Rogue abilities to sneak into advantageous positions and unleash Sneak Attacks on unsuspecting enemies. Utilize your Bard spells and abilities to control the battlefield, debuff your foes, and buff your allies. Coordinate with your party to maximize your effectiveness and take down high-priority targets. Remember, a well-coordinated team is always more powerful than a lone wolf.

Leveling Guide: Optimal Class Split

Now, let's talk about how to level up your Rogue and Bard. The class split you choose can significantly impact your character's effectiveness, so it's important to plan ahead. Here are a couple of popular options, each with its own strengths and weaknesses:

Option 1: Rogue 3 / Bard 9

This split emphasizes the Bard side of the multiclass, giving you access to higher-level spells and more potent support abilities. The Rogue levels provide you with essential skills like Sneak Attack and Expertise, but you'll primarily rely on your Bard spells and abilities to carry you through combat.

• Levels 1-3: Rogue
  • Start as a Rogue for the initial skills and Sneak Attack. Choose the Thief subclass at level 3 for an extra bonus action, which can be incredibly useful for disengaging, hiding, or performing additional actions in combat.
• Levels 4-12: Bard
  • Switch to Bard and level up to 9. This gives you access to powerful spells like Hypnotic Pattern and Mass Healing Word. Choose the College of Lore subclass at level 3 for Additional Magical Secrets, allowing you to learn spells from other classes.

Option 2: Rogue 6 / Bard 6

This split offers a more balanced approach, giving you a solid mix of Rogue and Bard abilities. You'll have access to decent spells and skills, but you won't excel in either area. However, this build can be very versatile and fun to play for those who enjoy a bit of everything.

• Levels 1-6: Rogue
  • Start as a Rogue for the initial skills and Sneak Attack. Choose the Assassin subclass at level 3 for extra damage against surprised enemies, or the Thief subclass for an extra bonus action.
• Levels 7-12: Bard
  • Switch to Bard and level up to 6. This gives you access to useful spells like Counterspell and Dispel Magic. Choose the College of Valor subclass at level 3 for combat-oriented abilities, or the College of Lore subclass for additional spells.

Subclass Choices: Enhancing Your Build

Choosing the right subclasses can significantly enhance your Rogue Bard multiclass, so let's take a closer look at some of the best options for each class.

Rogue Subclasses

• Thief: The Thief subclass is a popular choice for its extra bonus action, which can be used for a variety of purposes, such as disengaging, hiding, or performing additional attacks. This subclass is particularly useful for maximizing your action economy in combat.

• Assassin: The Assassin subclass is all about dealing massive damage to surprised enemies. If you can consistently catch your opponents off guard, this subclass can be incredibly powerful. However, it relies heavily on surprise rounds, so it may not be as effective in all situations.

Bard Subclasses

• College of Lore: The College of Lore subclass is known for its Additional Magical Secrets feature, which allows you to learn spells from other classes. This can greatly expand your spellcasting repertoire and give you access to powerful spells that are normally unavailable to Bards.

• College of Valor: The College of Valor subclass is more combat-oriented, granting you proficiency with medium armor and shields, as well as the ability to inspire your allies with combat buffs. This subclass is a good choice if you want to be more durable and effective in melee combat.

Key Spells and Abilities

To truly master the Rogue Bard multiclass, you need to know which spells and abilities are essential for your build. Here are some of the most important ones to consider:

Spells

• Charm Person: This spell allows you to charm a humanoid, making them friendly and receptive to your requests. It's incredibly useful for bypassing enemies, gathering information, or manipulating social situations.
• Sleep: This spell puts enemies to sleep, rendering them unconscious and vulnerable to attacks. It's a great way to control the battlefield and take down high-priority targets.
• Invisibility: This spell makes you invisible, allowing you to sneak past enemies or set up ambushes. It's a must-have for any Rogue Bard who wants to excel at stealth.
• Healing Word: This spell provides a quick and efficient way to heal your allies in combat. It's a valuable tool for keeping your party alive during tough encounters.
• Hypnotic Pattern: This spell creates a swirling pattern of light that can incapacitate multiple enemies at once. It's a powerful crowd control tool that can turn the tide of battle.

Abilities

• Sneak Attack: This Rogue ability allows you to deal extra damage when you have advantage on an attack roll or when an ally is within 5 feet of the target. It's your primary source of damage as a Rogue, so make sure to maximize your opportunities to use it.
• Bardic Inspiration: This Bard ability allows you to inspire your allies, granting them a bonus to their attack rolls, ability checks, or saving throws. It's a versatile tool that can be used in a variety of situations.
• Expertise: This ability allows you to double your proficiency bonus in certain skills, making you incredibly skilled in those areas. It's essential for any Rogue Bard who wants to excel at skills like Stealth, Persuasion, and Deception.

Gear Recommendations

Choosing the right gear can greatly enhance your Rogue Bard multiclass. Look for items that boost your skills, spells, and combat abilities. Here are a few recommendations:

• Armor: Light armor is the way to go for most Rogue Bards, as it allows you to maintain your stealth and mobility. Look for armor that provides bonuses to Dexterity or Charisma.
• Weapons: Rapiers and shortswords are good choices for Rogue Bards, as they allow you to deal decent damage and trigger Sneak Attack. Consider dual-wielding for extra attacks.
• Instruments: Bards need instruments to cast their spells, so make sure to invest in a good one. Look for instruments that provide bonuses to your spellcasting or other abilities.
• Accessories: Rings, amulets, and cloaks can provide a variety of useful bonuses, such as increased skill proficiency, spellcasting ability, or combat prowess. Choose accessories that complement your build and playstyle.

Final Thoughts: Mastering the Multiclass

The Rogue Bard multiclass is a challenging but rewarding build that offers a unique blend of skills, spells, and abilities. By carefully planning your leveling progression, subclass choices, and gear selection, you can create a character that’s both deadly and versatile. Embrace the duality of your nature, and don't be afraid to experiment with different playstyles. With practice and dedication, you'll be able to master this multiclass and become a true force to be reckoned with in Baldur's Gate 3. Happy adventuring, and may your songs always hit the right note!