Inquisitive Rogue Guide for Beginners: Mastering the Mastermind Detective in D&D 5e

The Inquisitive Rogue is the ultimate investigator and truth-seeker, specializing in reading body language, uncovering lies, and exposing hidden threats with razor-sharp perception. Introduced in Xanathar’s Guide to Everything, this subclass is perfect for players who want to play a detective-style character, using keen intellect and observational skills to outmaneuver foes and solve mysteries.

Unlike other Rogues who rely on agility and stealth, Inquisitives focus on perception, deduction, and countering deception, making them one of the best subclasses for uncovering hidden truths and detecting enemies before they strike. If you love the idea of playing a Sherlock Holmes-style rogue who spots weaknesses, analyzes enemies, and exposes deception, this subclass is for you!

Why Play an Inquisitive Rogue?

Key Benefits

• Best Rogue for Investigation & Deduction – Master Insight and Perception to uncover secrets and detect lies.
• Unmatched in Detecting Deception – Expose liars and illusions effortlessly.
• Great for Social & Exploration Play – Master conversations, analyze body language, and outthink opponents.
• Excels at Tactical Combat – Mark enemies for Sneak Attack without needing an ally or advantage.
• Works for Both Melee and Ranged Combat – Keen-eyed precision lets you strike effectively at any range.

Compared to other Rogues, Inquisitives are the best at uncovering secrets, outsmarting enemies, and striking with tactical precision.

Core Features

Key Mechanics and Abilities

Ear for Deceit (Level 3)

• Whenever you make an Insight check to determine if someone is lying, treat rolls of 7 or lower as an 8.
• Example: You will almost never fail an Insight check to detect deception.

Eye for Detail (Level 3)

• Use a bonus action to:
  • Make a Perception check to spot hidden creatures.
  • Make an Investigation check to analyze a clue.
• Example: Detect ambushes and hidden doors instantly.

Insightful Fighting (Level 3)

• Use a bonus action to analyze a target’s weaknesses (Insight vs. their Deception check).
• If successful, you gain Sneak Attack against them for 1 minute, even without advantage.
• Example: No need for allies—analyze your target, then attack with Sneak Attack every turn!

Steady Eye (Level 9)

• If you move no more than half your speed, gain advantage on Perception and Investigation checks.
• Example: Becomes nearly impossible to miss clues or hidden threats.

Unerring Eye (Level 13)

• Use an action to sense the presence of:
  • Illusions
  • Shapechangers (not in true form)
  • Creatures hidden by divination magic
• Example: Instantly detect disguised enemies or invisible threats once per short rest.

Eye for Weakness (Level 17)

• When attacking a creature marked by Insightful Fighting, add an extra 3d6 damage to your Sneak Attack.
• Example: Strike even harder against enemies you've studied.

These abilities make Inquisitive Rogues the most perceptive, analytical, and deceptive-proof Rogues, excelling in uncovering secrets, marking enemies for death, and seeing through illusions.

Suggested Ability Scores

• Primary: Dexterity – Improves attack rolls, AC, and Stealth.
• Secondary: Wisdom – Enhances Insight and Perception.
• Tertiary: Intelligence – Helps with Investigation and deduction.

Recommended Races

Since Inquisitives rely on Dexterity, Wisdom, and keen observation, the best races include:

1. High Elf – Intelligence boost and extra cantrips for investigation-based spells.
2. Half-Elf – Boosts Charisma for social interactions and deception detection.
3. Kenku – Mimicry allows for creative investigation tactics.
4. Githzerai – Wisdom and mental defenses fit a focused detective.
5. Variant Human – Take the Observant feat early for even better perception.

Playing as an Inquisitive Rogue

Role in a Party

• Primary Investigator & Deception-Detector – No one hides secrets from you.
• Great in Both Combat & Roleplay – Use Insightful Fighting to land Sneak Attacks consistently.
• Master of Ambush Prevention – Spot threats before they strike.

Compared to other Rogues, Inquisitives are unmatched at solving mysteries, spotting enemies before they act, and ensuring they never miss a key detail.

Tips for New Players

• Always use Insightful Fighting – It guarantees Sneak Attack without needing allies or advantage.
• Keep an eye out with Eye for Detail – Hidden enemies and clues won’t escape your gaze.
• Detect deception with Ear for Deceit – Expose liars and illusions with ease.
• Use Unerring Eye against disguised foes – No one can hide their true nature from you.

Gear and Dice Recommendations

Suggested Equipment

Weapons

• Rapier (Best for Melee Builds) – Maximizes Sneak Attack damage.
• Shortbow (For Ranged Builds) – Strike from a distance while analyzing enemies.
• Dagger (For Throwing & Utility) – Quick, silent, and useful for investigations.

Armor

• Studded Leather Armor – Best AC without affecting Stealth.
• Cloak of Protection – Boosts AC and saving throws.

Magic Items

• Eyes of the Eagle – Doubles your Perception skill, making you nearly omniscient.
• Headband of Intellect – Perfect if you want a Sherlock Holmes-level deduction skill.
• Gloves of Thievery – Boosts Sleight of Hand for subtle investigations.

Dice Recommendations from Runic Dice

Enhance your investigative character's aesthetic with these thematic dice sets:

• Detective’s Insight Dice Set: For a silver and gold combination representing the pursuit of truth, consider the Shield And Sword Gold Hollow Metal DND Dice Set. This set features intricate shield and sword designs with a gleaming gold finish, capturing the essence of a determined detective seeking clarity.
• Shadow Investigator Dice Set: To embody mystery-solving with dark gray and blue tones, the Blue Smoke Resin DND Dice Set is an excellent choice. These dice showcase swirling blue patterns within a dark resin base, reflecting the enigmatic nature of a shadowy investigator delving into secrets.
• Mind’s Eye Dice Set: For a purple and white combination perfect for a keen observer, the Purple Gemstone Amethyst DND Dice Set offers deep purple hues, symbolizing heightened perception and insight.

Advanced Tips and Tricks

Optimization Strategies

Best Feats for an Inquisitive Rogue

1. Observant – Boosts passive Perception & Investigation, perfect for spotting hidden enemies.
2. Lucky – Reroll failed Insight or attack rolls for clutch moments.
3. Sharpshooter (For Ranged Builds) – Maximizes damage at long range.
4. Resilient (Wisdom) – Boosts saving throws against charm and illusions.
5. Actor – Useful for disguises and deception.

Best Multiclass Options

1. Rogue 5 / Bard (College of Eloquence) 15 – The Mastermind Detective

   • Best for: Enhancing persuasion and deception skills.
   • Strategy: Use Bardic Inspiration to support allies while analyzing enemies.

2. Rogue 6 / Cleric (Knowledge Domain) 14 – The All-Knowing Sleuth

   • Best for: Expanding skill-based knowledge.
   • Strategy: Use Knowledge Cleric’s abilities to gain even more skills and expertise.

3. Rogue 10 / Fighter (Battle Master) 10 – The Tactical Genius

   • Best for: Blending analysis with combat maneuvers.
   • Strategy: Use tactical superiority dice to control fights.

The Inquisitive Rogue is one of the most intelligent, perceptive, and insight-driven subclasses in D&D 5e, excelling at detecting lies, uncovering secrets, and striking down foes with precision.