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

The Rogue is a master of stealth, cunning, and precision in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (D&D 5e). Known for their ability to deal massive damage with Sneak Attack, Rogues excel in combat, exploration, and social encounters. This class is perfect for players who enjoy strategy, mobility, and outsmarting opponents.

Why Play a Rogue?

• High Damage Potential: Sneak Attack allows Rogues to deal significant burst damage.
• Stealth and Utility: Rogues are unparalleled in their ability to infiltrate, disarm traps, and gather information.
• Skill Expertise: With Expertise, Rogues excel in key skills, making them invaluable in non-combat scenarios.

Core Features

Key Mechanics and Abilities

1. Sneak Attack: Deal extra damage when you have advantage or an ally near your target.
2. Expertise: Double your proficiency bonus in key skills like Stealth or Thieves’ Tools.
3. Cunning Action: Use your bonus action to Dash, Disengage, or Hide, enhancing mobility and survivability.
4. Evasion: Avoid damage entirely on successful Dexterity saves against area effects.
5. Uncanny Dodge: Halve the damage from one attack per round as a reaction.
6. Reliable Talent: Treat any roll of 9 or lower on proficient skills as a 10, ensuring consistent success.

Suggested Ability Scores

• Dexterity (Primary): Powers your attacks, AC, and Stealth.
• Constitution (Secondary): Boosts hit points and survivability.
• Intelligence, Charisma, or Wisdom: Choose based on your subclass and roleplay preferences.

Recommended Races

• Half-Elf: Offers flexibility with Charisma and skill proficiencies.
• Halfling: Dexterity bonuses and the Lucky trait make them ideal for sneaky Rogues.
• Human (Variant): Gain a free feat and flexible stats early.
• Tabaxi: Dexterity and Charisma bonuses, plus climbing speed for ultimate mobility.

Playing as a Rogue

Role in a Party

Rogues thrive as damage-dealers and skill specialists. Whether infiltrating enemy territory, uncovering secrets, or dealing a devastating blow in combat, Rogues are a versatile and valuable addition to any party.

Tips for New Players

• Maximize Sneak Attack: Position yourself for advantage or rely on allies to trigger this ability.
• Stay Mobile: Use Cunning Action to reposition or escape danger.
• Leverage Skills: Focus on skills like Stealth, Perception, and Acrobatics to shine in exploration and roleplay.

Roleplay Suggestions

• Charming Thief: A suave and charismatic figure who steals hearts as well as treasures.
• Vengeful Assassin: A cold and calculating rogue with a dark past.
• Clever Trickster: A prankster who uses their skills to outwit friends and foes alike.

Subclasses Overview

Rogues can specialize in one of several subclasses, known as Roguish Archetypes, that define their approach to stealth and combat. Here’s a summary:

• Arcane Trickster Rogue Handbook: Blend magic with stealth, using spells like Mage Hand and Disguise Self to enhance your utility and combat effectiveness.
• Assassin Rogue Handbook: Masters of infiltration and precision, Assassins excel at delivering devastating surprise attacks.
• Swashbuckler Rogue Handbook: A flashy and mobile duelist, perfect for charismatic Rogues who thrive in one-on-one combat.
• Phantom Rogue Handbook: A mysterious rogue with ties to the dead, using soul-touched abilities to enhance their skills and attacks.
• Soulknife Rogue Handbook: Harness psionic energy to create psychic blades and manipulate minds, offering a unique blend of magic and martial abilities.
• Thief Rogue: Classic Rogues focused on speed, agility, and utilizing items creatively in and out of combat.
• Inquisitive Rogue: Detect lies, uncover secrets, and excel in solving mysteries with keen observation and insight.
• Scout Rogue: A survivalist who thrives in the wilderness, combining mobility and combat expertise for skirmishing.
• Mastermind Rogue: A manipulative and strategic thinker, excelling in social encounters and battlefield tactics.

Each Roguish Archetype brings a unique flavor and mechanics to the table, allowing you to tailor your Rogue to fit your desired playstyle. Check out the dedicated blog posts for detailed guides on each subclass.

Gear and Dice Recommendations

Suggested Equipment

• Weapons: Use finesse weapons like rapiers or shortswords for Sneak Attack, or shortbows for ranged combat.
• Armor: Light armor such as studded leather for maximum mobility and Stealth.
• Tools: Always carry Thieves’ Tools and other utility items like caltrops or ball bearings.

Dice Recommendations from Runic Dice

Enhance your Rogue's persona with these thematic dice sets:

• Arcane Trickster: For a mystical and vibrant aesthetic, consider the Purple Gemstone Amethyst DND Dice Set. Hand-carved from genuine amethyst, these dice exude a rich purple hue, capturing the arcane essence of an Arcane Trickster.
• Assassin: Embrace a sleek and deadly design with the Black Obsidian Gemstone DND Dice Set. Crafted from genuine black obsidian, these dice feature sharp edges and a deep, dark luster, embodying the precision and lethality of an Assassin.
• Swashbuckler: For an elegant and polished flair, the Gemstone Raised Dichroic Glass DND Dice Set offers a shimmering, multi-colored appearance with a smooth finish, reflecting the charismatic and daring nature of a Swashbuckler.
• Phantom: Capture an eerie, ghostly vibe with the Opalite Gemstone DND Dice Set. These dice, made from opalite, have a translucent, ethereal quality that complements the mysterious presence of a Phantom.
• General Rogue: For a minimalist and stealthy design, the Smoke and Blood Resin DND Dice Set features muted tones with subtle swirling patterns, embodying the cunning and subtlety characteristic of Rogues.

Advanced Tips and Tricks

Optimization Strategies

• Feats: Take Alert to ensure you act first or Mobile to enhance your movement.
• Multiclassing: Pair with Fighter for Action Surge or Bard for additional skills and spells.
• Combat Combos: Use Hide with Cunning Action to remain unseen and deliver Sneak Attacks consistently.

Advanced Builds

• Sniper Rogue: Combine Archery and Sharpshooter for devastating ranged attacks.
• Duelist Rogue: Use Swashbuckler abilities and a rapier for high-damage one-on-one combat.
• Support Rogue: Focus on Mastermind or Inquisitive abilities to support your party in and out of combat.