Baldur's Gate 3: Swashbuckler Rogue

Is the Swashbuckler subclass a good choice in Baldur's Gate 3? We'll answer this question below. We have described the new Rogue subclass: you will find information about its unique features and attacks, as well as about the alternative sneak attacks. We have also gathered basic tips regarding the preferred race, the most important traits, and the recommended strategy.

• Who is the Swashbuckler subclass for?
• Most important features of this subclass
• How to play as a Swashbuckler?

Who is the Swashbuckler subclass for?

1. You will unlock the discussed subclass at level 3. It will turn your Rogue into a pirate-adventurer. You will become a skilled duelist, eliminating isolated enemies in close combat, using dirty tricks on enemies, and being able to talk your way through many problems.
2. As a Swashbuckler, you need Dexterity (the most important feat of a Rogue) and Charisma (affects some of the Rogue's unique skills).

Most important features of this subclass

1. At level 3, you unlock two features that define this subclass. Rakish Audacity guarantees a +2 bonus to Initiative rolls (increases to 3 at level 5 and to 4 at level 10), and also relaxes some of the conditions needed to perform Sneak Attacks. Usually, a Sneak Attack works when you attack an enemy while having an Advantage or when you attack an enemy standing next to your ally. From now on, it also works when you attack an enemy who's not surrounded by any other enemies. The new feat encourages you to seek out isolated enemies and engage them in duels.
2. The second unlocked feat, Fancy Footwork, encourages you to do this even more - if you attack an enemy in melee, that enemy cannot use Opportunity Attacks for the rest of your turn, allowing you to move freely after performing an attack. You can use this to maneuver around enemies or lure them into specific places.
3. At level 4, you will unlock Dirty Tricks, which are new moves that allow you to weaken enemies. All of them only cost a Bonus Action, which usually is used to hide, gain an Advantage, or perform a Sneak Attack, but a Swashbuckler doesn't have to do it anymore thanks to Rakish Audacity. Flick O' The Wrist and Vicious Mockery scale with Charisma, while Sand Toss scales with Dexterity.
4. Flick O' The Wrist allows you to disarm an enemy and even pick up their weapon from the ground. Sand Toss blinds the target, and Vicious Mockery gives them a disadvantage for their next attack. Hitting the enemy with any Dirty Trick will give you an advantage for your next attack against them. Among these tricks, Flick O' The Wrist is definitely the best, as it also deals full weapon damage. So it serves as an additional attack with a very useful bonus effect.
5. At level 9, you will unlock the Panache action, which can be used in two ways. This action requires a Persuasion roll. If you manage to impose Panache on your enemy, they will have difficulty attacking anyone but you for ten turns and will not be able to use Opportunity Attacks on anyone but you. If you cast Panache on a neutral character, they might become Charmed.

How to play as a Swashbuckler?

1. Playing as a Swashbuckler is pretty easy. You should focus on attacking isolated enemies and engaging them in duels. These will very often be hostile archers and mages, who always stay in the back. Identify your target, reach the isolated enemy, and eliminate them - you can stick to weaker enemies to prevent their escape or run away from stronger enemies thanks to great footwork.
2. By using Panache, you can serve as a makeshift tank, forcing the strongest opponents to focus solely on you. You are quite delicate, so make sure to get the highest armor class. Since you will be spending Bonus Actions on Dirty Tricks, you should use one finesse weapon instead of two - rapiers are an obvious choice.

See also

1. Game guide
2. Rogue class info
3. Best Rogue build

Baldur's Gate 3

August 3, 2023

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