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. Thanks to the discussed subclass, your Rogue can become the a swashbuckling pirate. It involves close-range eliminations and using dirty tricks on enemies, for example to weaken or blind them. Another thing that changes is the way a Rogue performs sneak attacks.
2. The only recommended race to play as a Swashbuckler is Githyanki. It will allow you to get the most out of this Rogue subclass.

Most important features of this subclass

1. At level 3, you can unlock 2 useful features. Thanks to Fancy Footwork, an opponent attacked in melee combat cannot use Opportunity Attacks for the rest of their turn. Rakish Audacity guarantees a bonus to Initiative rolls, and also changes how sneak attacks work. It is no longer necessary to have an advantage and if your enemy does not have it either, you just need to get close enough to them. Regular sneak attacks are replaced by Rakish Sneak Attacks and they can allow for greater damage (if you have an advantage or there are no other enemies near the target).
2. Once you achieve level 4, a Swashbuckler can use Dirty Tricks. Sand Toss gives you a chance to blind the enemy, while Flick o' the Wrist allows you to disarm them.
3. At level 9, you can unlock the Panache action. It allows for using persuasion on humanoid creatures and if they fail to defend themselves, they can become charmed.

How to play as a Swashbuckler?

1. The most important Swashbuckler trait is Dexterity (your character's abilities will benefit the most from this one). It's also recommended to work on your Constitution (more health points) and Wisdom.
2. In terms of feats, the recommended ones are the following: Mage Slayer (makes it even easier to get rid of enemy mages), Sentinel (opponents won't be able to distance themselves), and Defensive Duelist (increases your Armor Class when you're attacked in melee combat).
3. Your character should quickly approach enemies and aim to inflict damage on them in melee combat. While playing as a Swashbuckler, attack enemy mages, archers, and other targets from a long range. You can not only kill your enemies, but also weaken them in various ways to prevent them from performing actions or make it harder for them. Additionally, always focus on a single enemy instead of area attacks.
4. Swashbuckler is not indestructible: when surrounded by a group of enemies, use Misty Step (available for Githyanki) or another action to immediately get away from enemies.

See also

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

Baldur's Gate 3

August 3, 2023

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