The Best Multiclass Options for Rogues in Dungeons Dragons 5e

The Rogue class in Dungeons Dragons 5th Edition offers players a versatile character with skills for stealth, tool use, and sneak attacks. While each rogue is unique, strategically multiclassing can significantly enhance this versatile class. Here are some of the best multiclass options for rogues in DD 5e, along with their benefits and key levels of multiclassing.

Rogue / Fighter

For those who want to maximize their combat prowess, the Rogue / Fighter combination is an excellent choice. The Fighter provides access to powerful features like Action Surge and Second Wind that can greatly improve your rogue's survivability and damage output.

Action Surge: Allows you to take an additional action on your turn, maximizing your damage output. Second Wind: Provides some healing to keep you in the fight longer.

To fully benefit from these features, consider taking levels in Fighter as follows:

Fighter 2: For access to Action Surge. Fighter 3: For the Battle Master subclass, which offers maneuvers or the Champion subclass, providing improved critical hits.

Rogue / Ranger

The Rogue / Ranger combination is ideal for players who are looking for a character with strong stealth capabilities and excellent ranged combat skills. Rangers provide key features like Hunters Mark for increased damage and useful abilities such as Primeval Awareness.

Key levels to consider are:

Ranger 2: Grants access to Fighting Style and spellcasting. Ranger 3: For the Hunter subclass, which can complement your rogue's damage output.

Rogue / Bard

For rogues who are looking to enhance their skills with access to spells that support their abilities, multiclassing with Bard can be a compelling option. Bards offer a variety of spells, including Bardic Inspiration to boost allies, and the College of Whispers can add thematic elements and abilities that suit a rogue's style.

Bard 3: For College features and spellcasting to augment your rogue skills and versatility.

Rogue / Warlock

The Rogue / Warlock combination is great for rogues who want access to powerful spells and utility invocations. This class provides options like Hex, which can increase damage, and the Pact of the Blade, which can offer melee combat capabilities. Invocations can be particularly useful for enhancing your rogue's specific skills.

Warlock 2: For Eldritch Invocations and spell slots to be used for both utility and damage.

Rogue / Cleric

For those interested in a combination that includes self-healing and utility spells, Rogue / Cleric is a viable option. This multiclass allows you to access supportive spells that can bolster your survival and flexibility in combat. The Life or Trickery domain can provide additional survivability and support options.

Cleric 1: For spellcasting and Channel Divinity. Cleric 2: For more spells and Domain features.

Considerations

When deciding on a multiclass for your rogue, consider the following factors:

Ability Scores: Ensure that your primary ability scores support your multiclass choice. For example, a Fighter / Rogue benefits from Strength or Dexterity, while a Bard / Rogue focuses on Charisma. Roleplay and Theme: Consider how the multiclass fits your character's backstory and personality. A rogue with a bardic flair can be a charming con artist, while a rogue with cleric levels might be a stealthy assassin with a divine mission.

Ultimately, the best multiclass for your rogue will depend on your character's concept, the campaign setting, and how you want to engage with the game. By strategically multiclassing, you can unlock a wide array of abilities and make your rogue even more versatile and formidable.