Unleash the Deadly Gloomstalker Assassin in Baldur's Gate 3
This guide details a powerful Gloomstalker/Assassin multiclass build for Baldur's Gate 3, excelling in both melee and ranged combat. This lethal combination leverages the strengths of both Ranger and Rogue subclasses for devastating results.
The synergy between Ranger and Rogue is undeniable. Both rely heavily on Dexterity, boasting crucial skills in Stealth, lockpicking, and trap disarming. Rangers add weapon proficiencies and supportive spells, while Rogues contribute devastating melee capabilities. Their combined Stealth prowess is truly formidable.
Updated December 24, 2024, by Kristy Ambrose: While Larian Studios has confirmed no DLC or sequels for BG3, Patch 8 (2025) introduces new subclasses, opening exciting build possibilities. For this Ranger/Rogue build, Dexterity remains paramount, complemented by Wisdom for spellcasting. Careful selection of race, background, feats, and gear is key.
The Gloomstalker Assassin Build: Savage Stealth in Any Environment
This build merges the deadly precision of an assassin with the wilderness survival skills of a Gloomstalker. The resulting character is a versatile combatant, equally effective at close and long range. The choice between melee and ranged combat depends on your specific skill, ability, and gear choices.
Shared skills like Stealth, Sleight of Hand, and Dexterity proficiency make this multiclass a natural fit. The inclusion of Ranger spells and potential racial cantrips adds a layer of tactical versatility.
Ability Scores: Dexterity and Wisdom Reign Supreme
Prioritize physical damage and survivability over heavy spellcasting, but don't completely neglect spells.
- Dexterity: Crucial for Sleight of Hand, Stealth, and weapon proficiencies for both classes.
- Wisdom: Essential for Ranger spellcasting and Perception checks.
- Constitution: Increases hit points – a must for a frontline combatant.
- Strength: Less important, unless focusing on melee DPS.
- Intelligence: A "dump stat" – neither class utilizes Intelligence significantly.
- Charisma: Relatively unimportant, although creative players can find uses for it.
Race Selection: Enhance Your Strengths
Race |
Subrace |
Abilities |
Drow |
Lloth-Sworn, Seldarine |
Superior Darkvision, Drow Weapon Training, Fey Ancestry, spells (Faerie Fire, Darkness). Moral alignment differs. |
Elf |
Wood Elf |
Improved Stealth, increased movement speed, Elven Weapon Training, Darkvision, Fey Ancestry. |
Half-Elf |
Drow Half-Elf, Wood Half-Elf |
Combines Drow/Human or Wood Elf/Human advantages, offering weapon/armor proficiency and Civil Militia ability. |
Human |
na |
Civil Militia Feat, increased movement speed and carrying capacity. |
Githyanki |
na |
Increased movement speed, spells (Enhanced Leap, Misty Step), Martial Prodigy (medium armor, sword proficiencies). |
Halfling |
Lightfoot |
Brave, Halfling Luck, advantage on Stealth checks. |
Gnome |
Forest, Deep |
Forest Gnomes: Speak with Animals, improved Stealth. Deep Gnomes: Superior Darkvision, Stone Camouflage. |
Backgrounds: Shaping Your Story
Choose a background reflecting your character's past and skills.
Background |
Skills |
Description |
Outlander |
Athletics, Survival |
Raised in the wilderness, experienced in survival. |
Charlatan |
Deception, Sleight of Hand |
Skilled in deception and trickery. |
Soldier |
Athletics, Intimidation |
Disciplined and experienced in combat. |
Folk Hero |
Animal Handling, Survival |
A hero from humble beginnings, skilled in wilderness survival and animal handling. |
Urchin |
Sleight of Hand, Stealth |
Experienced in stealth and thievery from a young age. |
Criminal |
Deception, Stealth |
Skilled in stealth and deception, possibly with a criminal past. |
Feats and Ability Score Improvements: Fine-Tuning Your Build
Twelve levels allow for six feats. Consider a balance of Ranger and Rogue levels (e.g., 10 Ranger/3 Rogue).
Feat |
Description |
Ability Score Improvement |
Increase one ability score by 2 or two by 1. |
Alert |
Prevents being surprised, +5 to Initiative. |
Athlete |
Dexterity/Strength +1, faster recovery from prone, increased jump distance. |
Crossbow Expert |
Removes disadvantage on melee attacks, doubles Gaping Wounds duration. |
Dual Wielder |
Use two weapons (non-heavy), +1 to AC. |
Magic Initiate: Cleric |
Access to cleric spells. |
Mobile |
Increased movement speed, unaffected by difficult terrain while dashing, no attacks of opportunity. |
Resilient |
Increase one ability score by 1, gain proficiency in that ability's saving throws. |
Spell Sniper |
Enhanced ranged spellcasting. |
Gear Recommendations: Enhance Your Attributes
Choose gear that boosts Dexterity, Wisdom, or Constitution. Rogues are limited to clothing, while Rangers have more flexibility.
- Nimblefinger Gloves: +2 Dexterity for Halflings/Gnomes.
- Helmet of Autonomy: Proficiency in Wisdom saving throws.
- Darkfire Shortbow: Fire/Cold resistance, Haste (once per long rest).
- Acrobat Shoes: Bonus to Dexterity saving throws and Acrobatics.
- Graceful Cloth: +2 Dexterity, Cat's Grace ability.
This detailed guide provides a strong foundation for creating a formidable Gloomstalker Assassin in Baldur's Gate 3. Remember to adapt the build to your preferred playstyle and the challenges you face.