Rogue 5e
Skilled experts who strike from shadows with devastating Sneak Attacks. Rogues excel at skills, avoiding danger, and dealing massive single-target damage.
At a Glance
Hit Die
d8
Primary Ability
Dexterity
Saving Throws
Dexterity, Intelligence
Armor
Light armor
Weapons
Simple weapons, hand crossbows, longswords, rapiers, shortswords
Key Features
| Feature | Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Expertise | 1st | Double proficiency bonus for two skills. Gain two more at 6th level. |
| Sneak Attack | 1st | Once per turn, deal extra damage (1d6 scaling to 10d6) when you have advantage or ally is within 5 ft of target. |
| Thieves' Cant | 1st | Secret language and code for leaving hidden messages. |
| Cunning Action | 2nd | Bonus action to Dash, Disengage, or Hide. |
| Uncanny Dodge | 5th | Use reaction to halve damage from one attack you can see. |
| Evasion | 7th | Take no damage on successful DEX save (half on failure) for effects that deal half damage on save. |
Subclasses
| Subclass | Source | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Thief | Player's Handbook | Use objects as bonus action, climb at full speed, Use Magic Device at 13th to use any magic item |
| Assassin | Player's Handbook | Advantage against creatures that haven't acted yet, auto-crit on surprised creatures, disguise mastery |
| Arcane Trickster | Player's Handbook | 1/3 spellcaster with wizard spells, Mage Hand at range, steal with magic |
| Inquisitive | Xanathar's Guide to Everything | Sherlock Holmes rogue, bonus to Insight/Investigation, Sneak Attack without advantage if enemy has no allies nearby |
| Mastermind | Xanathar's Guide to Everything | Help as bonus action at 30 feet, mimic accents, disguise and impersonation expert |
| Scout | Xanathar's Guide to Everything | Mobility-focused, reaction to move away from enemies, advantage on initiative, expertise in Nature/Survival |
| Swashbuckler | Xanathar's Guide to Everything | Dashing duelist, Sneak Attack without allies if 1v1, Charisma to initiative, free Disengage after attacking |
| Phantom | Tasha's Cauldron of Everything | Death-themed, deal damage to two creatures, collect soul trinkets, communicate with dead |
| Soulknife | Tasha's Cauldron of Everything | Psionic rogue with psychic blades, telepathy, roll d20 after Sneak Attack to regain psi die |
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
Thinking Sneak Attack requires hiding - you just need advantage or an ally within 5 feet of the enemy
Common Mistake
Not realizing Sneak Attack works on opportunity attacks - it's once per turn, not once per round
Common Mistake
Forgetting Uncanny Dodge only works against one attack per round - choose wisely
Common Mistake
Overlooking that Sneak Attack requires finesse or ranged weapon - no Sneak Attack with a greataxe
Common Mistake
Not using Cunning Action Hide in combat - hiding and attacking with advantage is core rogue strategy
DM Tips
DM Tip
Rogues need opportunities to hide and reposition - provide cover and shadows
DM Tip
Reliable Talent at 11th level means they rarely fail skill checks - let them feel competent
DM Tip
Assassins need surprise to shine - clearly communicate surprise rules and stealth mechanics
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & Further Reading
- Rogue — D&D 5e Wikidot — Full SRD class text
- Rogue — D&D Beyond — Official class reference
- Rogue Guide — RPGBOT — Class optimization guide