Every Rogue Multiclass Combo In D&D, Ranked (2024)

Multiclassing is never mandatory to be effective in Fifth Edition. A character can be viable in a single class from the start of a campaign to the end. This is especially true of the rogue. The rogue is one of the most versatile and capable in all of D&D, but a player might want to multiclass the rogue for several reasons.

Players may want to achieve a specific build, fulfill a particular class fantasy, or add more versatility to their character. Almost any multiclass combo can add something beneficial to a rogue's kit, but some class combinations are more effective than others.

Updated on May 7th, 2024 by Louis Kemner: This list of the best rogue multiclass options in D&D 5e has been updated with information and now suits CBR's current publication standards. The rogue class is powerful with stealth and sneak attacks, but it also lacks magic and battlefield endurance, so tapping into other classes is often the best way to push a rogue character to the next level in .

12 Cleric Spellcasting Lacks Many Benefits For Rogues

The stereotypical images of the cleric and rogue don't mesh well. However, not all rogues have to be sneaky criminals, and not all clerics are righteous priests. But from a mechanical perspective, the two classes still tend to clash. Rogues prefer to hit with high-damage weapon attacks in combat, while clerics rely more on their spells, particularly in the late game. Clerics can also use weapons like war hammers and maces, but those aren't good weapons for a Sneak Attack.

Benefits of a Rogue/Cleric Multiclass:

• The Trickery Domain is decent for rogues
• The Knowledge Domain adds more skills for rogues

Some cleric Domains can be surprisingly helpful for a rogue, however. The Knowledge Domain can give a rogue even more skill proficiencies and versatility. The Trickery Domain has several abilities based on deceit and misdirection that make it an okay fit. But outside of a very thematic multiclass build, it isn't worth taking several levels in cleric for a couple of subclass features. As a result, the cleric is at the bottom of the list for good D&D 5e rogue multiclasses.

11 Monk's Dexterity Focus Leaves It Too Similar

The issue with the monk as a rogue multiclass isn't that the two classes are too different; it's that they have a lot in common in different ways. They are both Dexterity-based combatants who prefer to fight using hit-and-run tactics. The result is several redundant features and some that flat-out don't work together.

Benefits of a Rogue/Monk Multiclass:

• Monks have bodily resistances that rogues don't, such as resisting aging
• Monks can use ki points for extra features like Stunning Strike

A big sticking point is that a monk's Unarmed Strikes can't trigger Sneak Attack. Although they can use Dexterity, they aren't Finesse weapons. Even when wielding a shortsword or similar weapon, monks lack synergy with a rogue's core features. The rogue also gets a better version of some abilities like Step of the Wind. Monks don't give enough unique benefits to make it a top-tier rogue multiclass.

10 Ranger Gets Upstaged By Other Class' Combat Benefits

The ranger is not a weak class in D&D 5e combat. However, it often falls behind other martial characters in a straight fight. They're very effective in tandem with allies but struggle in some prolonged brawls without enough cover to hide behind. The ranger can improve their effectiveness and give them more of a combat edge.

Benefits of a Rogue/Ranger Multiclass:

• Rangers have a larger hit die, d10
• Rangers have nature-based spells for combat and roleplay

A few levels in ranger can give the rogue more hit points, some spellcasting, and a damage-increasing subclass feature. It can also give a Fighting Style, many of which benefit rogues. The ranger also has some abilities that aid stealth, but these come at higher levels. The only reason the ranger isn't higher on this list is that other D&D 5e martial classes give more relevant benefits when multiclassing with a rogue character.

9 Sorcerer Requires Too Much Investment

Rogues have little spellcasting of their own. The Arcane Trickster subclass can cast spells, and the Thief can use magical items, but the base class lacks any. With a rogue's focus on versatility and utility, spellcasting can be a huge boon. The , defensive buffs, social charms, and other things that synergize well with the rogue.

Benefits of a Rogue/Sorcerer Multiclass:

• Sorcerers add magic to the rogue class
• A sorcerer's high CHA can help with a rogue's roleplay

However, spellcasting has to be balanced against what the rogue loses in the trade. To get the best use out of Metamagic and sorcerer spellcasting, they'd want to sacrifice many levels. This delays a rogue's vital features like Sneak Attack. Other spellcasters give a rogue multiclass in D&D 5e a better return on their investment and occupy higher spots on any list of rogue multiclass options. It's true that sorcerers add magical powers that rogues lack, but the wizard and warlock classes add even more options, while sorcerers are brute-force casters who excel in combat alone.

8 Paladin Makes For The Ultimate Hard-Hitter

Rogue and paladin are two more classes that might struggle on a roleplaying level. However, D&D5e has relaxed the restrictions on paladins to allow for morally dubious behavior when players roleplay a paladin who's also a rogue. Rogues don't need to be criminals. If a player can make a paladin and rogue D&D 5e multiclass work from a story perspective, it can have some surprising combat benefits. Such a character might even be an Oathbreaker paladin, which would explain their roguish ways.

Benefits of a Rogue/Paladin Multiclass:

• Divine Smite works well with Sneak Attack
• Paladins can heal themselves and others between fights

Coupling Divine Smite with Sneak Attack can make one of the highest single-damage attacks in D&D, particularly with a critical hit. Paladin magic and abilities can add healing and buffing to the rogue's already considerable toolkit. A rogue still has to be careful with how much they lose in the trade, but they might find the rewards worth it.

7 Druid Opens Up Some Unexpected Tactics

The rogue and the druid have little in common as classes, but their abilities can still have some strange synergies. A rogue won't get much in the way of combat benefits from druid levels, and druids avoid the weapons that rogues use for Sneak Attack. However, there are some significant out-of-combat benefits to this multiclass combo to consider. It's a good reminder that D&D characters should be designed not just with tough boss battles in mind, but also exploration and roleplay, especially if the DM strives to emphasize those aspects of the game.

Benefits of a Rogue/Druid Multiclass:

• Combining stealth with Wild Shape
• Access to useful healing and mobility spells

Combining Wild Shape with the rogue's sneaking abilities can open up some unparalleled possibilities. The ability to turn into an animal can create a unique 'in' for a secure area or an invaluable panic button when things go south, as they do in any good D&D5e campaign. In addition, the druid's expansive spell list can help diversify the rogue's tool belt even more, such as giving them access to healing, mobility, and even summons. This works well in settings like a forest or jungle, far from a rogue's preferred urban environment.

6 Wizard Has Immense Out-Of-Combat Benefits But Risks Redundancy

The multiclass of wizard and rogue is so iconic that the after it. This subclass gives the rogue access to magical abilities and some spellcasting. However, the Arcane Trickster gets few spells and very few spell slots. Some rogues might want to expand their spellcasting roster by taking levels in wizard proper.

Benefits of a Rogue/Wizard Multiclass:

• Wizards have many utility spells for Trickster rogues to use
• Wizards can use familiars as scouts

The wizard is a good choice for a spellcasting rogue. They have access to the longest spell list in the game, including a vast number of utility spells. Wizard spellcasting and rogue features make for one of D&D 5e's most versatile out-of-combat builds. However, the Arcane Trickster can combine the two with high combat effectiveness and no trade-offs in level progression. The potential redundancy bars the wizard from higher positions on any list of rogue multiclass options in the game.

Both the rogue and the artificer tend to be subtler classes in D&D 5e. They're both designed around using tools and indirect means to influence things rather than charging forward directly. As such, they can synergize in several ways to make subtle improvements to a rogue's effectiveness.

Benefits of a Rogue/Artificer Multiclass:

• Artificers can make better weapons for themselves
• Artificers use defensive spells like Shield

D&D 5e artificer infusions can improve any character. A rogue/artificer multiclass can give themself a +1 weapon for more accurate Sneak Attacks very early on. Other choices unlock unique abilities, such as teleporting away from foes for hit-and-run strikes. Later levels can give useful spellcasting and much-welcomed Expertise with Thieves' Tools. As for roleplay, it should be fun to envision a roguish artificer who created forbidden inventions or stole from their master's workshop.

4 Warlock Has Its Own Versatile Tricks

Rogues are one of the most versatile classes in D&D5e. Warlocks are close behind, however. Between their Pact Magic and Eldritch Invocations, warlocks can amass many panic buttons, skill proficiencies, utility features, and more. Warlocks can contribute to almost any situation, even if this class has notoriously few spell slots.

Benefits of a Rogue/Warlock Multiclass:

• Pact of the Hexblade works well for rogues
• Rogues can make use of a warlock's high CHA stat

In particular, the combination of D&D 5e's Hexblade warlock and Swashbuckler rogue can be lethal. This makes a character who uses their Charisma stat for almost everything, including spellcasting, attacking, and adding to their Initiative roll in a fight. With access to cantrips like Booming Blade, a rogue can even take a handful of levels in warlock without losing much damage potential. The ability to patch any holes in a rogue's toolkit and double down on its strengths keeps the warlock near the top of this list as a D&D 5e multiclass.

3 Barbarian Gives At-Will Sneak Attack

To , a rogue has to attack with a ranged or a finesse weapon. Contrary to what some think, however, they don't have to use Dexterity with that finesse weapon. This means that a Strength-based barbarian can combine Sneak Attack with Rage to create a ton of damage output. Reckless Attack can give advantage — and therefore Sneak Attack — on almost any strike a D&D 5e barbarian/rogue multiclass makes. The downside is that anyone attacking the rogue/barbarian will have advantage too, but with enough rogue levels, the character can halve the damage of an attack with a reaction.

Benefits of a Rogue/Barbarian Multiclass:

• Barbarians have large hit dice and resist damage with Rage
• Barbarians can use Reckless Attack to use a Sneak Attack on command

There are other benefits to this multiclass combo as well. Barbarians give medium armor and access to all martial weapons and have the largest Hit Die in the game. Combined with Rage and a rogue's abilities like Uncanny Dodge, this can create a surprisingly hardy character. Danger Sense can also synergize with a rogue's Evasion to make them almost immune to effects that target Dexterity saving throws.

2 Fighter Adds Some Teeth To The Rogue

Fighter gives the rogue beneficial abilities at early levels in a D&D 5e multiclass, and blending these two classes can bolster a fighter's admittedly weak roleplay options. A single level unlocks access to all martial weapons and medium armor. Rogues often get by with their proficiencies, but options like the heavy crossbow and whip are always valuable. Medium armor helps their early-game Armor Class as well and doesn't even have to hamper stealth. One level in fighter is also one of the easiest ways to get a Fighting Style.

Benefits of a Rogue/Fighter Multiclass:

• Fighters have a larger hit die, d10
• Medium armor boosts AC without sacrificing stealth
• Action Surge gives a rogue more options

Two levels in fighter will get Action Surge. With a rogue's Cunning Action, they can take up to three actions in a single combat turn. At third level, the character can take a fighter subclass. The Champion can double the rate of critical hits, which synergizes very well with Sneak Attack. The fighter is one of the best multiclasses for a rogue in D&D 5e, but it can't quite make the top of this list.

1 Bard And Rogue Make For The Ultimate Skill Character

Rogues and bards have one major field of overlap: they both make extensive use of skills. Both classes get more skill proficiencies than any other class and access to Expertise. In addition, the rogue gets Reliable Talent while the bard gets Jack of All Trades. The rogue/bard multiclass combo can make an incredibly versatile character.

Benefits of a Rogue/Bard Multiclass:

• Skill Versatility
• Added boost all skills the Rogue isn't proficient in
• Access to useful spells if playing a non-Trickster Rogue

Just two levels in bard can give a rogue proficiency or Expertise in more skills than any other character, alongside Jack of All Trades bolstering every non-proficient skill. has a utility edge, which many rogues can use well. The benefits to skills and other utility tools make up for the loss in levels. As a result, the bard takes the top spot as the best rogue multiclass in D&D 5e. Aside from that, the bard class has all kinds of support and utility spells to augment a rogue's cunning antics even more, from healing spells between battles to Prestidigitation to fool enemies or create a distraction to flee.

Dungeons and Dragons

A fantasy roleplaying tabletop game designed for adventure-seekers, the original incarnation of Dungeons & Dragons was created by Gary Gygax in 1974.

Franchise

Dungeons & Dragons

Original Release Date

January 26, 1974

Publisher

Wizards of the Coast , TSR Inc.

Designer

E. Gary Gygax , Dave Arneson

Player Count

4-8 Players Recommended

Age Recommendation

12+

Length per Game

3 hours +

Expansions

Dungeons & Dragons 2nd Edition , Dungeons & Dragons 3rd Edition , Dungeons & Dragons 4th Edition , Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition

Summary

Dungeons & Dragons is the fantasy tabletop role-playing game that has persevered for nearly 50 years and continues to grow strong. Created by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson, the game first made publication in 1974 and now falls under the Wizards of the Coast publishing wing. A typical game of DnD consists of 4-6 players, with one player acting as the Dungeon Master. Players can take a sheet and by consulting the various rule books and expansions, can create their own character with weapons, skills, and physical appearance. Once all characters are created, the Dungeon Master sets them off in a campaign of their choosing or design, where players will have to follow the rules of the DM as they roleplay their way through storylines. The characters will level up, find equipment, and experience permanent changes based on the way the story plays out. A roll of the dice can mean the difference between a successful hit, and a painful end. The most recent edition of Dungeons & Dragons is the 5th edition rule book.