Why the Rogue Is My Favorite 5e (2014) Class - Thu, Oct 10, 2024
Another opinionated D&D class post.
The Rogue is, hands down, one of the most popular and versatile classes in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e), and for good reason. Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned player, there’s a lot to love about what Rogues bring to the table. Let’s break down why so many people think they’re the best class in 5e:
1. Massive Damage with Sneak Attack
Rogues are absolute damage dealers thanks to Sneak Attack. As long as they can position themselves well, Rogues can dish out serious pain by stacking extra dice of damage on a single attack. Even though they only attack once (unlike some other classes that get multiple attacks per turn), that one hit can hit hard—especially once you get to higher levels and that Sneak Attack damage really ramps up. With the right positioning, they can sneak attack almost every round, keeping the pressure on.
2. Skills on Skills on Skills
If you want to be the person who’s good at everything outside of combat, play a Rogue. They get to pick a lot of skills, and with Expertise, they get to double their proficiency in a few of them. This makes them amazing at stuff like sneaking around, picking locks, spotting hidden clues, or talking their way out of trouble. Whether you’re navigating social encounters, exploring dungeons, or investigating mysteries, Rogues are usually at the center of the action.
3. Cunning Action for Mobility
One of the coolest things about playing a Rogue is their Cunning Action, which lets them use their bonus action to Dash, Disengage, or Hide. This gives them so much flexibility in combat. Need to get out of melee range? Disengage. Want to chase someone down or reposition for a sneak attack? Dash. Want to disappear into the shadows mid-battle? Hide. Rogues are slippery, and this keeps them safe while also making them a tactical nightmare for enemies.
4. Survivability with Evasion and Uncanny Dodge
Rogues might not be tanks, but they’re surprisingly hard to take down. Uncanny Dodge lets you halve the damage from an attack once per round, which can be a lifesaver. Then, there’s Evasion, which makes them almost immune to things like fireballs—if they succeed on a Dexterity saving throw, they take no damage at all. Even if they fail, they still take only half damage. Rogues aren’t just nimble in combat; they’re downright hard to hit.
5. Subclasses That Fit Any Style
The Rogue’s subclasses (or Roguish Archetypes) give you a ton of flexibility in how you want to play. Whether you’re a fan of magic, stealth, or just causing chaos, there’s something for every type of Rogue player. Some popular options include:
Assassin: Perfect for players who love the idea of striking from the shadows and dealing huge damage in a single, critical hit. Ideal for ambush tactics and burst damage.
Arcane Trickster: A mix of magic and rogue abilities, letting you cast spells while still being sneaky. This archetype adds magical utility without sacrificing combat effectiveness.
Thief: All about utility and speed. Thieves excel at getting in and out of dangerous situations quickly, stealing everything that isn’t nailed down, and using their Fast Hands and Second-Story Work to get the upper hand.
Swashbuckler: A flashy duelist who thrives in one-on-one combat. With increased mobility and charisma-based abilities, Swashbucklers are great for players who like to be right in the thick of the action, adding flair and bravado to every fight.
Phantom: This subclass adds a spooky, death-related vibe to your Rogue. Phantoms can tap into the spirits of the dead, gaining the ability to deal necrotic damage and collect Soul Trinkets from fallen enemies, which they can use to fuel various abilities. It’s perfect for those who like a darker, eerie flavor to their character.
Soulknife: Rogues with psionic abilities, the Soulknife can create psychic blades to strike at their enemies. These blades can be thrown or used in melee, and they deal psychic damage, which bypasses most resistances. Soulknives also get powerful telepathic communication abilities, making them the perfect spies or scouts. If you want a Rogue with a more supernatural edge, this subclass is a great pick.
With these options, the Rogue’s subclasses offer something for everyone, whether you’re into magic, stealth, dueling, or psychic powers. You can really tailor your Rogue to fit your specific playstyle, making this class even more versatile and fun.
6. Great Roleplaying Potential
Playing a Rogue isn’t just about being good in combat; it’s about the stories you can tell. Rogues often come with deep, complex backstories—whether you’re a reformed criminal, a hired killer, or just someone who’s learned to survive by staying one step ahead of everyone else. They’re also morally flexible, so you can play a character who walks the line between hero and anti-hero, which can be a lot of fun for roleplaying.
7. Useful Inside and Outside of Combat
Rogues bring so much to the table outside of fighting. Need to sneak into a fortress? The Rogue is your go-to. Want to disarm traps or pick locks? Yep, that’s the Rogue’s job. Need someone to gather information or pull off a con? Rogues are perfect for that too. In short, they’re incredibly versatile, and their skillset makes them indispensable in nearly any campaign.
8. Master of Stealth
Rogues are stealth masters. They’re the ones who scout ahead, sneak past guards, and set up ambushes for the party. With their expertise in Stealth and abilities like Cunning Action, they can disappear from sight and move through enemy lines without being seen. If you love the idea of outsmarting your enemies, slipping through danger unnoticed, and then striking when the time is right, Rogue is the class for you.
All in all, Rogues are incredibly fun to play because they can do so much, and they do it with style. Whether you’re sneaking through a dungeon, conning a noble, or dealing devastating damage in combat, Rogues have the tools to handle just about any situation. It’s this combination of versatility, damage potential, and roleplaying options that make them one of the best classes in 5e.