Thief Build - Master of Hands - Baldur's Gate 3 (BG3)

Thief Build - Master of Hands

The Thief subclass is generally taken as a 3-level dip for its Fast Hands​ features, which, when used correctly, can be very powerful. Builds like Open Hand Monk, Berserk Thrower, take this to a maximum.

So with this in mind, there are already perfect weapons that the build can utilize, namely dual-wielding crossbows like Ne'er Misser, Hand Crossbow +1, which offer both main-hand and offhand attacks. Of course, you can also dual-wield, but this becomes relevant only in the later parts of the game.

Rogue also offers good proficiencies in almost all skills. This is a perfect option for the main character if you are looking for a unique flavour. On top of that, with some optimizations, Sneak Attack (Ranged)​ can deal respectable damage both in the early and late game.

Another unique aspect of this build is that it can become your main Pickpocket build, with minor changes. Not only are you useful in combat, but also when in the city, and can take, steal, and rob merchants of their stock.

So let's jump into the build!

Class Contribution

The build consists of two classes, which both help immensely to build up your thieving arsenal.

11 Thief Rogue

• Use a unique Sneak Attack (Ranged)​ mechanic, which is good early on but falls behind in the late game.
• Additional Expertise,​ which will be used to improve Sleight of Hand.
• Evasion​ that drastically reduces incoming spell damage.
• The ultimate pickpocket feature - Reliable Talent. This will make stealing all consumables like scrolls, arrows, and potions too easy!
• Uncanny Dodge​ can help with survivability if you get attacked, by reducing incoming damage, useful both in combat and when stealing.
• Special bonus action use - Cunning Action: Dash, Cunning Action: Hide, which help with engaging and running away for pickpocketing.
• Supreme Sneak​ - can be used to become invisible and escape a situation where you are caught.
• Fast Hands​ is a very important feature, giving an additional bonus action. This can also be used to leave combat, improve mobility, or attack one more time.

1 Fighter

• Quite unlikely, but Constitution Saving Throw proficiency can be beneficial if you use scrolls to cast concentration spells - Scroll of Magic Weapon, Scroll of Haste, etc.
• Archery​ fighting style to increase your hit chance and minimize Sharpshooter: All In​ effect.

Alternative option - Trickery Cleric 1

I liked Trickery Cleric dip here. With additional bonus action, you can freely use Sanctuary​ if need arises. And this neatly fits into the "Thief" theme:

• Disguise Self​ - this serves a great purpose of hiding your true identity. Why not? This will not impact your relations with NPCs if you get caught, and plays well into the flavour of this build.
• Sanctuary​ - if all comes to worst, and you are losing combat, just cast Sanctuary​ and watch as everyone is looking at you without unable to do anything.

Leveling Overview

Here is a concise table with all the main picks during your leveling progression. For more detailed reasoning, I go further in the article. Also, do not forget to check the recommended gear, as it is crucial.

Level	Class	Selection
1	Rogue 1	Abilities: STR - 8, DEX - 16, CON - 14, INT - 8, WIS - 12, CHA - 16
		Skills: Sleight of Hand, Stealth, Deception, Persuasion, Performance, Intimidation
2	Rogue 2	Cantrips: Thaumaturgy, Guidance, any
3	Rogue 3	-
4	Rogue 4	-
5	Fighter 1	Feat: Ability Improvement - +2 Dexterity
6	Rogue 5	-
7	Rogue 6	Skills: Deception/Persuasion/Performance/Acrobatics
8	Rogue 7	-
9	Rogue 8	Feat: Sharpshooter: All In​
10	Rogue 9	-
11	Rogue 10	Feat: Ability Improvement - +2 Dexterity OR Alert​
12	Rogue 11	-

Starting the Game - Level 1

This section covers the creation screen and what would go into the best Races, Abilities, and Skills for the Thief build. If you have already started playing, feel free to do a respec at Withers and follow along. This will make it easy to follow the build step by step.

Races

As the Thief build is somewhat limited, I do think some races can prove very valuable here. Of course, this does lose potential, but if you also want to make this Pickpocket Build, a few choices will prove valuable.

Race	Features	Description
Dwarf Duergar	Dwarven Combat Training​ Superior Darkvision​ Dwarven Resilience​ Duergar Resilience​	The Duergar gives Invisibility,​ which makes you lethal in combat. You can set up Surprise rounds, leave combat, and escape any kind of danger. This is also a perfect choice if you are doing the Pickpocket Build.
Lightfoot Halfling	Halfling Luck​ Brave​ Naturally Stealthy​	Somewhat inferior race pick. Halfling Luck is an excellent helper, but it's not that useful early on, where you will still fail many times.​ They also give a stealth advantage.
Deep Gnome	Gnome Cunning​ Superior Darkvision​ Stone Camouflage​	Helps with various mental checks, but also gives a stealth advantage.

Class

Overview
Rogue
Features
Sneak Attack (Melee)​	Exploit a foe's distraction to deal an additional 1d6 damage. Damage increases by 1d6 for every uneven Rogue Level gained.
Sneak Attack (Ranged)​	Exploit a foe's distraction to deal an additional 1d6 damage. Damage increases by 1d6 for every uneven Rogue Level gained.

Background

There are plenty of good backgrounds here. You can, of course, prioritize those that give Stealth and Sleight of Hand. However, you do have options for others. Intelligence-related ones are perfect to maximize their effectiveness; however, Charisma options are great for improved dialogue success:

Abilities

Now, let's take a look at the abilities of the Thief build. Correct allocation will allow you to maximize the early gameplay and get good modifier bonuses.

The core mechanic to understand for ability points is that they give "ability modifiers" that apply to various skill checks. For example, Charisma works on Intimidation and persuasion checks. Wisdom on Survival or Animal Handling, and so on.

You get a higher ability modifier on even values - 10, 12, 14, etc. So keeping it on odd may be useless. However, there are various +1/2 modifiers in the game, specifically Auntie Ethel Hair or Feats that help round this up.

Ability	Value	Description
Strength	8	Not relevant
Dexterity	17 (15+2) - With Auntie Ethel Hair 16 (14+2) - No Hair	The ability determines bonuses to Armor Class, initiative, and pickpocketing checks, it's always good to have high dexterity.
Constitution	14	The Constitution will help with maintaining spell concentration and improving the HP pool.
Intelligence	16 (15+1)	Not a relevant ability
Wisdom	10 - with Auntie Ethel Hair 12 - no hair	Just enough to remove the negative modifier for Wisdom.
Charisma	8	Check the note below on Charisma

So you can do another option, 16 Charisma instead of Intelligence. You will not benefit from Arcane Synergy​ like Diadem of Arcane Synergy, but this will allow you to be effective in dialogue checks, especially if this is the main character.

Skills and Expertise

Overall, the skills should be impacted by your roleplaying and background decisions. However, you would still want those that will give you the best benefits. Maximize these:

• Stealth
• Sleight of Hand

After that, you can take these:

• Intelligence
• Deception
• Intimidation
• Performance
• Persuasion

Leveling Progression - Levels 2-12

Here is the detailed progression for the Hexblade build to get you started. You can use it as a guideline because early games can be daunting and overwhelming. Later on, once you get a feel for the class, you can start picking your options.

Level 2

By this time, you should have landed in the Wilderness area already. A few good bonuses from Rogue are received here:

Action	Description
Cunning Action: Hide​	Easily enter sneak with a bonus action.
Cunning Action: Dash​	Cover more distance this turn: double your movement speed, using a bonus action.
Cunning Action: Disengage​	Retreat safely: moving won't provoke Opportunity Attacks.

Level 3

This level unlocks a Rogue subclass, which gives a little boost in terms of action economy:

Subclass

Overview
Thief
Features
Fast Hands​	A very powerful feature, giving a full attack for some builds utilizing offhand attacks.
Second-Story Work: Falling​	Nothing special for this type of build.

Level 4

This is an important level as you gain access to a feat, which is a significant improvement:

Feat

Feat	Description
Sharpshooter: All In​	In terms of damage, this is the best pick. The problem is to manage the negative modifier to attacks.
Ability Improvement - +2 Dexterity	This is a safer pick, and especially relevant if you are doing the Pickpocket build setup on this character.

Level 5 - Fighter Lv 1

During this level, I recommend multiclass into Fighter. This gives some good features, and provides you with two options:

Respec first level as Fighter - for Constitution Saving throw proficiency. This helps to maintain spells if you will use any scrolls (this is more advanced playstyle in my opinion):

• Level 1 - Fighter
• Level 2-5 - Rogue Thief

If you are not interested in that, continue multiclassing into a fighter, via the level-up screen, without a respec:

Class

Overview
Fighter
Features
Second Wind​	You can use this to heal yourself in tight encounters, to get a little bit more survivability.

Fighting Style

Style	Description
Archery​	This is an important passive feature as it will improve hit chance and make it easier to land shots with Sharpshooter: All In​ being active.

Level 6 - Rogue Lv 5

Nothing fancy, more features:

Feature	Description
Uncanny Dodge​	A solid survivability improvement.

Level 7 - Rogue Lv 6

A few boosts to skill proficiencies.

Skills

You gain additional skill expertise picks:

• Deception/Persuasion/Performance - helps with persuading your pickpocket targets
• Acrobatics

Level 8 - Rogue Lv 7

Nothing fancy here, just a new feature:

Feature	Description
Evasion​	Improves your damage resistance to spells.

Level 9 - Rogue Lv 8

Another feat is unlocked to give a boost to the build.

Feat

Feat	Description
Sharpshooter: All In​	Take this if you did not pick it previously.
Ability Improvement - +2 Dexterity	Improve your hit chance and other dexterity-related stats.

Level 10 - Rogue Lv 9

A new feature is unlocked. You will also enter Act 3 Rivington either at the start or mid-level.

Feature	Description
Supreme Sneak​	This is an alternative to Invisibility​ from Duergar. However, it works once per short rest, and I would rather use Potion of Invisibility at this stage. Still this is a neat flavour feature if you will use it.

Level 11 - Rogue Lv 10

The main highlight of this level is another feat, which depends on your decision whether you took Auntie Ethel Hair.

Feat

Feat	Description
Ability Improvement - +2 Dexterity	If you did not take Auntie Ethel Hair +1 Dexterity, you will have 18 Dexterity. This feat would set it to 20.
Alert​	Can go very early in combat, and allows avoiding Surprised.
Athlete​	Can be used to round up Dexterity to 20 if you have 19 (this means you did not take Auntie Ethel Hair)
Mobile​	A somewhat flavour-related option, especially if you want to embrace more of a dual-wielder setup.

Level 12 - Rogue Lv 11

The last level gives the main feature of rogue, it is especially useful for pickpocketing:

Feature	Description
Reliable Talent​	This is the ultimate pickpocket feature, giving dice rolls a minimum value of 10. With all the bonuses, you can now still anything with almost 0% chance of getting caught.

That's it, the build is done!

Maximizing Ability Scores

Now, as the build progression is covered, there are a few aspects and important decisions you will have to make throughout the game. These will decide your final score for abilities.

Dexterity

1. 17 Dexterity - the base from character creation.
2. Feat 1 - Ability Improvement - +2 Dexterity.
3. Auntie Ethel Hair or Athlete​ feat - +1 Dexterity
4. Act 3 - Mirror of Loss - +2 Dexterity

These will allow you to reach 22 natural Dexterity, which helps with lockpicking, stealing, and ranged attacks.

Potions, Elixirs, and Consumables

Let's take a look at what consumables you can use to further empower the build.

Potions

These are general consumables, and most of them are activated for a few turns. Potions are separate from Elixirs and can be active together.

Consumable	Description
Potion of Speed	This is a very powerful potion. It gives an additional action point which can be used to cast a spell or attack. The activation is generally by drinking using a bonus action. However, you can stack together with party members and make one member Throw​ it on the ground, giving Hastened​ to everyone.
Potion of Invisibility	One of the best potions to have. Can be used to escape combat, enter combat in a perfect position, start surprise rounds, etc. Extremely powerful and mandatory resource to have.
Potion of Animal Speaking	Although not something powerful, it is worth stocking up and saving casting time.
Oil of Accuracy	Gives +2 to attack rolls, which is great for negating the Sharpshooter: All In​ negative effect.
Diluted Oil of Sharpness	Gives +1 to attack rolls, which is great for negating the Sharpshooter: All In​ negative effect.

Elixirs

Unfortunately, only one Elixir can be active at a time. However, the good thing is that they last for a long rest, making them very useful and economical.

Be sure to activate them before combat, as otherwise, you will need to use Bonus Action.

Consumable	Description
Elixir of Bloodlust	The elixir gives an easy option to get an additional action point - just kill a foe. This can then be used to attack one more time or cast a full spell.
Elixir of Vigilance	For some encounters, you will want to go first. This elixir will ensure that it overcomes even surprise mechanics.
Elixir of The Colossus	Provides bonus damage of 1d4 and some other good bonuses.
Elixir of Heroism	Boosts attack rolls by 1d4;

Arrows

Overall, all arrows are useful and can be used whenever. Here are some recommendations:

Consumable	Description
Arrow of Fire	The base arrow that you will find plenty of, and gives an easy source of additional damage.
Arrow of Ice	Can make enemies Prone​ if they fall.
Arrow of Many Targets	The core arrow for this build. It will help you apply Bane​ if you are using Gloves of Baneful Striking. This should go with the first attack to get the benefits before you shoot more arrows.
Arrow of Humanoid Slaying	These arrows are very powerful when used against the correct target, as they double the damage. With Bhaalist Armour, this can be quadrupled.
Arrow of Aberration Slaying
Arrow of Dragon Slaying
Other same-name arrows...

Illithid Powers

This special mechanic in Baldur's Gate 3 allows you to consume tadpoles and unlock special Illithid Powers.

At first, you can only use the base powers. As you move to Act 3, you will be able to unlock the outer ring powers, also called Elite.

Illithid Power	Type	Description
Favourable Beginnings	Base	Beneficial to take as it does not have any costs, and provides only benefits on the first hits with attack rolls.
Luck of the Far Realms​	Base	It's an easy way to ensure you land critical hits.
Cull the Weak​	Base	It can help to kill an enemy faster if it is left with a few HP.
Psionic Backlash​	Base	A great way to weaponize your reaction before obtaining Counterspell.
Ability Drain​	Base	Decreases enemy ability score.
Illithid Expertise​	Elite	It can be used to maximize the effectiveness of charisma-based skills, especially those relevant to the main character.
Black Hole​	Elite	Potent spell that can be used to pull enemies together. You can then follow up with area-of-effect spells or attacks. In general, it is a very effective action in the hands of any character.
Psionic Dominance​	Elite	It can be used to save yourself from a deadly spell. This is especially relevant as you will have a disadvantage on mental saving throws.
Freecast​	Elite	Remove the cost of spell slots or charges.

Equipment Recommendations

This section covers how to maximize the Thief build's effectiveness during combat

Act 1

Slot	Item	Description
Melee (One-Handed)	Knife of the Undermountain King	The best stat stick weapon for ranged builds in Act 1. Does not require any special features or activations.
Shield	Adamantine Shield	It provides a substantial defensive boost by reducing critical hit damage.
	Absolute's Warboard	Gives bonuses to Saving Throws if you have Absolute's brand from the Priestess in the Goblin Camp
	Safeguard Shield	Gives a bonus to saving throws, easily accessible early in the game.
Ranged	Hand Crossbow +1	These are the best weapons for the Thief in Act 1. Due to Fast Hands'​ bonus action, you can shoot 2 additional times with off-hand when dual-wielding.
Head	Diadem of Arcane Synergy	Provides a significant damage boost with high intelligence and Arcane Synergy​ buff.
	Dark Justiciar Helm	Provides a bonus Saving Throw while obscured, which is great for avoiding the effects of some spells.
	Haste Helm	Improves movement speed, allowing one to reach important targets easily, early in the game.
Cloak	The Deathstalker Mantle	Accessible if you are Dark Urge.
Armor	The Graceful Cloth	Gives +2 Dexterity (up to a maximum of 20). This will improve your rolls and damage. As this is Cloth, it provides only 10 Armour Class.
	Spidersilk Armour	As there are not many good choices for light armour, this is somewhat decent.
Gloves	Gloves of Baneful Striking	Gives an easy way to apply Baneful Strike,​ which enables your casters to increase the chance of spell success.
	Gloves of Archery	Best gloves for Ranged attacks.
	Gloves of Power	Gives a bonus to Sleight of Hand for better picklock chances. Moreover, applies Bane​, and penalizes the target.
	Wondrous Gloves	Gives additional armour class for survivability.
	Gloves of Missile Snaring	Defensive gloves against ranged attacks.
Boots	Disintegrating Night Walkers	One of the best boots in the game with all the bonuses and easy use of Misty Step.
	Boots of Genial Striding	Allows movement without limits on Difficult Terrain.
Amulet	Broodmother's Revenge	If you can acquire it, this can be the best amulet option for most of the game.
	Amulet of Misty Step	Gives a free Misty Step,​ which greatly improves your mobility.
Rings	Ring of Protection	Act 1 doesn't offer that many good ring options. So use these when you acquire them.
	Caustic Band
	Crusher's Ring
	Fetish of Callarduran Smoothhands	Allows casting Invisibility​ that can be used to approach combat in the perfect position.

Act 2 - mid-game

Slot	Item	Description
Melee (One-Handed)	Knife of the Undermountain King	Still, the main stat stick improving crit range and damage rolls.
Ranged	Hellfire Hand Crossbow	The best Hand crossbow in Act 2 comes with +2 Enchantment.
	Ne'er Misser	Excellent hand crossbow that comes with force damage. Only a handful of enemies can resist it, and it will be useful up until the middle of Act 3.
Shield	Sentinel Shield	What makes this shield amazing is that by wearing it, you will be going first most of the time during encounters. This is a great way to apply control over key enemies.
Head	Diadem of Arcane Synergy	Provides a significant damage boost with high intelligence and Arcane Synergy​ buff.
	Marksmanship Hat	A solid headwear to slightly help with hit chance.
	Dark Justiciar Helmet	Increases the likelihood of a critical chance while obscured. This means that you should stand in lightly dimmed places.
	Covert Cowl	Increases the likelihood of a critical chance while obscured. This means that you should stand in lightly dimmed places.
Cloak	Cloak of Protection	A very good cloak, with a good bonus to Armour Class.
	Cloak of Cunning Brume	You can use Cunning Action: Disengage​ to create a fog cloud and hide.
Armor	Dark Justiciar Half-Plate	One of the best-looking armors in the game. You can wear them with a stealth build, and they provide useful bonuses like Advantage on stealth checks. The main highlight is Shar's Aegis,​ which improves Armour Class and gives you an option to wear Strange Conduit Ring.
	Dark Justiciar Half-Plate
	The Graceful Cloth	Gives an advantage on stealth checks and +2 dexterity, up to 20. One of the best armors for ranged characters. The other options are there if you want more survivability or different looks.
	Yuan-ti Scale Mail	This medium armor does not impose any disadvantage on stealth and gives bonus initiative rolls. It can give the highest armor class with high Dexterity until later in Act 3.
Gloves	Dark Justiciar Gauntlets	The improved version of Dark Justiciar Gauntlets also allows casting Darkness spells.
	Flawed Helldusk Gloves	Provides bonus 1d4 fire damage with weapon attacks and can inflict bleeding. The best choice is early in Act 2.
	Dark Justiciar Gauntlets	Gives a bonus of 1d4 Necrotic damage with weapon attacks.
	Gloves of Baneful Striking	Excellent gloves for enemy debuffs via Arrow of Many Targets. After that, your casters will have an easier time landing debuffs.
Boots	Disintegrating Night Walkers	Excellent boot choice
	Evasive Shoes	Gives bonus Armour Class. A good survivability choice, but not mandatory in my opinion.
Amulet	Broodmother's Revenge	The amulet will be a good option until endgame, as the 1d6 poison damage is a good boost. However, it does not allow coatings, so be sure to check for alternatives if you plan on using them.
Rings	Shadow-Cloaked Ring	This is a bit more powerful than the ring below, but it requires your foes to be at least lightly obscured.
	Strange Conduit Ring	The ring is still a powerful choice to ensure consistent bonus damage. But you will need a source of Concentration
	Caustic Band	The bonus damage is a good choice even in Act 2.
	Risky Ring	The ring is somewhat useful, as it gives an easy way for Advantage and helps counteract Sharpshooter: All In​ effect. Still, it has plenty of negative side effects, so I would only use it if you have problems hitting enemies.

Act 3 - Final Build setup

Here you have some options for dual-wielding, especially as you have 2 bonus actions. This allows for some great options.

Ranged Setup

Here, the main goal is to wear good stat sticks in melee slots and dual-hand crossbows in ranged slots. Equip both stat stick weapons for maximum effectiveness.

Slot	Item	Description
Melee (One-Handed)	Rhapsody	One of the best stat stick weapons in the whole game. It is in high demand by multiple builds.
	Dolor Amarus	The dagger effect of additional critical damage also applies to ranged attacks.
	Knife of the Undermountain King	Still a relevant stat stick weapon from Act 1.
Ranged	Hand Crossbow +2	This is an improved version that you can dual-wield with another hand crossbow, for an offensive option using a bonus action.
	Hellfire Hand Crossbow	As you can get Hiding​ or Invisible​ easily, the bonus effect is easy to apply for slightly more damage. The main selling point is +2 Enchantment.
	Ne'er Misser	Uses force damage, which many enemies can't resist.
Shield	Viconia's Walking Fortress	If stat stick weapon access is limited, due to other builds, use any shields that you can get your hands on.

Dual Wielding Setup

For this setup, the goal is to wear the strongest daggers/shortswords for maximum damage. The ranged slots kind of become stat sticks to boost their damage:

Slot	Item	Description
Melee (One-Handed)	Crimson Mischief (BiS)	Gives a flat 7-piece damage boost. Together with Aura Of Murder,​ this will result in 14 damage. It's the strongest one-handed piercing weapon.
	Dolor Amarus	The dagger's critical damage bonuses also apply main weapon.
	Render of Mind and Body	As you have multiple ways of getting an Advantage, the 1d8 psychic damage rider is a very large bonus, making this weapon very powerful even in Act 3.
Off-Hand	Belm (BiS)	Can use bonus action attacks to inflict the same damage as the main hand weapon, with all bonuses.
	Blade of the First Blood	The additional effect of True Strike Riposte​ can be handy, and provides bonus damage.
Ranged	Vicious Shortbow (BiS)	The bow is the best pick in terms of damage boost as it gives +7 on all critical weapon attacks. The only goal is to ensure that your party can apply Hold Monster​/Hold Person​ for a 100% crit chance and maximum damage.
	Hellrider Longbow	Gives +3 Initiative, almost guaranteeing that you go first.
	The Dead Shot	Decreases the roll requirement for Critical Hit by 1.

Other Equipment:

Slot	Item	Description
Head	Helmet of Grit	Provides additional attack via bonus action, so you can shoot for additional time. Use Transfuse Health​ to quickly reach the HP threshold. I would also recommend using Amulet of Greater Health as otherwise you will be an easy target for your foes.
	Diadem of Arcane Synergy	Provides a significant damage boost with high intelligence and Arcane Synergy​ buff.
	Helm of Balduran	If using Broodmother's Revenge, this helmet's effect ensures that you get bonus damage on every combat encounter.
Cloak	Cloak of Displacement	Ensures good survivability by imposing a disadvantage on the attacker's Attack Rolls.
	Cloak of Cunning Brume	You can use Cunning Action: Disengage​ to create a fog cloud and hide.
Armor	Bhaalist Armour (BiS)	This armor is particularly powerful for melee-piercing weapon wielders - these include daggers and short swords.  It makes them vulnerable to piercing damage unless they have resistance to it. Moreover, it gives bonus initiative, ensuring that you will go first most of the time.
	Armour of Agility	This medium armor perfectly works with stealth as it does not impose any disadvantages. Moreover, it has a decent armor class for protection.
	The Graceful Cloth	The armour is still somewhat good. You get various bonuses, and it provides a hefty +2 to Dexterity. Still, it gets outclassed by other options in terms of Armour Class and unique effects.
Gloves	Legacy of the Masters (BiS)	One of the best gloves in the game, however, could have limited access based on your decisions in the game.
	Craterflesh Gloves	These gloves are an extremely powerful choice if you have a caster who can apply Hold Monster​/Hold Person. This way, you will have 100% crit chance.
	Helldusk Gloves	These gloves provide bonuses for every attack. You will be doing many of them, so the bonus fire damage stacks up
	Martial Exertion Gloves	Incur 6d6 damage, but gain additional attack points. This neatly fits into the Stealthy playstyle as you can deal damage bonuses on the first turn.
Boots	Helldusk Boots	These boots have a wide array of uses - allowing succeeding Saving Throws while using Reaction, a teleportation spell, and ignoring difficult terrain.
	Boots of Persistence	Gives Freedom of Movement​ and Longstrider​ actions effects.
Amulet	Broodmother's Revenge (BiS)	Bonus poison damage on each hit with the weapon is a great improvement
	Amulet of Greater Health	A huge health boost. Especially good with Helmet of Grit.
Rings	Shadow-Cloaked Ring	A great ring for bonus damage, but requires your foes to be lightly obscured.
	Strange Conduit Ring	The ring is still a powerful choice to ensure consistent bonus damage. You can get a concentration spell via scrolls or if using Dark Justiciar Half-Plate/Dark Justiciar Half-Plate by casting Shar's Aegis.
	Caustic Band	Amazing choice till the end of the game as each attack will apply this bonus acid damage.
	Ring of Protection	Slight boost to survivability.

Build Mechanics

In this section, I would like to dive deep into how to play the Thief Build. This will help you utilize it to the fullest and correctly use various actions and spells throughout the game.

Combat Mechanics

I wanted to have a separate section for combat as it is quite extensive, but also not that relevant if you are only doing the pickpocketing part of the build

Managing Sharpshooter

The core feat of this build - Sharpshooter: All In​ gives a solid 10 damage boost per hit. However, it comes with a drawback: -5 to attack rolls. This, of course, can be circumvented via various tricks:

• Oil of Accuracy and Diluted Oil of Sharpness
• High Ground bonuses
• Hiding​

I have a full article on increasing attack rolls. That goes into depth on various mechanics that work especially well in the early game, when the -5 attack roll hurts the most.

You also have another option, if it comes to worst, and you can't get your hit chance above 60%, just disable Sharpshooter: All In​ for the time being.

I do not recommend doing this, as this way, the root cause ofthe  low hit chance is not addressed. Maybe your party does not apply debuffs or controls, and enemies, rather than dying fast, are damaging your party members unnecessarily.

Attack as many times as you can

So this build from the early game stands out with the ability to attack multiple times, especially on the first turn. So this is how you can maximize it:

1. Haste​ - +1 attack with the action point
2. Off-Hand Attack (Ranged)​ - +1 with the main bonus action.
3. Elixir of Bloodlust - +1 attack after killing an enemy
4. Fast Hands​ - +1 attack from additional bonus action.
5. Helmet of Grit - +1 attack with additional bonus action

Utilize Sneak Attack for additional bonus damage

Taking a dip in Rogue gives Sneak Attack (Ranged)​ action. It usually shines for high-level rogues, as the damage rolls get increased. Still, 2d6 additional damage per turn can mean a dead or alive enemy.

Activating Sneak Attack (Ranged)​ is pretty simple. You attack from a Hiding​ position, with Advantage, or have an ally stand close to an enemy so that Threatened​ status appears on them.

One tip that I have is that I would recommend attacking the enemy using a Sneak attack when out of combat. The game registers this as a separate attack, and when you enter combat, you will still be able to attack with Sneak Attack (Ranged)​ again. This sometimes works, sometimes doesn't, and it's one of the things that is not fully fixed.

I also recommend setting Sneak Attack (Ranged)​ to Ask in the Reactions window. This way you can also proc it separately with a bonus action attack if needed:

Understand stealth mechanics

The main point of this build is that it is extremely deadly when you utilize stealth mechanics well. I have prepared a complete stealth guide that covers them all. There are plenty of stealth options:

• Attacking and creating surprise rounds
• Leaving combat while in the middle of the fight, to reset it
• Become invisible at will
• Gain attack roll bonuses when in stealth
• And many others.

I would like to emphasize the Surprise rounds. Here are the general steps to activate them:

1. You have to be undetected before doing this; best to be outside the red vision cones. If you need to enter the vision cone, make sure that they don't have Darkvision,​ and it's either a Lightly Obscured​ or Heavily Obscured​ area. Or you can just be Invisible​ via effects like Potion of Invisibility, Duergar Invisibility, Supreme Sneak, etc. This almost guarantees a surprise round.
2. You can start the combat by attacking with melee, ranged weapons, or casting offensive spells. The main prerequisite is that you should be "seeable" and in the line of sight of the enemy once the attack lands. So they would have a clear vision of you, and you are not too far away. This is important, as being far away does not trigger Surprised.
3. You can move in other party members if they were ungrouped, so they could also land attacks during this free round.

Disable Dual Wield attacks

You may notice that often when you shoot with your main hand, your offhand also attacks. This can be irritating, especially when the enemy is close to death and you waste your bonus action on a dead foe.

There is an easy fix: just click on the Toggle Dual Wielding button, and now your main hand and offhand attacks attack separately. This does get reactivated sometimes, so be mindful of that.

Special Arrows and their significance

With this build, you can steal all the arrows in the world from any merchant - Arrow of Fey Slaying, Arrow of Many Targets, Arrow of Fire, etc. These are great, as you can greatly empower your main action attack. Some of them are situationally useful, others help you build up damage, and so on.

The Slaying arrows are especially deadly, as they double your damage. With the next trick, using Bhaalist Armour, you can quadruple it.

As you have plenty of arrows, don't save them, use them on every shot, to make the combat more exciting and easier!

Bhaalist Armor and Aura of Murder

So, one of the main items for any kind of piercing weapon build is Bhaalist Armour. This is one of the strongest armors in the game, giving double damage on piercing attacks. If you think about it, this is ridiculous, and with correct preparation, you can destroy most of the bosses in the game.

Still, the Aura Of Murder​ effect only works in a 3-meter radius. So if you are using it on a Ranged build, you lose some of the advantage, and enemies are very close to you. One consideration is to have other martial characters wear it. This can be Paladin, Fighter, melee Ranger, etc. This way, you can safely attack from a long distance.

Still, if that is not possible, you can move close to the enemies, find that sweet spot, where Threatened status does not appear, and Aura Of Murder​ still works. Double damage with 4+ attacks will be a sight to behold.

Turn your thief into Pickpocket

With various bonuses to Sleight of Hand, access to high dexterity, and some invisibility options, this build is perfect to be a Pickpocket Build alternative. It's pretty easy, you need to swap a few items, and feel free to rampage on the trader's inventories.

This is extremely important if you are playing Tactician and Honour Mode, as consumables can turn the tide of any combat encounter.

Early Game Combat

Let's cover how you should progress through combat levels 1-6.

• I recommend going alone for the first attack before taking your group members if you see a guaranteed combat encounter.
• You can initiate combat with Invisibility​ to make enemies Surprised​ and gain a free round for damage.
• You have 2 bonus actions, so use them for Off-Hand Attack (Ranged), Cunning Action: Hide, Sanctuary, etc.
• If your hit chance is low, you can disable Sharpshooter: All In​ for the moment.
• Generally, you would want to attack while in Hiding; this way, you get an Advantage on Attack Rolls.
• Use consumable arrows. You will have pickedpocketed a lot of them.
• Cast Sanctuary​ if the situation is dire and you need to escape combat. This can also be applied to allies.
• Sneak Attack (Ranged)​ acts as your extra attack, so make sure to use it every turn.

Mid to Late Game Combat

The late game is more or less the same loop, maybe with more arrow options.

• More or less the same as from the previous section.
• Use arrows of slaying like Arrow of Fey Slaying, Arrow of Undead Slaying, etc. These deal huge amounts of damage, and will give an excellent utility for your main hand attack.
• You can use Arrow of Many Targets + Gloves of Baneful Striking to debuff enemies, so that your casters would have an easy time applying spells.

Build Variations

Here are some variations that work similarly and utilize the same classes at their core.

Setup	Description
11 Rogue Thief 1 Trickery Cleric	Gives access to Disguise Self​ and Sanctuary. The former is great for roleplaying and pickpocketing. The latter is excellent to avoid impending death on yourself or a companion.

Conclusion

Thank you for reading the Thief Build for Baldur's Gate 3. This build tries to maximize all the features that Thief gives, and creates a semi-efficient build. You are inferior to other ranged setups like Gloomstalker Assassin, but it does offer excellent roleplay flavour.

Cheers!