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Baldur\'s Gate 3: Gloomstalker Assassin Build

Author : Hazel

Jan 29,2025

Mastering the Gloomstalker Assassin Build in Baldur's Gate 3

This guide delves into creating a potent Gloomstalker Assassin multiclass character in Baldur's Gate 3, focusing on maximizing physical damage and combat versatility. This deadly combination blends the Ranger's Gloomstalker and the Rogue's Assassin subclasses for a truly lethal character.

The synergy between Ranger and Rogue is undeniable. Both excel in Dexterity-based skills like Stealth, lockpicking, and trap disarming, allowing for diverse party roles. Rangers contribute weapon proficiencies and support spells, while Rogues bring devastating melee capabilities. Their combined Stealth prowess is unmatched.

Updated December 24, 2024, by Kristy Ambrose: While Larian Studios has confirmed no DLC or sequels for BG3, Patch 8 (slated for 2025) introduces new subclasses, opening exciting possibilities for character builds. For Ranger/Rogue builds, Dexterity remains crucial, alongside Wisdom for Ranger spellcasting. Careful selection of race, background, feats, and gear is vital for success.

Unleashing Savage Stealth: The Gloomstalker Assassin

The Gloomstalker Assassin delivers devastating physical damage, whether in melee or ranged combat. The choice between close-quarters or long-range engagements depends on your specific build, skills, abilities, and equipment.

Shared skills like Stealth, Sleight of Hand, and Dexterity proficiency make this multiclass a natural fit. Rangers offer support spells, and certain races provide Cantrips, allowing for limited spellcasting integration.

Ability Score Optimization: Dexterity and Wisdom Reign Supreme

Both Ranger and Rogue prioritize Dexterity. However, Rangers utilize Wisdom for spellcasting. Prioritize these stats:

Dexterity: Essential for Sleight of Hand, Stealth, and weapon proficiency.
Wisdom: Crucial for Perception checks and Ranger spellcasting.
Constitution: Boosts hit points—a must for a frontline combatant.
Strength: Less critical, depending on your preferred combat style (melee DPS will benefit).
Intelligence: A "dump stat" for this build.
Charisma: Less important, but creative players can find uses for it.

Race Selection: Finding the Perfect Lineage

Consider these races:

Race	Subrace	Abilities
Drow	Lloth-Sworn	Superior Darkvision, Drow Weapon Training, Fey Ancestry, spells.
	Seldarine	Superior Darkvision, Drow Weapon Training, Fey Ancestry, spells.
Elf	Wood Elf	Improved Stealth, movement speed, Elven Weapon Training, Darkvision, Fey Ancestry.
Half-Elf	Drow Half-Elf	Weapon/armor proficiency, Civil Militia.
	Wood Half-Elf	Elven Weapon Training, Civil Militia.
Human	N/A	Civil Militia Feat, increased movement speed, carrying capacity.
Githyanki	N/A	Movement speed, spells (Enhanced Leap, Misty Step), Martial Prodigy.
Halfling	Lightfoot	Brave, Halfling Luck, advantage on Stealth checks.
Gnome	Forest	Speak with Animals, improved Stealth.
	Deep	Superior Darkvision, Stone Camouflage (advantage on Stealth checks).

Backgrounds: Shaping Your Character's Past

Choose a background that complements your Ranger/Rogue identity:

Background	Skills	Description
Outlander	Athletics, Survival	Ideal for a Ranger, raised in the wilderness.
Charlatan	Deception, Sleight of Hand	A cunning character with charm and guile.
Soldier	Athletics, Intimidation	A disciplined fighter, possibly a former soldier or smuggler.
Folk Hero	Animal Handling, Survival	A legendary hero, often found in the wilderness.
Urchin	Sleight of Hand, Stealth	A skilled thief with a history of street survival.
Criminal	Deception, Stealth	A seasoned criminal, potentially with Ranger skills in an urban setting.

Feats and Ability Score Improvements: Refining Your Power

Twelve levels allow for six Feats. Consider a balance of Ranger and Rogue levels (e.g., 10 Ranger/3 Rogue). Feats to consider:

Feat	Description
Ability Score Improvement	Increase Ability Scores (Dexterity and Wisdom).
Alert	Prevents the Surprised condition, +5 bonus to Initiative.
Athlete	Dexterity/Strength bonus, faster recovery from Prone, increased jump distance.
Crossbow Expert	Removes Disadvantage on ranged attacks, extends Gaping Wounds duration.
Dual Wielder	Use two weapons (non-heavy), +1 to AC.
Magic Initiate: Cleric	Grants access to Cleric spells.
Mobile	Increased movement speed, unaffected by Difficult Terrain while Dashing, avoids Attacks of Opportunity.
Resilient	Increases an Ability Score, grants Proficiency in that Ability's Saving Throws.
Spell Sniper	Boosts ranged spellcasting.

Gear Recommendations: Equipping for Success

Choose gear that enhances Dexterity, Wisdom, or Constitution. Options include:

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: Dexterity saving throw bonus, Acrobatics bonus.
Graceful Cloth: +2 Dexterity, Cat's Grace.

By carefully selecting your race, background, abilities, feats, and gear, you can create a formidable Gloomstalker Assassin capable of dominating any encounter in Baldur's Gate 3.