Character class
Rogue
A Dexterity D&D Portal - Dexterity Agility, reflexes, and coordination Dexterity measures agility, reflexes, balance,
and precise physical coordination. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/dexterity/-based skill specialist who deals precision Sneak Attack damage, controls positioning with bonus actions, and gains exceptionally reliable expertise.
Mechanically, the Rogue is built around Dexterity D&D Portal - Dexterity Agility, reflexes, and coordination Dexterity measures agility, reflexes, balance,
and precise physical coordination. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/dexterity/, uses a d8 Hit Die, and follows the progression table below for proficiency bonus, class features, and class-specific resources.
This page collects the Rogue core traits, starting equipment, level progression, class feature summaries, and published subclasses in one place. Use the linked rules terms for quick hover context without leaving the class page.
Implementation Identity
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Primary ability | Dexterity |
| Multiclass prerequisite | Dexterity |
| Spellcasting | None by default; Arcane Trickster adds Intelligence |
| Suggested tags | stealth |
Core Class Traits
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Hit Die | d8 |
| Armor | Light armor |
| Weapons | Simple weapons |
| Tools | Thieves’ tools |
| Saving Throws | Dexterity |
| Skills | Choose four: Acrobatics |
Starting Equipment
Choose one
Option 1
Rapier orshortsword .
Choose one
Option 2
Shortbow and arrows orshortsword .
Choose one
Option 3
Burglar’s, dungeoneer’s, orexplorer’s pack .
Leather armor, two daggers, thieves’ tools
Leather armor, two daggers, thieves’ tools .
Rogue Progression
| Level | Prof. | Features | Sneak Attack |
|---|---|---|---|
| +2 | 1d6 | ||
| +2 | 1d6 | ||
| +2 |
| 2d6 | |
| +2 | 2d6 | ||
| +3 | 3d6 | ||
| +3 | 3d6 | ||
| +3 | 4d6 | ||
| +3 | 4d6 | ||
| +4 | 5d6 | ||
| +4 | 5d6 | ||
| +4 | 6d6 | ||
| +4 | 6d6 | ||
| +5 | 7d6 | ||
| +5 | 7d6 | ||
| +5 | 8d6 | ||
| +5 | 8d6 | ||
| +6 | 9d6 | ||
| +6 | 9d6 | ||
| +6 | 10d6 | ||
| +6 | 10d6 |
Level 1 3 features gained Expertise | Sneak Attack | Thieves’ Cant +2 Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +2
- Features
- Sneak Attack
- 1d6
Level 2 1 feature gained Cunning Action +2 Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +2
- Features
- Sneak Attack
- 1d6
Level 3 2 features gained Roguish Archetype | Steady Aim +2 Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +2
- Features
- Roguish Archetype
- Steady Aim Optional
- Sneak Attack
- 2d6
Level 4 1 feature gained Ability Score Improvement +2 Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +2
- Features
- Sneak Attack
- 2d6
Level 5 1 feature gained Uncanny Dodge +3 Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +3
- Features
- Sneak Attack
- 3d6
Level 6 1 feature gained Expertise +3 Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +3
- Features
- Sneak Attack
- 3d6
Level 7 1 feature gained Evasion +3 Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +3
- Features
- Sneak Attack
- 4d6
Level 8 1 feature gained Ability Score Improvement +3 Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +3
- Features
- Sneak Attack
- 4d6
Level 9 1 feature gained Archetype feature +4 Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +4
- Features
- Sneak Attack
- 5d6
Level 10 1 feature gained Ability Score Improvement +4 Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +4
- Features
- Sneak Attack
- 5d6
Level 11 1 feature gained Reliable Talent +4 Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +4
- Features
- Sneak Attack
- 6d6
Level 12 1 feature gained Ability Score Improvement +4 Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +4
- Features
- Sneak Attack
- 6d6
Level 13 1 feature gained Archetype feature +5 Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +5
- Features
- Sneak Attack
- 7d6
Level 14 1 feature gained Blindsense +5 Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +5
- Features
- Sneak Attack
- 7d6
Level 15 1 feature gained Slippery Mind +5 Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +5
- Features
- Sneak Attack
- 8d6
Level 16 1 feature gained Ability Score Improvement +5 Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +5
- Features
- Sneak Attack
- 8d6
Level 17 1 feature gained Archetype feature +6 Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +6
- Features
- Sneak Attack
- 9d6
Level 18 1 feature gained Elusive +6 Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +6
- Features
- Sneak Attack
- 9d6
Level 19 1 feature gained Ability Score Improvement +6 Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +6
- Features
- Sneak Attack
- 10d6
Level 20 1 feature gained Stroke of Luck +6 Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +6
- Features
- Sneak Attack
- 10d6
Class Features
As a rogue, you gain the following class features.
Expertise
Levels 1, 6
Double proficiency for selected skills or thieves’ tools.
Sneak Attack
Levels 1, scales every two levels
Once per turn, add precision damage with a finesse or ranged weapon when advantage or an adjacent ally creates an opening.
Thieves’ Cant
Level 1
Communicate through coded speech and secret signs.
Cunning Action
Level 2
Dash D&D Portal - Dash Action rule Dash is an action economy rule used to
describe what a creature can do on its turn. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/actions/dash/, Disengage
D&D Portal - Disengage Action rule Disengage is an action economy rule used to
describe what a creature can do on its turn. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/actions/disengage/, or Hide
D&D Portal - Hide Action rule Hide is an action economy rule used to
describe what a creature can do on its turn. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/actions/hide/ as a bonus action
D&D Portal - Bonus Action Action rule Bonus Action is an action economy rule used to
describe what a creature can do on its turn. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/actions/bonus-action/.
Roguish Archetype
Levels 3, 9, 13, 17
Choose a subclass defining the rogue’s specialist methods.
Steady Aim (Optional)
Level 3
Trade movement for advantage on the next attack this turn.
Ability Score Improvement
Levels 4, 8, 10, 12, 16, 19
Increase ability scores or take a feat; Rogues receive an extra ASI D&D Portal - ASI Shortened rule term ASI means Ability Score Improvement. Use an ASI when a class feature grants Ability Score Improvement. You normally increase one ability score by 2, or two ability scores by 1 each, within the normal maximum. If feats are allowed, the ASI can often be exchanged for a feat. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/asi/ at level 10.
Uncanny Dodge
Level 5
Use a reaction D&D Portal - Reaction Action rule Reaction is an action economy rule used to
describe what a creature can do on its turn. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/actions/reaction/ to halve damage from a visible attacker’s hit.
Evasion
Level 7
Avoid or reduce damage from Dexterity D&D Portal - Dexterity Agility, reflexes, and coordination Dexterity measures agility, reflexes, balance,
and precise physical coordination. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/dexterity/-save area effects.
Reliable Talent
Level 11
Treat proficiency-based d20 rolls of 9 or lower as 10.
Blindsense
Level 14
Detect hidden or invisible D&D Portal - Invisible Condition Invisible is a game condition that can affect
what a creature can perceive, do, or resist during play. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/conditions/invisible/ creatures within 10 feet while able to hear.
Slippery Mind
Level 15
Gain Wisdom D&D Portal - Wisdom Awareness, intuition, and insight Wisdom measures awareness, intuition,
perception, and the ability to understand people and surroundings. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/wisdom/ saving throw
D&D Portal - Saving Throw D20 test rule Saving Throw is a d20 test rule used to resolve
uncertain outcomes during play. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/d20-tests/saving-throw/ proficiency.
Elusive
Level 18
Attack rolls D&D Portal - Attack Roll Combat rule Attack Roll is a combat rule used by attacks,
damage, defenses, or turn order. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/combat/attack-roll/ cannot have advantage against you while not incapacitated
D&D Portal - Incapacitated Condition Incapacitated is a game condition that can affect
what a creature can perceive, do, or resist during play. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/conditions/incapacitated/.
Stroke of Luck
Level 20
Turn one missed attack into a hit or one failed ability check D&D Portal - Ability Check D20 test rule Ability Check is a d20 test rule used to resolve
uncertain outcomes during play. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/d20-tests/ability-check/ into a natural 20 result per short or long rest
D&D Portal - Long Rest Rest rule Long Rest is a rest rule used to recover
resources, hit points, and class features. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/rests/long-rest/.
Published Subclasses
Published Subclasses
Player’s Handbook
Arcane Trickster
Combine stealth and Sneak Attack with illusion and enchantment magic.
- rogue
- subclass
- arcane-trickster
Player’s Handbook
Assassin
Infiltration, poison, disguise, and devastating opening attacks.
- rogue
- subclass
- assassin
Xanathar’s Guide to Everything
Inquisitive
Read lies and weaknesses to enable precision attacks.
- rogue
- subclass
- inquisitive
Xanathar’s Guide to Everything
Mastermind
Social infiltration and long-range tactical Help actions.
- rogue
- subclass
- mastermind
Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything
Phantom
Borrow skills from spirits and spread necrotic damage.
- rogue
- subclass
- phantom
Xanathar’s Guide to Everything
Scout
Wilderness expertise, reactive movement, and ranged skirmishing.
- rogue
- subclass
- scout
Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything
Soulknife
Psychic blades, telepathy, psionic skill boosts, and teleportation.
- rogue
- subclass
- soulknife
Xanathar’s Guide to Everything
Swashbuckler
Mobile single-target dueling driven by Charisma.
- rogue
- subclass
- swashbuckler
Player’s Handbook
Thief
Fast object use, climbing, stealth, and magic-item improvisation.
- rogue
- subclass
- thief
FAQ
What is a Rogue in D&D?
A Rogue is a Dexterity-based skill expert and precision martial class built around Expertise, Sneak Attack, Cunning Action, and unusually reliable ability checks. Rogues use a d8 Hit Die, choose a Roguish Archetype at 3rd level, and survive through mobility, positioning, Uncanny Dodge, and Evasion rather than heavy armor. A Rogue can be a thief, scout, spy, detective, duelist, infiltrator, or other specialist; the class does not require a criminal character.
Read more: Rogue D&D Portal - What is a Rogue in D&D? Rogue FAQ A Rogue is a Dexterity-based skill expert and precision martial class built around Expertise, Sneak Attack, Cunning Action, and unusually reliable ability checks. Rogues use a d8 Hit Die, choose a Roguish Archetype at 3rd level, and survive through mobility, positioning, Uncanny Dodge, and Evasion rather than heavy armor. A Rogue can be a thief, scout, spy, detective, duelist, infiltrator, or other specialist; the class does not require a criminal character. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/faq/rogue/what-is-a-rogue-in-dnd/
How do you play a Rogue?
Play a Rogue by creating a reliable Sneak Attack opportunity each turn and using Cunning Action to control positioning. Dexterity normally powers your attacks, Armor Class, and key skills. Use Expertise to define your non-combat role, and rely on Uncanny Dodge and Evasion to reduce danger rather than standing in place like a heavy front-line character. Sneak Attack is once per turn, so qualifying reaction attacks can matter.
Read more: Rogue D&D Portal - How do you play a Rogue? Rogue FAQ Play a Rogue by creating a reliable Sneak Attack opportunity each turn and using Cunning Action to control positioning. Dexterity normally powers your attacks, Armor Class, and key skills. Use Expertise to define your non-combat role, and rely on Uncanny Dodge and Evasion to reduce danger rather than standing in place like a heavy front-line character. Sneak Attack is once per turn, so qualifying reaction attacks can matter. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/faq/rogue/how-do-you-play-a-rogue/
What ability scores are best for a Rogue?
Dexterity is normally the Rogue's highest ability score because it powers most qualifying Sneak Attack weapons, Armor Class, initiative, and many iconic Rogue skills. Constitution and Wisdom are common secondary priorities, while Charisma suits social Rogues and Intelligence is especially useful for Arcane Tricksters or investigators. The 2014 Rogue multiclassing prerequisite is Dexterity 13.
Read more: Rogue D&D Portal - What ability scores are best for a Rogue? Rogue FAQ Dexterity is normally the Rogue's highest ability score because it powers most qualifying Sneak Attack weapons, Armor Class, initiative, and many iconic Rogue skills. Constitution and Wisdom are common secondary priorities, while Charisma suits social Rogues and Intelligence is especially useful for Arcane Tricksters or investigators. The 2014 Rogue multiclassing prerequisite is Dexterity 13. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/faq/rogue/what-ability-scores-are-best-for-a-rogue/
What are the main Rogue class features?
The 2014 Rogue's main features are Expertise, Sneak Attack, Thieves' Cant, Cunning Action, a Roguish Archetype, Uncanny Dodge, Evasion, Reliable Talent, Blindsense, Slippery Mind, Elusive, and Stroke of Luck. Together they make the Rogue a precision attacker and one of the game's most dependable skill specialists.
Read more: Rogue D&D Portal - What are the main Rogue class features? Rogue FAQ The 2014 Rogue's main features are Expertise, Sneak Attack, Thieves' Cant, Cunning Action, a Roguish Archetype, Uncanny Dodge, Evasion, Reliable Talent, Blindsense, Slippery Mind, Elusive, and Stroke of Luck. Together they make the Rogue a precision attacker and one of the game's most dependable skill specialists. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/faq/rogue/what-are-the-main-rogue-class-features/
What subclasses can a Rogue choose?
A Rogue's subclass is called a Roguish Archetype and is chosen at 3rd level in the 2014 rules. Major official pre-2024 Fifth Edition options include Thief, Assassin, Arcane Trickster, Mastermind, Swashbuckler, Inquisitive, Scout, Phantom, and Soulknife.
Read more: Rogue D&D Portal - What subclasses can a Rogue choose? Rogue FAQ A Rogue's subclass is called a Roguish Archetype and is chosen at 3rd level in the 2014 rules. Major official pre-2024 Fifth Edition options include Thief, Assassin, Arcane Trickster, Mastermind, Swashbuckler, Inquisitive, Scout, Phantom, and Soulknife. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/faq/rogue/what-subclasses-can-a-rogue-choose/