Rogue FAQ

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.

The Rogue is one of the clearest Dexterity-focused classes in the 2014 rules. The remaining ability scores depend heavily on the Rogue's non-combat role and subclass.

Dexterity

Dexterity normally comes first.

It supports:

  • finesse weapon attacks;
  • ranged weapon attacks;
  • Armor Class;
  • initiative;
  • Dexterity saving throws;
  • Stealth;
  • Acrobatics;
  • Sleight of Hand.

Because most Rogue weapon plans use finesse or ranged weapons to qualify for Sneak Attack, Dexterity improves both offense and defense at the same time.

Constitution

Constitution increases hit points.

The Rogue has a d8 Hit Die and often relies on positioning rather than heavy armor.

A good Constitution score improves the character's margin for error when enemies do reach them.

Wisdom

Wisdom improves Perception and Insight.

Perception is especially common for scouts and dungeon explorers.

Wisdom saving throws are also important against many dangerous control effects.

The Rogue eventually gains Wisdom saving throw proficiency through Slippery Mind, which makes a solid Wisdom score even more useful.

Intelligence

Intelligence supports:

  • Investigation;
  • Arcana;
  • History;
  • Nature;
  • Religion.

It is especially important for Arcane Trickster because Intelligence is that subclass's spellcasting ability.

A detective or investigator Rogue may also value Intelligence even without spellcasting.

Charisma

Charisma supports:

  • Persuasion;
  • Deception;
  • Intimidation;
  • Performance.

A social Rogue can combine Charisma with Expertise to become an extremely reliable party face.

Swashbuckler also gives Charisma additional subclass value.

Strength

Strength is normally a lower priority because Dexterity can power most qualifying Rogue weapon attacks.

Strength can still support Athletics, carrying capacity, grappling-oriented ideas, or an unusual character concept.

Expertise changes secondary priorities

Expertise can make a moderate ability score feel highly competent.

A Rogue with Charisma 14 and Persuasion Expertise may still be an excellent negotiator.

A Rogue with moderate Intelligence and Investigation Expertise may still be a reliable investigator.

This lets the class build a strong secondary identity without necessarily maximising the associated ability.

Multiclassing

The 2014 Rogue multiclassing prerequisite is:

Dexterity 13

This makes Rogue relatively accessible to other Dexterity-based characters.

Practical priorities

Typical scout:

Dexterity → Constitution / Wisdom → the other → remaining abilities

Typical social Rogue:

Dexterity → Charisma → Constitution → Wisdom / Intelligence

Typical Arcane Trickster:

Dexterity → Intelligence / Constitution → the other → Wisdom

The correct answer depends on what the Rogue is supposed to be exceptional at.