The Gloomstalker Ranger and the Assassin Rogue are two great subclasses that dish out damage and have great utility in Baldur's Gate 3; high initiative makes the package even more appealing. I like classes that have a lot of versatility, so the Gloomstalker Assassin has become one of my favorite additions to a party in Baldur's Gate 3.
The Gloomstalker Assassin build can be great for your main character, but can also a great choice for one of your companions, with Astarion the natural choice. Here is how to make the Gloomstalker Assassin build.
BG3 Gloomstalker Assassin Build - Best Stats
For your Gloomstalker Assassin to be most effective, you will want to focus on Dexterity to hit more with finesse weapons, have higher Initiative, and increase AC. You will also want some Constitution for your health and Concentration saves. Finally, you will want your Wisdom a little high to benefit saves and Ranger spells.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
| 8 | 17 | 16 | 10 | 15 | 10 |
Gloomstalker Assassin Leveling Guide - BG3
To start off, take Rogue for your first two levels so you have Sneak Attack and Cunning Actions, which are extremely helpful early on. Next, take Level 3 Rogue to unlock the Assassin subclass, or start dipping into Ranger. Overall, you will want to aim to get to Rogue Level 7 and Ranger Level 5.
Related: Eldritch Knight Build Guide BG3
By reaching Level 4 Rogue, will have upgraded Sneak Attack damage and be able to take a feat. You will also have the Assassin abilities unlocked at level 3, which are some of the most important abilities for this build. The Assassinate abilities will allow you to dish out tons of damage before enemies can get a turn.
You will want to reach Ranger Level 5 to unlock another attack action and benefit from the Gloomstalker abilities. Dread Ambusher is a Gloomstalker ability unlocked at Level 3 that adds a +3 to your Initiative, increases Movement Speed by 3 meters, and gain an additional attack that deals +1d8 damage. Combined with the Assassinate ability, you will have much higher Initative than your enemies and be able to add on a lot of bonus damage to your first attacks.
| Level | Features |
| Rogue Level 1 | Sneak Attack |
| Rogue Level 2 | Cunning Action |
| Rogue Level 3 | Choose Subclass (Assassin) Assassin's Alacrity Assassinate |
| Ranger Level 1 | Favored Enemy (Bounter Hunter) Wasteland Wanderer (Fire) |
| Ranger Level 2 | Fighting Style (Archery) Ranger Spells (Longstrider, Hunter's Mark) |
| Rogue Level 4 | Feat ( |
| Ranger Level 3 | Subclass Choice (Gloomstalker) Dread Ambushers Umbral Shroud Superior Darkvision |
| Ranger Level 4 | Feat (Mobile) |
| Ranger Level 5 | Extra Attack Ranger Spells (Pass Without a Trace, Spike Growth) |
| Rogue Level 5 | Sneak Attack Damage Increase Uncanny Dodge |
| Rogue Level 6 | Expertise in 2 Skills |
| Rogue Level 7 | Sneak Attack Damage Increase Evasion |
Best Feats for Gloomstalker Assassin - BG3
You will be able to select two feats by the time you reach Level 9 with the Gloomstalker Assassin multiclass. Increasing ability scores is very helpful, but there are other strong options. Here are the best feats to take for the Gloomstalker Assassin build:
| Feat | Description |
| Alert | You gain a +5 bonus to Initiative and can't be Surprised. |
| Defensive Duelist | When attacked while wielding a Finesse Weapon you're Proficient with, you can use a reaction to add your Proficiency Bonus to your Armour Class, possibly causing the attack to miss. |
| Mobile | Your movement speed increases and difficult terrain doesn't slow you down when you Dash. If you move after making a melee attack, you don't provoke Opportunity Attacks from your target. |
| Savage Attacker | When making weapon attacks, you roll your damage dice twice and use the highest result. |
The advantages of being a Gloomstalker Assassin are sneaking, surprise enemies, and dealing a lot of damage in the first round. With that in mind, these feats will help with early combat, navigation, and keeping you from taking too much damage when attacked.
Best Equipment for Gloomstalker Assassins - BG3
Gloomstalker Assassins work well using ranged weapons and any items that add damage effects, keeps them stealthy, and high in Initiative order.
Best Gloomstalker Assassin Weapons
- Knife of the Undermountain King: Found in Act 1 at the Gith Creche. This weapon can Crit on 19, reroll 1s and 2s on damage die, and has Advantage on obscured targets.
- Darkfire Shortbow: Found in Act 2, sold by Dammon at Last Light Inn. The Darkfire Shortbow is a +2 ranged weapon that gives the user resistance to Cold and Fire damage, and grants a use of Haste.
- Gontr Mael Bow: Found in Act 3 after defeating the Steel Watch Titan. The Gontr Mael Bow is one of the best weapons as a rogue, as it can inflict Guiding Bolt on targets, cast Celestial Haste, and Frighten targets with Celestial Light.
Best Gloomstalker Assassin Gear
- Spidersilk Armor: Dropped by Minthara. Spidersilk Armor is a good upgrade that gives you +1 to Stealth and Advantage on Con Checks.
- Shadow of Menzoberranzan: Found in Act 2 in the Myconid Colony after completing the Myconid quest. This piece of equipment is a must-have for Rogues, as it can grant Invisibilty once per Short Rest.
- Shade-Slayer Cloak: Found in Act 3, sold by Sticky Dondo in the Guildhall. This cloak reduces Critical hit requirements by one while hiding, making your chances of dealing a lot of damage much higher.
For more on Baldur's Gate 3, check out Baldur’s Gate 3 Finesse Weapons Guide here on Pro Game Guides.
Published: Jan 17, 2024 01:30 pm