Rogue 5E has always been popular, even if it hasn’t always been the top choice for MMO gamers. That is not to say, of course, that Rogue is not a very good class; far from it in fact. Rogue is one of the most flexible classes in the game. It can handle both melee combat and ranged combat, and its damage output surpasses even the highest optimized spec. Rogue 5E gives as much exertion from a few aptitudes to maximizing their potential use of a variety of talents, giving them an almost endless ability to culmination their combat abilities.
Leveling:
The trick is knowing which abilities to emphasize and how to best use them. A Rogue in a party can be a huge asset, especially when leveling; there are so many abilities that combine for incredible effects that the Rogue ends up being a powerhouse in no time at all. Every rogue needs some form of saving throws – the classic dispel magic, but other options include protection from poison, stun, and instant knockouts. There are also “combat healing” abilities that restore everyone’s health, allowing them to shrug off damage and keep Rogue in the fight.
Cornerstone of effective Rogue 5E:
The cornerstone of effective Rogue play is the seemingly perfect knack for getting just the right combination of rolls on the dice. In order to get just the right roll each time, a Rogue needs to know the difference between what they want to do, and what will happen. In order to achieve this, the Rogue must be able to judge whether they are rolling higher than half damage or lower. Simply put, a Rogue can roll normally but lose half their hit points (which is equivalent to their agility score) when doing so. The solution to this problem is using uncanny dodge.
Part of a Rogue 5E:
An important part of a Rogue’s skill set involves her ability to use the various styles of fighting. In order to be a highly effective Rogue, you should take full advantage of your style’s strengths, while using your weakness to your benefit. Here, we’ll discuss different fighting styles, both classic and new to 5E; combat, tanking, and survival.
Incredible assortment of abilities:
Rogues have an incredible assortment of abilities, some useful, others simply hilarious. The obvious abilities, such as surprise attacks, crowd control, and the “block” command, are extremely beneficial for Rogues. A nice little thing to note about Rogues is that they get +4 dodge, which is superior to all other classes. This allows rogues to avoid taking damage from melee attackers, or those who rely too much on their pets. Pet abilities, such as the ever-popular “Marksmanship” have been improved for Rogues in the new 5E game.
Other option for Rogue 5E:
The other option for Rogues is to the tank. Tanking is generally not recommended for Rogues, but the party may very well need one for any given encounter. In general, a rogue should never be counted on to take a big hit, so consider positioning for a tanking role if you want to play one. For Rogues that do not like to sit in the back, Combat Rogues offer great tanking abilities, such as Gythian Talent Tree, which allows them to go into stealth, and gain the benefit of bonus AC.
Great stealth ability:
The rogue still retains her great stealth ability, but now has a few more shortcomings. First, thieves’ tools now don’t generate stealth, nor do they provide any bonuses for doing so. If you want to be really sneaky, though, there are few options. One option is to use items such as the Ebony Mail, which provides a bonus to stealth detection. Another option is to use the Choker, which decreases the chance to be seen while wearing any piece of armor, including shoulders, cuirass, or shield. Rogues also lose out on the powerful saber/dagger combo, which is only available to fighter/cleric characters.
Conclusion:
Overall, the Rogue 5E of the Emerald Hive continues to have its niche within the game. They offer good benefits for those willing to commit time and patience to hone their skills. While there are certainly better characters to go for in the first half of the fifth edition Player’s Handbook, the rogues still have their place among the alternatives.