The best species, backgrounds, feats and weapon masteries for a 2024 rogue, how to use Cunning Strike, two ready-made builds, and what to pick at every level from 1 to 20.
The rogue lands one big hit a turn with 
Sneak AttackSneak AttackLevel 1 featureYou know how to strike subtly and exploit a foe's distraction. Once per turn, you can deal an extra 1d6 damage to one creature you hit with an attack roll if you have Advantage on the roll and the attack uses a Finesse or a Ranged weapon. and spends the rest of the turn hiding, running or getting into position with 
Cunning ActionCunning ActionLevel 2 featureYour quick thinking and agility allow you to move and act quickly. On your turn, you can take one of the following actions as a Bonus Action: Dash, Disengage, or Hide.. Out of combat you are the party's expert: locks, traps, scouting and most skill checks.
The 2024 rules gave the rogue Weapon Mastery and 
Cunning StrikeCunning StrikeLevel 5 featureYou've developed cunning ways to use your Sneak Attack. When you deal Sneak Attack damage, you can add one of the following Cunning Strike effects. Each effect has a die cost, which is the number of Sneak Attack damage dice you must forgo to add the effect., which trades Sneak Attack dice for effects like knocking a target Prone or slipping away. You now choose between more damage and more control on every hit.
The best rogue I ever ran for never once fought fair, and never once got hit by anything she saw coming. Get Advantage, or get an ally next to your target, before you swing. Then get out of reach. A rogue who stands next to the ogre after the hit is a rogue I'm writing a eulogy for.
Sneak AttackSneak AttackLevel 1 featureYou know how to strike subtly and exploit a foe's distraction. Once per turn, you can deal an extra 1d6 damage to one creature you hit with an attack roll if you have Advantage on the roll and the attack uses a Finesse or a Ranged weapon. adds big damage to one hit every turn
ExpertiseExpertiseLevel 1 featureYou gain Expertise in two of your skill proficiencies of your choice. Sleight of Hand and Stealth are recommended if you have proficiency in them. At Rogue level 6, you gain Expertise in two more of your skill proficiencies of your choice. and 
Reliable TalentReliable TalentLevel 7 featureWhenever you make an ability check that uses one of your skill or tool proficiencies, you can treat a d20 roll of 9 or lower as a 10. make you the best at skillsCunning ActionCunning ActionLevel 2 featureYour quick thinking and agility allow you to move and act quickly. On your turn, you can take one of the following actions as a Bonus Action: Dash, Disengage, or Hide. lets you Dash, Disengage or Hide as a Bonus Action
Uncanny DodgeUncanny DodgeLevel 5 featureWhen an attacker that you can see hits you with an attack roll, you can take a Reaction to halve the attack's damage against you (round down). and 
EvasionEvasionLevel 7 featureYou can nimbly dodge out of the way of certain dangers. When you're subjected to an effect that allows you to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, you instead take no damage if you succeed on the saving throw and only half damage if you fail. keep a d8 class aliveDexterity, then Constitution, then Wisdom. Dexterity drives your attacks, AC, Stealth and initiative. Constitution keeps a d8 class standing. Wisdom covers Perception and the saves that stop you being charmed or frightened. Intelligence matters if you want Investigation, or a Player's Handbook subclass like the Arcane Trickster.
In the 2024 rules your ability score increases come from your background. With the standard array and the Criminal background (+2 Dex, +1 Con), assign 15 Dex, 14 Wis, 13 Con, 12 Int, 10 Cha and 8 Str, and you start with:
That is AC 14 in leather armor. Take the Ability Score Improvement feat at level 4 for Dexterity 19 and at level 8 for 20. After that, Constitution or Wisdom.
The Thief is the rogue subclass in the free 2024 rules. It makes your Bonus Action do more, gets you up walls, and at high levels uses magic items better than anyone.
As a Bonus Action, pick a lock, disarm a trap or pick a pocket, take the Utilize action, or use a magic item that needs the Magic action. Your action stays free for the attack.
A Climb Speed equal to your Speed, and you use Dexterity instead of Strength for jump distance.
A new Cunning Strike that lets you stay hidden after attacking from behind cover.
Attune to four magic items, sometimes use a charge for free, and cast spells from any Spell Scroll.
Take two turns in the first round of every combat: one at your initiative and one at initiative minus 10.
The 2024 Player's Handbook also has the Arcane Trickster, the Assassin and the Soulknife. They are not in the free rules, so this guide does not cover them.
Weapon MasteryWeapon MasteryLevel 1 featureYour training with weapons allows you to use the mastery properties of two kinds of weapons of your choice with which you have proficiency, such as Daggers and Shortbows. Whenever you finish a Long Rest, you can change the kinds of weapons you chose. gives the rogue two masteries, and you can change both after a Long Rest. Sneak Attack needs a Finesse or Ranged weapon, so these are the ones that matter.
Getting Sneak Attack. You need Advantage on the attack, or an ally within 5 feet of the target and no Disadvantage. In practice: attack whatever your fighter is fighting, hit with a Vex weapon first, or use 
Steady AimSteady AimLevel 3 featureAs a Bonus Action, you give yourself Advantage on your next attack roll on the current turn. You can use this feature only if you haven't moved during this turn, and after you use it, your Speed is 0 until the end of the current turn. from level 3 if you have not moved.
Cunning Strike. From level 5, Cunning StrikeCunning StrikeLevel 5 featureYou've developed cunning ways to use your Sneak Attack. When you deal Sneak Attack damage, you can add one of the following Cunning Strike effects. Each effect has a die cost, which is the number of Sneak Attack damage dice you must forgo to add the effect. lets you give up Sneak Attack dice for an effect. Trip (1d6) knocks a Large or smaller target Prone on a failed Dexterity save, which gives your melee allies Advantage. Withdraw (1d6) lets you move half your Speed without provoking Opportunity Attacks. Poison (1d6) needs a Poisoner's Kit. From level 11 you can use two at once, and level 14 adds Daze, Knock Out and Obscure. Use Trip when your party is in melee, and keep the damage when the target is nearly dead.
Shoots from behind the party's fighter, then Hides behind them with Cunning Action. Vex and Steady Aim keep Sneak Attack coming every turn.
Build this rogue
Two attacks a turn without spending your Bonus Action, so you get two chances at Sneak Attack and still Disengage. The extra skills make you the party's expert at everything.
Build this rogue| Lvl | PB | Features | Sneak Attack |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | +2 |
ExpertiseExpertiseLevel 1 featureYou gain Expertise in two of your skill proficiencies of your choice. Sleight of Hand and Stealth are recommended if you have proficiency in them. At Rogue level 6, you gain Expertise in two more of your skill proficiencies of your choice.
Sneak AttackSneak AttackLevel 1 featureYou know how to strike subtly and exploit a foe's distraction. Once per turn, you can deal an extra 1d6 damage to one creature you hit with an attack roll if you have Advantage on the roll and the attack uses a Finesse or a Ranged weapon.
 Thieves' CantThieves' CantLevel 1 featureYou picked up various languages in the communities where you plied your roguish talents. You know Thieves' Cant and one other language of your choice, which you choose from the language tables in "Character Creation."
Weapon MasteryWeapon MasteryLevel 1 featureYour training with weapons allows you to use the mastery properties of two kinds of weapons of your choice with which you have proficiency, such as Daggers and Shortbows. Whenever you finish a Long Rest, you can change the kinds of weapons you chose.
|
1d6 |
| 2 | +2 |
Cunning ActionCunning ActionLevel 2 featureYour quick thinking and agility allow you to move and act quickly. On your turn, you can take one of the following actions as a Bonus Action: Dash, Disengage, or Hide.
|
1d6 |
| 3 | +2 |
Rogue SubclassRogue SubclassLevel 3 featureYou gain a Rogue subclass of your choice. The Thief subclass is detailed after this class's description. A subclass is a specialization that grants you features at certain Rogue levels.
Steady AimSteady AimLevel 3 featureAs a Bonus Action, you give yourself Advantage on your next attack roll on the current turn. You can use this feature only if you haven't moved during this turn, and after you use it, your Speed is 0 until the end of the current turn.
Fast HandsFast HandsLevel 3 featureAs a Bonus Action, you can do one of the following. Sleight of Hand. Make a Dexterity (Sleight of Hand) check to pick a lock or disarm a trap with Thieves' Tools or to pick a pocket. Use an Object.
Second-Story WorkSecond-Story WorkLevel 3 featureYou've trained to get into especially hard-to-reach places, granting you these benefits. Climber. You gain a Climb Speed equal to your Speed. Jumper. You can determine your jump distance using your Dexterity rather than your Strength.
|
2d6 |
| 4 | +2 | Ability Score ImprovementAbility Score ImprovementLevel 4 featureYou gain the Ability Score Improvement feat (see "Feats") or another feat of your choice for which you qualify. You gain this feature again at Rogue levels 8, 12, and 16. | 2d6 |
| 5 | +3 |
Cunning StrikeCunning StrikeLevel 5 featureYou've developed cunning ways to use your Sneak Attack. When you deal Sneak Attack damage, you can add one of the following Cunning Strike effects. Each effect has a die cost, which is the number of Sneak Attack damage dice you must forgo to add the effect.
Uncanny DodgeUncanny DodgeLevel 5 featureWhen an attacker that you can see hits you with an attack roll, you can take a Reaction to halve the attack's damage against you (round down).
|
3d6 |
| 6 | +3 |
ExpertiseExpertiseLevel 1 featureYou gain Expertise in two of your skill proficiencies of your choice. Sleight of Hand and Stealth are recommended if you have proficiency in them. At Rogue level 6, you gain Expertise in two more of your skill proficiencies of your choice.
|
3d6 |
| 7 | +3 |
EvasionEvasionLevel 7 featureYou can nimbly dodge out of the way of certain dangers. When you're subjected to an effect that allows you to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, you instead take no damage if you succeed on the saving throw and only half damage if you fail.
Reliable TalentReliable TalentLevel 7 featureWhenever you make an ability check that uses one of your skill or tool proficiencies, you can treat a d20 roll of 9 or lower as a 10.
|
4d6 |
| 8 | +3 | Ability Score ImprovementAbility Score ImprovementLevel 4 featureYou gain the Ability Score Improvement feat (see "Feats") or another feat of your choice for which you qualify. You gain this feature again at Rogue levels 8, 12, and 16. | 4d6 |
| 9 | +4 |
Supreme SneakSupreme SneakLevel 9 featureYou gain the following Cunning Strike option. Stealth Attack (Cost: 1d6). If you have the Hide action's Invisible condition, this attack doesn't end that condition on you if you end the turn behind Three-Quarters Cover or Total Cover.
|
5d6 |
| 10 | +4 | Ability Score ImprovementAbility Score ImprovementLevel 4 featureYou gain the Ability Score Improvement feat (see "Feats") or another feat of your choice for which you qualify. You gain this feature again at Rogue levels 8, 12, and 16. | 5d6 |
| 11 | +4 |
 Improved Cunning StrikeImproved Cunning StrikeLevel 11 featureYou can use up to two Cunning Strike effects when you deal Sneak Attack damage, paying the die cost for each effect.
|
6d6 |
| 12 | +4 | Ability Score ImprovementAbility Score ImprovementLevel 4 featureYou gain the Ability Score Improvement feat (see "Feats") or another feat of your choice for which you qualify. You gain this feature again at Rogue levels 8, 12, and 16. | 6d6 |
| 13 | +5 |
Use Magic DeviceUse Magic DeviceLevel 13 featureYou've learned how to maximize use of magic items, granting you the following benefits. Attunement. You can attune to up to four magic items at once. Charges. Whenever you use a magic item property that expends charges, roll 1d6.
|
7d6 |
| 14 | +5 |
 Devious StrikesDevious StrikesLevel 14 featureYou've practiced new ways to use your Sneak Attack deviously. The following effects are now among your Cunning Strike options. Daze (Cost: 2d6).
|
7d6 |
| 15 | +5 |
 Slippery MindSlippery MindLevel 15 featureYour cunning mind is exceptionally difficult to control. You gain proficiency in Wisdom and Charisma saving throws.
|
8d6 |
| 16 | +5 | Ability Score ImprovementAbility Score ImprovementLevel 4 featureYou gain the Ability Score Improvement feat (see "Feats") or another feat of your choice for which you qualify. You gain this feature again at Rogue levels 8, 12, and 16. | 8d6 |
| 17 | +6 |
Thief's ReflexesThief's ReflexesLevel 17 featureYou are adept at laying ambushes and quickly escaping danger. You can take two turns during the first round of any combat. You take your first turn at your normal Initiative and your second turn at your Initiative minus 10.
|
9d6 |
| 18 | +6 |
 ElusiveElusiveLevel 18 featureYou're so evasive that attackers rarely gain the upper hand against you. No attack roll can have Advantage against you unless you have the Incapacitated condition.
|
9d6 |
| 19 | +6 | Epic BoonEpic BoonLevel 19 featureYou gain an Epic Boon feat (see "Feats") or another feat of your choice for which you qualify. Boon of the Night Spirit is recommended. | 10d6 |
| 20 | +6 |
 Stroke of LuckStroke of LuckLevel 20 featureYou have a marvelous knack for succeeding when you need to. If you fail a D20 Test, you can turn the roll into a 20. Once you use this feature, you can't use it again until you finish a Short or Long Rest.
|
10d6 |
Yes. Weapon Mastery, Steady Aim and Cunning Strike give the 2024 rogue reliable Sneak Attacks and real control on each hit, and it is still the best skill user in the game.
Halfling and Wood Elf. Halfling can Hide behind larger creatures and rerolls 1s with Luck. Wood Elf adds speed and a free Pass without Trace. Human is close behind for its extra Origin feat.
No. You need Advantage, or an ally within 5 feet of the target and no Disadvantage on the roll. The attack must use a Finesse or Ranged weapon, and Sneak Attack works once per turn.
Vex, on a Shortsword, Rapier or Shortbow. A hit gives you Advantage on your next attack against that target, which sets up your next Sneak Attack.
Yes, especially for new players. Fast Hands makes your Bonus Action more useful, Second-Story Work gets you anywhere, and Thief's Reflexes gives you two turns in the first round of combat.
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This guide includes material from the System Reference Document 5.2 by Wizards of the Coast LLC, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. TableForge is not affiliated with Wizards of the Coast. Full licenses.
