Best Gloomstalker Assassin Build in Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3)

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Best Gloomstalker Assassin Build in Baldur’s Gate 3

Since Baldur’s Gate 3 is based on Dungeons and Dragons, many of its concepts and game mechanics can be quite challenging to get used to. This is especially true if you are new to the series; multiclassing is one such feature. It lets you level up your current class while also allowing you to choose a new one. This enables you to make powerful builds like Paladin Warlock and Fighter Ranger, but the Gloomstalker Assassin build in BG3 is the most popular one. You get these subclasses when you play as a Ranger and a Rogue. If it is a bit confusing then worry not, no matter if you are new to this game or are on your second or third playthrough here is a build that can work out for you.

Character Race: Elf. You could try other races as well, but for beginners, this is the best race to start with, and here are some reasons why:

  • You get weapon proficiency with Longswords, Shortswords, Longbows, and Shortbows.
  • Keen Senses is a racial feature that will grant you proficiency in Perception skills.
  • As a Wood Elf, you also get Fleet of Foot, which increases your Movement Speed by 1.5 m/5 ft, and Mask of the Wild, which gives you proficiency in Stealth.

Level 1 – Ranger

Starting Class: Ranger. You could also start as a Rogue if you want extra skills, but to keep this guide beginner-friendly, we will go with Ranger, as it gives you access to Medium Armor for your equipment proficiency.

As a Level 1 Ranger, you can choose 1 Favored Enemy and 1 Natural Explorer skill. Depending on the party members you plan to add to your team, this can change, although it won’t make too big of a difference, so you can pick any skills that you like; for our build, we will use:

  • Favored Enemy – Bounty Hunter: The creatures you attack with Ensnaring Strike get a Disadvantage on their Saving throw. You also gain proficiency in Investigation.
    • Alternatively, you can select Ranger Knight if you want proficiency with heavy armor.
  • Natural Explorer – Urban Tracker: Gives you Sleight of Hand proficiency.
    • If you already have another person in your party who fulfills this role, then you should use any of the Wasteland Wanderer skills to gain resistance from cold, fire, or poison.
  • Ability Points and Base Stats: Here are the base stats that you can go with:
    • Strength: 10
    • Dexterity: 17
    • Constitution: 15
    • Intelligence: 9
    • Wisdom: 14
    • Charisma: 9

Level 2

  • Spells: You can choose any two spells:
    • Spell 1 – Ensnaring Strike
    • Spell 2 – Hunter’s Mark or Goodberry
  • Fighting Style: Archery or Two-Weapon Fighting

Level 3 – Unlock Gloom Stalker Subclass in BG3

Subclass: Choose Gloom Stalker subclass here.

Level 4

Here you have to choose a feat. The 3 best options here are:

  • Ability Improvement: It lets you increase your either one ability score by 2, or two abilities score by 1.
  • Crossbow Expert: Your crossbow attacks are not disadvantaged at point-blank range. Your piercing shot also inflicts Gaping Wounds for double the duration.
  • Sharpshooter: You can deal an additional 10 damage by taking a -5 penalty to your Attack roll.

Level 5

You get an extra attack and unlock 2nd level spells. You should choose between:

  • Pass Without Trace: Grants you and your allies bonus to stealth checks.
  • Spike Growth: You can turn an area of land into spiky terrain. When enemies walk through it, they take pierce damage and have their speed cut in half.

Level 6 – Multiclass to Rogue

This is where you multiclass into a rogue to unlock Assassin in the following levels. Make sure you are not playing on Explorer difficulty as it doesn’t let players Multiclass.

You start with Rogue level 1 and unlock Expertise and Sneak Attack class features.

Level 7

You gain access to Cunning Actions Dash, Disengage, and Hide as your Bonus Action.

Level 8 – Unlock Assassin Subclass in Baldur’s Gate 3

Finally, you get to choose the Assassin Subclass. It gives you access to Assassin’s Alacrity, Assassinate: Ambush, and Assassinate: Initiative subclass features.

The main build ends here; as for the remaining 4 levels, you can level up your Rogue class further or experiment with multiclassing again with Fighter, Bard, or other classes that you feel can complement your current build.

That is all for the best Gloom Stalker Assassin build in BG3. If you did choose Crossbow Expert as a feat at level 4 above, then you should also check our guide on how to get hand crossbows in Act 3.