Phantom Rogue Stealth and Damage Blueprint
This guide gives a complete, practical blueprint for a Phantom Rogue in Baldurs Gate 3 that emphasizes sneak attack burst, spectral utility, battlefield mobility, and survivability. You’ll get a level‑by‑level progression plan, stat and race recommendations, weapon and armor choices, item priorities, combat rotations, party synergy, suggested feats, multiclass considerations, and an FAQ. The aim is to make you a decisive opener who controls engagements, splits damage with the Phantom’s spectral mechanics, and remains a constant threat through positioning and timing.
Why the Phantom Rogue works
The Phantom Rogue takes the classic rogue toolkit—stealth, cunning, and sneak attack—and layers on a spectral mechanic that lets you manipulate how damage and effects propagate. That spectral layer turns single‑target burst into multi‑target pressure: you can create windows where allies finish off marked or weakened foes, or you can siphon off part of an enemy’s vitality to protect yourself. The class rewards players who think in terms of angles, timing, and action economy: open from stealth, land a heavy hit, then use movement and spirit abilities to keep enemies off balance.
Core stats and attribute priorities
Your primary attribute is Dexterity. It governs attack rolls with finesse weapons, damage with many rogue weapons, and Armor Class when wearing light armor. Secondary is Constitution for hit points and concentration checks if you rely on items or spells that require them. Tertiary choices depend on roleplay and utility: Wisdom helps Perception and some saves, while Charisma can be useful for social checks if you want to lean into rogue social play.
Start with a high Dexterity (16–18) and a solid Constitution (12–14). If you can push Dexterity to 20 by mid to late game through ability score improvements or items, do it—every point increases both offense and defense. Avoid spreading stats too thin; the Phantom’s power comes from reliably landing sneak attack and surviving long enough to use its spectral features.
Race and background recommendations
Pick a race that boosts Dexterity or grants stealth/mobility perks. Wood Elf and Halfling (Lightfoot) are classic choices: Wood Elf gives movement and Perception advantages, while Lightfoot Halflings provide stealthy roleplay and luck mechanics that can save you in clutch moments. Human variants that grant a free feat can be excellent if you want an early mobility or damage feat.
Backgrounds that grant Stealth or Sleight of Hand proficiency accelerate your early game. Criminal, Urchin, or Charlatan are thematically appropriate and mechanically useful. If you prefer social play, choose a background that complements your party composition and roleplay goals.
Skills and expertise
Expertise is the rogue’s signature utility. Take Expertise in Stealth and Sleight of Hand to dominate exploration and infiltration. Perception is essential for traps and ambush detection; Acrobatics helps with movement and avoiding grapples. Keep your skill spread tight: the Phantom excels when it controls the battlefield before combat begins.
Subclass and progression highlights
Choose the Phantom subclass at the subclass unlock. The Phantom’s features revolve around spectral marks and soul‑linked effects that interact with sneak attack. Early levels focus on securing Sneak Attack dice and Cunning Action so you can reliably open fights and reposition. Midgame is when the Phantom’s unique features begin to shine: you’ll be able to transfer effects, split damage, or mark enemies so allies can capitalize. Late game is about optimizing positioning, item synergies, and timing to keep landing advantage‑based attacks and to make the most of the Phantom’s multi‑target pressure.
Level by level plan (concise roadmap)
Start by maximizing your stealth and attack reliability. Early levels are about getting Sneak Attack and Cunning Action online. Mid levels are about unlocking and using the Phantom’s spectral toolkit to create multi‑target opportunities. Late levels are about refining gear, feats, and tactics to keep your damage consistent and your survivability high.
At levels 1–3, focus on establishing your role: high Dexterity, Expertise in Stealth, and a finesse weapon. Levels 4–6 are where you pick up the Phantom subclass features and begin to use spirit mechanics in combat. Levels 7–10 expand your Sneak Attack dice and give you more options for mobility and utility. Levels 11–15 and beyond are about itemization and perfecting rotations: you should be landing high‑value sneak attacks, using spirit effects to split or redirect damage, and coordinating with your party for follow‑up bursts.
Weapons armor and equipment priorities
Use finesse melee weapons—rapier or shortsword—for consistent sneak attack triggers. A rapier gives higher single‑hit damage while shortswords allow dual‑wielding if you want off‑hand flexibility. Keep a light crossbow or hand crossbow for ranged openings; these let you open from stealth at a distance and then close in.
Armor should be light to preserve Dexterity benefits. Look for items that boost Dexterity, grant invisibility or advantage, increase movement, or add critical hit chance. Consumables that grant invisibility, advantage, or temporary movement boosts are invaluable for opening rounds and escaping bad situations.
Prioritize items that:
Increase Dexterity or grant bonus attack/damage.
Provide invisibility or stealth bonuses.
Grant extra movement or bonus actions.
Improve critical chance or sneak attack reliability.
Feats and ability score improvements
Feats are a matter of playstyle. If you want raw damage, increase Dexterity to 20 as soon as possible. Mobility feats that increase movement or allow you to ignore difficult terrain are excellent for a hit‑and‑run playstyle. Feats that increase critical windows or grant extra attacks can be powerful but consider how they interact with sneak attack scaling.
Good feat choices include those that boost Dexterity, increase mobility, or grant a reliable way to gain advantage. If you have a human variant, an early feat can accelerate your build’s power curve.
Multiclassing considerations
Multiclassing can add utility but often dilutes the Rogue’s sneak attack scaling and action economy. Short dips into classes that grant useful bonus actions or spells (for example, a single level of Fighter for a fighting style and Second Wind, or a level of Ranger for some utility) can be tempting, but only take them if the benefit is immediate and does not slow your sneak attack progression. The Phantom’s power is tied to Rogue levels; staying pure Rogue is the safest path to maximize sneak attack dice and subclass features.
Combat flow and rotation
The Phantom Rogue’s combat flow is about opening decisively and then controlling the engagement through movement and spirit mechanics. A typical rotation:
Open from stealth with a ranged or melee attack that triggers sneak attack and grants advantage. After the hit, use Cunning Action to hide or disengage. If you have a spirit ability that splits or marks, apply it to a second target to create multi‑target pressure. If the target is weakened, coordinate with spellcasters or heavy hitters to finish them. If isolated, kite and chip until another window for a sneak attack appears.
Positioning is everything. Use high ground, cover, and choke points to force enemies into predictable paths. Use the environment to funnel foes into kill zones where your party can capitalize on the Phantom’s marks.
Opening strategies and stealth play
Stealth is your best friend. Approach encounters from angles that let you remain unseen until you strike. Use invisibility consumables or spells from allies to guarantee your opening. If you can’t get full stealth, create advantage through flanking, crowd control, or ally buffs.
When opening, prioritize targets that threaten your party’s action economy: spellcasters, controllers, or enemies that can break your stealth. A single well‑placed sneak attack on a caster can swing an entire fight.
Managing survivability
Phantoms are glass cannons if played recklessly. Invest in Constitution and items that grant temporary HP or damage mitigation. Use hit‑and‑run tactics: strike, hide, and reposition. Keep potions and healing items on hand. If you’re frequently targeted, consider items that grant resistance or that punish attackers.
When facing heavy hitters, avoid prolonged face‑to‑face fights. Use terrain, cover, and allies to create distance. If you must trade blows, time your spirit abilities to siphon or redirect damage so you don’t get overwhelmed.
Party synergy and ideal companions
The Phantom Rogue shines with allies who can grant advantage, restrain, or otherwise control enemies. Spellcasters who can incapacitate or restrain targets create perfect windows for sneak attack. Fighters and barbarians who can pin enemies or hold the frontline let you pick targets safely. Support characters who can buff movement or grant invisibility are also excellent partners.
In a party, your role is to open fights, mark or split damage, and create follow‑up opportunities for your allies. Communicate with your team: tell casters which targets you’ll mark so they can prepare finishing spells.
Tactical examples
Against a single elite, use stealth to land a heavy sneak attack, then use Cunning Action to hide and reposition. Apply the Phantom’s spectral effect to siphon or mark a secondary target if available. If the elite is alone, kite and chip until you can open again.
Against groups, pick a priority target—usually a caster or controller—then use the Phantom’s spectral mechanics to spread pressure. Funnel enemies into choke points and let area control spells from allies finish them.
Against bosses with minions, use your spirit ability to mark the boss while your allies clear minions. This creates a situation where the boss is vulnerable to coordinated burst.
Consumables and situational items
Keep invisibility potions, advantage‑granting items, and movement boosters in your inventory. Smoke bombs or items that create cover are useful for escapes. Healing potions and items that grant temporary HP are essential for clutch survivability.
When choosing permanent gear, prioritize Dexterity boosts, stealth bonuses, and items that grant extra actions or movement. Items that increase critical chance or add bonus damage on hits are also high value for a sneak attack‑centric build.
Playstyle tips and mindset
Think like a predator: patience, timing, and positioning matter more than raw aggression. The Phantom Rogue is at its best when it controls when and where fights happen. Don’t be afraid to skip a fight if the terrain or enemy composition is unfavorable. Use scouting, traps, and social checks to avoid unnecessary combat.
When in combat, always ask: can I create advantage? Can I mark a second target? Can I reposition to a safer angle? If the answer is yes, act accordingly. If not, retreat and regroup.
Advanced tactics and micro decisions
Use the environment to your advantage. High ground, narrow corridors, and chokepoints amplify the Phantom’s strengths. Time your spirit abilities to coincide with ally spells that deal area or burst damage. If you can mark an enemy just before a fireball or cone, you’ll often turn a single‑target sneak attack into a multi‑target wipe.
When facing enemies that resist physical damage, use your spirit mechanics to shift pressure onto vulnerable targets or to create openings for elemental or magical follow‑ups from allies.
Endgame optimization
Late game is about perfecting your build and maximizing consistency. Push Dexterity to 20, secure the best light armor and weapons, and slot items that grant invisibility or extra actions. Coordinate with your party to ensure you always have at least one reliable way to gain advantage on your opening attack.
If you have access to legendary or unique items that grant extra movement or bonus actions, prioritize them. The Phantom’s action economy is fragile; anything that gives you more options per turn is valuable.
Sample encounter walkthrough
Imagine a fortified camp with a caster, two archers, and a brute. You approach from the treeline and remain hidden. Use a hand crossbow to open on the caster from stealth, landing a sneak attack with advantage. Immediately use Cunning Action to hide behind cover. Apply the Phantom’s spectral mark to the brute so your fighter can focus it while your wizard drops a control spell on the archers. The caster, now weakened, is finished by a coordinated burst from your party. You never traded blows with the brute and the archers never had a chance to pin you down.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
A common mistake is overcommitting to a single target without an escape plan. Always have an exit strategy: a hiding spot, a potion, or a route to disengage. Another mistake is ignoring party synergy—Phantoms are best when they create windows for allies. Finally, don’t neglect Constitution; a few extra hit points save many reloads.
Customization and roleplay
The Phantom archetype lends itself to dark, mysterious roleplay. You can lean into a haunted backstory, a pact with a spectral patron, or a thief who traffics in souls. Customize your dialogue choices to reflect a character who values secrecy and precision. Mechanically, you can tweak skill choices to emphasize social infiltration or pure combat stealth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Phantom Rogue different from other rogues?
The Phantom adds a spectral layer that lets you mark or split damage, turning single‑target sneak attack into multi‑target pressure. That mechanic changes how you approach fights: you’re not just a single‑target burst dealer, you’re a battlefield manipulator.
Which weapons should I use?
Finesse melee weapons like rapier or shortsword are ideal for consistent sneak attack triggers. Keep a light crossbow or hand crossbow for ranged openings. Choose weapons that let you maintain mobility and trigger sneak attack reliably.
Is multiclassing worth it?
Multiclassing can add utility but often slows sneak attack progression. Short dips for immediate benefits can work, but staying pure Rogue usually yields the best long‑term payoff for a Phantom.
How do I open combat reliably?
Use stealth, invisibility items, or ally spells that grant advantage. Positioning and scouting are key. If you can’t get full stealth, create advantage through flanking or crowd control.
What feats should I pick?
Prioritize increasing Dexterity to 20, mobility feats, or feats that grant reliable advantage or extra actions. Choose based on whether you want raw damage, survivability, or action economy.
How do I survive heavy hits?
Invest in Constitution, use cover and hit‑and‑run tactics, and keep healing consumables ready. Use spirit mechanics to siphon or redirect damage when possible.
How should I coordinate with my party?
Tell your allies which targets you’ll mark so they can prepare finishing spells. Pair with controllers and casters who can restrain or incapacitate enemies to create consistent sneak windows.
Quick answer: Below is a focused level‑by‑level checklist for a Phantom Rogue in Baldurs Gate 3 plus a compact full gear shopping list so you can level efficiently and equip the build without hunting dozens of guides. This is the level plan you asked for and includes exact ability choices and recommended item names.
Level 1–3 Early foundation
Start with Dexterity 16, Constitution 14. Choose Rogue and take Stealth and Sleight of Hand proficiencies; set Expertise on Stealth and Sleight of Hand at level 1. Weapon: equip a Rapier for single‑hit damage and a Hand Crossbow for stealth opens. At level 2 take Cunning Action (Dash/Disengage/Hide). At level 3 pick Phantom subclass and use the subclass feature to begin applying spectral marks.
Level 4–6 Midgame growth
At level 4 take an Ability Score Improvement to push Dexterity toward 18 or pick a feat that boosts mobility. Continue to prioritize Sneak Attack reliability: use cover and invisibility consumables to open. At level 5 your Sneak Attack dice increase—focus on positioning and use Cunning Action to hide after attacking. By level 6 you should be using the Phantom’s soul‑linked effects to split or redirect damage in multi‑target fights.
Level 7–9 Power spike
At level 7 invest in Constitution or finish Dexterity to 20 at level 8 if possible. Choose feats like Mobile or Alert only if they match your playstyle; otherwise take +Dex. At level 9 your Sneak Attack scales further—start coordinating marks with party burst spells. Swap to a +1 Rapier or unique rapier you find that grants extra crit or damage.
Level 10–12 Endgame readiness
By level 10 you should have maxed core skills and be using spirit mechanics every fight. At level 11 and 12 refine your gear: seek items that grant invisibility on use, bonus action movement, or extra sneak triggers. Consider a Cloak of Elvenkind style item and a Boots of Speed equivalent for mobility.
Full gear shopping list (priority order)
Acquire a Rapier with +Dex or crit bonus; keep a Hand Crossbow for ranged stealth opens. Light armor that preserves Dex bonus; aim for a cloak or item that grants stealth/invisibility on use. Look for gloves or rings that add attack/damage or grant advantage on first attack. Consumables: Invisibility Potions, Smoke Bombs, and Healing Potions. Late game: seek unique legendary items that add bonus actions or extra movement.
Skills feats and party notes
Keep Expertise on Stealth and Sleight of Hand. Invest in Perception and Acrobatics as tertiary skills. Feats: prioritize Dexterity increases, then Mobile or Lucky for clutch saves. Pair with casters who can restrain or grant advantage to guarantee sneak attack windows.
Quick in‑game checklist
At every level: confirm Sneak Attack dice, update Expertise choices, equip best rapier, and slot invisibility consumable. Before major fights: scout, position for stealth, and coordinate which enemy you’ll mark with the Phantom effect.
Quick answer: This delivers a focused level‑by‑level checklist and a prioritized full gear shopping list for a Phantom Rogue in Baldurs Gate 3, giving exact choices and in‑game priorities so you can level efficiently and equip the build for reliable sneak attack openings and spectral utility.
Level by level checklist
Level 1–4 foundation: Start Rogue; set Dexterity to 16 and Constitution to 14. Take Stealth and Sleight of Hand proficiencies and set Expertise on both at level 1. Equip a Rapier and a Hand Crossbow. At level 2 take Cunning Action. At level 3 choose Phantom to unlock the soul‑linked effect; at level 4 use your first ASI to push Dex or take a feat like Savage Attacker or Alert depending on playstyle.
Level 5–8 consolidation: Increase Sneak Attack dice and gain Uncanny Dodge at 5. Prioritize finishing Dex to 18 then 20 via ASIs; consider Mobile for hit‑and‑run or Lucky for clutch rerolls. Use the Phantom’s early soul mechanics to start splitting damage and capturing soul trinkets when available.
Level 9–12 power spike: Evasion and higher Sneak Attack dice make you a true skirmisher. Slot items that grant invisibility or advantage on first attack. If you took a human variant feat earlier, this is where it compounds—maximize Dex to 20 and shore up Constitution if you need survivability.
Level 13–20 mastery: Use advanced Phantom features (extra necrotic spread, soul trinket utilities) and finalize feats like Tough or Sentinel if you want durability or battlefield control. Optimize action economy: maintain Cunning Action usage, coordinate marks with casters, and keep mobility items active.
Full gear shopping list (priority order)
Core weapons: Rapier (preferably +1 or unique rapier with crit/damage bonus); Shortsword or Dagger off‑hand if dual wielding; Hand Crossbow for stealth opens.
Armor and cloaks: Best light armor that preserves Dex; seek cloaks that grant stealth/invisibility or fog effects (re‑stealth tools).
Rings gloves and headgear: Rings that grant advantage on attacks or boost Dex saves; gloves adding elemental damage; masks or hats that increase hit chance or initiative.
Consumables and situational items: Invisibility Potions, Smoke Bomb equivalents, Healing Potions, and any item that grants temporary advantage or extra movement.
Late game uniques: Items that add bonus actions, extra movement, or increase critical chance; anything that stacks with sneak attack or grants repeated advantage is top priority.
Short play reminders and priorities
Keep Expertise on Stealth and Sleight of Hand, always scout before fights, and coordinate which enemy you’ll mark so allies can follow up. Push Dex to 20 early and use consumables to guarantee your opening.
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