In BG3, thief vs assassin are two interesting sub-classes of Rogue class.
While they both have an affinity for stealth and art, they take very different approaches in the game.
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What Are Thief In BG3?
In BG3, thieves use their stealth skills to navigate a dangerous landscape.
As masters of stealth, their domain lies in shadows and silence.
Similarly, thieves are excellent at escaping, moving silently, and remaining hidden from their enemies.

Further, they can disable traps and unlock doors that block the way by using their sleight of hand.
The common weapons thieves use are the rapier, shortsword, and light armor.
Moreover, their stealth of hand skills shine when it comes to stealing, allowing them to obtain objects unnoticed.
What Are Assassins In BG3?
Assassins are the swift executioners of Baldur’s Gate 3, realizing the nature of precise and lethal strikes.
Unlike thieves, who excel in the art of the unseen, assassins are all about dealing with death swiftly and decisively.
Their skills are destroying targets and catching opponents by surprise.

Similarly, they can find their enemy’s weakness and deal power critical hits.
The common weapon used by assassins is hand crossbows, longswords, and light armor.
In addition, their ability to handle deadly weapons in battles makes them quick and effective.
Differences Between Thief Vs Assassin In BG3
Here are some differences between thief and assassin in Baldur’s Gate 3.
Thief | Assassin | |
---|---|---|
Playstyle | Stealthy approach and lockpicking skills | Eliminating targets quickly and efficiently |
Skills | Stealth and Thievery | Enhance combat abilities, such as increased critical hit |
Combat | Agility, evasion, and range weapons | Burst damage, taking down enemies swiftly |
Utility | Gathering information, and accessing areas | Identify weak points on enemies |
Special Abilities | Invisible and set traps | Enhance critical hit damage, inflict debuffs on enemies |
Although there are many other differences between a thief vs. an assassin, these are some that can be distinguished between them.
Similarities Between Thief Vs Assassin In BG3
Thief and Assassin also have some similarities in Baldur’s Gate 3.
Here are some similarities between them:
1. Stealth Proficiency
Both thieves and assassins have some amount of stealth proficiency.
Assassins use stealth to approach their targets unseen while focusing on swift and devastating attacks.
Similarly, burglars use their knowledge of stealth to avoid detection and obtain information without drawing suspicion.
2. Agility
Both archetypes rely on their dexterity and quickness. Thieves utilize their agility to avoid opponents and navigate tight locations.
Assassins use their agility to make quick movements that bring them closer to their target.
3. Surprise Attacks
Both thieves and assassins are adept at catching their opponents off guard.
Thieves frequently commence fights from a hidden location, obtaining an advantage by striking before their opponents can respond.
Assassins, as the name implies, specialize in surprise assaults that catch opponents off guard and render them disabled or eliminated.
4. Weapon Mastery
In Baldur’s Gate 3, both classes are skilled with a variety of weapons.
Thieves may choose ranged weapons such as bows or daggers for accurate blows from a distance.
Similarly, assassins are skilled with a wide range of weapons, allowing them to select effective equipment for deadly blows.
5. Tactical Approach
Thieves and assassins both need a tactical approach.
Thieves choose their victims carefully, frequently choosing people who are least likely to detect missing stuff or suspicious activity.
Assassins painstakingly prepare their attacks, finding major adversaries and vulnerabilities that will allow them to neutralize threats swiftly and efficiently.
6. Situational Awareness
Thief and Assassin classes benefit from high situational awareness.
Similarly, Thieves must carefully traverse their environment, detecting traps, secret tunnels, and precious goods.
Assassins, too, rely on good observation to choose the best time to attack, relying on their opponents’ weaknesses and diversions.
The Bottom Line
Depending on their playstyle and objectives, rogue players in Baldur’s Gate 3 have two potential options: thieves and assassins.
Players who value flexibility, movement, and originality will find Thief more appealing.
On the other hand, players who want one-shot kills and high-risk, high-reward action should play assassins.
Both subclasses, however, have their uses and moments when they’re enjoyable and useful.