Fans of Larian Studios know just how flexible characters can become inDivinity: Original Sin 2. Moreover, the right progression and Skills combination can turn any character into a devastating DPS powerhouse. For technical players,Original Sin 2offers a lot of means to “break” the script and score insane damage. In short,Divinity: Original Sin 2has the tools for the perfect Rogue.
As with any RPG, a Rogue offers a ton of flexibility to tinker withOriginal Sin 2’s core mechanics. Additionally, the right Rogue build can end combat encounters before they even fully begin. However, how can players tap into a Rogue’s full potential inLarian Studios’Original Sin 2?
Updated on July 26, 2025, by Rhenn Taguiam:Despite the popularity of Baldur’s Gate 3 as Larian Studios proving the viability of a modern and accurate D&D 5e adaptation, fans of the acclaimed RPG may want to consider playing Divinity: Original Sin 2, especially when comparing game mechanics. This is especially the case with both BG3 and Original Sin 2 relying heavily on stealth plays for their Rogues but still having wildly different playstyles. From the perspective of Original Sin 2’s Rogue, a powerhouse stealthy character may be created by checking out effective Skills, re-entry strategies, and party compositions.
Create, Experiment With Builds Via Magic Mirror
Procedure
Use the Magic Mirror whenever players want to rehash their Skill or Stat distribution
Effect
Respeccing via the Magic Mirror allows players to experiment with builds safely without having to restart their whole progress
Thanks to theMagic Mirror inDivinity: Original Sin 2gameplay, players don’t necessarily have to get nervous about creating the wrong builds. Just activating the Mirror allows them not just to change the appearance of their Rogue, but to also respec them to their heart’s content.
Theoretically, this feature does ensure that players can continuously experiment and adjust their Rogue builds whenever certain setups don’t work in their favor. Likewise, players get more freedom cheesing builds and figuring out which setups produce the most firepower, especially when building stealth-reliant builds. Working with the knowledge that the Magic Mirror can reset stats can help players build the perfect Rogue without hesitation.
Get Mobility Skills To Ensure Methods Of Escaping Combat
Always have a movement Skill prepared, such as Cloak and Dagger (Scoundrel 2), Tactical Retreat (Marksman 2), or even Spread Your Wings (Polymorph 2)
Having a mobility Skill prepared all the time allows Rogues to exit combat quickly in emergencies, allowing players to reassert control over combat once the Rogue re-enters via an attack
While it’s true that the Rogue’s mastery of mobility allows them to enter combat whenever they want, players who want to make strong Rogue builds should also consider their exit plans. The Rogue they will create is likely much more vulnerable compared to the team’s tank and frontline fighter, which in itself is an unfortunate circumstance considering how close they have to get to enemiesto proc Sneak Attacks, just like the Rogue inBaldur’s Gate 3.
In turn, it’s practical for Rogues to also consider how they want to exit battlefields in case of emergencies. Leaping-based Skills or even teleporting spells should always be available at the Rogue’s disposal for worst-case exits, especially since this allows them to go back to town to resupply or even reposition themselves to get the upper hand.
Consider Setting Up The Environment For Combos
Use other Skills to set up the environment for combos, especially those that create surfaces
Players can build more damage once their Rogues use other Skills on those surfaces and damage types, such as Fossil Strike (Geomancer) to create oil for Pyrokinetic Skills to combust, or a Poison Dart (Geomancer) that can Poison foes or coat a weapon in Poison
While it’s true that the Rogue’s penchant for stealth means theirDivinity: Original Sin 2build is tied to surprise attacks, this shouldn’t be their only source of DPS. Players who want to make the most out of their Rogues should consider how the environment plays into the picture of their builds. For instance, Rogues could always keep a Pyrokinetic Skill handy to ensure they can trigger barrels from another part of the map.
Likewise, Rogues should always consider other elemental triggers that could benefit their attacks. Common triggers include lightning spells from the Aerotheurge School, or even the occasional oil from Geomancer for Pyrokinetic setups. This way, Rogues have Skills other than their Backstabs that can dish heavy damage.
Combine Skills From Different Schools To Achieve Different Effects
Combining Skills from other Schools, such as Poison Darts (Geomancer) or even Elemental Arrowheads (Marksman)
The right Skill combos can help Rogues perform better in combat. For instance, Rogues can set up high-damage attacks if they Poison enemies via Poison Darts or boost damage from afar with Elemental Arrowheads
When players create a Rogue for the first time or for the first few hours of the game, it’s crucial to secure their character’s survival throughthe right selection of Skills. While players may already have the Rogue or Shadowblade Class templates as basis of their Rogue build’s preliminary Skills, understanding which Skills are must-haves to accommodate the Rogue’s limited Memory can transform them into an early-game powerhouse.
For instance, Backlash and Throwing Knife under Scoundrel are powerful for multi-range Backstabs, but Adrenaline is more practical to secure more AP for extra actions. Outside the Scoundrel School, players may be surprised to learn that Poison Darts (Geomancer) for extra damage, Nether Swap (Aerotheurge) for repositioning with enemies, and even Elemental Arrowheads (Marksman) for adaptability could expand the Rogue’s arsenal.
Coordinate Skill Combos With Other Characters
Consider how the Rogue’s toolkit can work with other members of the party, especially when engaging in combat
A Rogue can maximize their combat performance if their attacks are executed properly. For instance, a tank can grab focus from enemies so Rogues can backstab a powerful enemy, leaving them ripe for the taking against the team’s long-ranged specialists
Despite the efficiency ofa Rogue-type character inDivinity: Original Sin 2combat, their tendency to be just as squishy as spellcasters makes it impractical to have them go toe-to-toe against powerful foes. In this regard, players attempting to build Rogues and Shadowblades for assassinations should consider leading up to powerful combos by baiting the rest of the team.
For instance, having a tank distract a target could allow the Rogue to sneak up on them much easier for a guaranteed Backstab. Likewise, should the Rogue become the last combatant to enter the encounter, delaying a teammate’s turn to accommodate a sneak attack is an ideal strategy. After all, this means the player’s party still has the chance to dish out a Skill should the Rogue fail to one-shot the target.
Pair Sneaking With The Right Backstab Entrance
Maximize Backstabs via Skills like Backlash (Scoundrel 1), Throwing Knife (Scoundrel 1), and Fan of Knives (Scoundrel 3)
Backstabs grant a 100% Critical Hit Chance, ensuring Rogues maximize their damage output
Backstab remains one of the most powerful assets of a Rogue build inDivinity: Original Sin 2, especially with its compatibility with the game’s stealth mechanics. At its core, Backstabs can only occur with a Dagger or a Knife, and when aiming at the target’s rear. Should players execute this properly, Backstabs give players a 100-percent Critical Hit Chance, practically guaranteeing a Critical Hit.
However, what makes Backstabs especially deadly is when Rogues uses it with the Scoundrel School’s compatible Skills. There are only three such Skills under the School, one of which has a steep Source requirement (Fan of Knives, Scoundrel 3) but comes with a Backstab-compatible AOE. Regardless of this caveat, Rogues relying on Backlash (Scoundrel 1) for melee crits and Throwing Knife (Scoundrel 1) for long-ranged crits can make characters incredibly powerful in the opening turns of combat.
Transform Enemies Into Chickens To Break Momentum
Use Chicken Claw (Polymorph) as soon as enemies lose their Physical Armour
The guaranteed chicken transformation once enemies run out of Physical Armour can allow the Rogue to remove bosses from combat
At first glance, a Rogue-type character in a player’sDivinity: Original Sin 2experience is usually reserved for speedy and stealthy kills that don’t give enemies time to react. However, some Rogues are also built as wildcards capable of shifting the balance of combat with a single Skill. In this regard,Chicken Claw (Polymorph)might be an asset that the Rogue could use in emergency situations, especially with its OP nature.
Fans know Chicken Claw as the infamous Skill that transforms a target into a chicken provided they don’t have Physical Armour left. What makes the Skill overpowered is its ability to affect bosses as well, allowing fans to make quick work of the likes of the Harbinger of Doom in a few turns. While using Chicken Claw feels like cheating out of an interesting combat encounter, a Rogue has some of the best stats capable of destroying Physical Armour to proc this effect.
16Sneaking Can Become Overpowering
Rogues should maintain Sneaking even if the rest of the party is in combat
Rogues only get in the Initiative Order if they’re detected during Sneaking. If the other party members are already in battle when the Rogue enters the field, the line of sight of all creatures stay put, allowing players to navigate without breaking stealth
Despite perceived complexity, Sneaking remains one of the most powerful assets a character could utilize in combat. After all, Sneak can have characters explore a battlefield without having AP restrictions. It’s only when they enter combat or get detected that they get counted within the Initiative Order. And with a Rogue that has Backlash (Scoundrel 1) and advantages to Sneaking, attacking from such a position can dish out as much damage as possible.
Granted, Rogues can already deal a lot of damage via Backlash, courtesy of the Backstab mechanic. However,when done via Sneaking, Rogues can position themselves in the best place possible before making the attack. This allows Rogues to go toe-to-toe with their target while bypassing Initiative.
Use the Rogue’s high Sneak to survey the battlefield
This lets players find better vantage points for long-ranged attackers, as well as entryways for tanks and other melee DPS
Again thanks to Sneaking, Rogues can become one of the most efficient scouts in the game. With this mechanic,Rogues can survey distant battlefields without arousing suspicion. This allows them to help players get a better view of the map and position the rest of the team before initiating fights.
Thanks to their high Finesse Rogues also move the furthest in any given turn. In combat, this means they can reach the most distant enemies the fastest. However, in the context of scouting, high move speed also helps them quickly exit unexpected encounters.
Secure Survivability With High Dodging
Focus on raising Dodging per points through Leadership (+2%), Dual Wielding (+1%), as well as getting bonuses via the Parry Master Talent (+10% when Dual Wielding), and being a Dwarf (+5%)
High-enough Dodging can ensure Rogues don’t get hit even if they’re beside enemies all the time, leaving AOE to be their biggest threat
It’s a common RPG trope for Rogues to be glass cannons in the same vein as Wizards. Whereas Wizards trade their health for high magic damage, Rogues often trade defense for incredibly high DPS. As such, Rogues often rely on playstyles that focus on hit-and-run tactics. Some players can expertly bypass these disadvantages by giving Rogues ridiculously high dodge stats, letting the strongest attacks just pass through them.
InOriginal Sin 2, players can also do the same trick.With a high-enough Dodging Attribute, a Rogue can bypass almost any attack.In this regard, players can have Roguesact as substitute tanksto distract bosses as allies try to get their attacks in.
