The Rogue class in the D&D 2024 Player’s Handbook maintains its role as a stealthy, hard-hitting character.
While core abilities like Sneak Attack still deal the same damage and have similar progression, there are exciting new additions. New Sneak Attack mechanics, Weapon Mastery, and updated subclasses such as Assassin and Thief enhance the Rogue.
This article dives into the changes for the Rogue class in the 2024 Player’s Handbook. Specifically, we’ll explore the new opportunities and abilities that make the Rogue even more versatile and cunning than before.
What’s New for the 2024 Rogue?
The D&D 2024 update for the Rogue class introduces several new features and adjustments. At level 1, players can now choose two weapons to gain Weapon Mastery properties, which can be changed after every long rest. Additionally, Thieves’ Cant now grants an extra language proficiency.
At level 3, the Steady Aim feature from Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything becomes a base class feature.
Most excitingly, the introduction of Cunning Strike allows Rogues to exchange Sneak Attack damage die for effects like Poison, Trip, or Withdraw.
Subclasses also gain significant updates:
- Arcane Trickster can swap out a cantrip upon leveling up, and Versatile Trickster can trip enemies.
- Assassin‘s abilities to poison and disguise themselves are easier to trigger.
- Soulknife‘s Psychic Blades now have the Vex property which means they can reliably gain advantage on their next attack against a creature they hit.
- The Thief can use magic items as a bonus action and stay hidden after attacking.
At level 7, you get the Reliable Talent feature instead of having to wait until level 11. Instead, at level 11, Rogues gain an Improved Cunning Strike to use two Cunning Strike options simultaneously. Level 14 introduces Devious Strikes, adding options to render enemies unconscious, blinded, or limit their actions.
For level 15, Slippery Mind now grants proficiency in both Wisdom AND Charisma saving throws. At level 19, players can choose an Epic Boon feat, or another feat of choice. Finally, level 20 sees an enhancement to Stroke of Luck, making missed attack rolls count as critical hits.
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2024 Rogue Class Features Overview
Weapon Mastery — Level 1
The 2024 Rogue class now includes Weapon Mastery at the first level. This gives rogues the ability to master specific martial weapons and enhance their combat effectiveness early on.
You can change these weapons during each of your long rests. This means that you’ll always be able to quickly adapt to whatever situation comes your way!
Thieves’ Cant Language — Level 1
At the first level, Rogues also acquire Thieves’ Cant, a secret language shared among Rogues. It allows them to communicate and share information discreetly.
As a special bonus, you also gain an additional language proficiency thanks to your experiences and dealings in underworld society.
Subclasses — Level 3
Rogues choose a subclass at level 3, gaining access to unique abilities and traits. D&D 2024 comes with four Rogue subclass options: Arcane Trickster, Assassin, Soulknife, and Thief.
Coming from 5e, each subclass has had some changes made to it.
Arcane Tricksters have more flexibility with their spell selections and can now swap a cantrip out for a different one when they level up. Additionally, their clever mastery of the Mage Hand spell means that using Cunnning Strike’s “Trip” option lets them trip an additional target!
Steady Aim — Level 3
Steady Aim is introduced at level 3. This feature allows rogues to gain advantage on their attacks, ensuring greater accuracy during combat. While this was an optional feature from Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything, it is now a standard class feature.
Cunning Strike — Level 5
At the fifth level, rogues unlock Cunning Strike, a versatile ability that lets them use their Sneak Attack damage dice in new and strategic ways.
Effectively, you trade Sneak Attack dice that would have normally been damage to instead create a different effect. You start with three options and will gain three more at level 14.
Your options at level 5 are to potentially poison the target, knock them prone, or get them with the hit-and-run as you safely move away from them without provoking an opportunity attack.
(I’m a huge fan of this feature and the tactical implications it has for the Rogue!)
Reliable Talent — Level 7
At level 7, Rogues get the Reliable Talent feature. This trait ensures that any skill check made with a proficiency bonus cannot be rolled below a certain minimum, reflecting the Rogue’s expertise.
In 5e, Rogues got this at level 11. However, at level 7 you’re still squishy enough that a failed skill check can quickly spell disaster for you and your allies. Don’t neglect how useful getting this feature four levels earlier is!
Improved Cunning Strike — Level 11
Level 11 introduces Improved Cunning Strike, further enhancing the rogue’s ability to strategically use Sneak Attack damage.
Specifically, you can now use TWO of your Cunning Strike options when successfully landing a Sneak Attack on a target. You scoundrel, you!
Devious Strikes — Level 14
At level 14, Rogues receive Devious Strikes, adding even more options for their combat tactics. This feature further diversifies their strategic approach in battles.
Dazing enemies can severely limit what your target is capable of by limiting them to only one movement, action, or bonus action on their turn. Of course, you can also just flat-out knock them out cold if that makes things easier!
Lastly, you can use Devious Strikes to blind your target until the end of their next turn. Not only does this make it easier for you to get back to hiding, but it means your allies will have a much easier time piling on extra attacks at advantage!
Slippery Mind — Level 15
Slippery Mind returns in D&D 2024 with an upgrade! At level 15 , Rogues gain an improved defense against mind-altering effects and strengthen their mental resilience.
Not only do you have proficiency in Wisdom saving throws, but you also have it in Charisma saving throws now, too!
Epic Boon — Level 19
As with the other classes, Rogues can select one of twelve Epic Boons at level 19. If they would prefer something else, they can instead choose an additional feat.
Epic Boons are pretty cool, but we’ll have to cover those in a different article, so stay tuned!
Stroke of Luck — Level 20
At level 20, Rogues gain their capstone feature: Stroke of Luck.
As in 5e, this feature lets Rogues turn a missed attack or failed ability check into a natural 20. This means that a missed attack turns into a critical hit or that you almost certainly passed the ability check.
In D&D 2024, this now also applies to saving throws. It’s a simple change, but one that you’ll be very glad to have!
Conclusion – D&D 2024 Rogue Changes
The changes to the Rogue class in D&D 2024 do a lot to add more options to the class and make it more engaging to play.
While the changes aren’t as major as those being made to other classes (the Monk’s 2024 changes, for example), they’re thoughtful enough to bring a heavy impact. Especially with Cunning Strike and Devious Strikes, Rogues now have no shortage of ways to adapt to a situation and further hinder enemies.
But what do you think about the changes to the Rogue class in D&D 2024? Already planning the concept for your first character using the new Rogue rules? Share your thoughts below and join the discussion!
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Until next time, stay sneaky, my friends!
