CHARACTER CREATION

Dual Wield Rogue Assassin Build - Shadow Minstrel

If you are into optimizing there are a few things that you can do to optimize your build a bit.

Race

So, all the races can have rogue classes and have very interesting backstories for that. However, I do think for optimal setup two of those are better:

Class

The choice here is obvious:

Background

Attributes

For the game start it depends on what are you aiming for. There are different optimization paths here. What do I recommend? I would go with +5 Cunning. This is a bit counterintuitive at first, however, it will make sure you unlock all the chests in the starting areas, and you can do pickpocketing early on.

Moreover, there will be some traps in early areas, and they can be very irritating if not detected. This is not the optimal path in terms of "Damage" but it will not create that feeling of "Feeling of Missing Out" of missed chests and traps (which also give XP!). Cunning will also transform into damage later on in the game.

If you want a more damage-oriented pick, from the start, I would go with +5 Dexterity.

Skills

I recommend one of the below:

Talents

There are 2 main talents that I would prioritize.

Quest Priority & Locations

Once you have finished Ostagar and Lothering, the world will open up and you can visit multiple areas. Below I will cover some progression recommendations, to obtain a few core items needed.

This is an optional progression. If you want to experience the main quests in different sequences, feel free to do that!

  1. 1 Main story quest - any story so that you would progress the world. Circle Tower is great, to get extra Strength points.

  2. Explore the world and wait for a random world encounter where you can recruit Zevran. He is the one who can teach the Assassin specialization with good relations (approval of 27 or more).

  3. Leliana can teach the Bard specialization, with good relations. Talk with her in camp often.

  4. Your preferred quests