Multiclass advice needed

[Klorox]

I’m playing a rogue/wizard in an upcoming game starting at level 2.

I want to start 1/1 with my levels.

Which is a better choice? Rogue or wizard first?

Rogue first means one more skill.

Wizard first means WIS saving throw proficiency (I have a 10 WIS).

I’m not sure which is more important.

Please give me your advice. Thank you.

[nickl_2000]

Do you know what level the campaign is going to and what you play style focus will be?

Are you planning on going more Wizard, more Rogue, or even building style?

What Rogue and Wizard subclass are you wanting?

[Ventruenox]

Also keep in mind that if you want shortswords, longswords, rapiers, hand crossbows, or other simple weapons, that you need to start rogue or get proficiency via racial trait.

Dex saves will be more common in the early game.

[Klorox]

Do you know what level the campaign is going to and what you play style focus will be?

Are you planning on going more Wizard, more Rogue, or even building style?

What Rogue and Wizard subclass are you wanting?

I’ve been told about level 15.

I want more wizard than rogue. I’d say level 3 rogue maximum.

I’m thinking arcane trickster or swashbuckler/bladesinger.

[Klorox]

Also keep in mind that if you want shortswords, longswords, rapiers, hand crossbows, or other simple weapons, that you need to start rogue or get proficiency via racial trait.

Dex saves will be more common in the early game.

Really? I thought a multiclass rogue got you some weapon proficiencies.

Even though I will most likely be going into bladesinger (which will give me rapier), I wanted to use a rapier in the initial session.

[CTurbo]

I'd go Rogue for the skill and armor. Weapons are "nice" but depending on how many levels of Rogue you intend to take, may not be even almost useful. I know I would take at least 2 levels of Rogue for Cunning Action which I think is great for squishy casters.

[Ventruenox]

Nope. (https://5thsrd.org/rules/multiclassing/#proficiencies) Weapon proficiency comes with your starting class, race, or is named on the multiclassing chart.

[Paeleus]

That's a dilemma. If you haven't picked a race and variant human is available, you can pick up Resilient (Dex) to get the +1 and prof in the throw. I think the Wis save outweighs the extra skill.

edit: Start wizard with v. Human (Resilient Dex)

[daemonaetea]

Starting rogue gets you weapons, an extra skill, and a few more HP. The HP difference isn't huge, but can be pretty important at low levels. I'd recommend it overall.

[CTurbo]

I’ve been told about level 15.

I want more wizard than rogue. I’d say level 3 rogue maximum.

I’m thinking arcane trickster or swashbuckler/bladesinger.


Sneaky edit lol


Arcane Trickster "fits" the bill better, but Swashbuckler would be better for combat allowing sneak attack easier as well as the ability to just walk away from who you attack(awesome for Booming Blade). I'd start Rogue and take 5 levels for Uncanny Dodge.

[nickl_2000]

If you are going to get to at least level 12 wizard, your main focus will be casting instead of melee. So either 2 levels for bonus actions or 3 for a subclass.

Personally I would look to scout rogue. The reaction to run away from someone who ends next to is great

[Keravath]

Is your DM enforcing the elf or half-elf only constraint on bladesingers?
Are you planning to be a melee character or mostly a wizard with the rogue benefits to help survivability?
Will you be using booming blade/green flame blade as your action or do you plan to actually attack?

Deciding how you want to play will help decide which choices to make as you level up.

In general, taking rogue first offers a bit more. If you are worried about wis saves you can plan for resilient wisdom later. However your con saves are likely not that great either so you will have some choices to make.

[Man_Over_Game]

Start with Rogue. The Dexterity saving throw is worth just as much as the Wisdom, and it scales better with Evasion (if you get a decent number of Rogue levels).

As for which to build, the Arcane Trickster generally prefers to hide in combat and does most of his cool stuff out of combat. The Bladesinger/Swashbuckler LOVES combat, and prefers to hit badguys hard before running away.


If you want a utility caster, noncombat specialist, Arcane Trickster with Ritual Caster will do everything you need it to.
If you want a melee burst damage dealer, Bladesinger/Swashbuckler, maybe picking up Resilient (Constitution) is a great front-liner.

[Klorox]

Nope. (https://5thsrd.org/rules/multiclassing/#proficiencies) Weapon proficiency comes with your starting class, race, or is named on the multiclassing chart.

You are absolutely correct sir!

And I’m really thinking about wizard first now anyway. I’m so glad you pointed this out.

I figure with elf weapon proficiency, plus I’ll choose bladesinger for rapier, I’ll be set by level 3.