One D&D Rogue Subclass Tier List
Full Subclass Tier List
The subclass rankings are based solely on other available subclasses within the same base class, not necessarily how they would perform in a game or compared to subclasses from other base classes. For a more holistic view on the power level of each subclass, reference the Full Subclass Tier List above.
*All classes with an asterisk (*) are in the 2024 PHB*
S Tier
None
A Tier
Arcane Trickster Rogue* – Spellcasting is busted, especially in a class that doesn’t normally get it so no surprise there. While I wouldn’t put this in S tier necessarily, it is a good deal better than the other subclasses in terms of power and versatility.
B Tier
Phantom Rogue – You have a bit of a slow start (like functionally all Rogues), but your level 9 ability is quite powerful putting this a bit above the other subclasses. Beyond your Soul Trinket, you also get a bit more proficiencies than other classes which is nice.
C Tier
Swashbuckler Rogue – The power of the Swashbuckler is completely front loaded as both Fancy Footwork and Rakish Audacity are quite good abilities, but that’s where all the power is. Until level 17, the Swashbuckler really doesn’t get any better which is really unfortunate, but if you’re playing a low level campaign, this will probably serve you better than any other Rogue subclass in the game.
Soulknife Rogue* – I think I’m in the minority but I personally do not like the Psychic Blades feature much which is the crux of this subclass. However, Psi Bolstered Knack and your level 9 improvement to your Blades is pretty nice. This is a solid class all around, but it doesn’t necessarily excel in any one capacity.
D Tier
Assassin Rogue* – With the changes to your main feature, Assassinate, this subclass unfortunately got nerfed pretty hard. It’s not like it’s bad now, but definitely a far cry from what it used to be. Still a decent subclass overall even if it deals way less damage now.
Scout Rogue – None of your abilities are good, but none are terrible. The epitome of a D tier class.
Thief Rogue* – There’s a lot of debate around how good the Use an Object feature of Fast Hands is as being able to take the Utilize action or Magic action of a Magic item can be very strong in the right circumstances. Furthermore, getting a 4th attunement slot is obviously pretty excellent if you make it to level 13. The issue I have with this subclass is that if you can’t make good use out of Fast Hands, your first impactful ability is the aforementioned level 13 one. This can be solid in a high level campaign, but it’s going to feel pretty sad if you are ending in mid levels.
F Tier
Inquisitive Rogue – This class is super cool, but man is it bad. Insightful Fighting can be decent in the right party set ups, but otherwise, you’re playing this for the flavor.
Mastermind Rogue – Being able to use the Help action from a distance is pretty neat, but every other ability is absolutely awful. If Inquisitive Rogue is an F+, Mastermind Rogue is an F-.
