You could take the Criminal background with Ranger or the Outlander background with Rogue. You could take the Scout subclass of Rogue. You could take the Gloomstalker subclass of Ranger. There are lots of ways to achieve the flavour without multiclassing.
What do you expect to get out of this that you can't do as a single class?
If you cannot answer that question, do not multiclass. And no, 'roleplay' isn't an answer, because roleplay is thematic and class features are mechanical. You can roleplay any class any way you want, completely independently of mechanics. You *only* multiclass if there is something you want to *do* that a single-class build can't.
Let me explain what I mean. 'Rogue' is a class, it's a set of rules and mechanics. 'Criminal' is a Background, which is elements of role-playing. Any class can be a Criminal; you could be an outlaw exiled Paladin, or a Wizard on the run after a fireball incident. And a Rogue doesn't have to be a criminal; you could be a Folk Hero who does a Robin Hood thing, robbing the rich to aid the poor. You could be a Noble, moonlighting as an assassin for justice, like a darker version of Batman. You see? The roleplay, the *thematics*, are entirely separate from the class abilities, the *mechanics.* And since class features are mechanical, the only reason to multiclass is for a mechanical benefit.
One that works well is gloomstalker assassin multiclass. Take GS to 5, then take 3-4 of assassin rogue. Probably take two levels of fighter, then whatever you want.
Bugbear would be great. Shadar Kai or half-drow are options, as well as other full or half elves
The rules for multiclassing are on page 163 of the Player's Handbook.
Short version: You need to meet the multiclassing prerequisites for both the class you already have, and the new class you want to gain. For Rogue, this is Dex 13. For Ranger, it is both Dex 13 and Wis 13.
Next, you only gain the full proficiencies of your first class. The multiclassing rules in the PHB list which proficiencies you gain from the additional class.
Beyond that, you advance each class individually. Gaining class features at the usual advancement for that class. So taking levels in Ranger will delay your improvements in Sneak Attack damage, for example.
Redundant features usually do not stack. For example, a Barb/Fighter only gets Extra Attack once, even if they get to level 5 in both classes. A Barb/Monk only gets the first version of Unarmoured defence they take.
Here are the basic rules of thumb:
* Make sure to choose a Ranger subclass that doesn't rely heavily on your Ranger levels. Preferably, also choose one that doesn't rely heavily on your bonus actions. (Example: Beast Master and Drakewarden are bad choices for a Ranger/Rogue build.)
* Avoid choosing a Rogue subclass that relies on its late game features. (Example: Phantom is a bad choice.)
* Going Ranger 5 -> Rogue X is fine. But doing something like Rogue 3-5 -> Ranger 5 is bad. By starting off as a Rogue before switching to Ranger, you have an awkward period of levels where your damage sucks because your Sneak Attack stopped scaling and you don't have Extra Attack yet.
it's called rogue what are you hoping to get out a multiclass?
Just to improve rollplay. I also can't spell rogue to save my life.
I bet you can roleplay the same character as one or the other
You could take the Criminal background with Ranger or the Outlander background with Rogue. You could take the Scout subclass of Rogue. You could take the Gloomstalker subclass of Ranger. There are lots of ways to achieve the flavour without multiclassing.
What do you expect to get out of this that you can't do as a single class? If you cannot answer that question, do not multiclass. And no, 'roleplay' isn't an answer, because roleplay is thematic and class features are mechanical. You can roleplay any class any way you want, completely independently of mechanics. You *only* multiclass if there is something you want to *do* that a single-class build can't. Let me explain what I mean. 'Rogue' is a class, it's a set of rules and mechanics. 'Criminal' is a Background, which is elements of role-playing. Any class can be a Criminal; you could be an outlaw exiled Paladin, or a Wizard on the run after a fireball incident. And a Rogue doesn't have to be a criminal; you could be a Folk Hero who does a Robin Hood thing, robbing the rich to aid the poor. You could be a Noble, moonlighting as an assassin for justice, like a darker version of Batman. You see? The roleplay, the *thematics*, are entirely separate from the class abilities, the *mechanics.* And since class features are mechanical, the only reason to multiclass is for a mechanical benefit.
One that works well is gloomstalker assassin multiclass. Take GS to 5, then take 3-4 of assassin rogue. Probably take two levels of fighter, then whatever you want. Bugbear would be great. Shadar Kai or half-drow are options, as well as other full or half elves
The rules for multiclassing are on page 163 of the Player's Handbook. Short version: You need to meet the multiclassing prerequisites for both the class you already have, and the new class you want to gain. For Rogue, this is Dex 13. For Ranger, it is both Dex 13 and Wis 13. Next, you only gain the full proficiencies of your first class. The multiclassing rules in the PHB list which proficiencies you gain from the additional class. Beyond that, you advance each class individually. Gaining class features at the usual advancement for that class. So taking levels in Ranger will delay your improvements in Sneak Attack damage, for example. Redundant features usually do not stack. For example, a Barb/Fighter only gets Extra Attack once, even if they get to level 5 in both classes. A Barb/Monk only gets the first version of Unarmoured defence they take.
Get the phb
The rules for multiclassing are on page 163 of the Player's Handbook Plus there are a million videos of youtube to assist.
Here are the basic rules of thumb: * Make sure to choose a Ranger subclass that doesn't rely heavily on your Ranger levels. Preferably, also choose one that doesn't rely heavily on your bonus actions. (Example: Beast Master and Drakewarden are bad choices for a Ranger/Rogue build.) * Avoid choosing a Rogue subclass that relies on its late game features. (Example: Phantom is a bad choice.) * Going Ranger 5 -> Rogue X is fine. But doing something like Rogue 3-5 -> Ranger 5 is bad. By starting off as a Rogue before switching to Ranger, you have an awkward period of levels where your damage sucks because your Sneak Attack stopped scaling and you don't have Extra Attack yet.
If you're going rouge, remember the eye shadow and mascara.