Swashbuckler BG2

Swashbuckler is a Best Baldur's Gate 2 class in BioWare's cRPG of 2000, Baldur's Gate 2. The inability of the Swashbuckler kit to backstab like other Thieves BG2 is offset by increased martial prowess: scaling Damage bonuses (max +8), scaling AC bonuses (max +8), Specialization (Thief weapons only), better dual-wielding and even Whirlwind Attack BG2.

However, Swashbucklers lack full THAC0 BG2 progression and ApR BG2 bonuses at 9th and 13th (= ApR +1 or ApR +2 under Improved Haste). As well, max base THAC0 of Thief is 9 points worse than Fighter BG2.

Remember that if you're under the illusion that Swashbucklers can be as good as Fighters in terms of raw martial prowess; they simply can't be until they break into Use Any Item BG2 at 3.08 mil XP. Before that, their THAC0 and ApR deficiencies are noticeable.

Max ApR when dual-wielding with Belm BG2 is 3 or 6 when Improve Hasted. At the point of UAI, the Whirlwind HLA grants ApR 10 outside of dual-wielding.

It is worth noting that Swashbuckler damage bonuses work with all weapons, including best bows BG2.

Swashbuckler is often dual-classed into Mage. See Swashbuckler Mage BG2.

Like Blade BG2 and Fighter Mage BG2, Swashbucklers are Armor Class BG2 Lords.

This rogue is part acrobat, part swordsman and part wit: the epitome of charm and grace.

Swashbuckler Advantages

Magic Resistance BG2: Swashbucklers have no problems reaching 100% MR through Use Any Item.
Dual-classing Baldur's Gate: Swashbucklers can dual-class into Fighter, Cleric or Mage. However, Kensai Thief is more interesting to play when dual-classing.
Coran BG1 has the best Swashbuckler portrait.
Bonus +1 to AC.
He gains another +1 bonus to his armor class every 5 levels.
He gains +1 to hit and damage every 5 levels.
He can specialize in any melee weapon that a thief can use.
May place 3 slots into the proficiency 'two weapon fighting style'

Swashbuckler Disadvantages

No backstab multiplier

Swashbuckler Stats

Minimum stats: 3-9-3-3-3-3
Recommend stats: 18-18-16-9-3-18
Recommended Skills: Set Traps (100), Detect Illusions (100), Find Traps (100)
Recommended HLAs: Use Any Item, Set Spike Trap.