Baldur’s Gate 3 – Pickpocketing Guide

The ultimate guide for all pickpocketing endeavors! This guide will cover different strategies dependent on level and item requirements. Note: All of the information covered in this guide has been tried and tested by the author (me). Any method covered in this guide is not guaranteed to work for every trader.

Guide to All Pickpocketing Endeavors

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Basic Overview on Pickpocketing Methods

Using the right-hand chat, it is possible to check how an attempted pickpocket (or any skill check for that matter) was calculated, listing every factor affecting said skill check.

General purpose pickpocketing

As noted in other guides, once caught pickpocketing, it is possible to enter combat with the trader and then flee from combat by running away, resulting in a successful pickpocket. This method is slow, because every time your pickpocketeer fails, you have to spend time running away.

Selective targeting

Targeting specific NPC traders who will not initiate attacks or accusations allows you to obtain results more swiftly, bypassing needless fleeing tactics.

Following NPCs will neither attack or accuse you upon a failed pickpocketing.

• Dammon (Act 1, 2)
• Mattis (Act 1, 2)

Combat distraction

Requriements:

• Pickpocket needs to have the Blinded condition.
• Step 1: Positioning Your Characters
  • The Pickpocket: Direct one character, known as “the pickpocket,” to position themselves in a heavily obscured spot near the target (suggested spell: Fog Cloud).
  • The Runner: Station another character, referred to as “the runner,” near a planned escape route, ready to create a distance of 90 feet/27 meters from any NPCs when the time comes, utilizing actions like dash and jump.
• Step 2: Engaging the Target
  • Start a Conversation: The runner should initiate a conversation with the target, generally a trader, to set the stage for the following actions.
  • Engage in Combat: At an opportune moment, the runner should initiate combat using the designated attack option, a feature located in the bottom left on the interface.
• Step 3: Executing the Pickpocket Action
  • Initiate Theft: As the target is engaged with the runner, this signals the pickpocket to start pickpocketing, making sure to stay inside the heavily obscured area.
• Step 4: Handling Contingencies
  • Manage Failure: If the thief steps outside of the heavily obscured area, resort to load a previous save or flee from combat with both PCs.
• Step 5: Ensuring a Safe Retreat
  • Rogue’s Exit: Post a successful loot operation, the pickpocket retreats to the camp.
  • Runner’s Strategic Exit: In tandem, the bard should find their way out, possibly through moving away from NPCs or by becoming invisible.
• Step 6: Celebrating the Victory
  • Safe Return: With both characters safe and the loot secured at the camp, it’s time to celebrate a mission successfully executed through strategic planning and skillful gameplay.
  • To avoid getting caught in an interrogation from the target, engage in conversation with the target, using either ‘the runner’ or an uninvolved character.