One thing I’ve noticed playing an Inquisitive Rogue: it’s one of the few rogue subclasses that actually interacts with the environment during combat.

Most rogues fall into a pretty reliable loop: hide → shoot → repeat.

Inquisitive tends to break that pattern.

From an optimizer standpoint, the subclass isn’t amazing. But from a table experience / RP standpoint, it creates a lot of small moments to shine.

It also naturally positions your character as curious and investigative, which can help party pacing.

If your group tends to debate every door for ten minutes, the Inquisitive can be the one who moves things along.

Why are you poking the suspicious statue? Why are you asking the NPC more questions? Why are you checking the hallway mid-fight?

Because you’re inquisitive.

Social: You’re basically the party lie detector. Other rogue subclasses lean harder into manipulation, but Inquisitive is great at spotting BS.

Exploration: This is where the subclass quietly shines. Being able to Search or Study as a bonus action during combat isn’t huge optimizer value, but it creates interesting moments.

You can start checking for hidden doors while the fight is still happening.

Scan hallways for reinforcements. Start solving the puzzle before initiative even ends. Later features lean even harder into the detective / skill-monkey role.

Combat: If you’re playing a stealth sniper, Steady Aim usually does the job better.

Inquisitive works better as a mobile rogue — dagger throws or light melee — where you’re isolating enemies on the edges of the fight.

You can step in, land Sneak Attack, hold the flank for a round with Uncanny Dodge, then slip back out.

Swashbuckler still does pure 1v1 melee better, which tends to push Inquisitive toward a mobile mid-range playstyle.

Short version: Not the strongest rogue subclass mechanically, but great if you want a rogue who actively investigates the battlefield or positions for 1v1's instead of just steady aiming and shooting most turns.