To become a Thief, the character must achieve the minimum stat requirements: In Wizardry V, the Thief becomes capable of equipping bows, and their new Hide ability allows them to Ambush their enemies with any weapon for greater damage, thus nearly eliminating the penalties for lesser AC and HP in front row by dealing extra damage, or remaining in the back row.

In the group of games that compose the Llylgamyn saga (Wizardry I to V, excluding Wizardry IV), the Thief is one of the easiest classes to qualify for at character creation. Finally, Thieves can wield short bows and crossbows, allowing them to fight from the far safer back row. Also in Wizardry V, the thief can steal from NPCs with greater effectiveness than other classes, sometimes this is required to progress, sometimes it's just fun. In Wizardry V the Thief can hide in shadows, and backstab for greater damage than while avoiding attacks from enemies. In later games, Thieves gain certain new improvements to further differentiate themselves from Fighters. Since their conception, the Thief's trademark ability has been searching chests for locks or traps, and bypass said ones to acquire the treasure within without the rest of the party suffering consequences. Their available equipment isn't as strong as that of a Fighter, Lord, or Samurai, and their AC and damage dealing capabilities place him behind the meat shield, not in the midst of it. This makes them competent fighters, but less than respectable front row fodder. They are capable of using bladed weapons and leather armor, in ways superior to Mages, and Priests. The Thief is one of the basic character classes available to players upon character creation. 5 Duhan Saga (Tales of the Forsaken Land/Wizardry Alternative).

Skulduggery 6