Baldur’s Gate 3 has had a monumental welcome to the world of RPGs. But one of the most complicated parts of the game are the Baldur’s Gate 3 classes. Committing to a 100-hour playthrough isn’t exactly ideal if you start out with the wrong build.
You’ll need to find the best way to fit your own playstyle and build your party. But finding out the Baldur’s Gate 3 best class for you isn’t as easy as it looks, which is why we’ve put together the ultimate guide.
Source: Larian Studios
Baldur’s Gate 3 All Subclasses
There’s even more to think about than just choosing one of the 12 classes too. Every class in the game has at least 3 subclasses to choose from that will define the skills and fighting style your character has.The subclasses are important because they’ll really define your character. Whether your Rogue can cast spells or whether your Paladin keeps their Oath can make a huge difference to your playthrough.
Barbarian
Barbarians are perfect on the list of Baldur’s Gate 3 classes for those who love getting up close and personal with their opponents. They’re the definitive BG melee class and can withstand a lot of damage.
Barbarian Features
Primary ability
Strength
Saving throw proficiency
Strength and constitution
Weapon proficiences
Simple weapons, martial weapons, light armor, medium armor, shields
Special features
Rage and Unarmored Defense
Subclasses
Berserker, Wildheart and Wild Magic
Tips
Companion Karlach is a Barbarian but you’ll have to wait a while to recruit her
Reckless attack will give you advantage (a better chance to hit) on your next attack
Put your skill proficiencies into strength and constitution based skills
Source: Larian Studios
Bard
If you want to know what classes are in Baldur’s Gate 3 for those wanting to speed run charisma, Bard is the way to go. These performance and music specialists are charming and seductive and perfect for players who like to stand at the back of a fight and cast spells to support their team.
Bard Features
Barbarian Primary ability
Charisma
Saving throw proficiency
Dexterity and charisma
Weapon proficiences
Simple weapons, hand crossbows, longswords, rapiers, shortswords and light armor
Special features
Bardic Inspiration
Subclasses
College of Lore, College of Valor and College of Swords
Tips
Use Vicious Mockery like it’s going out of fashion
Make use of healing spells
Use your Bard to ensure successful interactions with their high charisma
Cleric
Clerics are the best among the healers in the list of Baldur’s Gate 3 classes. They use their faith and divine magic to cast powerful spells and guide their allies. They are versatile and can be skilled for fans of magic and melee fighting styles.
Cleric Features
Barbarian Primary ability
Wisdom
Saving throw proficiency
Wisdom and charisma
Weapon proficiences
Simple weapons, light armor, medium armor and shields.
Special features
Domain spells that are always prepared
Subclasses
Life, light, trickery, knowledge, nature, tempest and war domains
Tips
Companion Shadowheart is a trickery domain cleric. You can recruit her from the beach you initially land on
Take the Guidance spell to give buffs to your cutscene rolls
Choose a domain that reflects what role you need the cleric to fill. Light domain clerics are amazing healers whereas War domains are better fighters
Source: Larian Studios
Druid
Druids use their knowledge of nature to turn it into a powerful magical weapon. They have a close bond with the plants and animals in their world. This class is perfect for versatile players who love a combination of magic and fighting ability.
Druid Features
Primary ability
Wisdom
Saving throw proficiency
Intelligence and wisdom
Weapon proficiences
Simple weapons, light armor, medium armor and shields
Special features
Wildshape
Subclasses
Circle of the Moon, Circle of the Land, Circle of Spores
Tips
Companions Halsin and Jaheira are Druids but you’ll be several hours into the game before you can recruit him
Take Circle of the Moon to get the bear wildshape for early damage
You can’t cast spells while in wildshape but can control existing spells like Moonbeam
Source: Larian Studios
Fighter
As the name suggests, Fighters are the ultimate…well…fighters. They are a fantastic tank class who like to stand at the front of the fight and deal huge damage in multiple attacks. This is the perfect class for beginners, there’s not much more than weapons to contend with.
Fighter Features
Primary ability
Strength
Saving throw proficiency
Strength and constitution
Weapon proficiences
Simple weapons, martial weapons, light armor, medium armor, heavy armor and shields
Special features
Second wind and fighting styles
Subclasses
Battlemaster, Eldritch Knight and Champion
Tips
Githyanki companion Lae’Zel, Minsc and Jaheira are Fighters. If you want them in your party, you may want a different class for your PC
Use Action Surge once per short rest to deal 4 attacks in 1 turn
Customize your fighting style with the special features
Source: Larian Studios
Monk
Monks use an odd combination of martial and magic techniques to fight. They’re one of the more uncommon Baldur’s Gate 3 classes and not really suitable for beginners. If you’re comfortable with spending your Ki points and deal massive martial damage though, this is the class for you.
Monk Features
Primary ability
Dexterity and wisdom
Saving throw proficiency
Strength and dexterity
Weapon proficiences
Simple weapons and shortswords
Special features
Flurry of Blows, Ki points and unarmored defense
Subclasses
Way of the Open Hand, Way of Shadows and Way of the Four Elements
Tips
Focus your build into dexterity to maximize your damage
Keep track of your Ki points, but remember to use them as well!
Monks don’t have armor proficiency
Paladin
A classic, and for a reason. Paladins use the ultimate combination of magic and weaponry to be the most formidable class in the fight. If you can’t decide between fighting styles, Paladins are all rounders. They’re casters, fighters and healers rolled into one.
Paladin Features
Barbarian Primary ability
Strength
Saving throw proficiency
Wisdom and charisma
Weapon proficiences
Simple weapons, martial weapons and all armor and shields
Special features
Channel oath, Lay on Hands and Divine Sense
Subclasses
Oath of Devotion, Oath of the Ancients, Oath of Vengeance, Oathbreaker
Tips
Companion Minthara is a Paladin. You can recruit her in the Goblin Camp in Act 1.
After level 5, Paladins get 2 attacks but can only cast 1 spell per action
Be careful not to act against your oath, unless of course you’re an Oathbreaker
Source: Larian Studios
Ranger
Rangers are truly at one with their environments. They’re a great all rounder class and simple enough for a beginner to get to grips with. You’ll be able to control a variety of animals if you take the Beastmaster subclass, giving a great advantage to your gameplay.
Ranger Features
Primary ability
Dexterity
Saving throw proficiency
Strength and dexterity
Weapon proficiences
Simple weapons, martial weapons, shields, light armor and medium armor
Special features
Favored enemy and natural explorer
Subclasses
Beastmaster, Hunter and Gloom Stalker
Tips
The Beastmaster subclass allows you to summon animals
The natural explorer feature makes traversing the environment much easier
Rangers make excellent ranged weapon attackers and lack the HP to tank
Rogue
Sneaky rogues exist in the shadows of battle. While capable of dealing some pretty massive damage, you’ll need to understand mechanics like the flanking rule to get it. Rogues are perfect for unlocking all those chests throughout the game too.
Rogue Features
Primary ability
Dexterity
Saving throw proficiency
Dexterity and intelligence
Weapon proficiences
Simple weapons, hand crossbows, longswords, rapiers, shortswords and light armor
Special features
Sneak attack (ranged and melee)
Subclasses
Arcane Trickster, Thief and Assassin
Tips
Companion Astarion is a Rogue, you’ll get to choose his subclass
Use sneak attacks against surprised and flanked enemies for huge damage
Gear your build towards dexterity, those Sleight of Hand checks will really come in..handy
Source: Larian Studios
Sorcerer
The difference between sorcerers and wizards is simple. Whereas a Wizard learns magic from books, a sorcerer’s is innate. They’re the definition of a glass cannon, phenomenal cosmic power, itty bitty HP pool.
Sorcerer Features
Primary ability
Charisma
Saving throw proficiency
Charisma and constitution
Weapon proficiences
Daggers, quarterstaves and light crossbows
Special features
Sorcery Points
Subclasses
Draconic Bloodline, Wild Magic and Storm Sorcery
Tips
You can convert your sorcery points into more spell slots
Many spells will rely on a spell save DC instead of rolling to hit
Use a balance of damage and utility spells
Warlock
Warlocks aren’t quite their own people. They gain their power from a pact made with a patron. That power often comes with a price though, which certainly makes for some interesting gameplay and interactions in the game (no spoilers!).
Warlock Features
Primary ability
Charisma
Saving throw proficiency
Wisdom and charisma
Weapon proficiences
Simple weapons and light armor
Special features
Eldritch Blast
Subclasses
The Fiend, The Great Old One and the Archfey
Tips
Companion Wyll is a Warlock – you can meet him and his patron on a journey that starts in the Emerald Grove
Eldritch Blast is one of the most broken spells. Use it often!
Choose The Fiend as your pact master for the most versatile build
Source: Larian Studios
Wizard
Wizards are the most diverse and interesting casters in the game. You’ll really need to spend some time reading spells (if you’re not familiar already!) to get the right balance. Wizards are perfect for creative players who aren’t the focus in battle.
Wizard Features
Primary ability
Intelligence
Saving throw proficiency
Intelligence and wisdom
Weapon proficiences
Daggers, darts, slings, quarterstaves and light crossbows
Special features
Arcane recovery
Subclasses
Schools of abjuration, conjuration, divination, enchantment, necromancy, illusion and transmutation
Tips
Companion Gale is a powerful wizard worth having in your party, if you can give him enough magic items
Be careful of area of effect (AOE) spells that can hit your allies
Wizards don’t have armor proficiency, you’ll need to be creative to boost your AC!
Source: Larian Studios
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