In the world of Dungeons & Dragons, where Baldur’s Gate 3 originates, the power of choice allows players to craft their own unique stories. With a reported 1,700 different ending permutations, the game offers ample ways to alter the narrative. However, the very first and crucial decision players must make is selecting their character class. The class, along with the chosen race, defines how players engage with the game world, their role in combat, and the abilities they acquire. With a staggering variety of 12 classes and 48 subclasses, the initial choice might seem overwhelming. To help simplify matters, we’ll delve into each class in Baldur’s Gate 3, enabling you to make an informed decision.
All Baldur’s Gate 3 Classes
Barbarian
Larian
The Barbarian class is straightforward, as its name suggests. It centers around melee damage and emphasizes the Strength stat. Barbarians excel with light and medium armor, shields, and a wide array of weapons. Their unique Rage class action enhances damage output and grants resilience against fatal blows. Saving throws for Barbarians rely on Strength and Constitution.
Barbarian subclasses include Berserker, Wildheart, and Wild Magic.
Bard
Larian
While Bards may not be the popular choice for most players, their value should not be underestimated. Bards bolster their companions through the power of music, making them indispensable for supporting the party. They excel at skill checks outside of combat owing to their high charisma. Proficient in light armor, simple weapons, and musical instruments, Bards utilize Bardic Inspiration as their class action to enhance allies’ attacks, ability checks, or saving throws. Dexterity and charisma influence their saving throws.
Bard subclasses include College of Lore, College of Valor, and College of Swords.
Cleric
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Clerics draw upon the power of their gods to wield magic, significantly shaping their interactions with characters based on their chosen faith. With access to offensive, defensive, and healing spells, Clerics provide versatile support. They are proficient in light or medium armor, shields, and simple weapons. Unique to the Cleric class is the immediate availability of subclasses upon character creation.
Cleric subclasses include Life Domain, Light Domain, Trickery Domain, Knowledge Domain, Nature Domain, Tempest Domain, and War Domain.
Druid
Larian
If the Druid class caught your interest, inspired by the developers’ showcasing, it’s worth exploring further. Druids prioritize spellcasting, specializing in nature and shapeshifting abilities. While they can wield various weapons, their true power lies in the Wild Shape ability, enabling them to transform into specific creatures with their own abilities and HP pool. Intelligence and wisdom are essential stats for Druids.
Druid subclasses include Circle of the Land, Circle of the Moon, and Circle of Spores.
Fighter
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For newcomers, the Fighter class proves to be an excellent choice due to its straightforward nature. Fighters can specialize in melee combat with either strength or dexterity builds. They possess proficiency in any armor and most weapons. Additionally, the Second Wind ability allows them to regain HP as a bonus action, proportionate to their level. Saving throws for Fighters depend on strength and constitution.
Fighter subclasses include Battle Master, Eldritch Knight, and Champion.
Monk
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Monks in Baldur’s Gate 3 are not your peaceful, pacifist-style characters. Instead, they are quiet and deadly, specializing in hand-to-hand combat with exceptional speed. Monks focus on dexterity and wisdom to fuel their Ki attacks. Wearing minimal armor, Monks must rely on evasiveness. Saving throws for Monks are based on strength and dexterity.
Monk subclasses include Way of the Open Hand, Way of the Shadow, and Way of the Four Elements.
Paladin
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Paladins, drawing power from their faith like Clerics, are the melee-focused counterparts. Armed with strong spells for healing and buffs, they excel in combat. Paladins can don any armor and prefer simple or martial weapons. The Lay on Hands class action allows them to heal any touched target, granting 4 HP. Similar to Clerics, Paladins choose their subclass immediately.
Paladin subclasses include Oath of the Ancients, Oath of Devotion, Oath of Vengeance, and Oathbreaker (unlocked by breaking any of the other oaths).
Ranger
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For players who prefer a more subtle, hunter-like playstyle, the Ranger is an excellent choice. With their proficiency in ranged weapons, Rangers possess a range of spells and passive abilities, making them effective for hunting and ambushing targets. Dexterity serves as their primary stat, with strength contributing to saving throws. Rangers can also acquire an animal companion for aid in battle.
Ranger subclasses include Hunter, Beast Master, and Gloom Stalker.
Rogue
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If you find satisfaction in lurking in the shadows, striking swiftly, and slipping away unnoticed, the Rogue class is your calling. Rogues excel at dealing critical strikes to unsuspecting enemies, whether in close or long-range combat. Dexterity is crucial for Rogues, with intelligence aiding in saving throws. Outside of combat, Rogues possess the skills to maneuver through enemy encampments, picking locks, and disarming traps.
Rogue subclasses include Arcane Trickster, Thief, and Assassin.
Sorcerer
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Sorcerers, relying on charisma, channel their magic. They mainly utilize spells that are determined by their subclass and origin choice made at character creation. Saving throws for Sorcerers rely on constitution and charisma. While Sorcerers can wield a dagger or light crossbow, their most potent weapon is the quarterstaff.
Sorcerer subclasses include Wild Magic, Draconic Bloodline, and Storm Sorcery.
Warlock
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Warlocks derive their magic from Otherworldly Patrons of the Realms, forming a pact that varies depending on their subclass. Warlocks have access to light armor, simple weapons, and potent spells, albeit with fewer slots than other magic classes. Charisma is the primary stat for Warlocks, along with wisdom for saving throws.
Warlock subclasses include The Fiend, The Great Old One, and The Archfey.
Wizard
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Lastly, the Wizard is another spellcasting class in Baldur’s Gate 3. Wizards rely on intelligence and wisdom, wielding staffs, and possess a broad range of spells. With numerous subclasses that significantly impact spell options, Wizards offer unrivaled versatility. Wizards gain the Arcane Recovery class action, allowing them to replenish spell slots once per day, outside of combat.
Wizard subclasses include Evocation, Abjuration, Conjuration, Divination, Enchantment, Necromancy, Illusion, and Transmutation.
Conclusion
Selecting the right character class in Baldur’s Gate 3 is a vital decision that shapes your gameplay experience. Consider your preferred playstyle, the abilities you desire, and how you can contribute to your party. We hope this breakdown of each class assists you in making an informed choice. So, go ahead and embark on your grand adventure with the character class that best suits you!
