Baldur's Gate 3: Mastering Multiclass Character Builds
Baldur's Gate 3, a faithful adaptation of D&D 5e rules, allows players to craft unique characters, blending classes for enhanced flexibility and power. With Larian Studios soon introducing 12 new subclasses, the possibilities for innovative builds are expanding. This guide explores several compelling multiclass combinations to try before the subclass update significantly alters the game's dynamics.
1. Lockadin Staple (Ancients Paladin 7, Fiend Warlock 5): Offensive and Defensive Synergy
This build leverages the synergistic relationship between the Paladin's offensive capabilities and the Warlock's utility. The Paladin provides heavy armor proficiency, Divine Smite, and Extra Attack, bolstering survivability and damage output. The Warlock contributes powerful utility spells and short-rest spell slots, enabling frequent use of Divine Smite and maximizing Eldritch Blast's effectiveness. The table below details the level progression:
Level | Class Choice & Features | Total Spells Available |
---|---|---|
1 | Paladin 1: Oath of the Ancients - Divine Sense, Lay on Hands, Channel Divinity: Healing Radiance | |
2 | Paladin 2 - Fighting Style: Great Weapon Fighting, Divine Smite | |
3 | Paladin 3 - Divine Health, Channel Divinity: Nature’s Wrath, Channel Divinity: Turn the Faithless, Oath Spells: Speak with Animals, Ensnaring Strike | |
4 | Paladin 4 - Choose Feat | |
5 | Paladin 5 - Extra Attack, Oath Spells: Misty Step, Moonbeam | |
6 | Warlock 1: The Fiend - Pact Magic, Dark One’s Blessing | |
7 | Warlock 2 - Eldritch Invocation: Agonizing Blast, Repelling Blast | |
8 | Warlock 3 - Pact Boon: Pact of the Blade, New Spell: Mirror Image | |
9 | Warlock 4 - New Cantrip: Mage Hand, New Spell: Hold Person, Choose Feat: Great Weapon Master | |
10 | Warlock 5 - Eldritch Invocation: Fiendish Vigor, Deepened Pact, New Spell: Hunger of Hadar, Replace Spell: Counterspell | |
11 | Paladin 6 - Aura of Protection | |
12 | Paladin 7 - Aura of Warding |
2. God of Thunder (Storm Sorcerer 10, Tempest Cleric 2): Elemental Powerhouse
This thematic build combines the Storm Sorcerer's raw power with the Tempest Cleric's combat proficiencies. The Cleric levels provide heavy armor, martial weapons, Wrath of the Storm (a powerful reaction), and Destructive Wrath (to maximize elemental damage). The Sorcerer delivers the bulk of the damage with high-level lightning and thunder spells.
3. Other Notable Builds:
This article also details several other multiclass builds including:
- Zombie Lord (Spore Druid 6, Necromancy Wizard 6): A summoner build focusing on undead control.
- Dark Sentinel (5 Oathbreaker Paladin, 5 Fiend Warlock, 2 Fighter): A thematically dark and powerful build.
- Traditional Sorcadin (Vengeance Paladin 6, Storm Sorcerer 6): A flexible tank with potent spellcasting.
- Champion Archer (Champion Fighter 3, Hunter Ranger 9): A high-damage ranged attacker.
- Frenzy Rogue (Berserker Barbarian 5, Assassin Rogue 7): A relentless melee DPS build.
- Eldritch Nuke (Fighter 2, Evocation Wizard 10): A burst spellcaster with heavy armor.
- Coffeelock Staple (Fiend Warlock 2, Storm Sorcerer 10): Spellcasting DPS focused on Eldritch Blast.
- Stalker Assassin (Rogue 5, Ranger 7): A build for maximizing sneak attack damage.
- Silent Death Monk (Thief Rogue 3, Open Hand Monk 9): A high-attack melee build.
- Death By Surprise (Gloom Stalker Ranger 5, Assassin Rogue 4, Champion Fighter 3): A build designed for surprise attacks.
Each build provides a unique playstyle and strategic advantage. Experimentation and adaptation are key to finding the perfect build for your preferred playstyle in Baldur's Gate 3. Remember to consult the detailed tables within the original article for the complete level-by-level breakdown of each build.