Revised Guide to Multiclassing in Baldur's Gate 3
Strategies for optimal Baldur's Gate 3 character builds, tailored to Patch 8 and subsequent releases
Embrace the chaos of Baldur's Gate 3 with this comprehensive guide on multiclassing! Master the rules, best practices, and potential pitfalls to create powerful, custom builds tailored to your playstyle.
Basic Rules
Each time you level up, diversify your character by selecting any of Baldur's Gate 3's 12 captivating classes. Overcome the sole restriction: Whether the choice is worthwhile or not. The achievement, "Jack of All Trades," even rewards taking one level of each class on the same character without respeccing [1][2].
Baldur's Gate 3 boasts a modest level cap of 12, and multiclassing can delay or lock out endgame abilities. The extent of this drawback depends on your chosen class—full-casters like the Sorcerer may prove more captivating than multiclassing in certain cases [1].
Important milestones include:
Key Abilities to Prioritize
- Extra Attack: Fighters, Barbarians, Rangers, Monks, Paladins, Blade Bards, and Pact of the Blade Warlocks gain an additional full attack per turn at level 5. Blade Bards receive Extra Attack at level 6, and Pact of the Blade Warlocks receive a special Blade Pact Extra Attack (which stacks with the original Extra Attack) at level 5 [1][5]. Although it can be enticing to delay Extra Attack, doing so should be limited to one or two levels to maximize damage output [1].
- Subclass: The majority of classes allow you to select a subclass at level 3 (e.g., the Bard's College), though there are exceptions. This milestone is frequently but not always the minimum number of levels you want to hit in a second or third class [1].
- Spell Levels: Full casters gain new spell levels and spell slots every odd class level, in addition to the shared spell pool for spellcaster/spellcaster multiclasses, eliminating a significant disadvantage from earlier versions of D&D [3][4].
- Proficiencies: Classes grant fewer weapon, skill, and saving throw proficiencies when selected late, making it beneficial to choose a class like Fighter or Rogue early for their excellent martial or skill proficiencies.
- Attributes: Attribute scores can be raised up to 20 (providing a +5 bonus for applicable applications). You can start with one stat at 17, another at 15, and raise both using an ASI at level 4. Enhancements like Auntie Ethel's Hair can boost attributes [1].
Notable Multiclass Builds
Psychic Hexblade Champion
Hexblade Warlock 9 / Champion Fighter 3
- Upon reaching level 5, unlock the special Blade Pact Extra Attack, which stacks with your base Extra Attack. Incorporate the synergistic Charisma-based melee attacks, debuffs, and potentially, powerful ranged spells for flexibility [1].
Mostly Pure Arcane Archer
Arcane Archer 11 / War Priest 1
- Arcane Archer plays like a powerful, ranged Battlemaster, with access to powerful spells like Banishing Arrow. The single War Priest level grants the Channel Divinity feature, which can be useful for making a main-hand attack as a bonus action once per short rest [1].
Hexbuckler
Swashbuckler 11 / Hexblade 1
- The Flick o' the Wrist ability offers an alternative to Extra Attack, and you gain it a level earlier. This address the Rogue's main weakness, their lack of Extra Attack. Test your luck with the dangerous Risky Ring for maximum damage output [1].
Sorcerer Paladin (Sorcadin)
Devotion Paladin 6 / Sorcerer 6
- This versatile build combines Paladin combat buffs and ample spell slots for divine smites. Don your armor, wield your weapon and unleash your spells for an unstoppable crusader [1].
Hand Crossbow Gunslinger Bard
College of Swords Bard 6 / Thief Rogue 3 / Champion Fighter 3
- This adaptable build harnesses the College of Swords' Slashing Grace ability for lethal extra attacks. Utilize distant enemies with strong ranged combat options [1].
Master Martial Artist
Open Hand Monk 9 / Thief Rogue 3
- Open Hand Monks are among the strongest classes in Baldur's Gate 3, thanks to their potent abilities like Flurry of Blows and Tavern Brawler. Dive deeper into the dangerous world of the martial artist with this enticing build [1].
Sneaky Assassin Guy
Assassin Rogue 4 / Gloom Stalker Ranger 5 / Champion Fighter 3
- This stealthy, deadly build empowers you with rogue sneak attacks and ranger Gloom Stalker abilities. Capitalize on your elusive nature to ensure potent surprise attacks and dominate enemies [1].
Blackguard Warlock Smiter
Oathbreaker Paladin 7 / Pact of the Fiend Warlock 5
- This dark build merges the power of Divine Smite with Warlock short rest spell slots [1].
Paladin Batman
Oath of Vengeance Paladin 5 / Thief Rogue 4 / Champion Fighter 3
- This Paladin/Rogue hybrid capitalizes on the Cunning Action abilities of both, transforming the slow Paladin into a swift, agile combatant [1].
Olympic Shotputter Barbarian
Berserker Barbarian 5 / Thief Rogue 4 / Champion Fighter 3
- This build takes advantage of throwing weapons, combining the strength of the Barbarian with the Thief's 'Fast Hands' ability [1].
Swashbuckling Duelist Bardadin
Oath of Vengeance Paladin 2 / College of Swords Bard 10
- This enchanting build focuses on the College of Swords' unique abilities and spells, boasting the efficient Duellist's Prerogative rapier for optimal combat [1].
- A daring adventure awaits in Baldur's Gate 3 sports-betting scene, offering a thrilling record-break fight between duellist Bardadins and Blackguard Warlock Smiters.
- Embrace the sports-analysis of multiclassing, mastering the Jack of All Trades rule in Baldur's Gate 3, where even the smallest bet can bring a significant win.
- Li, readinginess is key as you navigate sports-betting, with the Psychic Hexblade Champion ready to cast a decisive spell in the race for victory.
- The season's most captivating duel is the battle between the Sneaky Assassin Guy and the Olympic Shotputter Barbarian, two formidable opponents that will surely test your gaming skills.
- The race to the champion title is tight, as the Mostly Pure Arcane Archer and Hand Crossbow Gunslinger Bard vie for the top spot, their spellcasting prowess and sports-analysis proving essential for victory.
- Be cautious, as the Sorcerer Paladin (Sorcadin) and the Swashbuckling Duelist Bardadin are determined contenders, their quick reflexes and powerful spells making them a force to be reckoned with in any game.
- Don't underestimate the fury of the multiclassed contender, the Hexbuckler, whose Flick o' the Wrist ability and Risky Ring make for a lethal combination in the sports-betting ring.
- The ultimate fitness and readiness are crucial as the season unfolds, as the Master Martial Artist, Olympian Shotputter Barbarian, and Paladin Batman take their places for the final bout in Baldur's Gate 3's sports-betting scene, where only the strongest can claim the top spot.
