Newcomers to Baldur’s Gate 3 might find themselves extremely overwhelmed with their wealth of options for generating their characters. After all, Baldur's Gate 3 uses the D&D 5e ruleset, allowing them to create highly detailed characters for combat and other gameplay elements such as roleplay and exploration. With the game’s intense premise of a full-scale Mindflayer invasion in Faerun of the Forgotten Realms, beginners have the perfect recipe for choice paralysis.

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Thankfully, D&D 5e being built with accessibility in mind crosses over to Baldur’s Gate 3, with the game offering ways for beginners to create a gameplay-viable character that can potentially last them to the endgame. However, how should newcomers approach creating their first Baldur’s Gate 3 character?

Updated on May 16, 2024, by Rhenn Taguiam: With the recent win of Baldur’s Gate 3 at the 2024 BAFTA securing the game as the first to ever win all five major Game of the Year Awards, fans and newcomers to D&D might be wondering just what sets BG3 apart from other RPGs. Aside from being the best adaptation of D&D 5e mechanics to ever grace gaming, the title also provides a plethora of customization options for players who want to secure efficient first builds. Among must-tries include a classic take on the hero who defends the realms and another based on a raging warrior who uses the essence of wild animals to empower themselves. Included among these sample builds are Multiclass options, encouraging players to try adding a flair of nature or even the supernatural to these setups to maximize their combat potential.

12 Warrior Of The Realms

Capitalize On Double Damage Mechanic Via Crits

The Folk Hero Background in Dungeons & Dragons is essentially an adventurer who begins their journey as a beloved hero of their community, usually entrusted with a mission to save the land. The Warrior of the Realms build takes this concept but makes it more grandiose, specifically with the Champion Fighter built precisely to show enemies how a hero can always save the day. In terms of game mechanics, “always saves the day” pertains to killing enemies as fast as one is able, and this is made possible through the Champion Fighter’s potential in scoring critical hits often during a combat encounter.

As such, players need to secure methods of lowering the requirements of a Critical Hit for the Champion. Aside from Hold Person and other movement impairing abilities, items that reduce crit requirements include Knife of the Undermountain King (-1) and even Covert Owl (-1 if attacking from obscurement). The Feat to acquire here is +2 STR (Ability Score Increase) to maximize Attack Rolls in conjunction with the rest of the build.

Warrior Of The Realms Base Stats

Multiclass Option: Maintain Champion Fighter

Compared to other build suggestions with Multiclass options, the slow build-up and snowball potential of the Champion Fighter means it’s also its most ideal Multiclass. As the game caps progression at 12th-Level, players need to maximize opportunities to gain as much means of stacking less requirements for Critical Hits. These other items include the Risky Ring (Advantage on Attack Rolls), The Dead Shot (-1), Shade-Slayer Cloak (-1), as well as Bloodthirst (-1). For Feats, Alert ensures players can control their Champion’s position, +2 STR maxes out Strength to 20, and Great Weapon Master provides an extra attack at a crit as well as a risky -5 to Rolls for +10 Damage.

11 Heart Of The Jungle

Maximize High STR With Wild Shape Via Tavern Brawler

While the Barbarian of Dungeons & Dragons is stereotyped to be an archetypal juggernaut, a build like Heart of the Jungle capitalizes on the flexibility of the Wildheart Barbarian. At its core, this build enables players to manipulate the way their Barbarian functions on the battlefield, courtesy of Hearts that provide them or even their allies with a wide array of bonuses to accommodate various situations.

When players access the Wildheart at 3rd-Level, their Bestial Heart can provide buffs while the Barbarian is enraged. Damage Resistances except Psychic (Bear) give allies Advantage on melee Attack Rolls against foes (Wolf) or even impose Disadvantage on Opportunity Attacks that foes make against the player (Eagle). For a Feat, acquiring +2 STR via Ability Score Improvement can improve the ferocity of the Barbarian’s attacks.

Heart Of The Jungle Base Stats

Multiclass Option: Circle Of The Moon Druid

Despite the power potential of the Wildheart Barbarian, players can draw even more power from a Druid Multiclass. This idea works well with the Circle of the Moon Druid, as this empowers the Barbarian with a wide variety of utility from the Druid’s kit to bolster their supportive capabilities. When done correctly, this Moon Druid Multiclass can enjoy multiple attack options when Wild Shaping. Moreover, by the time players get Tavern Brawler (Feat), they can apply double the STR Mod to both Attacks and Damage and do this many times with Wild Shapes that have multiple melee attack options.

10 Frenzied Tank

Get More Out Of Frenzy With Action Surge

Unlike the more tactical Fighter, the Barbarian of Baldur’s Gate 3 prefers to wreak havoc first and asks questions later, and this is precisely what makes Frenzied Tank such an efficient, straightforward vanguard. Barbarians already gain a 10-turn Rage that boosts their overall damage and protection against melee, but the Berserker also adds Frenzy that unlocks the capability to throw even a creature to a target (Enraged Throw) as well as using a Bonus Action to make another melee attack (Frenzied Strike).

Should the Frenzied Tank prepare for their Frenzy via Reckless Attack, a huge chunk of their attacks during the Frenzy’s turn can stack for quite the DPS. Moreover, Extra Attack at 5th Level can secure at least three strikes to a target, making this Barbarian an extremely straightforward and efficient melee DPS.

Frenzied Tank Base Stats

Multiclass Option: Battle Master Fighter

Given the heavy-hitting nature of the Barbarian, one possible Multiclass option for newcomers would be the Battle Master Fighter via picking Fighter as an MC at Level 6 after getting Extra Attack at Barbarian 5. This way, players maintain the overall firepower of the Barbarian while getting access to a more efficient Fighting Style, a whole second Action via Action Surge. Maneuvers via Superiority Dice can help the Barbarian get extra options in combat as well.

9 Lunar Ferocity

Accommodate Hybrid Tank/Support With Wild Shape

Wild Shape or the ability to transform into another animal sets the Druid apart from other Baldur’s Gate 3 Classes, with Lunar Ferocity showing just how efficient a tank this Class could get with the right setup. Capitalizing on the Circle of the Moon’s Combat Wild Shape option, the Lunar Ferocity build lets players explore a tank-healer hybrid while offering enough combat efficiency to sustain both roles.

Essential to the kit are more battle-oriented Wild Shapes that accommodate heavy melee (Bear) and aerial combat (Dire Raven) on top of an extra magical attack in that form (Wild Strike, Primal Strike). While waiting for 10th Level Elemental Myrmidon Wild Shapes, Lunar Ferocity characters can enjoy Wild Shape-based healing (Lunar Mend) as well as a repertoire of reduced but still efficient healing, buffing, and damaging spells.

Lunar Ferocity Base Stats

Multiclass Option: Tempest Domain Cleric

The Druid’s decent WIS stat is already a gateway for maximized utility via the Tempest Domain Cleric, which can be obtained just after Druid 5’s Wild Shape Extra Attack. Unlike other Domains, the more combative Tempest Domain can encourage the player’s Druid to be more of a tank than a tank/support hybrid, allowing players to take more risks in combat.

8 Fiendish Accuracy

Boost A Warlock's Utility Potential With Metamagic

The Warlock of Dungeons & Dragons boasts some of the most thematically frightening slate of utility abilities among the RPG’s Classes, with Fiendish Accuracy transforming characters into long-ranged spellslingers that dish out a ton of damage while playing safe. This Class builds upon the Fiend Patron, with Wyll being a recommended character for this setup. Players would want to ideally secure Hex (1st-Level Enchantment, Bonus Action) and Eldritch Blast (Evocation Cantrip), as this sets up a Spell Slot-saving constant damage stream.

Selecting Dark One’s Blessing as an Eldritch Invocation also gives Fiendish Accuracy builds a nifty heal whenever they kill a hostile creature. For repositioning purposes, Misty Step (2nd-Level Conjuration) can secure the Warlock’s safety by placing them in higher spots or getting them out of danger.

Fiendish Accuracy Base Stats

Multiclass Option: Storm Sorcerer

The Sorlock remains one of the most popular D&D 5e Multiclasses, and this is something the Warlock can rely on after securing Deepened Pact and Armor of Shadows (Eldritch Invocation) at Warlock 5. By becoming a Storm Sorcerer, players can enjoy a wider array of more aggressive Spells alongside Metamagic that can further boost the player’s combat efficiency.

7 Light Of Balance

Enhance The Cleric With Combat Options Via Hunter

Players looking for an all-rounder character could opt for the Light of Balance build, transforming Shadowheart into a Light Domain Cleric in her Baldur's Gate 3 journey. Courtesy of this build, players get access to a durable enough warrior capable of dishing damage while supporting the rest of the team. Light Clerics get 3 Cantrips and 2 1st-Level Spells at the onset, giving players access to buffers (Guidance), protections (Blade Ward, Shield of Faith, Sanctuary), and even efficient heals (Cure Wounds, Healing Word).

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Not only that, but Channel Divinity Options and special Class Features also give Clerics more versatility in battle as they level up, courtesy of frightening (Turn Undead) and even dealing heavy damage (Destroy Undead) to nearby undead, imposing Disadvantage on Attack Rolls (Warding Flare) and casting out magical darkness with some damage (Radiance of the Dawn).

Light Of Balance Base Stats

Multiclass Option: Hunter Ranger

The Light Cleric’s expectation to become a support unit can be upended by going for a Ranger at Level 6 and transitioning into a Hunter Ranger by Ranger 3. This should give the player an expanded array of combat options, such as a Familiar, as well as natural buffs when going toe to toe against foes. While this build’s STR wouldn’t be too potent, it should be enough to bring a Cleric to the frontlines as a damage dealer when needed.

6 Battle Master Flexibility

Enjoy Flexibility In Combat Thanks To Maneuvers

Newcomers to Dungeons & Dragons mechanics who are overwhelmed with the Wizard’s arsenal of spells may opt for Battle Master Flexibility for a similar experience but with a straightforward melee Class. Created with a Fighter-leaning character like Lae’zel in mind, Maneuvers can help Battle Masters control the flow of combat in their immediate vicinity with various attacks with special effects.

A 3rd-Level Battle Master will gain access to 3 Maneuvers at the onset and can expand up to a roster of 7 at the 11th Level. Ideal Maneuvers include providing an Advantage to the next Attack Roll against the target (Distracting Strike), imposing a Disadvantage on melee attacks against the Battle Master (Evasive Footwork), giving extra movement speed to an ally (Maneuvers Attack), an attack that comes with a shove (Pushing Attack), and knocking the enemy Prone (Trip Attack).

Battle Master Flexibility Base Stats

Multiclass Option: Maintain Battle Master Fighter

Unlike other builds, it may be more effective for Battle Master Fighters to maintain their current progression. Fighters getting a steadier stream of Feats every other level should allow players to maximize their current kit. Moreover, being able to secure more Maneuvers should let Fighters enjoy more freedom on the battlefield as straightforward damage dealers, leaving utility and healing to other party members.

5 Devout Smiting

Enjoy Smites, Spellcasting Options With Traditional Pallock Setup

The Paladin is easily one of the more versatile healer-tank hybrids available in Baldur’s Gate 3 gameplay, being a more combat-efficient blend of the Cleric and the Fighter. Even in earlier levels, the Devout Smiting Paladin already gets access to emergency healing (Lay on Hands) as well as Advantage on Attack Rolls against certain creature types (Divine Sense) on top of a Fighting Style that diversifies their general combat playstyle.

On top of access to a slate of general healing and support spells, the Devotion Paladin can also boost the chance of their weapon attacks hitting foes (Sacred Weapons), scaring off undead (Turn the Undead), and creating a damaging aura for allies (Holy Rebuke). Perhaps the highlight of Devout Smiting is the Class’ access to a wide variety of Smites that can burn (Searing), push (Thunderous), frighten (Wrathful), mark (Branding), and blind (Blinding) opponents.

Devout Smiting Base Stats

Multiclass Option: The Great Old One Warlock

With the Warlock being among the game’s dedicated CHA Classes (before the new version of the Player’s Handbook comes out), players may want to use this opportunity to pair the Paladin with the flexible Spellcasting cast. After securing Extra Attack at Paladin 5, players can enjoy more versatile Spellcasting via the Great Old One Warlock as soon as they hit Level 6. The added versatility of Eldritch Blast as a long-ranged attack, on top of Pact of the Blade boosting combat prowess, can make the Devotion Paladin a force to be reckoned with.

4 Valorous Bard

Enhance Bard Utility With Warlock Offensive Spells

Although the Bard of Dungeons & Dragons is not known for being extremely combat-efficient, the Valorous Bard and its Baldur’s Gate 3 gameplay can be considered one of the most balanced builds in the RPG. Based on the College of Valor, the Valorous Bard at first glance doesn’t seem to offer much outside existing Bard benefits like Bardic Inspiration, Song of Rest, and quite a ton of Skill Proficiencies.

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However, the Valorous Bard provides quite enough combat incentives to add more survivability to the Class without sacrificing their utility specializations. Combat Inspiration transforms the usual Bardic Inspiration into a combat buff for those who need them, whereas the extra Proficiencies (Shield, Medium Armor, and Martial Weapons) heavily expand their damaging capabilities.

Valorous Bard Base Stats

Multiclass Option: The Archfey Warlock

The playful nature of the Valorous Bard fits the natural charms of the Fey, making the Archfey Warlock a decent next level of progression for Bards as soon as they get Font of Inspiration and Improved Bardic Inspiration at Bard 5. The boost to combat performance that the Archfey Warlock offers can further expand the Bard’s offensive options, with Eldritch Blast and Hellish Rebuke immediately diversifying opportunities in a fight. The extra charms of Fey Presence are also a nice touch to the Bard’s repertoire of tricks.

3 Fireball Galore

Boost Wizard Damage Potential With Cleric Utility

Wizards are infamous as spellcasters in Dungeons & Dragons courtesy of their “kill it with fire” reputation, particularly Fireball Galore, which taps into Baldur’s Gate 3 character Gale and transforms him into an Evocation Wizard. This Subclass of choice gives the Wizard access to more damaging spells, with early-game Cantrips such as Fire Bolt, Ray of Frost, and Acid Splash becoming must-haves to deal with most low-level threats.

As players gear up for the much-acclaimed higher-level Fireball, neat substitutes come much earlier in the form of multi-targeting Magic Missile (1st Level Evocation), surface-making Chromatic Orb (1st Level Evocation), and Scorching Ray (2nd Level Evocation).

Fireball Galore Base Stats

Multiclass Option: Knowledge Domain Cleric

While maintaining the Wizard’s progression until the end of the game is a reasonable course of action for the Class, players can transform the Spellcaster into its own version of a Bard via the Knowledge Domain Cleric. Securing this Multiclass will provide the Wizard not just with additional armor options but also Spells that can give them and their allies buffs as well as nifty ways of restraining people (Calm Person, Hold Person). Even if the party already has a healer with them, a Wizard dipping into the Cleric Class could provide additional utility.

2 Hunter Extraordinaire

Dominate DPS With Ranger Versatility & Rogue Sneak Attacks

The Hunter Subclass of the Ranger focuses on eliminating its prey with utmost efficiency, with Hunter Extraordinaire giving Baldur’s Gate 3 gameplay a Battle Master Fighter equivalent with more combat passives and less complicated Maneuvers. At the onset, Rangers have Natural Explorer that can give them various Resistances (Wasteland Wanderer), access to pets (Beast Tamer), and tracking methods (Urban Tracker).

Where the Hunter Extraordinaire shines is its access to Hunter’s Prey. They can either deal 1d8 damage to a target below HP maximum (Colossus Slayer), attack two targets standing next to each other at once (Horde Breaker), or immediately counter a melee attack (Giant Killer).

Hunter Extraordinaire Base Stats

Multiclass Option: Assassin Rogue

The additional combat options that the Ranger offers to players could be bolstered further once their characters dip into Rogue at Level 6. Investing into the Ranger 5’s Extra Attack can make an Assassin Rogue a force to be reckoned with at Rogue 3, especially with Sneak Attack and Assassinate capitalizing on the Ranger’s inherent control over the battlefield. Despite the Rogue’s straightforward kit, the Ranger’s selection of combat-oriented Spells should transform this build into a multi-faceted killing machine.

1 Eldritch Knight Versatility

Enjoy Spells Without Sacrificing HP Via Spellcasting Fighter

Players who want to enjoy their Baldur’s Gate 3 gameplay with what might be the pinnacle of character versatility should consider going for the Eldritch Knight Versatility build. Created with a hardline tank like Lae’zel in mind, Eldritch Knight Versatility taps into how the Eldritch Knight balances the survivability of the Fighter with the inherent spellcasting of the Wizard.

The key to this build is securing the right kind of spells that help the Eldritch Knight accommodate both melee and ranged combat setups. For starters, the Eldritch Knight should secure the multi-target Magic Missile (1st-Level) for maximum efficiency and then opt for other spells the resident Wizard doesn’t possess. With Eldritch Knights lacking AOE options, spells such as Scorching Ray and Shatter (2nd-Level) as well as Chromatic Orb and Thunderwave (1st-Level) could provide decent all-rounder options.

Eldritch Knight Versatility Base Stats

Multiclass Option: Arcane Trickster Rogue

After getting the Extra Attack at Fighter 5, players can expand their character’s repertoire of Spells by dipping into Rogue. At Rogue 3, becoming an Arcane Trickster should improve the Fighter’s combat options with Sneak Attacks, an invisible Mage Hand (Legerdemain), and stealth-oriented Spells. While the Eldritch Knight’s Evocation-focused arsenal can boost its overall DPS, the Arcane Trickster’s Sneak Attack advantage ensures players can pull off decent DPS as an ambusher or a straightforward combatant.

Baldur's Gate 3

Platform(s)

PC , macOS , PS5 , Xbox Series X

Released

August 3, 2023

Developer(s)

Larian Studios

Genre(s)

RPG