In Baldur's Gate 3, players can choose from a variety of subclasses for each class, though not every option found in D&D 5e is available here. One notable subclass that is not featured in the game is the Hexblade Warlock. While the subclass itself isn't available in the game, one of the Warlock's pact options at level 3 has been buffed to fill a similar role.
Baldur's Gate 3 offers a more powerful version of "Pact of the Blade" when compared to the version found in D&D 5e, implementing a benefit usually associated with the "Hex Warrior" feature from the Hexblade subclass. This effectively allows players to create a similarly melee-focused warlock despite the subclass' absence in the game. This guide will cover the differences between "Pact of the Blade" in the game and the version found in D&D 5e.
How Pact of the Blade Works in D&D 5e
In D&D 5e the ability "Pact of the Blade" can be obtained at level 3 by the Warlock class. It allows them to, as an action, create a magic weapon in any form they desire. They are automatically considered proficient with the weapon, and it will vanish if they are more than 5ft away from it for any longer than 1 minute. They are also able to convert any weapon they are holding into a pact weapon by spending an hour performing a ritual on it, which confers the benefits of "Pact of the Blade" onto that weapon. This allows them to dismiss that weapon and then resummon it as they would summon their pact weapon normally. They can only have one magic weapon under that effect at a time and the weapon will appear next to them if they die while it is dismissed.
This pairs well with the Hexblade Patron ability "Hex Warrior", which allows the Warlock to use their Charisma modifier for attack and damage with any one-handed weapon they invest power into, or with any pact weapon regardless of its properties.
How Pact of the Blade Works in Baldur's Gate 3
In Baldur's Gate 3 players are able to choose "Pact of the Blade" on reaching level 3 as a Warlock. This allows the Warlock to, as an action, conjure a magic weapon in a form of their choosing. They are automatically proficient with that weapon and can use their Charisma modifier for attack and damage rolls when wielding that weapon. They can also spend an action to convert a weapon they are holding into a pact weapon until their next long rest, gaining the aforementioned benefits when wielding that weapon. This allows the warlock to use their spellcasting stat (Charisma) instead of their Strength or Dexterity when wielding pact weapons, allowing them to make use of a wide variety of weapons and become far more capable in combat when not using their spells.
This is especially useful for weapon flexibility, allowing the Warlock to make great use of any magic weapon they happen to encounter during the game. Players looking to get extra survivability on their Warlock (to help them fight more effectively in melee) should consider picking Fiend as their patron to benefit from the Temporary Hit Points Fiendlocks gain when killing a creature.
Baldur's Gate 3 is available now for PC and Mac and releases on 09/06/2023 for PS5.