Baldur’s Gate 3: BEST Builds [Top 10]
Discover the best builds in Baldur's Gate 3 in order to maximise the use of every class and subclass available to you!
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If you want to create the most powerful and Baldur’s Gate 3 best builds, then you need to ensure that almost every single aspect of your character is perfect. From choosing the right class, background, and subclass, to the different equipment and spells, everything needs to synergize to create a powerful build.
Key Takeaways
- There are 10+ classes in Baldur’s Gate 3 from which you can create different builds.
- When creating a build, you need to consider the Background, Race, and Subclass for a character and ensure it works well with the class you’ll choose.
- Each Character has different Abilities and Skills that you can assign, with the ability points suiting certain playstyles better than others.
- As you level up, you’ll unlock different Spells and Cantrips to go with your different builds, but ultimately there will be a select few that will suit the class and the build the most.
- Why Trust Us: With 80+ hours in the game, Ibrahim is a trusted source for Baldur’s Gate 3 guides!
Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Builds
Here is an overview of the best builds in Baldur’s Gate 3 showcased along with abilities, skills, spells, and equipment.
| Build | Best For | Character Creation | Abilities | Skills | Spells | Equipment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Druid | Best Build For Wild Shapes Versatile Combat | -Nature-oriented -Wood Elf -Circle of the Moon | Wisdom, Constitution, Dexterity | Acrobatics, Sleight of Hand, Stealth, Animal Handling, Insight, Medicine, Perception, Survival | Thorn Whip, Shillelagh, Produce Flame, Entangle, Thunderwave, Fairie Fire, Moonbeam, Heat Metal | Club, Shield, Medium Armor (Githyanki Half Plate/Scale Mail +1) |
| Warlock | Best Charismatic Spellcasting Build | -Versatile -Half-Elf The Fiend / -The Great Old One | Charisma, Constitution, Dexterity, Intelligence | Intimidation, Versatile | Eldritch Blast, Friends, Hex, Misty Step | Hand Crossbow / Dual Rapiers, Light Armor (Leather Armor +1/Studded Leather Armor) |
| Bard | Best Build For Versatile Support | -Charisma-focused -Lolth-Sworn Drow -College of Valor | Charisma, Dexterity, Constitution | Deception, Persuasion, Intimidation, Acrobatics, Stealth, Sleight of Hand | Thunderwave, Dissonant Whispers, Healing Word, Heroism, Vicious Mockery, Dancing Lights | Steelforged Sword & Shield, Light Crossbow, Lae'Zel's Githyanki Half Plate, Cap of Curing, Absolute's Talisman |
| Ranger | Best Balanced Build | -Beast Tamer -Wood -Elf Hunter | Dexterity, Constitution, Wisdom | Stealth, Perception, Animal Handling, Survival | Speak with Animals, Ensnaring Strike, Hail of Thorns, Cure Wounds | Longbow / +1 Longbow / Heavy Crossbow +1, Shortswords, Studded Leather Armor / Githyanki Half Plate, Amulet of Misty Step / Broodmother’s Revenge |
| Fighter | Best Fighter Wizard Hybrid Build | -Any boosting Intelligence skills -Githyanki -Eldritch Knight | Strength, Constitution, Intelligence | Arcana, History, Acrobatics | Magic Missile, Burning Hands, Fire Bolt, Ray of Frost, Thunderwave, Chromatic Orb | Blooded Greataxe, Lae’Zel’s Githyanki Half Plate, Warped Headband of Intellect |
| Barbarian | Best Melee Damage Dealer Build | -Outlander -Shield Dwarf -Berserker / Wildheart | Strength, Constitution, Dexterity, Wisdom | Animal Handling, Perception | Rage, Reckless Attack, Danger Sense | Very Heavy Greataxe / Maul +1 / Sword of Justice, Thrown Weapons, Lae’Zel’s Githyanki Half Plate, Crusher’s Ring, Haste Helm, Speed Lightfeet |
| Cleric | Best Ranged-Support Hybrid Build | -Wisdom-based -Wood Elf -Light Domain | Dexterity, Constitution, Wisdom | Acrobatics, Sleight of Hand, Stealth, Animal Handling, Insight, Medicine, Perception, Survival | Sacred Flame, Guiding Bolt, Bless, Blindness, Hold Person | Longbow, Shortsword, Studded Shield, Adamantine Shield, Scale Mail +1 / Githyanki Half Plate, Herbalist's Gloves, Broodmother's Revenge |
| Rogue | Best Build For Skill Versatility | -Urchin, Charlatan, or Criminal Any Thief | Dexterity, Constitution, Wisdom | Sleight of Hand, Stealth, Insight, Perception | Dancing Lights, Ray of Frost, Acid Splash, Chill Touch, Magic Missile, Thunderwave, Chromatic Orb, Scorching Ray, Shocking Grasp, Misty Step/Hold Person/Mirror Image/Sleep | Longbow, Shortswords/Rapiers, Studded Leather Armor, Amulet of Misty Step, The Speedy Lightfeet |
| Wizard | Best Arcane Caster Build | -Sage -High Elf -Evocation | Intelligence, Dexterity, Constitution | Arcana, History, Investigation | Fire Bolt, Ray of Frost, Minor Illusion, Fireball, Counterspell, Haste | Sorcerer Robe, The Sapphire Spark, Absolute's Talisman, Ring of Colour Spray |
| Sorcerer | Best Spellcaster Build With Strong Social Skills | -Charisma-enhancing -Wood Half-Elf -Draconic Bloodline | Charisma, Dexterity, Constitution | Deception, Persuasion, Intimidation, Acrobatics, Stealth, Sleight of Hand | Dancing Lights, Ray of Frost, Acid Splash, Chill Touch, Magic Missile, Thunderwave, Chromatic Orb | Light Crossbow, Rapiers, Studded Leather Armor, Amulet of Misty Step, The Speedy Lightfeet |
Druid Build
Best Build For Wild Shapes Versatile Combat.
| Background | Nature-oriented (i.e. Outlander, Hermit) |
| Race | Gold Dwarf / Wood Elf |
| Subclass | Circle of the Moon |
| Abilities | Wisdom, Constitution, Dexterity |
| Skills | Acrobatics, Sleight of Hand, Stealth, Animal Handling, Insight, Medicine, Perception, Survival |
| Spells | Thorn Whip, Shillelagh, Produce Flame, Entangle, Thunderwave, Fairie Fire, Moonbeam, Heat Metal |
| Equipment | Club, Shield, Medium Armor (Githyanki Half Plate/Scale Mail +1) |
- Why I Chose This: The dynamic combat this build provides with great durability and spellcasting.
The Circle of the Moon Druid in Baldur’s Gate 3 offers a powerful and versatile playstyle with its Wild Shape ability.
Character Creation
- Best race options: Gold Dwarf or Wood Elf.
- Gold Dwarf: Bonus to Wisdom and Constitution, enhancing spells and increasing hit points.
- Wood Elf: Boost to Dexterity and Wisdom, improving armor class and allowing balanced build.
- Ideal subclass: Circle of the Moon.
- Adept at combat with Wild Shape.
- Bonus action transformation allows movement and attack in the same turn.
- Transformation into Polar Bear offers a substantial health pool, serving as a durable tank.
Abilities
In terms of abilities for the Druid Build, it is recommended to focus on Wisdom, Constitution, and Dexterity.
- Wisdom is crucial for spellcasting effectiveness and melee combat with the Shillelagh cantrip.
- Constitution increases hit points and aids in maintaining concentration on spells.
- Dexterity enhances armor class and benefits spellcasting when not in Wild Shape form.
Skills
If you want a powerful and efficient build that utilizes the strengths of the Druid, then prioritize Dexterity and Wisdom-based skills.
- Acrobatics, Sleight of Hand, and Stealth benefit from high Dexterity.
- Animal Handling, Insight, Medicine, Perception, and Survival utilize Wisdom.
Spells And Cantrips
Choose spells like Thorn Whip, Shillelagh, and Produce Flame
- Thorn Whip pulls enemies and disrupts their position, providing tactical advantages.
- Shillelagh improves melee damage by using Wisdom for attack and damage rolls.
- Produce Flame deals damage and creates light, aiding vision and combat accuracy.
However, be mindful of Concentration spells.
- Concentration spells require focus and can be broken by taking damage or casting another concentration spell.
- Invest in the Constitution to improve concentration checks and maintain spells.
As you level up to Level 3, you might want to change up your spells a bit. Recommended Spells at Level 3: Entangle, Thunderwave, Fairie Fire, Moonbeam, Heat Metal
- Entangle: Crowd control and area denial.
- Thunderwave: Effective AoE spell for close enemies.
- Faerie Fire: Grants advantage on attack rolls, and benefits the entire party.
- Moonbeam: Deals radiant damage over time, movable each turn.
- Heat Metal: Damages enemies with metal weapons, and imposes an attack disadvantage.
Equipment
Consider using a Club, Shield, and Medium Armor with the Druid because:
- A Club can be buffed with Shillelagh, and a Shield provides a bonus to the armor class.
- Medium Armor, such as Githyanki Half Plate or Scale Mail +1, enhances protection.
Tips
- Use Wild Shape strategically rather than remaining in form constantly.
- Cast spells before transforming for efficiency.
- Utilize different creature forms for specific advantages (e.g., tunneling, flying).
- Enhance Intelligence and Charisma for improved saving throws and skill checks if frequent Wild Shape usage is planned.
- Great durability due to polar form.
- Use of wisdom for effective spellcasting.
- Use of different wild shapes to adapt to different scenarios.
- Not that much weapon variety.
- Requires concentration management.
Warlock Build
Best Charismatic Spellcasting Build.
| Background | Versatile (Excluding Intimidation, Persuasion, Deception) |
| Race | Half-Elf / Asmodeus Tiefling / Drow |
| Subclass | The Fiend / The Great Old One |
| Abilities | Charisma, Constitution, Dexterity, Intelligence |
| Skills | Intimidation, Versatile |
| Spells | Eldritch Blast, Friends, Hex, Misty Step |
| Equipment | Hand Crossbow / Dual Rapiers, Light Armor (Leather Armor +1/Studded Leather Armor) |
- Why I Chose This: The combat flexibility this build provides on top of the versatile spell options it has.
Character Creation
- Background: Avoid Intimidation, Persuasion, or Deception skills to complement Warlock abilities.
- Race: Opt for Half-Elf, Asmodeus Tiefling, or Drow for Charisma bonus and Darkvision.
- Class: Choose Warlock with The Fiend or The Great Old One subclass.
- The Fiend: Gain Dark One’s Blessing for temporary hit points on enemy kills.
- The Great Old One: Access Tasha’s Hideous Laughter and Dissonant Whispers for crowd control and damage.
Abilities
- Charisma: Increase Charisma to at least 16 for a +3 ability modifier, enhancing spell accuracy and Eldritch Blast damage.
- Constitution, Dexterity, and Intelligence: Allocate points to these abilities as secondary priorities.
- Constitution improves hit points, Dexterity enhances armor class, and Intelligence expands skill options for dialogues and interactions.
Skills
- Intimidation: Take this skill along with any other skill of your choice.
- Intimidation synergizes with Charisma-based abilities and can be useful in various situations.
Spells And Cantrips
- Eldritch Blast: Primary attack cantrip, dealing 1-10 damage from range.
- Friends: Gain advantage on Charisma checks against non-hostile targets.
- Hex: Bonus action spell that increases damage dealt by Eldritch Blast. Recastable upon the target’s death.
- Misty Step: Teleportation spells for mobility and tactical positioning.
Equipment
- Weapons: Warlocks primarily rely on spells, so weapon choice is not crucial. Opt for proficiency in a Hand Crossbow for ranged combat or dual-wield Rapiers for melee combat.
- Armor: Light Armor such as Leather Armor +1 or Studded Leather Armor for protection.
Tips
- Gain combat advantage with Eldritch Blast by positioning higher.
- Use Misty Step for advantageous positioning.
- Replenish spell slots during short rests to maximize Hex usage.
- Adapt spell and cantrip selection based on the situation.
- Prioritize offensive spells with AoE effects.
- Customize Wyll companion by increasing Charisma and initiating dialogues for shared benefits.
- Allows for versatile background choices.
- Increased survivability due to the fiend subclass.
- Great crowd control.
- Limited armor options and weapons.
Bard Build
Best Build For Versatile Support.
| Background | Charisma-focused (Deception, Persuasion, Intimidation, Performance) |
| Race | Wood Half-Elf / Human / Lolth-Sworn Drow / Seldarine Drow |
| Subclass | College of Valor |
| Abilities | Charisma, Dexterity, Constitution |
| Skills | Deception, Persuasion, Intimidation, Acrobatics, Stealth, Sleight of Hand |
| Spells | Thunderwave, Dissonant Whispers, Healing Word, Heroism, Vicious Mockery, Dancing Lights |
| Equipment | Steelforged Sword & Shield, Light Crossbow, Lae'Zel's Githyanki Half Plate, Cap of Curing, Absolute's Talisman |
- Why I Chose This: The versatile support capability this build provides along with the crowd control.
Character Creation
- Background: Choose a background that enhances Charisma skills such as Deception, Persuasion, Intimidation, and Performance.
- Race: Wood Half-Elf, Human, or Lolth-Sworn/Seldarine Drow for bonuses to Charisma and other essential abilities.
- Subclass: College of Valour for martial proficiency and combat inspiration.
Abilities
- Charisma: Primary ability for spellcasting effectiveness.
- Dexterity: Improves Armor Class (AC) and ranged combat capabilities.
- Constitution: Increases HP and concentration saving throws.
Skills
- Focus on skills related to Charisma and Dexterity, such as Deception, Persuasion, Intimidation, Acrobatics, Stealth, and Sleight of Hand.
Spells And Cantrips
- Spells:
- Thunderwave: due to the AoE damage and knockback
- Dissonant Whispers: for the psychic damage and fear effect
- Healing Word: useful for remote healing
- Heroism: because of the temporary HP and fear immunity.
- Cantrips:
- Vicious Mockery: because of the psychic damage and attack penalty
- Dancing Lights: it allows for improved visibility in darkness.
Equipment
- A one-handed weapon with Shield: Steelforged Sword (5-10 Piercing Damage, attack penalty) for melee combat.
- Ranged Weapon: Light Crossbow for ranged damage.
- Armor: Lae’Zel’s Githyanki Half Plate for increased AC.
- Accessories: Cap of Curing (healing on Combat/Bardic Inspiration) and Absolute’s Talisman (HP restoration on dealing damage).
Tips
- Use Bardic Inspiration for ally bonuses in attacks, checks, and saves.
- Opt for Thunderwave, Dissonant Whispers, and Vicious Mockery for damage and crowd control.
- Enhance ally attack rolls, damage, or AC with Combat Inspiration.
- Replenish Bardic Inspiration through multiple Long Rests.
- Balance concentration and non-concentration spells as needed.
- Increased charisma.
- Great damage and crowd control capabilities.
- There’s an attack penalty for using a Steelforged sword.
Ranger Build
Best Balanced Build.
| Background | Beast Tamer / Urban Tracker |
| Race | Wood Elf / Strongheart Halfling / Human |
| Subclass | Hunter |
| Abilities | Dexterity, Constitution, Wisdom |
| Skills | Stealth, Perception, Animal Handling, Survival |
| Spells | Speak with Animals, Ensnaring Strike, Hail of Thorns, Cure Wounds |
| Equipment | Longbow / +1 Longbow / Heavy Crossbow +1, Shortswords, Studded Leather Armor / Githyanki Half Plate, Amulet of Misty Step / Broodmother’s Revenge |
- Why I Chose This: The capability of versatile combat with ranged and melee combat plus exceptional crowd control.
Character Creation
- Background: Choose a Wisdom-boosting background like the Beast Tamer or Urban Tracker for their perks in animal handling and lockpicking, respectively.
- Race: Wood Elves are best due to their boost in Dexterity, Wisdom, and Stealth skills. Alternatively, consider the Strongheart Halfling or Human for a balanced approach.
- Subclass: At Level 3, select the Hunter subclass to unlock the Colossus Slayer feature, providing bonus damage.
Abilities
- Primarily, focus on Dexterity for bow combat and Constitution for HP and Concentration checks.
- Wisdom is also essential for leveraging offensive spells.
Skills
- Pick skills that leverage your high Dexterity and Wisdom, such as Stealth, Perception, Animal Handling, or Survival.
Spells And Cantrips
- At Level 2, acquire “Speak with Animals” and “Ensnaring Strike” or “Hail of Thorns.”
- Level 3 unlocks the Hunter subclass and Colossus Slayer passive ability.
- Your third spell can be “Ensnaring Strike,” “Hail of Thorns,” or “Cure Wounds,” depending on party composition and playstyle.
Equipment
- Use a Longbow for primary attacks.
- Equip a +1 Longbow or Heavy Crossbow +1 when available.
- In melee scenarios, dual-wield Shortswords.
- Choose Studded Leather Armor or Githyanki Half Plate for optimal Armor Class.
- Equip the Amulet of Misty Step or Broodmother’s Revenge for an added tactical edge.
Tips
- Use Ensnaring Strike for crowd control.
- ‘Hail of Thorns’ can be deployed against single targets for extra damage.
- Keep a check on your positioning to ensure effective use of your bow and to avoid melee combat disadvantage.
- Maintain concentration for your spells, and ensure you don’t hit companions when using AoE abilities.
- Has versatile combat with ranged and melee options.
- Great crowd control capabilities.
- Dependent heavily on spells and limited melee capabilities.
Fighter Build
Best Fighter Wizard Hybrid Build.
| Background | Any boosting Intelligence skills |
| Race | Shield Dwarf / Githyanki |
| Subclass | Eldritch Knight |
| Abilities | Strength, Constitution, Intelligence |
| Skills | Arcana, History, Acrobatics |
| Spells | Magic Missile, Burning Hands, Fire Bolt, Ray of Frost, Thunderwave, Chromatic Orb |
| Equipment | Blooded Greataxe, Lae’Zel’s Githyanki Half Plate, Warped Headband of Intellect |
- Why I Chose This: The combination of this build of fighter strength and spells provides great versatility.
Character Creation
- Background: Select a background that boosts Intelligence skills, such as Arcana, History, or Nature.
- Race: The most suitable races are Shield Dwarf and Githyanki.
- Shield Dwarves offer a strong base in Strength and Constitution, while Githyanki combines Strength and Intelligence.
- Subclass: Choose Eldritch Knight as your subclass for the Fighter class.
Abilities
- Your focus should be on Strength, Constitution, and Intelligence.
- Intelligence should be boosted with the Warped Headband of Intellect
Skills
- Prioritize skills that match your Abilities.
- Intelligence-based skills such as Arcana or History are recommended, as well as Dexterity skills like Acrobatics if points are allocated there.
Spells And Cantrips
- Begin with Magic Missile and an AoE spell like Burning Hands at Level 3, taking advantage of the Eldritch Knight’s unique access to Wizard Spells.
- Also, choose Cantrips that offer long-range options, such as Fire Bolt or Ray of Frost.
- At Level 4, consider adding spells like Thunderwave or Chromatic Orb for versatility.
Equipment
- The choice of weapons depends on your playing style.
- Two-handed weapons, such as the Blooded Greataxe, can deal significant damage.
- For Armor, Medium Armor like Lae’Zel’s Githyanki Half Plate offers a decent Armor Class.
- The Warped Headband of Intellect is a must-have accessory to maximize Intelligence.
Tips
- Use Cleave before expending spell slots on AoE spells.
- Save Magic Missile for hard-to-hit enemies or those in dark areas.
- Lastly, consider having Lae’Zel in your party as she makes a strong Eldritch Knight with the right build.
- Has a combination of fighter strength and wizard spells.
- Great damage capabilities.
- Limited spell choice.
Barbarian Build
Best Melee Damage Dealer Build.
| Background | Outlander |
| Race | Shield Dwarf / Wood Half-Elf / Human |
| Subclass | Berserker / Wildheart |
| Abilities | Strength, Constitution, Dexterity, Wisdom |
| Skills | Animal Handling, Perception |
| Spells | Rage, Reckless Attack, Danger Sense |
| Equipment | Very Heavy Greataxe / Maul +1 / Sword of Justice, Thrown Weapons, Lae’Zel’s Githyanki Half Plate, Crusher’s Ring, Haste Helm, Speed Lightfeet |
- Why I Chose This: The damage capability this build has is second to none. Taking down enemies with powerful melee attacks.
Character Creation
- Background: Opt for a background that boosts the Athletics Strength Skill like Outlander for enhanced Survival skills.
- Race: Go with the Shield Dwarf for a +2 Strength and +2 Constitution boost, supporting both damage and survivability. Alternatively, the Wood Half-Elf and Human offer a balanced Ability Score spread with different trade-offs.
- Subclass: Choose from Berserker for a damage-focused approach or Wildheart for an affinity with nature and animals.
Abilities
- Strength: Your primary ability. Aim to boost it to at least 16 during Character Creation, aiming for 18 later on for improved accuracy, damage, and carry weight capacity.
- Constitution: Enhance this secondary ability for improved survivability, given its effect on max HP and overall armor.
- Dexterity: Allocate points here after Strength and Constitution for an enhanced Armour Class.
- Wisdom: It doesn’t affect damage but influences the outcome of Skill Checks, thus a secondary priority.
Skills
- Select Skills that fall under Wisdom, such as Animal Handling and Perception, given that you’ll have average Wisdom relative to Charisma and Intelligence.
Spells And Cantrips
- Level 1: Access powerful Rage ability boosting damage and resilience in combat.
- Level 2: Gain Reckless Attack for advantage on attack rolls, Danger Sense for advantage on Dexterity Saving Throws.
- Level 3: Add another Rage charge and choose Berserker or Wildheart subclasses for enhanced Rage abilities and new skills.
- Level 4: Opt for Ability Improvement feat to raise Strength and Constitution.
Equipment
- Choose two-handed weapons like Very Heavy Greataxe, Maul +1, or Sword of Justice for high damage.
- Keep Thrown Weapons for versatility.
- Use Medium Armor like Lae’Zel’s Githyanki Half Plate for 17 AC.
- Consider a one-handed weapon and shield setup for 19 AC.
- Equip accessories like Crusher’s Ring, Haste Helm, and Speed Lightfeet for improved movement and combat rolls.
Tips
- Manage Rage charges wisely for strong foes or groups.
- Prioritize Gargantuan Cleave with Very Heavy Greataxe.
- Use Tyr’s Protection at combat starting with Sword of Justice.
- Utilize high-ground positions for bonus attack roll points.
- Effective Barbarian build in Baldur’s Gate 3 hinges on careful management.
- High damage.
- Great survivability.
- A great useful and effective skillset.
- Lacks in ranged combat scenarios.
Cleric Build
Best Ranged-Support Hybrid Build.
| Background | Wisdom-based |
| Race | Wood Elf |
| Subclass | Light Domain |
| Abilities | Dexterity, Constitution, Wisdom |
| Skills | Acrobatics, Sleight of Hand, Stealth, Animal Handling, Insight, Medicine, Perception, Survival |
| Spells | Sacred Flame, Guiding Bolt, Bless, Blindness, Hold Person |
| Equipment | Longbow, Shortsword, Studded Shield, Adamantine Shield, Scale Mail +1 / Githyanki Half Plate, Herbalist's Gloves, Broodmother's Revenge |
- Why I Chose This: Provides a balance of offense and support capabilities. Provides great versatility.
Character Creation
- Background: Choose a background enhancing Wisdom skills (Animal Handling, Insight, Medicine, Perception, Survival) to complement Cleric’s high Wisdom.
- Race: Opt for Wood Elf for boosts in Dexterity and Wisdom, along with Longbow Proficiency for ranged damage.
- Subclass: Select Light Domain for balanced damage and support spells, ensuring versatility in different situations.
Abilities
Focus on three main abilities for this Baldur’s Gate 3 Cleric build:
- Dexterity: Helps with your ranged weapon hit rate and boosts Armor Class for better survival.
- Constitution: Enhances your HP pool and aids in maintaining spell Concentration.
- Wisdom: Essential for optimizing your offensive spell efficiency.
Skills
Choose skills influenced by Dexterity and Wisdom due to the heavy focus on these abilities:
- Dexterity: Acrobatics, Sleight of Hand, and Stealth provide versatility and utility in various scenarios.
- Wisdom: As stated earlier, Wisdom skills are Animal Handling, Insight, Medicine, Perception, and Survival.
- These contribute to your effectiveness as a group’s advisor and healer.
Spells And Cantrips
- Level 1: Prioritize “Sacred Flame” for unlimited uses, and “Guiding Bolt” for heavy damage.
- Level 2: Keep the same spells; add “Bless” to buff the party’s attack rolls.
- Level 3: Upgrade “Guiding Bolt” to Level 2 for higher damage; add “Blindness” for non-concentration control.
- “Hold Person” is optional if needed.
Equipment
- Primary weapon: Longbow (Druid Grove), paired with Shortsword and Studded Shield for melee.
- Upgrade to Adamantine Shield (Grymforge) for Reeling Condition on enemies.
- Armor: Scale Mail +1 or Githyanki Half Plate for high AC.
- Equip Herbalist’s Gloves for poison removal; Brood mother’s Revenge for inflicting.
Tips
- Maximize spell effectiveness by holding high ground in combat.
- Preemptively cast “Darkvision” for dark areas to save combat turns.
- Manage concentration spells carefully to maintain their useful effects.
- Trigger Broodmother’s Revenge by using the “Healing Word” on yourself for poison damage.
- Avoid using “Cure Wounds” unless you’re a Life Domain Cleric; opt for healing potions or food instead.
- Provides support as well as damage.
- Great in ranged combat.
- High durability.
- Lacks melee combat.
Rogue Build
Best Build For Skill Versatility.
| Background | Urchin, Charlatan, or Criminal |
| Race | Any (Wood Elf optimal for Thief) |
| Subclass | Thief |
| Abilities | Primarily Dexterity |
| Skills | Sleight of Hand, Stealth, Insight, Perception |
| Spells | Sneak Attack, Cunning Action: Dash, Disengage |
| Equipment | Longbow, Shortswords/Rapiers, Studded Leather Armor, Amulet of Misty Step, The Speedy Lightfeet |
- Why I Chose This: The flexibility and agility this build provides along with the versatile skillset.
Character Creation
- Background: Consider backgrounds such as Urchin, Charlatan, or Criminal for their thematic skill proficiencies.
- Race: Almost any Race works well.
- Subclass: Choose a Thief subclass for your Rogue for the extra bonus actions. Wood Elves make excellent Thieves due to their bonus in Dexterity, Wisdom, and proficiency in Perception and Stealth.
Abilities
- Focus primarily on Dexterity for attack and damage rolls with Ranged and Finesse weapons and to boost Armour Class.
- Balance the remaining ability points according to your style of play.
Skills
- Choose skills like Sleight of Hand, Stealth, Insight, and Perception.
- The Expertise feature at Level 1 enhances these skills.
Spells And Cantrips
- Sneak Attack is the core skill for the Thief, dealing high damage under the right circumstances.
- Your Sneak Attack Damage increases at every odd level, amplifying your damage roll each time.
- Use “Cunning Action: Dash and Disengage” to maximize mobility and minimize risk.
Equipment
- Start with a Longbow and two Shortswords.
- After acquiring the Dual Wielder Feat at Level 4, switch to Rapiers.
- For armor, opt for Studded Leather Armour. Special accessories like Amulet of Misty Step and The Speedy Lightfeet will enhance your mobility and attack rolls.
Tips
- Maximize your attacks per turn by saving your Bonus Actions for your Offhand Attack.
- Aim to create scenarios for Sneak Attack in every round. Remember that Sneak Attack from the high ground increases your hit chance.
- Astarion can be used for the Rogue class Baldur’s Gate builds with minor alterations to Ability Improvement.
- Extremely versatile.
- Flexible race options can be used.
- Provides extra bonus actions.
- Lacks in melee combat scenarios.
Wizard Build
Best Arcane Caster Build.
| Background | Sage |
| Race | High Elf |
| Subclass | Evocation |
| Abilities | Intelligence, Dexterity, Constitution |
| Skills | Arcana, History, Investigation |
| Spells | Fire Bolt, Ray of Frost, Minor Illusion, Fireball, Counterspell, Haste |
| Equipment | Robes, amulets, rings (boost AC, Intelligence, Saving Throws) |
- Why I Chose This: Excels at knowledge-based interactions with great spell damage and control.
Character Creation
- Background: Sage – Grants proficiency in Arcana and History, essential skills for any Wizard.
- Race: High Elf – Bonus to Intelligence, Dexterity, and an extra cantrip can prove valuable.
- Subclass: Evocation – Allows you to maximize spell damage, offering powerful AoE options without endangering your party.
Abilities
- Intelligence: The main stat for wizards. Max this out first to increase your spellcasting ability.
- Dexterity: Useful for AC, Initiative, and saves.
- Constitution: Boosts hit points, essential for survival.
Skills
- Prioritize Arcana, History, and Investigation.
- They leverage your high Intelligence and support your role as the knowledgeable caster.
Spells And Cantrips
- Cantrips:
- Fire Bolt due to the reliable damage
- Ray of Frost for slowing enemies
- Minor Illusion to serve as a distraction.
- Spells:
- Fireball for effective AoE damage
- Counterspell for magic defense
- Haste to buff an ally
Equipment
- Focus on items that boost AC, intelligence, and saving throws.
- Robes, amulets, and rings that provide such benefits are invaluable.
Tips
- Use “Sculpt Spells” to protect allies from AoE spells.
- Position behind frontlines for spellcasting range and avoid direct combat.
- Manage spell slots wisely, reserving powerful spells for crucial situations.
- Utilize cantrips for minor threats.
- Strategically use “Shield” and “Counterspell” as potential game-changers.
- Great spell damage.
- Versatile.
- Lacks melee combat.
Sorcerer Build
Best Spellcaster Build With Strong Social Skills.
| Background | Charisma-enhancing (Persuasion, Intimidation, Deception) |
| Race | Wood Half-Elf |
| Subclass | Draconic Bloodline (Green or Red Ancestry) |
| Abilities | Charisma, Dexterity, Constitution |
| Skills | Deception, Persuasion, Intimidation, Acrobatics, Stealth, Sleight of Hand |
| Spells | Dancing Lights, Ray of Frost, Acid Splash, Chill Touch, Magic Missile, Thunderwave, Chromatic Orb, Scorching Ray, Shocking Grasp, Misty Step/Hold Person/Mirror Image/Sleep |
| Equipment | Sorcerer Robe, The Sapphire Spark, Absolute's Talisman, Ring of Colour Spray |
- Why I Chose This: Excels in social interaction with NPCs and proficiency in combat.
Character Creation
- Background: Choose a background providing Charisma skills, such as Persuasion, Intimidation, and Deception, enhancing your spellcasting and NPC interactions.
- Race: Wood Half-Elf – Grants +2 Charisma, Darkvision, increased movement speed, and stealth proficiency. Allocate the extra ability score points to Dexterity and Constitution for survivability.
- Subclass: Draconic Bloodline (Green or Red Ancestry) – Provides better stability, survivability, and bonus spells. Green ancestry grants the “Ray of Sickness” spell, and Red grants “Burning Hands.”
Abilities
- Charisma: Your primary ability is increasing spell effectiveness. Aim for 16 initially, potentially 18 later.
- Dexterity: Contributes to Armor Class and overall survivability; aim for at least 16.
- Constitution: Raises maximum HP; aim for 14 for better durability.
Skills
- Prioritize skills utilizing Charisma and Dexterity.
- From Charisma, pick skills like Deception, Persuasion, and Intimidation, and from Dexterity, choose Acrobatics, Stealth, and Sleight of Hand for utility and flexibility.
Spells And Cantrips
- Sorcerers start with four cantrips and two spells at level 1.
- Optimal cantrips include Dancing Lights, Ray of Frost, Acid Splash, and Chill Touch.
- Recommended spells are Magic Missile for guaranteed hits and Thunderwave for AoE damage and crowd control.
- Chromatic Orb offers versatile elemental damage options.
- Scorching Ray deals significant fire damage to multiple enemies or a single target.
- Shocking Grasp is a solid cantrip choice.
- Spell choices like Misty Step, Hold Person, Mirror Image, or Sleep depend on personal preference.
Equipment
- As a Sorcerer, your equipment is less significant than other classes, as you’re not proficient with any armor or weapons.
- Therefore, continue with your initial Sorcerer Robe and consider getting accessories like The Sapphire Spark, Absolute’s Talisman, and Ring of Colour Spray.
- These items provide you with additional damage, healing, and crowd control abilities, respectively.
Tips
- Sorcerer builds in Baldur’s Gate 3 offer flexibility with Metamagic.
- Twinned Spell with Chromatic Orb allows dual casting with one spell slot.
- Quickened Spell enables casting a spell as a bonus action for two spells in one turn.
- Versatile spell options.
- Bonus spells and great survivability.
- Lacks in hit points compared to other melee-based builds.
With that, know all about Baldur’s Gate 3 best builds available in the game for all of the classes. Remember, these builds are designed as general guidance; you can tweak them according to your own playstyle and preferences; Not everything is absolute.
Community Poll
My Thoughts On The Best Builds
After playing Baldur’s Gate 3 for some weeks, I have run almost all of these builds up until Moonrise Towers, and they give you a run for your money. However, I am a bit biased towards casters as my preference. The early game is a bit tough, but the late-game power spike is well worth the effort.
You will not see any major changes other than the occasional skill checks in Act 1. However, as soon as you land in the Shadow Cursed Lands, that’s where each individual build shines with its own unique playstyle. In the end, it does come down to what you like playing as. The Paladins will always be overpowered in most scenarios, the Bards will sing so badly that the enemies start dying, and the Sorcerers will continue persuading Mad Doctors into killing themselves.
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