Baldurs Gate 3: Best Fighter Subclasses [Strategy & Playstyle]

Upon reaching Level 3, Fighters gain the opportunity to select a Martial Archetype as their chosen Baldurs Gate 3 best fighter subclass. In the realm of Baldur’s Gate 3, this choice presents three distinct options: the Champion, the Battle Master, or the Eldritch Knight.

Overview Of Each Sub-Class

In the world of Baldur’s Gate 3, fighters have the exciting opportunity to specialize and fine-tune their combat abilities through a selection of unique subclasses.

The three available choices for fighters seeking a subclass are as follows:

1. Champion: The Champion archetype embodies the essence of honed physical prowess and devastating blows. This subclass is designed for those who prefer a straightforward approach to combat, which is a bit boring, to be honest. 
2. Battle Master: The Battle Master subclass represents a sophisticated combat style that leverages tactical superiority and extensive field experience. Quite easily the best Baldurs Gate 3 best fighter subclass Buid!
   • Fighters who opt for the Battle Master path gain access to the intricate “Manoeuvre” mechanic.
   • It is the only subclass that has a wow factor with actually useful and interesting mechanics. 
3. Eldritch Knight: The Eldritch Knight offers an intriguing blend of martial prowess and arcane magic.
   • By gaining access to the Wizard spell list, Eldritch Knights can cast spells that complement their martial abilities.

1. Battle Master

Quite easily the best Subclass in Baldurs Gate 3! Battle Masters are not only skilled in the art of wielding weapons, but they also possess the ability to execute a variety of specialized combat techniques that can turn the tide of battle in their favor.

• Starting Features: At the heart of the Battle Master’s arsenal lies the distinctive “Manoeuvre” mechanic.
• Manoeuvre Mechanic: The Manoeuvre mechanic grants Battle Masters the power to choose from a selection of combat maneuvers.
  • Each maneuver is associated with a unique tactical effect that can greatly influence the flow of a battle.
• Superiority Dice Mechanic: Integral to the Battle Master’s combat style is the “Superiority Dice” mechanic.
  • The Superiority Dice power up Battle Master’s Manoeuvres. 
  • It can be recharged once when you take a short rest.

Battle Maneuvers

Three standout maneuvers within the Battle Master’s repertoire are particularly noteworthy:

• Menacing Attack: This maneuver combines weapon strikes with psychological warfare. By delivering a precise strike, the Battle Master inflicts both weapon damage and has a chance to invoke fear in their target.
  • It is represented as the “Frightened” condition, which can immobilize enemies and impose a disadvantage on their checks and attack rolls.
• Pushing Attack: Battle Masters who master this maneuver learn to utilize forceful strikes to push enemies away.
  • The strike not only deals weapon damage but also propels the target backward by a significant distance.
  • Pushing Attack maneuvers can be employed strategically to reposition foes, potentially causing them to stumble over hazards or into environmental hazards.
• Riposte: Riposte allows Battle Masters to capitalize on their defensive prowess. When an enemy’s attack misses them, the Battle Master can unleash a retaliatory strike, dealing weapon damage.
  • Riposte maneuver requires quick thinking, as it must be activated as a Reaction on the fighter’s turn, turning the enemy’s failed attack into an opportunity for a devastating counterattack.

2. Champion Subclass

The Champion subclass within the realm of Baldur’s Gate 3 embodies the essence of a fighter who relies on raw physical power and unbridled might to dominate the battlefield. 

• Focus on Raw Physical Power: Champions represent the embodiment of brute strength and martial skill.
  • Their approach to combat is grounded in simplicity, focusing on delivering powerful blows that can quickly incapacitate foes.
• Boosts to Critical Hits: One of the defining features of the Champion subclass is its unparalleled mastery of critical hits.
  • Critical hits occur when an attack roll results in an especially accurate and powerful strike.
  • While critical hits are typically infrequent, the Champion greatly increases the frequency and potency of these game-changing moments.
  • This subclass provides a higher probability of scoring critical hits, leading to more devastating damage and potential incapacitation of opponents.

3. Eldritch Knight Subclass

In the world of Baldur’s Gate 3, the Eldritch Knight stands as a unique and captivating subclass within the fighter archetype. This particular subclass blends the realms of martial combat and arcane magic, weaving them into a harmonious and dynamic fusion.

The following are Eldritch Knight Subclass key things to note:

• Spellcasting with Limitations: While Eldritch Knights wield spells, their spellcasting is characterized by certain limitations.
  • Unlike dedicated spellcasting classes, Eldritch Knights have a more limited selection of spells to draw upon.
  • Their spells are drawn from the Wizard spell list, but they primarily focus on spells that align with the evocation and abjuration schools of magic.
• Evocation and Abjuration Spells: The choice of evocation and abjuration spells reflects the Eldritch Knight’s emphasis on both offense and defense.
• Evocation spells are focused on unleashing raw elemental energy and damaging adversaries.
• These spells enable Eldritch Knights to harness the power of fire, ice, lightning, and more to deal devastating blows to their enemies.

My Tips On Using The Fighter Subclass

In my weeks of experience, fighters are one of the most powerful classes in BG3. You get a lot of utility for team fights no matter which path you’re building towards. Additionally, I love how much versatility they have because of the mentioned subclasses.

Withers makes this class all the more fun because you can change your build anytime you want based on the foes you may be facing. Going for an Eldritch Knight and get a nice combo of weapon damage and some Wizard spells. As such, I’d suggest you build the Champion path and be an absolute unit of destruction. Or be like me and blindly build the Battle Master for fun fights.

This is it from my side! I hope now you know that Battle Master is Baldurs Gate 3 best fighter subclass! Feel free to check out our take on Baldur’s Gate 3: Gandrel Choices and Baldur’s Gate 3: Best Classes Tier List.

Up Next:

• Baldur’s Gate 3: BEST Paladin Build
• Baldur’s Gate 3: BEST Builds
• Baldur’s Gate 3: Warlock
• Baldurs Gate 3: Halsin Companion
• Baldurs Gate 3 Sorcerer: Best Build Guide