Baldur’s Gate 3 Warlock [Subclass, Abilities & Race]

Warlock is a charismatic spellcasting class unique for its magic gifted by extraplanar entities. These entities, known as patrons, offer a multitude of spells and abilities, making the Warlock a versatile and formidable class. With its combat prowess and potent spellcasting blend, the Warlock promises a thrilling, distinctive gameplay experience in Baldur’s Gate 3.

What Is Warlock In Baldur’s Gate 3?

From my time in the game, Warlock is a spellcasting class that wields power granted by an extraterrestrial entity in Baldur’s Gate 3. They are distinctive from other magic users as their spells are not learned but gifted, and their spell slots rejuvenate after short rests.

Warlock Class Features

Primary Abilities & Attributes Of Warlock

I believe creating an effective Warlock build begins with focusing on two key attributes: Charisma and Constitution.

Charisma

As their primary ability, a high Charisma score enhances the potency of a Warlock’s spells and influences interactions. It should be your highest attribute in any Warlock build.

Constitution

Secondarily, a robust Constitution bolsters the Warlock’s health points and resilience, crucial for surviving the rigors of the adventuring life.

In addition to these core attributes, your Warlock build can also be enhanced by carefully selecting Eldritch Invocations, which provide diverse boons and abilities.

These could range from the increased damage of ‘Agonizing Blast,’ the convenient armor boost from ‘Armour of Shadows,’ to communication with wildlife via ‘Beast Speech.’ The right Invocations can drastically augment the versatility and power of your Warlock build.

From my point of view, the ideal Warlock build requires a harmonious blend of attributes, spells, and Eldritch Invocations to exploit the full potential of this unique class.

Understanding Warlock Subclasses

Warlock subclasses, or patrons, define your character’s unique abilities and spells. Here are the key points to understand about Warlock subclasses:

Fiend Warlock 

This subclass serves fiends and focuses on destructive and corruptive magic. They gain access to unique spells like ‘Burning Hands’ and ‘Command’, along with a potent feat called ‘Dark One’s Blessing,’ which replenishes hit points after defeating enemies.

Great Old One Warlock

This subclass is bound to inscrutable, eldritch entities and gains powers over entropy and the mind. Their unique spells include ‘Tasha’s Hideous Laughter’ and ‘Dissonant Whispers.’ However, one of the core abilities of this subclass in the tabletop game, telepathic communication, is not yet confirmed in Baldur’s Gate 3.

Further, into your Warlock subclasses selection, it’s important to remember that your chosen patron influences your Warlock’s gameplay and roleplaying aspects significantly, from combat strategies to dialogue options. So, choosing a subclass isn’t merely about statistical benefits; it shapes your Warlock’s identity and journey through Baldur’s Gate 3.

Ideal Warlock Subclass

Warlock players have a significant decision to make regarding the subclass they adopt. From my standpoint, picking The Fiend as your patron is an exciting choice for your warlock build, as it opens up a variety of strategic options and benefits, which I have discussed below:

1. Fiend subclass offers unique spells (e.g., Burning Hands, Command) for combat versatility.
2. Dark One’s Blessing grants temporary hit points upon defeating enemies, enhancing durability.
3. Fiendish Resilience lets you choose a damage type for resistance as you level up, adding strategy to gameplay.

Choosing The Fiend for your warlock signifies an agreement with a devilish entity from the lower planes. This choice is sure to color your journey with intriguing narrative elements and character interactions, making your adventure through the realms of Baldur’s Gate 3 an exhilarating experience.

Exploring The Eldritch Invocations

The Eldritch Invocations feature adds a unique layer of customization to warlock class. These special boons enhance the character’s abilities or provide access to new powers. Below, I have listed some key invocations that a warlock might utilize:

1. Agonizing Blast: Enhances Eldritch Blast by adding your Charisma modifier to its damage.
2. Armour of Shadows: Allows the casting of Mage Armour on oneself at will, without using a spell slot.
3. Beast Speech: Enables communication with animals at will, expanding interaction options.
4. Devil’s Sight: Grants the ability to see in both magical and non-magical darkness up to a certain distance.
5. Fiendish Vigor: Gives the ability to cast False Life on oneself, providing a buffer of temporary hit points.
6. Mask of Many Faces: Lets the warlock cast Disguise Self at will, a valuable tool for subterfuge and role-play.
7. Repelling Blast: Enhances Eldritch Blast, allowing it to push targets away upon hitting.

Choosing The Right Race For Your Warlock

When crafting your warlock, the race you select will play a pivotal role in enhancing your build. Selecting your character’s race can provide stat bonuses that improve the effectiveness of your Warlock. Here are some races that synergize well with the Warlock class:

Tiefling

This race offers a +2 Charisma bonus, ideal for a warlock, as their spellcasting and abilities largely rely on this stat. Depending on the Tiefling subrace you select, you can also gain benefits for your secondary stat.

Half-Elf

Half-Elves get a +2 Charisma boost and also a +1 to two other stats of your choice, providing flexibility in bolstering your secondary abilities.

Human

Choosing Human grants a +1 to all stats, ensuring a balanced increase in abilities and providing a solid foundation for any warlock build.

The chosen race improves your warlock’s performance and influences the narrative interactions you will experience. Each race comes with its unique lore and societal interactions, which can lead to different dialogue options and opportunities throughout Baldur’s Gate 3. Be sure to select the race that both complements your intended warlock build and suits your role-playing preferences.

Essential Warlock Spells For Combat

Spell selection is a crucial aspect of your journey as a warlock. Your spell arsenal dictates your combat potential, control over the battlefield, and survivability. Here are some essential warlock spells to consider in BG3:

• Eldritch Blast: Key damage cantrip, scales with level, reliable high damage.
• Hex: Versatile spell for damage debuff, can be moved to new targets, advantageous in extended battles.
• Armor of Agathys: Grants temporary hit points, damages attackers, boosts survivability.
• Hellish Rebuke: Powerful reaction spell, inflicts significant fire damage on attackers.
• Misty Step: Quick teleportation for offense or escape, versatile Warlock spell.

These spells provide a good mix of damage, control, and utility. Remember, your chosen spells will ultimately depend on your Warlock’s pact, subclass, and your personal play style.

Utilizing Your Warlock Effectively

To be a dominating warlock in Baldur’s Gate 3, it’s essential to use your abilities wisely:

• Spellcasting: Warlocks excel with spells like Eldritch Blast and Hex for effective combat.
• Patron’s Powers: Subclass-specific abilities from your patron aid in attack, defense, or support; timing matters.
• Positioning: Warlocks are less durable, so maintain distance and use cover for safety.
• Pact Boon: Your chosen Pact Boon (e.g., Chain, Blade, Tome) alters gameplay; understand and utilize it for versatility.

Using these tips will help you get the most out of your warlock in BG3 and make the game more exciting.

My Opinion On The Warlock Class

In my personal opinion and experience, Warlocks are the next best thing after Sorcerers in BG3. I spent quite a few hours mixing and matching all the different eccentricities of the Warlock class, only to come to one conclusion: this class is extremely versatile.

The only thing you need to make sure of is your Charisma ability, which should be your main priority since you are a caster. Ultimately, any subclass or build you opt for, be it Fiends or a Mind Controlling Warlock, you will have a very easy time dealing with most of your enemies in Baldur’s Gate 3.

And so, here comes the conclusion of my journey through the mystical realm of Warlock. The Warlock is a versatile and formidable force with charismatic spellcasting prowess and gifts from extraplanar entities. By embracing strategic spellcasting, cleverly selected invocations, and the ideal subclass like the Fiend, players can unleash the full potential of this enigmatic class.

Next

• Baldurs Gate 3 Wildheart Barbarian
• Baldurs Gate 3: All Companions
• Baldurs Gate 3: Halsin Companion
• Baldurs Gate 3 Class Tier List