Baldur’s Gate 3: Best Classes Tier List [September 2023]

Baldur’s Gate 3, as an RPG, allows you to design your character according to your preferences, choosing between one of the 12 classes. As you progress through BG3, you will encounter various enemies and need to complete several quests. That is why Baldur’s Gate 3 Class Tier List is here to help you pick the right character that tailors your playstyle. 

All Baldur’s Gate 3 Classes Ranked

The Baldur’s Gate 3 Class Tier List can help you optimize your character for more effective gameplay, and you can get an overview for each class here below:

Serial Number	Class	Role	Main Attributes	Best Race
1	Bard	Support	Charisma, Dexterity	Wood/Drow Half-Elf
2	Cleric	Support	Wisdom, Dexterity	Wood Elf, Good Dwarf
3	Paladin	Melee DPS, tank	Charisma, Strength	Zariel Tiefling
4	Sorcerer	Caster DPS	Charisma, Dexterity	Wood Half-Elf
5	Warlock	Caster DPS with Familiars	Charisma, Dexterity	Drow Half-Elf
6	Wizard	Support	Charisma, Dexterity	Wood/Drow Half-Elf
7	Fighter	Non-Magic DPS	Strength, Dexterity	Shield Dwarf
8	Druid	Hybrid DPS	Wisdom, Dexterity	Gold Dwarf
9	Rogue	Stealthy DPS	Dexterity	Wood-Elf
10	Barbarian	Melee DPS, Tank	Strength, Constitution	Shield Dwarf, Githyanki
11	Monk	Melee DPS	Dexterity, Wisdom	Drow, Wood Half-Elf
12	Ranger	Hybrid DPS	Wisdom, Dexterity	Wood Elf

Baldur’s Gate 3 Class Tier List

In Baldur’s Gate 3, you can choose between 12 different classes available to you. However, each of these classes has unique attributes which will decide your performance in gameplay, therefore, you need to be very careful when deciding which Class you are going to opt for. Knowing the abilities and features of every Baldur’s Gate 3 subclass is also immense for new players.

You’ll be only able to ace it if you have built your character rightly, and for that choosing the right class is very important. Class in Baldur’s Gate 3, is a major contributor to your character’s build as each class has its attribute including healing power, armor, and magic skill.

Tier Ranking	BG3 Classes
S-Tier	Bard, Cleric
A-Tier	Paladin, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard
B-Tier	Fighter, Druid, Rogue, Barbarian, Monk
C-Tier	Ranger

S-Tier

Baldur’s Gate 3, is full of tough enemies and difficult quests. Choosing one of the S class tiers will help you to complete all the quests easily. While, combats are tough when playing with other classes, with this class many things will be solved through negotiation.

Bard

Role	Support
Attributes	Charisma, Dexterity
Best subclass	College of Lore, College of Valour, College of Swords
Best race	Wood/Drow Half-Elf
Companion	Nil

Bard is a fun class skilled in music. With its amazing convincing skills, you can avoid a lot of fights, and they can then be solved with negotiation. Build an intelligent character, and you can be the best support to your team using Bard’s healing powers.

Often referred to as Poets, the Bards can cast magic too. To be specific you can easily cast Spells and Cantrips while using the Bard in Baldur’s Gate 3. They are filled to the brim with charisma. When it comes to equipment you can use Shortswords, Simple weapons, Hand crossbows, Rapiers, and longswords.

Players will also get access to the Bardic Inspiration ability which can grant a bonus to the allies Attack Roll, Saving Throw, or Ability Check. The Bard class is further divided into three Sub-classes which are known as:

• The College of Lore subclass will offer you the following buffs right from the beginning:
  • You will gain Proficiency in some actions and skills including Sleight of Hand, Intimidation, and Arcana.
  • You will also gain the Cutting Words action which makes it easier for the Bard class to distract enemies.
• The College of Valour subclass comes with the following abilities:
  • Increased proficiency in Martial Weapons, Shields, and Medium Armor.
  • The subclass also grants the Combat Inspiration ability. Which is technically the Bardic Inspiration but with added bonuses, such as extra damage on the next attack with a weapon.
• The College of Swords subclass provides loads of abilities and buffs which include:
  • Proficiency in Performance, Medium Armor, Deception, and Scimitar.
  • In addition to that, players will also get multiple Flourish actions in the melee and ranged categories. These cover both offensive and defensive actions.
  • With the subclass, you can also choose a Fighting Style to enhance the comparative abilities of the Bard. 

Cleric

Role	Support
Attributes	Wisdom, Dexterity
Best subclass	Life Domain, Light Domain, Trickery Domain, Knowledge Domain, Nature Domain, Tempest Domain, War Domain
Best race	Wood Elf, Good Dwarf
Companion	ShadowHeart

Cleric’s class proves to be another amazing healer during combats. Apart, from its amazing healing skills, you can also use this class to deal with a lot of enemies from the mouth. If you like Cleric, then you need to discover if it fits your playstyle That is why I recommend using the Baldur’s Gate 3 Class Tier List so that you can tailor your character to fit your preferred playing style.

Even though their main forte is to provide and use heals and buffs but do not overlook their attacks. Despite being a weaker class, the Clerics have enough prowess to hold their own. They can use the Simple Weapons whereas for armor they can utilize the Light, Medium variants along with a shield.

Clerics are also a great option for dealing with undead enemies. Lastly, the Cleric class is further divided into seven sub-classes:

• Life Domain: The main abilities and features of the Life Domain subclass include; Disciple of Life (enhances healing spells), Bless (Enchantment Spell), Cure Wounds (Evocation Spell), and Proficiency in Heavy Armor.
• Light Domain: If you choose to go for the Light Domain subclass then these are all the abilities you will get; Warding Flare, Faerie Fire (Evocation Spell), and Burning Hands (Evocation Spell).
• Trickery Domain: As for the Trickery Domain sub-class, players can get the Blessing of the Trickster (provides a buff to creatures on stealth checks), Charm Person (Enchantment Spell), and Disguise Self (Illusion Spell).
• Knowledge Domain: As for the Knowledge Domain subclass you will get the following features: Blessings of Knowledge (learn new languages, become proficient in two skills of choice), Command (Enchantment Spell), and Sleep (Enchantment).
• Nature Domain: In the Nature Domain subclass players can use these abilities; Acolyte of Nature, Shillelagh (Cantrip Transmutation), Speak with Animals (Divination), Proficiency in Heavy Armor, and Animal Friendship (Enchantment).
• Temptest Domain: The Tempest Domain subclass offers the following startup abilities and features: Wrath of the Storm, Fog Cloud (Conjuration), Thunderwave (Evocation), and Proficiency in Heavy Armor and Martial Weapons.
• War Domain: The final subclass called War Domain offers Proficiency in Heavy Armor and Martial Weapons along with War Priest (Effect), Divine Favour (Evocation spell), and Shield of Faith (Abjuration spell)

A-Tier

After S class, these are the Classes that you can use to make your gameplay easier. A tier class is good in combats and in spells and with some extra effort you can still manage to get equal benefit from this class as from S.

Paladin

Role	Melee DPS, tank
Attributes	Charisma, Strength
Best subclass	Oath of Devotion, Oath of the Ancients, Oathbreaker, Oath of Vengeance
Best race	Zariel Tiefling
Companion	Minthara

If you’re planning to combine combat with magic then the Paladin class is worth checking out. It has some great AoE spells and it can also be played as a great support. All in all, the class is almost perfect as it hits technically all kinds of playstyles. Paladin classes also have access to Divine Sense and Lay on Hands abilities.

It is further expanded into four subclasses which are as follows:

• Oath of Devotion: The starting features for this subclass include Holy Rebuke (provide an aura to your ally who will now return damage to anyone who hits them) and Oath of Devotion Tenets (effect).
• Oath of the Ancients: Here are all the buffs and abilities you can gain by using the Oath of the Ancients subclass; Healing Radiance (healing effect for you and your allies) and Oath of Ancients Tenets (Effect).
• Oathbreaker: A forbidden subclass for which you need to make certain choices. It grants new abilities like Spiteful Suffering, Control Undead, and Dreadful Aspect.
• Oath of Vengeance: As for the final subclass, you will get the Oath of Vengeance Tenets (Effect) along with Inquisitor’s Might (+2 radiation damage, applies to allies and players).

Sorcerer

Role	Caster DPS
Attributes	Charisma, Dexterity
Best subclass	Wild Magic, Draconic Bloodline, Storm Sorcery
Best race	Wood Half-Elf
Companion	Nil

Each class in this Baldur’s Gate 3 Class Tier List comes with unique abilities and advantages to master, and the same is the case with the Sorcerer class. In BG3, the Sorcerer has some great unique abilities which can be a great help during tough combats. With its Metamagic ability, you can pick any two enemies you want to single-hit.

As evident by its name, the Sorcerer is a spellcasting-focused class. They excel in spells and ranged combat. However, up close they’re pretty weak. Although, Sorcerers have amazing buffs which allow them to increase the efficiency, damage, and buffs of their spells.

All in all, if you’re planning to go for a spellcasting class, then there is no one better than the Sorcerer. To get into further detail, the class is divided into three subclasses.

• Wild Magic: This subclass has access to the dark side of magic. Every spell cast has a chance that you’ll inflict a random effect on the opponent. Other than that players also get the Tides of Chaos (effect).
• Draconic Bloodline: These sorcerers have Dragon genes which allow them to be highly resistant and also have some special abilities. Players get to choose the Dragon they’re descended from. Each Dragon offers a unique spell.
• Storm Sorcery: This subclass has control over multiple elements which makes them capable of casting some powerful spells. In addition to that players will also get the Tempestuous Magic effect.

Warlock

Role	Caster DPS with Familiars
Attributes	Charisma, Dexterity
Best subclass	The Fiend, The Great Old One, Archfey
Best race	Drow Half-Elf
Companion	Wyll

Next up on the Baldur’s Gate 3 Classes Tier List, we have the Warlock. The Warlock class has access to Eldritch Invocations which offers players many passive abilities to choose from. Warlock is another spell-casting class in Baldur’s Gate 3, which after interaction with Patron, can make all enemies vulnerable using Hex.

These abilities can either grant you new spells or buff the current ones. They may not be the most versatile spellcasting class but they do offer many important convenient features which can help players get through Baldur’s Gate 3.

Like every other class, the Warlock offers multiple subclasses to choose from. These include: 

• The Fiend: The subclass follows a dark entity and has access to lethal powers. One of the features that you get with The Fiend subclass is Dark One’s Blessing.
• The Great Old One: This subclass inherits its abilities from the ancient eldritch entities. The Mortal Reminder (inflict frightening effect on surrounding enemies when you land a Crit hit) is one of the main initial features players can get while picking The Great Old One subclass.
• Archfey: With the Archfey subclass you can get the following effects; Fey Presence, Misty Escape, and Beguiling Defenses.

Wizard

Role	Support
Attributes	Charisma, Dexterity
Best subclass	Abjuration School, Conjuration School, Divination School, Enchantment School, Evocation School, Necromancy School, Illusion School, Transmutation School
Best race	Wood/Drow Half-Elf
Companion	Nil

From S-Tier to C-Tier, Baldur’s Gate 3 Class Tier List provides a comprehensive ranking of each class. Wizard Class in Baldur’s Gate 3, can learn and cast so many spells under different situations making the game easier for you.

As the name suggests, Wizard is the most elite class if you’re aiming for a Magic-build in Baldur’s Gate 3. When it comes to spell casting and magic no one can top the Wizard class. Although, it is worth knowing that outside the magic and spells department, the Wizards are considerably weak.

As for the spells, players will have access to most spells while using the Wizard class. So as long as you’re well aware of each spell and its function then you’d love this class, which is why we have placed it in the A Tier.

That’s not all, the Wizard also has the biggest pool of subclasses. It offers up to 8 of them with each focusing on a specific school of magic in Baldur’s Gate 3.

• Abjuration School: Here are all the initial abilities and effects you will get with the Abjuration School subclass; Abjuration Savant and Arcane Ward.
• Conjuration School: These are all the effects you can get access to when you pick the Conjuration School subclass; Conjuration Savant and Create Water (minor conjuration).
• Divination School: If you’re planning to go for the Divination School subclass, then these are the effects and abilities you will get; Divination Savant and Portent.
• Enchantment School: Here are the initial abilities and effects of the Enchantment School subclass; Enchantment Savant and Hypnotic Gaze.
• Evocation School: Here are the Evocation School subclass’s starting abilities and effects: Evocation Savant and Sculpt Spells.
• Necromancy School: Players that pick the Necromancy School subclass will get the following features; Necromancy Savant and Grim Harvest.
• Illusion School: Here are all the effects and some additional features you get in the Illusion School subclass; Illusion Savant and Improved Minor Illusion.
• Transmutation School: The starting abilities of the Transmutation School subclass are; Transmutation Savant and Experimental Alchemy.

B-Tier

B classes aren’t good at dealing with enemies and have fewer healings and attack power. However, if you want to add more thrill to your game, you can choose this as you will have to struggle hard to kill enemies when playing with this class.

Fighter

Role	Non-Magic DPS
Attributes	Strength, Dexterity
Best subclass	Battle Master, Eldritch Knight, Champion
Best race	Shield Dwarf
Companion	Lae’zel

Baldur’s Gate 3 also offers classes that excel in melee combat and weapon usage. If you’re someone who isn’t that much into spellcasting and all that, then you could opt for the Fighter Class. With the Fighter Class, you can get up close to your enemies and use weapons to inflict damage.

In the Fighter Class, players get the option to choose a Fighting Style. The options include; Archery, Defense, Duelling, Protection, Two-weapon Fighting, and Great weapon fighting. Apart from the Fighting Style, the Fighter also comes with the Second Wind feature which is great for self-healing.

Last but not least, you can pick a subclass from three different options while running the Fighter class:

• Battle Master: With the Battle Master subclass players can pick up to 3 Manoeuvers (Powerful attacks) and will also have 4 Superiority Dice.
• Eldritch Knight: The subclass will allow players to use spells with the Fighter. On top of that, they will also get a starter feature called Weapon Bond.
• Champion: As for the Champion subclass, players will get the Improved Critical effect as an initial feature. As they level up they will also get Remarkable Athlete: Jump and Remarkable Athlete: Proficiency. 

Druid

Role	Hybrid DPS
Attributes	Wisdom, Dexterity
Best subclass	Circle of the Moon, Circle of the Land, Circle of Spores
Best race	Gold Dwarf
Companion	Halsin

Druids can interact with animals and also utilize animals’ distinct powers by converting themselves into utilizing Wildshape. However, the spells can be cast only at a high level, therefore this Class lacks behind.

Druids are a good all-rounder class once you play through with them for some time. They’re able to cast some good spells and on top of that, they can also wield weapons and take part in melee combat. So if you’re aiming for versatility then the Druids are a good shout.

With the Druid class, you can shapeshift, use weapons, and cast spells. They are further split into three subclasses which are:

• Circle of the Moon: This subclass is more efficient in shapeshifting rather than spellcasting. Its initial features include Combat Wild Shape, Lunar Mend, and Bear (Wild shape).
• Circle of the Land: The Circle of the Land subclass leans more toward nature-based spell casting. With the subclass, players will get access to Natural Recovery and Wild Shape.
• Circle of Spores: The final subclass can control spores and cast multiple spells which can inflict status effects. The starting features for the subclass are; Halo of Spores, Symbiotic, Bone Chill, and Wild Shape.

Rogue

Role	Stealthy DPS
Attributes	Dexterity
Best subclass	Thief, Arcane Trickster, Assassin
Best race	Wood-Elf
Companion	Asation

The Baldur’s Gate 3 Class Tier List provides crucial insights that can shape your game strategy such as which sub-class should you pick with the Rogue main class in the game. Rogue in Baldur’s Gate 3, is a highly mobile class, that can easily escape sudden attacks, however, due to its high speed some of its attacks go useless and leave you with low health.

As mentioned earlier, the Rogue class excels in quick and sneaky attacks. If you’re someone who likes speed and stealth on the battlefield then the Rogue class will suit you. As for its class feature, players can use the Sneak Attack which does even more damage than the normal attacks. 

However, rogues are a bit weaker than the other classes. So it will require some assistance from time to time. The class is further divided into three subclasses which include:

• Thief: In the Thief subclass you will get the following features; Fast Hands (additional bonus action) and Second-Story Work (decreases fall damage)
• Arcane Trickster: While equipping the Arcane Trickster you will be able to use spells with the Rogue Class.
• Assassin: Choosing this subclass will allow you to fully adapt to a stealthy role. Players will be able to use the Assassinate effect.

Barbarian

Role	Melee DPS, Tank
Attributes	Strength, Constitution
Best subclass	Berserker, Wildheart, Wild Magic
Best race	Shield Dwarf, Githyanki
Companion	Karlach

Barbarian is a durable class good to go in the frontline when encountering enemies. Other than that, this class lack skills that can help you ace the game as all the things you throw at enemies will be answered back and they don’t have great healing.

The Barbarian class has brute force, hence, it’s perfect for players who like to rush in and get their hands dirty. On top of that, the Barbarian class also has some great features such as Rage and Unarmored Defense. In Rage mode players will inflict extra damage on enemies. Whereas Unarmored Defense will grant you armor-like stats even when you’re not wearing one.

Here are all the subclasses you can utilize under the Barbarian class:

• Berserker: In the Berserker subclass the player goes into Frenzy mode while in Rage. Frenzy enhances defense, boosts damage, and offers bonus actions. Players will also be able to use the Enraged Throw and Frenzy Strike.
• Wildheart: Players can choose a specific animal style (through Bestial Hearts) to adopt in the Wildheart Subclass. Bear, Eagle, Elk, Wolf, and Tiger are some of the options to pick from, each of them offers a different buff while Raging.
• Wild Magic: A Barbarian subclass that also allows players to use some spells. You will get Rage: Wild Magic and Magic Awareness as the starting features for the Wild Magic subclass.

Monk

Monk is the latest class included in the game, however, it wasn’t able to climb up to the top on our Baldur’s Gate 3 Tier List. The Monk class was introduced on the game’s full release. The class excels in Martial art attacks, it is quite mobile just like the Rogue class. When it comes to the main abilities, the Monk is mainly focused on Dexterity and Wisdom.

Monks have proficiencies with Shortswords and Simple weapons. Apart from that players also get the following features with the class; Flurry of Blows, Ki, Martial Arts, and Unarmoured Defense. Ki is the aura used by Monks to fuel their moves and attacks.

Monks are further split into three subclasses which include:

• Way of the Open Hand: Further enhance the unarmed combative prowess of the Monk class. You will get the Open Hand Technique in this subclass.
• Way of Shadow: The Way of Shadow subclass is more leaned toward a stealthier approach. These can also be termed Ninjas. Players can exploit even stronger effects by using Ki.
• Way of the Four Elements: Helps turn the Monk class into a spellcasting character. Players will be able to utilize elemental features such as the Disciple of the Elements.

C-Tier

These are perhaps the worst classes, with limited or no spells. Therefore, when playing with this class you have to struggle with both survival and also attack.

Ranger

Role	Hybrid DPS
Attributes	Wisdom, Dexterity
Best subclass	Beast Master, Hunter, Gloom Stalker
Best race	Wood Elf
Companion	Minsc

Ranger can perform well in both magic and also in combats, however, the worst part of this class is that you can cast spells for a limited time. Therefore, it’s a risky class to opt for and adds to your tension.

Rangers excel in ranged combat which is quite evident by their name. Additionally, they have access to many nature-related abilities because of the Natural Explorer feature. Under the Natural Explorer, every Ranged player will get the choice to pick a special effect. 

You will also get the Favoured Enemy effect which offers multiple sub-options to choose from. Each option grants a different buff such as enhancing proficiency in investigation, history, or religion. Just like most of the other classes, the Ranger also has three further subclasses:

• Beast Master: In the Beast Master subclass, players can keep a beast as their pet who will aid them in battles.
• Hunter: By picking the Hunter subclass in Baldur’s Gate 3, players will get access to Hunter’s Prey effect which further gives the option to either pick Colossus Slayer, Giant Killer, or Horde Breaker ability.
• Gloom Stalker: A dark archer subclass that gives the player stealthy and stalking abilities. Here are all the features you will have in the Gloom Stalker subclass; Dread Ambusher, Superior Darkvision, Umbral Shroud, and Disguise Self (Illusion spell).

That concludes the Baldur’s Gate 3 Tier List. The ranking is based on personal preference with a hint of inspiration from fan views online. Each Class comes with its own expertise and weaknesses, so at the end of the day, the Best Class really depends on what your playstyle is!

Next:

• Baldur’s Gate 3: What Is Max Level?
• Baldur’s Gate 3: All Companions
• Baldur’s Gate 3: All Feats
• Baldur’s Gate 3: Halsin Companion