Mastering Baldur’s Gate 3: Avoid These Multiclassing Blunders for Ultimate Character Dominance

Highlights

Experiment with Multiclassing by respeccing one's character and reloading saves to try out different configurations within a single save file.

When choosing a Multiclass, it is important to avoid redundancies and carefully consider the Proficiencies, spells, and overall features of each Class to ensure that the dabbling is worthwhile. Additionally, it is crucial to be aware that Multiclassing will result in the loss of the capstone features of one's original Class. Therefore, it is important to weigh the worth of sacrificing these features for additional Class features. It is advisable to avoid Multiclassing beyond 5 levels in order to maintain the intended playstyle of the original Class.

Multiclassing in D&D is still considered as one of the most effective methods for creating unique characters, and the gameplay of Baldur's Gate 3 stays true to this mechanic from the renowned TTRPG. In this RPG, Multiclassing allows characters to choose another class in addition to their original one, granting them additional features and options that a single-class build wouldn't provide.

As Baldur's Gate 3 follows the ruleset of D&D 5e, players also have the option to Multiclass, although there are certain limitations. While Multiclassing can lead to impressive character builds, it is important to approach the process correctly to avoid hindering a player's progress.

10 Don’t Forget To Save

Players have the ability to easily modify and experiment with Multiclass characters in Baldur's Gate 3 by respecing them as desired, as long as they have enough currency. However, a useful strategy to avoid spending too much money is to collect enough Gold for one respec and then create a save just before doing so.

Once players have adjusted their Multiclass setup, they should engage in combat against a nearby group of enemies and reload the saved game if the results do not meet their expectations. While not directly related to Multiclassing, this approach allows players to test various configurations within a single save file.

9 Don’t Bother With Redundancies

Multiclassing in D&D is often favored because it allows characters to benefit from multiple classes instead of focusing solely on one. However, in Baldur's Gate 3, where the level limit is 12, it is important for players to examine the specific advantages each class offers before embarking on a multiclass build.

One aspect to carefully consider is proficiencies. It is possible that the player's current class already provides the proficiencies that their chosen multiclass would offer. Additionally, the pool of spells and overall features of the chosen classes should be taken into account. The less overlap there is between the multiclass choices, the more valuable the combination becomes.

8 Don’t Disregard Capstone Features

In contrast to the regular D&D 5e gameplay, Baldur's Gate 3 limits characters to reaching Level 12. This is significantly lower than the extensive features available to Classes at Level 20. However, even a simple Fighter will gain an additional Feat at Level 12, granting them a total of 4 Feats throughout their playthrough, which is the highest number available in any Class.

When considering Multiclassing, players should bear in mind that even a single level in another Class will remove the capstone features of their original Class. The more levels players invest in a different Class, the greater the potential feature they forgo. Since Multiclassing already leans towards optimizing power, players should evaluate the benefits offered by higher-level play for different Classes to determine if sacrificing the capstone features is worthwhile for the Class features they gain in return.

7 Don’t Multiclass More Than 5 Levels

Players who want to create D&D Multiclass builds in Baldur's Gate 3 should avoid going beyond Level 5 in another Class. Going beyond this level will undermine the purpose of having the original Class in the first place. However, from a mechanical standpoint, most Class features that are suitable for Multiclassing end at Level 5.

In the Baldur's Gate 3 gameplay of D&D 5e, Level 5 is where a Class defines its intended playstyle before specializing further into its chosen Archetypes. For example, aggressive Fighters and Barbarians gain Extra Attack at Level 5 to increase their damage per second (DPS), while a Rogue at the same level gains Uncanny Dodge, allowing them to take only half-damage from an attack as a Reaction. When players decide to Multiclass, they should consider how these higher-level features align with their desired playstyle.

6 Don’t Neglect Ability Modifiers

In Baldur’s Gate 3, just like in other RPGs, the mechanics heavily rely on statistics to determine the level of success players achieve in their actions. However, in this adaptation of the Baldur’s Gate title using D&D 5 rules, Abilities do not guarantee the success of actions, but rather provide a bonus or modifier to rolls based on these statistics. These modifiers are particularly important in Multiclass builds, as Multiclassing has specific Ability requirements for each Class.

It is important to note that meeting the Ability prerequisite for a Class does not necessarily mean that a character is recommended for Multiclassing. This is especially true for spellcasters, as their Ability prerequisite often determines their Spellcasting Modifier, which affects the bonus to their casting rolls. If players only have the minimum Ability required for a Multiclass, their rolls to use their features may not be as effective.

5 Don’t Ignore Proficiencies

In traditional D&D gameplay, Multiclass players immediately receive the benefits of their chosen Class at 1st-Level. This includes gaining Proficiencies that provide access to a variety of new gear options. However, in Baldur's Gate 3 gameplay, the importance of gear and how it is affected by non-Proficiency is emphasized.

When Multiclassing in this RPG, players need to be aware that the benefits and features they gain at 1st-Level are adjusted differently from the original TTRPG. With this in mind, players can make more efficient choices when it comes to gear and spells, especially if they are considering upgrading to Versatile Weapons.

4 Don’t Skip Unarmored Defense

While most Classes gain Proficiency in Armour and spellcasting benefits, Classes like the Barbarian and Monk have Unarmoured Defense to protect them without heavy plate. In the D&D RPG, Unarmoured Defense relies on an Ability Modifier for AC, eliminating the need to search for Heavy Armour to maximize Armor Class.

However, Unarmoured Defense does not stack when Multiclassing into non-Armoured Classes. In addition, certain Class effects only work when using Unarmoured Defense. For example, Rage is ineffective when Barbarians wear Heavy Armour, making Multiclassing from a Fighter less than ideal for maximizing Defense.

3 Don’t Forget Spell Slots

The concept of Spell Slots in D&D 5e Multiclassing can be quite confusing, particularly as spellcasters don't always have an equal distribution of power. When players choose to Multiclass with multiple spellcasting Classes, they should be aware that their character will gain a "hidden" Spellcaster Level slot, which determines their overall Spell Slots as they venture into a different spellcaster role.

Spellcaster Levels are distinct from the player's chosen Classes. If players Multiclass with two different spellcasters, they will only benefit from consistent features acquired at each level for both Classes. Those who Multiclass with a semi-spellcaster like a Ranger or a Paladin will experience modified Spell Slots as they progress.

2 Don’t Get Greedy With Channel Divinity

Holy-oriented Classes, such as the Cleric and the Paladin, can benefit from Channel Divinity in Baldur's Gate 3. Channel Divinity takes the form of divine gifts bestowed upon them by their deities and divine oaths. Each Class receives a specific number of Channel Divinity uses at certain levels, along with a range of effects to choose from. If players choose to Multiclass into these Classes, they also gain access to the privileges of Channel Divinity.

However, it's important to note that Channel Divinity charges do not accumulate. Although a Cleric Multiclassing into a Paladin (and vice versa) will gain additional Channel Divinity options, their maximum charges will not increase. Therefore, players should carefully consider the number of levels they desire, taking into account the desired Channel Divinity effects.

1 Don’t Expect More Extra Attacks

Extra Attacks are crucial for melee-focused Classes in D&D, as they significantly contribute to their overall DPS capabilities. This is especially important since spellcaster characters can deal the same amount of damage in just one turn. Typically obtained at Level 5, Extra Attacks allow players, such as Paladins, to unleash three attacks in a single turn, alongside their Attack Action and Bonus Action.

In the game Baldur's Gate 3, players can also enjoy the inclusion of Extra Attacks, as the game adopts the mechanics of D&D 5e. However, it is important to note that this feature does not carry over when multiclassing. The level of the Multiclass prior to obtaining Extra Attack can serve as a stopping point for combining abilities.

Baldur’s Gate 3 is currently available on PC and is slated for a September 6, 2023 release for PlayStation 5.