The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Baldur's Gate 3 Class for Fans of Diablo 4's Druid

Highlights

Baldur's Gate 3 introduces the Druid class, which is also featured in Diablo 4, but the game features far more character options to choose from.

The Druid class in Diablo 4 emphasizes beast transformations and weather manipulation, whereas in Baldur's Gate 3, the Druid can opt for diverse subclasses that offer distinct abilities.

In Baldur's Gate 3, the Druid's abilities span multiple other classes like Barbarian, Cleric, Ranger, and Sorcerer, demonstrating the game's wide range of class options. Players who enjoy playing as Druids in Diablo 4 will need to make thoughtful choices in Baldur's Gate 3.

Baldur's Gate 3, already one of the year's biggest releases, brings the beloved CRPG series into the modern era with the most faithful adaptation of Dungeons and Dragons to date. Developed by Larian Studios, Baldur's Gate 3 offers an abundance of content, much of which revolves around the extensive choices available for the player character.

In recent times, one of the game's most popular classes, the Druid, has experienced a resurgence thanks to its representation in Blizzard's Diablo 4. Known for their mastery of natural forces and ability to combine physical attacks with magic, the Druid archetype is a staple in fantasy and both Blizzard and Larian Studios have incorporated it into their games. However, transitioning from playing the Druid in Diablo 4 to Baldur's Gate 3's version requires navigating the nuanced complexities offered by the latter game.

Diablo 4's Druid

The Druid class in Diablo 4 showcases the untamed power of nature, utilizing beast transformations and weather manipulation. Instead of being confined to a specific subclass, a player's playstyle as a Druid is shaped by their individual build within the game's progression system. Builds encompass a variety of Skills from categories such as Basic, Spirit, Defensive, Wrath, Companion, and Ultimate. These Skills can be further categorized based on the playstyles they cater to.

For instance, Shapeshifting Skills like Claw and Maul allow the Druid to morph into a fearsome Werewolf for swift and devastating attacks, or transform into a sturdier Werebear that excels in generating additional Spirit resources.

Storm Skills such as Cataclysm and Cyclone Armor harness the power of lightning and winds to unleash destructive damage and formidable effects, such as inflicting the Vulnerable status.

Earth Skills enable the manipulation of nature through spells like Earthen Bulwark, enhancing defense, and Boulder, serving as effective offensive maneuvers.

Companion Skills allow the Druid to summon Wolves, Ravens, and Poison Creeper minions to assist in battle.

Baldur's Gate 3's Druid

While Diablo 4 offers several classes similar to those in Baldur's Gate 3, one class that exists in both games is the Druid. This class shares many core features with Blizzard's nature wizard archetype and also benefits from Baldur's Gate 3's multiple subclass options. If you enjoy the playstyle of a nature wizard, the Druid is a solid choice. Additionally, elements of the Druid class can be found in several other subclasses.

The Druid's basic Circle of the Land subclass emphasizes a traditional nature-based approach, while the Circle of the Moon specializes in transforming spells through Wild Shape. On the other hand, the Circle of Spores offers a more alternative playstyle that draws comparisons to Diablo 4's Necromancer due to its ability to manipulate the undead.

The Barbarian's Wildheart subclass not only grants the Speak with Animals spell but also offers unique actions based on different types of Bestial Hearts.

Clerics who focus on the Nature Domain possess the Acolyte of Nature trait, which grants them the ability to choose a Druid Cantrip spell. Additionally, they later attain the Channel Divinity feature called Charm Animals and Plants.

The Tempest Domain subclass of Clerics and the Storm Sorcery subclass of Sorcerers both possess the ability to use lightning and wind magic, reminiscent of Diablo's Druid.

Rangers who specialize in the Beast Master subclass are able to utilize the Summon Companion action. They also gain access to the Speak with Animals ability and the Companion's Bond class feature.

Although both the Druids of Diablo and Baldur's Gate share the same title, Larian Studios' release offers a more diverse range of abilities distributed among numerous classes. Diablo 4 opts for a more streamlined approach with just five options to choose from initially, whereas Baldur's Gate 3 delves deeper into each archetype with its extensive class selection.

Baldur's Gate 3 will be available for PC and Mac on August 3, and for PS5 on September 6.