The Ultimate Guide to Dominating Baldur's Gate 3 with the Perfect Cleric Class Build
Discover the extraordinary potential of the Cleric class in Baldur's Gate 3 Unleash the power of the Life Domain as the ultimate support build in the game's Early Access Optimize your character with the ideal race, subclass, proficiencies, background, cantrips, and spells Dominate the battlefield with the best Cleric build
Baldur's Gate 3 can pose a challenge for newcomers to the series or those unfamiliar with CRPG Dungeons and Dragons-style games. To ensure a well-rounded party, having a support class is essential, and the Cleric excels in this role. The most effective Cleric builds focus on utilizing the unique abilities of this class rather than dealing the most damage.
In the Early Access version, players have the option to choose the Life Domain, which proves to be an exceptional choice for building a Cleric. This domain offers a diverse range of support spells that are always prepared, allowing players to select additional spells as they level up. This versatility makes the Cleric one of the most adaptable classes in Baldur's Gate 3.
This build was specifically created for the Early Access edition of Baldur's Gate 3. Remember to revisit this page after its official launch on August 3, 2023 to find revised tips for constructing the ultimate BG3 Cleric build.
Best Cleric Build Overview
"The Life domain is an aspect of many good deities, offering spells that protect and restore the mind, body, and soul."
The Life Domain Cleric may not be the most damage-heavy Cleric build, but its wide range of buffs and support skills make it invaluable in aiding a party against overwhelming foes where brute force alone won't suffice.
Functioning as a support subclass, the Life Domain Cleric possesses the ability to inflict damage when necessary. However, its primary role is to remain at a safe distance from enemies and provide assistance to teammates through buffs and healing. The Disciple of Life passive grants additional healing with every spell cast, and the Channel Divinity spell Preserve Life proves highly beneficial in healing groups of nearby allies.
Life Domain Cleric Character Creation
The Life Domain subclass is particularly skilled in the use of Heavy Armor, a proficiency that is inherent to the build itself. Furthermore, it possesses a range of Cantrips that effectively support allies and debilitate enemies, especially when their spell slots are limited. Noteworthy is the fact that their Domain Spells are consistently prepared, allowing for the inclusion of additional spells to enhance versatility.
Best Cleric Race: Drow
The Drow possess significant strength in Baldur's Gate 3 due to several factors. Firstly, they benefit from their Fey Ancestry passive, which grants them an Advantage against being Charmed and renders them immune to the Sleep status effect. This immunity ensures that they are not easily controlled or incapacitated, particularly in situations where the assistance of a Cleric is crucial. Additionally, their proficiency in Perception, exceptional Darkvision, and the inclusion of free spells at Level 1, 3, and 5 further enhance their overall prowess.
Superior Darkvision proves useful when navigating the game's numerous subterranean and dimly lit locations.
Upon reaching Level 1, players acquire the Dancing Lights cantrip. As they progress to Level 3, the ability to cast Faerie Fire as a Level 1 spell is granted. Finally, at Level 5, Drow characters attain the Darkness spell, which is a level 2 spell. It's important to note that both of these spells, unlike cantrips, can only be cast once during a long rest.
Best Cleric Subclass: Life
Baldur's Gate 3 will now link Ability Scores to Class instead of Race. Regardless of the Race players opt for, they will be able to assign +2/+1 to two desired Ability Scores.The Life subclass is regarded as the best option for Clerics due to its always-prepared spells. Players receive free spells at various levels, eliminating the need to constantly switch them in and out of the spellbook. These spells include Bless and Cure Wounds at Level 1, Aid and Lesser Restoration at Level 3, and Revivify and Beacon of Hope at Level 5.
These spells are highly valuable, focusing on healing and providing support, and include the added benefit of an area-of-effect heal called Preserve Life, which is a Channel Divinity skill obtained at Level 2. Additionally, the Life Domain grants proficiency in Heavy Armor, significantly enhancing its defensive capabilities compared to the other subclass choices.
Best Cleric Proficiencies and Background: Folk Hero
The Folk Hero background can benefit Clerics greatly as it provides proficiencies in Animal Handling and Survival skills, both of which rely on the Cleric's primary attribute, Wisdom. This gives them a significant advantage, ensuring success in almost every Animal Handling and Survival Check. However, opting for the Guild Artisan background can also be advantageous, particularly due to the bonuses in Insight and Persuasion. These bonuses can prove exceedingly helpful during conversations and role-playing encounters throughout Baldur's Gate 3.
Best Life Cleric Cantrips
Level 1: Guidance, Resistance, Sacred Flame
Level 4: Light
Best Life Cleric Spells
Level 1: Bane, Command, Shield of Faith – Bless and Cure Wounds are granted by Life Domain
Level 2: Protection from Evil and Good
Level 3: Silence, Hold Person – Aid and Lesser Restoration are granted by Life Domain
Level 4: Blindness
Level 5 grants Mass Healing Word and Remove Curse, replacing Command. The Life Domain grants access to Revivify and Beacon of Hope. Baldur's Gate 3 is now available in Early Access and will have a full PC release on August 3, 2023. The PlayStation 5 version will release on September 6, 2023, while an Xbox Series X/S version is currently being developed.
