The Ultimate Guide to Mastering Baldur's Gate 3: Unleash Powerful Actions with These Exceptional Classes

In combat, the majority of Baldur's Gate 3's resource management system revolves around actions. Characters have three options for what they can do on their turn: actions, reactions, and bonus actions. An action in Baldur's Gate 3 refers to a defining movement that players make on their turn, which commonly includes attacking. However, actions can also be used for casting spells, using items, or interacting with the environment.

Baldur's Gate 3 offers a range of basic actions, weapon actions for armament skills, a variety of spells, and class features. With so many options to choose from, it's easy to feel overwhelmed when deciding what to do on a turn. However, players looking for a quick overview of their best combat options should focus on certain actions, particularly those associated with their chosen class.

10 Knowledge Of The Ages (Cleric)

Clerics in Dungeons & Dragons have a unique aspect as a class, where the domain they choose corresponds to the blessings and spells they receive based on their deity's realm of control. This means that the Cleric's Domain not only determines their known spells, but also their Channel Divinity Features. One exceptional Channel Divinity Feature is Knowledge of the Ages, which is particularly efficient for Trickery Clerics.

When activated, Knowledge of the Ages remains in effect until the Cleric takes a Long Rest. This feature grants the Cleric proficiency in all skills related to an ability, enabling them to excel in tasks such as remaining stealthy (Dexterity), processing information (Intelligence), gaining insights (Wisdom), and communicating with others (Charisma).

9 Lay On Hands (Paladin)

Only the Paladin and their Lay On Hands ability in Baldur's Gate 3 can heal others without using resources like Spell Slots and Channel Divinity charges. Instead, Paladins have their own Lay On Hands Charge, which increases as they level up. This gives them a pool of 4/10/20 Hit Points and debuff nullifiers that can heal allies in the same way as Healing Word does. Although Lay On Hands is not the most efficient healing spell, it serves as an emergency heal both in and out of combat. It is especially valuable for aggressive Paladins who take on the role of a healer-tank hybrid, ensuring that they can heal allies during dire situations.

8 Arcane Recovery (Wizard)

Players of Baldur's Gate 3 can engage in roleplaying "downtime" with their characters thanks to Long Rests and the Camp. However, it is important to note that Long Rests and ending the day can have a significant impact on certain questlines, possibly causing them to end prematurely if they are on a time constraint. This means that players need to be cautious with their Long Rests, especially for resource-intensive Wizards who must strategically choose their spells.

There may be instances where Wizards find themselves short on crucial Spell Slots between combat encounters, rendering them ineffective without their key abilities. Fortunately, Arcane Recovery offers a solution to this potential crisis. Depending on the Wizard's level and the remaining charges of Arcane Recovery, they can regain expended Spell Slots, allowing them to use them in another battle.

7 Song Of Rest (Bard)

The Bard is widely regarded as one of the most adaptable Classes in D&D. While their focus is on entertainment, their wide range of abilities allows them to excel in both supportive and offensive roles depending on the party's requirements. Song of Rest particularly highlights the Bard's affinity for support due to its significant benefits.

When activated, Song of Rest rejuvenates both the Bard and their companions as if they had taken a Short Rest. Considering that players are only granted two Short Rests, having an additional equivalent could prove immensely beneficial if unexpected combat arises.

6 Defensive Flourish (Bard)

When a Bard chooses the College of Swords subclass, they adopt the persona of a seasoned performer honed in battle. Unlike lorekeepers and entertainers, Bards of the College of Swords possess both combat prowess and captivating tales. In any combat situation, these Bards gain access to a variety of Flourishes that can be performed with their chosen weapons, with the Defensive Flourish being particularly effective.

Available for both melee and ranged engagements, Defensive Flourishes are Actions that involve a 1d6 Slashing attack. Despite its modest offensive capabilities, this Action truly excels in its defensive effect. If successful, the Bard's AC is enhanced by +4 for the remainder of the round, significantly reducing their chances of being hit.

5 Divine Smite (Paladin)

Smiting sets the supportive Cleric apart from the battle-hardened Fighter, with the Paladin serving as a perfect balance by offering straightforward healing abilities along with a powerful array of Smites. Among the various types of Smites with different effects, the classic Divine Smite proves to be a reliable choice for Paladins who wish to use their Spell Slots for a full-frontal assault.

The Divine Smite, at its core, deals an additional 2d8 points of Radiant Damage on top of the Paladin's weapon's original damage value. This can prove to be even more devastating when using a Versatile Weapon such as a Longsword, which adds an extra 1d8 damage. Additionally, when attacking fiends and undead creatures, a Divine Smite inflicts an extra 1d8 Radiant Damage. What makes this ability indispensable for a Paladin is the fact that missing an attack with Divine Smite does not waste their valuable Spell Slot.

4 Action Surge (Fighter)

The base Fighter may not have flashy spells or effects, but they remain one of the most versatile Classes in D&D due to their access to a continuous stream of Feats and combat-flexible subclasses. Their simplicity is showcased in Baldur's Gate 3 gameplay, where their Weapon Proficiencies allow them to perform special attacks with their preferred weapon. Thanks to Action Surge, Fighters become more efficient in combat by being able to take an additional Action alongside their original Action and Bonus Action.

In Baldur's Gate 3, the ability to take another Action can make a crucial difference in life and death situations. In addition to attacking and retreating with Dash, Fighters can maximize their potential by utilizing Action Surge to perform an extra attack in addition to their original Attack Action, Extra Attack, and potential Bonus Action off-hand attack.

3 Sneak Attack

The Rogue class in Baldur's Gate 3 has a powerful feature called Sneak Attack, which can be used with both melee and ranged weapons. To successfully perform a Sneak Attack, the Rogue simply needs to have some form of Advantage against the target. Initially, it may be challenging for the Rogue to secure Advantage without the ability to Hide or sneak up on an opponent. However, this can be easily overcome by positioning themselves on the target's flank, within 1.5 meters, alongside an ally.

Players who are able to fulfill these conditions can deal massive damage per second (DPS) in the game. For example, a 1st-Level Rogue adds +1d6 of damage to their weapon with a Sneak Attack. This damage increases with each odd-numbered level, eventually reaching +6d6 damage per Sneak Attack at Level 12.

2 Dash (All Classes)

In addition to Classes having their own unique set of Actions, Bonus Actions, and Reactions, players of the D&D adaptation also have access to a default selection of Actions regardless of their character’s specialization. The most important of these is Dash, an Action that single-handedly aids melee-focused Classes in closing the distance to enemies and assists ranged specialists in creating space.

While Jump (Bonus Action) covers a limited area and spells like Misty Step (2nd-Level Conjuration) come with a significant cost, Dash provides a free Action that is invaluable for mobility. When utilized effectively, Dash enables players to set up combinations, escape combat, and quickly come to the aid of an ally when necessary.

1 Help (All Classes)

In Baldur’s Gate 3, where tactical combat is emphasized, it's not surprising if a misplaced character becomes a target for many hits. In the game's early encounters, players may come across Death Saves, but a healing spell can easily solve that. However, for spellcasters who want to conserve their Spell Slots for crucial abilities, Help can be a more effective tool to save a companion's life.

Help is a vital action available to all Classes in the game. To use this action, characters must be next to an ally in need of assistance. Help instantly removes negative statuses such as Burning, Ensnared, Entangled, Enwebbed, Prone, and Sleeping. Most importantly, it instantly restores a Downed ally to 1HP.

Baldur’s Gate 3 is available now for the PC and is slated for a September 6th release for PlayStation 5.