Unleash Your Power: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Class in Baldur's Gate 3

In Baldur's Gate 3, players have the option to select from twelve distinct classes to construct their character at the beginning of the game. Additionally, there are seven special origins to choose from if desired. With each class possessing unique abilities and capabilities, deciding on the optimal class can be a challenging task. The available classes in Baldur's Gate 3 are the Fighter, Barbarian, Ranger, Rogue, Wizard, Sorcerer, Bard, Warlock, Druid, Cleric, Paladin, and Monk, which align with the twelve base classes of D&D 5e. Each class offers different advantages throughout the game, making it essential to follow this guide for selecting the most suitable class for a first playthrough.

Best Class to Play As in Baldur's Gate 3

Easy First-Time Player Picks

For a more well-rounded and durable first experience, players may want to consider creating a Paladin character with the Oath of the Ancients subclass. This choice grants the ability to wear heavy armor, utilize various weapons, and cast a limited yet valuable selection of divine spells. One notable spell granted by the Oath of Ancients is "Speak with Animals," which not only enhances interactions but also complements the Paladin's charismatic nature (which is also the attribute used for Paladin Spellcasting.)

Players who lack enthusiasm for the Paladin Oaths yet desire a class with excellent survivability should consider the Fighter and the Barbarian. Barbarians possess the highest HP per level in BG3 and further enhance their defensive and offensive capabilities through their rage. On the other hand, Fighters have the versatility to wield any weapon and don any type of armor, enabling ample opportunities to explore diverse fighting styles.

Furthermore, Fighters possess a considerable health pool to successfully navigate combat encounters. Additionally, the recruitable allies in the game readily fulfill any gaps in the player's skillset, such as disarming traps or casting spells. This ensures that players can confidently choose most classes without sacrificing practical or crucial abilities.

For players who want to embrace the enchanting world of spellcasting, there are several captivating options available. Among these, the Wizard, Cleric, and Druid stand out as excellent choices for inexperienced casters. The Wizard possesses the ability to transcribe spells from scrolls into their spellbook, enabling them to acquire a vast repertoire of spells that can be interchanged following a period of rest. On the other hand, the Cleric, as a default privilege, gains access to the entire spectrum of Cleric spells and can modify their selection of prepared spells after a period of rest. The Druid, resembling the Cleric in many ways, wields the power of the Druid spell list and additionally possesses the ability to harness Wildshape, a transformative skill that allows them to assume the forms of various animals for both direct combat and advantageous exploration.

Players may also want to consider the Ranger and the Monk, both of which are highly effective classes even for beginners. The Ranger excels in using a wide range of weapons and has some access to nature-themed magic. On the other hand, the Monk is skilled in unarmed combat and can achieve exceptional Defensive Class (AC) without relying on armor.

The Warlock offers a unique and exciting experience as a versatile spellcaster and magical blaster. By utilizing Eldritch Blast and harnessing the abilities bestowed by their pact, Warlocks can deal significant damage and maximize the potential of their limited spell slots. These spell slots are always of the highest spell level that the Warlock is capable of, allowing for the unleashing of incredibly powerful spells.

All-Rounder Characters

If you're seeking a versatile character capable of handling various scenarios and using a plethora of different skills, consider the Bard class. Bards excel as the Jack of All Trades, granting the ability to select proficiencies from every skill in the game. Additionally, they possess a repertoire of valuable spells for weakening enemies, enhancing allies, healing, and dealing damage.

Bards have the ability to don light armor and wield a diverse range of melee and ranged weapons, with a focus on finesse weapons that rely on the Dexterity stat for attack and damage rolls. Furthermore, they can inspire and invigorate allies through their Bardic Inspiration and Song of Rest, providing a boost to the next dice roll and revitalizing the party in the midst of action.

Additionally, they acquire the "Jack of All Trades" skill, enabling them to enhance any skill roll in which they lack proficiency by adding half of their proficiency bonus.

Furthermore, if players choose the Fighter class and possess spellcasting capabilities, they can opt for the Eldritch Knight subclass. This grants access to Evocation and Abjuration magic, granting the ability to incorporate magical abilities into their combat repertoire. As a result, the Fighter becomes proficient in supporting and empowering themselves and their allies, while simultaneously vanquishing adversaries with elemental assaults.

Players who are interested in creating a character that possesses stealth skills, spellcasting abilities, and strong burst damage may find it advantageous to choose the Rogue class and select the Arcane Trickster subclass. This subclass provides the opportunity to utilize spells from the Wizard spell list, while still retaining all the inherent capabilities of a Rogue, such as disabling traps, picking locks, and launching sneak attacks.

This Writer's Personal Choice

The content writer plans to experience the complete game as a Druid belonging to the Circle of the Moon subclass. Additionally, they will utilize the multiclassing mechanic to incorporate elements of the Monk class, specifically focusing on unarmed combat and taking advantage of the significant boost to their unarmored Armor Class (AC). As a result, this character build aims to create a formidable spellcaster who can quickly shift into animal forms as a bonus action and deliver impressive damage in close-quarters combat.

Baldur's Gate 3 launches on August 3 for PC and Mac and on September 6 for PS5.