Unveiling the Hidden Gems: Discover 8 Unexplored Dungeons & Dragons Classes and Subclasses in Baldur's Gate 3

Introducing Larian Studios' Baldur's Gate 3, the latest addition to the expansive collection of Dungeons and Dragons video games. This game has successfully captured the hearts of both dedicated and casual D&D enthusiasts. With its turn-based combat, progressive character leveling, and extensive character customization, it flawlessly replicates the immersive experience of a tabletop RPG. Furthermore, the game offers a wide range of D&D classes to choose from, thereby intensifying the essence of the original game.

However, despite featuring all twelve classes found in the player's handbook, certain additional classes from subsequent supplements are noticeably absent from the available options for players. Additionally, numerous subclasses did not make it into the final version of the game.

8 Artificer Class

The most glaring omission is the Artificer class, which was introduced in the Eberron campaign setting book for 5e. This class combines the familiar fantastical magic of D&D with the technology of Eberron. While there are arguments about its suitability for all D&D settings, in a world where ships sail through the skies and magical technology exists, the Artificer class is the perfect choice to harness its power.

With their ability to cast spells, enchant items, and a multitude of other skills, the Artificer offers a enjoyable gameplay experience for players. Additionally, the wide range of variants available ensures that there is something for everyone to appreciate.

7 Blood Hunter Class

Although not an official WotC class, Blood Hunter was created by Critical Role DM Matthew Mercer and has not been published yet. Despite this, it has gained popularity and is loved by many D&D players, who eagerly anticipate its inclusion in future CR campaign books.

Blood Hunter offers players the ability to sacrifice a portion of their vitality to enhance their weapons with extra damage, place curses on enemies, or even create mutagens in a subclass inspired by The Witcher. These features open up exciting possibilities in Baldur's Gate 3. Players who choose the Blood Hunter class can choose to focus on their Rites or magic casting, allowing for a high degree of freedom and customization.

6 Way of the Drunken Master (Monk Subclass)

BG3 Monks have three different subclasses: Four Elements, Open Hand, and Shadow. However, there are additional options available in books after the Player Handbook, like the Way of the Drunken Master.

The Drunken Master subclass allows players to portray a fool who appears intoxicated and clumsy, but surprises others with incredible agility. They are able to dodge attacks effortlessly and unleash a flurry of their own. This subclass incorporates luck, making it suitable for the dice-rolling system in BG3. Drunken Masters can utilize their resources to counteract disadvantages.

5 Swashbuckler (Rogue Subclass)

Typically, Rogues are known for being crafty thieves or ruthless assassins who utilize their ability to vanish from sight to their advantage. However, what about rogues who prefer to be visible and distinctive among the masses? The Swashbuckler subclass caters to these individuals, although it is unfortunately unavailable in Baldur's Gate 3, which only offers the Assassin, Thief, and Arcane Trickster subclasses for the Rogue class.

Swashbucklers rely heavily on their charm and speed to launch attacks before swiftly escaping from harm's way. This could introduce exciting new potential in BG3's combat system, since the player's charisma score can now have a greater impact on their core abilities.

4 Undead (Warlock Subclass)

Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft introduced D&D fans to a terrifying new realm of horror. It offers valuable advice on seamlessly integrating various horror genres into campaigns, provides detailed information on the Darklords and their domains, and introduces exciting character creation options. Among these options is a new patron for the Warlock class known as the Undead.

True to its name, the Undead patron allows Warlocks to forge pacts with entities such as dracoliches, vampires, or liches, granting them access to a deadly array of abilities. Unfortunately, this subclass was not included in Baldur's Gate 3, which limited players to the vanilla options of Archfey, Fiend, and Great Old One patrons, thereby denying them the opportunity to harness powers from the afterlife. With the ability to inspire fear in enemies and infuse necrotic damage into their attacks, this gothic subclass would have opened up intriguing interactions with the dhampir character, Astarion.

3 College of Glamour (Bard Subclass)

The Glamour Bard is a subclass of magical artists who have honed their skills in the enchanting realms of the Feywild. Under the guidance of beings like satyrs, eladrin, and other fey inhabitants, they have learned to infuse their music, poetry, or stories with whimsical magic. While Sword, Lore, and Valor are the currently available Bard colleges in-game, many other colleges are excluded.

The Glamour Bard introduces exciting and fantastical features that enhance their characters. They can captivate audiences and strengthen their allies' pool of hit points. As a result, Glamour Bards are ideal for providing support in combat, backing up their friends or even NPCs on the frontlines.

2 Path of the Storm Herald (Barbarian Subclass)

Barbarians are more than just angry men who are skilled at wielding powerful weapons. Some Barbarians possess the ability to summon ancestral spirits, communicate with gods, and tap into the elemental forces that surround them. These individuals follow the Path of the Storm Herald, using their rage to wield the fierce power of storms.

At different levels, Barbarians can choose to harness the powers of desert sands, sea waters, or frozen tundras. Each choice offers a distinct effect. For instance, the desert option inflicts fire damage within a ten-foot radius of the Barbarian, while the tundra grants temporary hit points to the character. The versatility of the storm herald's abilities would prove invaluable in gameplay, compensating for any lack of area-of-effect damage or healing abilities.

1 Circle of the Shepherd (Druid Subclass)

In the current state of the game, Druid players have the option to choose between Land, Moon, or Spores druid. However, supplement books provide even more choices for D&D players. For druids who are more inclined towards communication and summoning animals, similar to a Disney Princess, the Circle of the Shepherd subclass would be perfect for them.

As protectors of fey creatures and animals, these Druids safeguard and defend those who are unable to do so themselves. They are also able to summon totems to assist them and their allies in battles, which enhances their effectiveness on the battlefield. It would be a fascinating addition in BG3 to witness how this subclass interacts during encounters involving animals. Unfortunately, as of now, players can only experience the Circle of the Shepherd in D&D sessions.