Baldur’s Gate 3 Classes Guide: Which is the Best Class for You?

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Cody Perez

Cody has been in the video game business as part of media and content creation for more than 10 years. During that time, he has contributed and even led some of the largest sites in the world dedicated to gaming and entertainment. He has also dabbled some in PR and was a tester for Activision in the past working on the Call of Duty series. When not playing games or writing about them, he enjoys cooking, sharpening his Japanese skills, and watching the latest anime shows.

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Baldur’s Gate 3 is the ultimate Dungeons & Dragon video game experience. If you have ever wanted a true digital tabletop roleplaying time, this is the game to do it in.

Not only do you have multiplayer for up to four players at once, but you also can pick between 12 classes, as you will see in this Baldur’s Gate 3 classes guide.

This Baldur’s Gate 3 classes guide is about breaking down the various classes you can pick, from melee classes to healers to ranged physical fighters to tons of magical options.

I have played this game in a few solo and multiplayer parties and have had the chance to check out each class and learn about their subclasses. Here is what I have learned and think is the best class for you.

Bottom Line Up Front

Players ultimately have the option to pick whatever class they want in Baldur’s Gate 3. Go for it if you want to be a Barbarian on the frontlines. On the other hand, if you want to be a glass cannon Wizard with a command of the battlefield, you absolutely have the option to go for that as well.

The key point is to pick whatever you are most comfortable with. After all, the companions you can gather in the game will have most of the classes covered for you, so you can focus on whatever you prefer most. Here are all 12 of the classes you’ll find in Baldur’s Gate 3:

• Barbarian
• Bard
• Cleric
• Druid
• Fighter
• Monk
• Paladin
• Ranger
• Rogue
• Sorcerer
• Warlock
• Wizard

All 12 of these classes also have some subclasses for you to pick from. They each radically change how the class works, sometimes even acting as a hybrid with other classes in a way. Picking your subclass is just as important as your base class, and you should decide on them at the same time.

All Baldur’s Gate 3 Classes and Subclasses Explained

Here are all 12 of the classes in Baldur’s Gate 3 that you need to know about in the base game. I’ll be sure to let you know how the class works, what it specializes in, and what types of players will be best suited to that particular class in the game.

In addition, I’ll be sure to list and note all of the subclasses that exist for each class. These can radically change a class entirely, so it is essential that you consider these, as they may change your mind about a class. Let’s get started.

Barbarian

Barbarian is the class you think of when you think of that tank-like character who gets in there, deals a ton of damage, and keeps the opponents focused on them. The Barbarian has a lot of features that help with this, including rage, which lets them basically go Super Saiyan and mash enemies into the ground.

Their stat focuses are Strength and Constitution, while they are able to use most armor and weapons across light and medium. They also have a wide range of skills that they are able to pick between, including choosing the options of dealing with animals, survival, perception, and more.

Barbarian Subclasses Explained

There are three core subclasses for players to pick for the Barbarian class. You can pick any of these three right from the start of the game. They are pretty different from one another, focusing on a different aspect of the class or bringing in hybrid ideas from other classes.

Here are the three subclasses you can choose from as a Barbarian:

• Berserker: This is the subclass that hones in on the rage mechanic. If you want to make the most of this powerful but risky ability, this is the subclass to go with.
• Wildheart: Wildheart is like a Druid but in Barbarian melee form. You don’t get the total transformation as the Druid does, but you get abilities and skills from the various animals you pick, such as elk, bear, tiger, and more.
• Wild Magic: This is the more magical version of the Barbarian. While you don’t get the usual repertoire of spells that other mages have, you do have some random magic that will soar from your body as you attack foes, letting you deal better and more unexpected damage.

If I had to pick one of these subclasses to recommend to people, it would be the Wildheart one. The idea of making a more Druid-like Barbarian is terrific, letting you genuinely take full advantage of the animal-like abilities without losing yourself too much in the process.

This makes the Barbarian quite versatile, too, able to switch up forms depending on the situation.

Bard

The Bard is one of the better classes in the game, but it only suffers from some rather mediocre subclasses. If you can ignore that part, you’ll find one of the most complex and intriguing Charisma-based classes around. You pick an instrument to specialize in and can use music to buff and support your allies.

In addition, you can pick up a weapon whenever you want, plus you have the ability to get a bonus on any dice roll that you don’t specialize in. Bard has the potential to be the all-a-rounder in a way, making for a complex but exceedingly fun class to pick.

Bard Subclasses

There are three subclasses for the Bard, each of which is based on the various colleges that you can specialize in. Here are the three colleges and a little bit about each of them:

• College of Lore: This Bard class becomes more scholarly and magical in some aspects. For the most part, though, you don’t gain too many useful magical abilities with this class at first.
• College of Swords: This is the Bard subclass to pick if you want to be a warrior. You get to specialize in a fighting style, and you get some impressive offensive and defensive abilities.
• College of Valor: You gain some intriguing combat-related aspects with this class, including medium armor proficiency and the ability to use most weapons. But it takes way too long for this one to open up.

If I had to pick one subclass to go with, I would pick the College of Swords. This makes the Bard a useful melee fighter who can still buff allies at a distance.

Cleric

Cleric is one of the two main classes I love the most in Baldur’s Gate 3. You could think of this class as the basic healer in the group, but they are so much more than that. Cleric is the most flexible class in the entire game, starting out with a focus on the Wisdom and Charisma stats.

You pick a deity you worship and follow, which can affect some of the conversations and relationships you have with people. In addition, it has one of the highest numbers of subclasses in the entire game.

Cleric Domain Subclasses

Cleric has a whopping seven subclasses you can pick, which is the second-highest in the game. They are all based around basically multiclassing the Cleric without saying it. Here is what they are:

• Life: This is your purest Cleric. They specialize in all sorts of healing magic.
• Light: This is a more light-centric subclass Domain and one of the less interesting ones.
• Trickery: You can basically make your Cleric a Rogue/Assassin hybrid.
• Knowledge: This is a more scholarly Cleric and one of the less useful ones.
• Nature: You can make your Cleric essentially a hybrid with the Druid without the transformation aspect.
• Tempest: This is a stormy Sorcerer-like hybrid for the Cleric.
• War: You can pick this one if you want to become a melee Paladin-like Cleric.

There are several awesome Cleric subclasses. I like the Life, Trickery, Nature, Tempest, and War ones. I recommend picking one based on what type of hybrid character you want to be.

Druid

The Druid is the class closest associated with nature. This includes speaking with animals and even turning into an animal to fight in battle. Their stat focuses are Intelligence and Wisdom, and they specialize in all sorts of nature-based magic.

Druid Subclasses

The Druid has three subclasses, which you pick between when you reach level two in the game. Here are all of them:

• Circle of the Moon: This is the subclass you want to pick if you want to be more focused on the transformation aspects of the Druid. You get more beast forms to choose from.
• Circle of the Land: This is the more magically-adept Druid class. If you want to focus more on the magical side while still retaining some transformations, this is the one to pick.
• Circle of Spores: This vastly unique Druid subclass makes you a debuff and poisonous master that uses fungi and spores to overwhelm foes.

If I had to pick one of these subclasses, I would go for the Circle of the Moon or Land. It honestly depends on if you want to focus more on the transformation or magical side of this class. Personally, I like the transformations side a bit more, so I would go with Circle of the Moon.

Fighter

The Fighter is your all-around best warrior in the game. If you want to focus purely on melee combat and being proficient with just about every weapon and equipment out there, this is the master of war that you should play as. They focus on the stats of Strength for their power and Constitution for their health points.

Fighter Subclasses

There are three subclasses players can choose for the Fighter. You can choose which one you prefer to use once you reach level three in the class. Here is what you need to know about each of them:

• Battle Master: This is the ultimate battle-focused Fighter class. They emphasize better dice rolls to make them more effective in combat.
• Eldritch Knight: This is the magically-focused hybrid subclass for the Fighter. You get access to spellcasting and many other neat magical features to make you flexible in combat.
• Champion: This is the critical hit master. Their critical hits are common and powerful, making for solid attacks each turn.

If I had to pick one, I would go with the Eldritch Knight. There is nothing like being a master of the battlefield, including both up close and far away distances. It doesn’t matter the situation, as you’ll be able to do well.

Monk

The Monk class is your primary unarmed melee class. It is focused on the Dexterity and Wisdom stats. Though they specialize in using their firsts in combat, they can also use some simple weapons.

Monk Subclasses

There are three subclasses for the Monk, and they all depend on what route you want to take it. You get access to these at level three:

• Way of the Open Hand: This is the unarmed master in Baldur’s Gate 3. You can use your fists better than weapons and even heal yourself.
• Way of Shadow: This is essentially an Assassin Monk. You have stealth at your disposal to sneak around the battlefield.
• Way of the Four Elements: This is a more magical Monk that has access to abilities tied to the four elements.

If I had to pick one, I would go with Way of the Four Elements. The more magical nature gives you some flexibility. But the Way of the Open Hand is an excellent option, too.

Paladin

Paladins are the traditional tanky armored warrior. They use the Wisdom and Charisma stats and can use most weapons and armor by default.

Paladin Oath Subclasses

There are four subclasses that the Paladin has. The first three have to do with your oath, while the fourth is unique.

• Oath of Devotion: This is the protective, more defensive-focused Paladin.
• Oath of the Ancients: This is a fascinating and powerful healer-based Paladin.
• Oath of Vengeance: This is a strong fighter with many skills at their disposal.
• Oathbreaker: This unique fourth subclass is like a Necromancer Paladin.

Oathbreaker Paladin is arguably the best subclass in the entire game. I suggest starting with the Oath of the Ancients or Vengeance and unlocking Oathbreaker after.

Ranger

This is a ranged scout class that is friendly with animals. They focus on the Strength and Dexterity stats for their dice rolls.

Ranger Subclasses

There are three subclasses for the Ranger, which you pick at level three:

• Beast Master: This subclass lets you pick an animal companion to fight alongside you in battle.
• Hunter: This class gets a boost when it comes to slaying monsters and beasts.
• Gloom Stalker: This stealthy and sinister Ranger fights from the shadows.

There is no contest here. Beast Master brings out the best of the Ranger class with its animal companion.

Rogue

This is your jack-of-all-blades class. If you want a class that focuses on stealth, lockpicking, and stealing, this is the one. It specializes in Dexterity and Intelligence.

Rogue Subclasses

There are three subclasses to pick for the Rogue, which are as follows:

• Thief: The ultimate Rogue that is able to do multiple actions in a turn.
• Arcane Trickster: This class mixes the Rogue with magical spellcasting.
• Assassin: This is the best Rogue subclass if you like to sneak around.

I would go for the Arcane Trickster since you already have stealth mechanics, so the added spellcasting is a neat bonus.

Sorcerer

The Sorcerer is the natural mage in this game, able to wield powers based on the gifts of their ancestors and bloodlines. They uniquely use Charisma as their core stat, with Constitution following behind it for a heftier spellcaster.

Sorcerer Subclasses

There are three subclasses you can pick for the Sorcerer:

• Draconic Bloodline: This is the subclass I picked. Your dragon ancestry grants you extra resistance to a particular element.
• Wild Magic: This makes your magic unpredictable and able to surge with extra effects at any point.
• Storm Sorcery: You become a master of lightning and storms, giving you access to some of the most powerful elemental spells.

I would go for the Draconic Bloodline or Storm Sorcery if you go for a Sorcerer. Go for the former if you want that dragon edge or the latter if you want to deal tons of damage.

Warlock

With great power comes great responsibility, and such is the case for the Warlock. You are bound to a patron or deity that gives you power. Your main stats are Wisdom and Charisma.

Warlock Subclasses

There are three subclasses you can pick for the Warlock:

• The Fiend: You get the blessing of the Dark One, which grants you extra HP at times and other boons.
• The Great Old One: This one focuses on being bound to Eldritch beings that give you special powers.
• Archfey: With the Fey behind you, you get powers of charm and fear.

I would go with The Fiend due to its survival buffs and the like, which will keep you around for longer.

Wizard

The Wizard is your most versatile and focused mage class. This is reflected in its stat, which focuses on Intelligence and Wisdom. You have immense knowledge of Arcane magic.

Wizard School of Magic Subclasses

There are a whopping eight schools of magic that act as the subclasses for the Wizard. You pick one at level two:

• Abjuration: Focuses on defensive spells and survival.
• Evocation: Focuses on learning spells and enhancing Cantrips.
• Conjuration: Able to conjure objects like water.
• Enchantment: Focuses on charming and stunning foes.
• Necromancy: You can summon undead armies to help you.
• Divination: You gain extra dice rolls you can replace bad rolls with in battle.
• Transmutation: Can use alchemy and transformation better.
• Illusion: Create illusions to confuse foes.

There are many options, but I prefer the Abjuration, Necromancy, Divination, and Transmutation schools. They are the most useful, powerful, and unique of the bunch.

Which is the Best Class for You?

At the end of the day, the class you pick is entirely left up to you. You can pick any of the 12 classes on this list, and you can become successful in the game and have fun simultaneously. But I get that picking between a dozen classes can be a bit overwhelming.

Here are some of the recommendations I have. If you are new to this type of game and are looking for a more melee-focused class, I suggest the Fighter or Paladin. The former is an expert on the battlefield and will have you doing a lot of actions, while the latter is arguably the best, most varied melee class.

If you prefer to be an assassin who sneaks around the battlefield, the Rogue will definitely be your pick. If you go the Rogue route, I prefer the Arcane Trickster for its ability also to use spells in combat.

If you want to be a healer, the Cleric will always be your go-to. It also has some of the best subclasses, with the Nature Domain, Life Domain, and War Domain being notably excellent.

And then there are the magical classes. If you prefer to be a ranged spellcaster, you have plenty of options. While I started with Sorcerer, I ended up regretting it some. Only pick this class if you opt for a Draconic Sorcerer build. And Warlock is interesting but not as varied as Wizard.

If you want a magical class, I suggest Druid if you want to change into animals or Wizard. Wizards can also get the shapeshifting spell near the end of their level life. If you opt for Wizard, it is overwhelming in its subclasses, but the best ones are Divination, Transmutation, Necromancy, and Abjuration.

Multiclassing Explained

Multiclassing is the classic act of taking upon your character more than one class. With 12 classes in total, there is a strong chance you’ll find yourself stuck between picking two or three different classes. But why not pick all of them to be your character’s build?

You can do this by first picking your initial class in the character creation screen. After that, you want to level up once, which usually happens right after the Escape the Nautiloid prologue mission. At this point, you will have the option during the level-up screen to add a new class.

The one restriction you need to worry about is that you can’t do this on the easiest difficulty setting for some odd reason. You can change the difficulty at any time, though, so you can switch to a higher one, pick your next class, and then switch back to the easiest difficulty after.

Multiclassing is one of the best ways to have a flexible character. For instance, you might want to start out as a Warlock with all of your wild spells but then take on a Fighter class after that to give yourself the flexibility to fight up close whenever enemies inevitably start wailing upon you.

What is the wildest part about this situation is that there is no restriction on the number of classes you can multiclass in.

Since the level cap in the game at this time is level 12, you can theoretically multiclass every class in the game and have aspects of each. Of course, you won’t have the higher-level skills or spells you would typically have access to.

I suggest only multiclassing in three classes at the max. With three in total—preferably two if you can—you can pretty much cover every part of the classes in the game and be ready for any situation, be it melee, ranged, or even needing to heal a party member.

General Tips for Picking Your Baldur’s Gate 3 Class

Here are some of the general tips I have for you when it comes to picking your class in Baldur’s Gate 3:

• Go with your gut. If you are torn between a few classes, go with the one that sounds the most intriguing to you, even if it might not be the most traditional, such as Cleric or Bard.
• In addition, if you are torn between multiple classes, there is no reason not to pick both. Pick an initial starting one and then multiclass with the other. I did the same with Cleric and Sorcerer in my first build.
• Don’t let your character’s race affect your class and vice versa. Though stats were determined by a mix of your race and class in the early access version, this isn’t the case in the full release. You can pick any race to pair with any class, and you’ll do wonderfully.
• If the choices for a class are too overwhelming for you, especially with all of the subclasses, the first question you should ask yourself is, what type of player do you want to be? Do you want to be up close and personal as a warrior? Or do you want to be fighting from afar as a mage or Ranger? This can help narrow things down.

FAQs

Baldur’s Gate 3 Already Has a Massive Community

Baldur’s Gate 3 is one of the most expansive and best RPGs in a long time. The ability to pick between 12 distinctly different classes and even multiclass if you want to is a welcome change of pace. It is so deep and gets even more impressively better when you play it together.

Thankfully, there is certainly no shortage of other players to play alongside in Baldur’s Gate 3. Even if you don’t have friends or family to play with, I see tons of open lobbies every day beckoning players to join in and hang out with strangers for a great time.

This is mainly because of the massive success that the game has had since its launch with the full release. There were half a million players playing at launch, shortly after its full release, and all at the exact same time.

The best part is that it doesn’t look like it will be slowing down anytime soon, so now is the best time to jump in, even if you were like me and didn’t check out the early access version of the game.

Continue reading:

Baldur’s Gate 3 Escape the Nautiloid Guide: How to Beat the Prologue

Baldur’s Gate 3 clears 470,000 players in 24 hours