Choosing Your First Adventure: The Best Class for Your Baldur’s Gate 3 Playthrough

The best class for your first playthrough of Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3) is the Paladin. It offers a compelling blend of martial prowess, spellcasting versatility, and engaging roleplaying opportunities. It’s a forgiving class for newcomers, while still offering depth and complexity as you become more familiar with the game’s mechanics.

Why Paladin Reigns Supreme for Beginners

While other classes have their own strengths, the Paladin stands out due to its unique combination of factors that make it perfect for a first-time BG3 experience:

• Exceptional Versatility: Paladins are effective in melee combat, capable of dealing significant damage while also being incredibly durable. Their access to healing and support spells allows them to contribute to the party’s survival, both in and out of combat. This versatility ensures that you’ll always have something useful to contribute, regardless of the situation.
• Forgiving Playstyle: Making mistakes is part of the learning process, and the Paladin’s inherent tankiness allows them to withstand more punishment than many other classes. Their self-healing abilities further reduce the consequences of missteps, making them a more forgiving choice for new players.
• Engaging Roleplaying: Paladins are defined by their Oaths, which shape their actions and choices throughout the game. This provides a strong framework for roleplaying your character, offering guidance and motivation for your decisions. These Oaths are what separate paladins from generic fighters, making them powerful and interesting in Baldur’s Gate 3.
• Strong Single Target Damage: In addition to tankiness, Paladins also dish out a ton of single target damage. Their Divine Smite ability will give you the power to defeat even the toughest enemies.
• Powerful Auras: With auras that last the duration, Paladins are a vital asset for protecting your team from harm.
• Accessibility: While other classes might require more in-depth understanding of the D&D 5e ruleset, the Paladin’s core mechanics are relatively straightforward. You can quickly grasp the basics and start enjoying the game without getting bogged down in complex calculations or intricate spell combinations.
• Charisma-Based: As a bonus, because your Paladin will be Charisma based, it makes them an ideal choice to be the face of the party!

Exploring the Paladin Subclasses

When creating your Paladin, you’ll need to choose an Oath, which essentially determines your subclass. Each Oath offers a different playstyle and roleplaying experience:

• Oath of Devotion: This is the “classic” Paladin, focused on protecting the innocent and upholding justice. They are strong healers and protectors, ideal for players who want to play a selfless and virtuous character.
• Oath of the Ancients: This Oath is tied to nature and the feywild. Ancients Paladins are protectors of the wild, acting as a beacon of hope for those in need. It can be very fun to play, depending on your style.
• Oath of Vengeance: These Paladins are driven by a burning desire for revenge. They are ruthless and unrelenting in their pursuit of justice, willing to use any means necessary to achieve their goals. Oath of Vengeance is often cited as the strongest subclass by the community.
• Oathbreaker: Breaking your Paladin Oath leads you to become an Oathbreaker. They are the antithesis of the Paladin ideal, embracing darkness and corruption. If you want to embrace the dark side and create a morally ambiguous character, this can be a fun path.

Alternative Options for Beginners

While the Paladin is the recommended choice, other classes can also be suitable for beginners:

• Fighter: As noted in the article snippets, this is a strong, straightforward class that is very easy to pick up. However, compared to a paladin, they do not bring as much utility to the party.
• Cleric: Offers strong healing and support, but can be more complex to play effectively.
• Barbarian: A brutal and unforgiving class that is incredibly strong at dishing out damage. The high risk and reward gameplay may not be for everyone.
• Rogue: Good single-target damage class, but requires more strategic thinking to make effective use of its abilities.

Mastering the Game with the Games Learning Society

Learning how to play is a valuable part of the game. For more insights into the educational applications of gaming, consider visiting the Games Learning Society website. GamesLearningSociety.org is a great resource for understanding the broader impact of games.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to help you make the best class choice for your first Baldur’s Gate 3 adventure:

1. Is Baldur’s Gate 3 truly beginner-friendly?

Yes! Baldur’s Gate 3 has been praised for its accessibility and overall fun. The complexity of the game can be learned over time, and there’s no rush to min-max your build during your first playthrough.

2. Does race matter in Baldur’s Gate 3?

Yes, race matters! Racial bonuses can give you advantages such as increased movement speed, resistance to damage types, and unique racial abilities. However, you shouldn’t feel limited by this, as all classes can succeed.

3. Can I change my class in Baldur’s Gate 3?

Yes, you can respec and change your class by speaking to Withers in your camp. This allows you to experiment with different classes and builds throughout your playthrough.

4. Is multiclassing in Baldur’s Gate 3 worth it?

Multiclassing can be powerful, but it can also complicate things. For a first playthrough, it’s generally recommended to stick to a single class to fully experience its progression.

5. What is the max level in Baldur’s Gate 3?

The max level is 12.

6. Are all classes viable in Baldur’s Gate 3?

Yes, all classes are perfectly viable and can complete the game. Some are easier to play than others, especially when using unique builds that make your character more strong.

7. What is the most popular race in Baldur’s Gate 3?

The most popular race in Baldur’s Gate 3 are Half-Elves.

8. Can you be evil in Baldur’s Gate 3?

Yes! Baldur’s Gate 3 allows you to make choices that align with an evil playthrough. These choices will affect how NPCs react to you and the overall story of the game.

9. Are Paladins good in Baldur’s Gate 3?

Yes! Paladins are exceptionally strong in Baldur’s Gate 3. They are the best for beginner and seasoned players alike.

10. What is the best Fighter subclass in Baldur’s Gate 3?

Battle Master is generally considered the best Fighter subclass due to its versatility and tactical options.

11. Are Wizards good in Baldur’s Gate 3?

Yes, Wizards are incredibly powerful in Baldur’s Gate 3 due to their wide range of spells and their ability to adapt to different situations.

12. What should I play Baldur’s Gate 3 on?

Baldur’s Gate 3 is available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. The best platform depends on your personal preferences. PC offers greater customization options, while consoles offer a more streamlined experience.

13. What is the least popular race in Baldur’s Gate 3?

The least popular race in Baldur’s Gate 3 is the Githyanki.

14. Is dual wielding good in Baldur’s Gate 3?

Dual wielding can be effective early on, but requires a specialized build to remain strong later in the game. It is not generally recommended for a first playthrough.

15. What happens if I break my Paladin Oath?

If you break your Paladin Oath, you may become an Oathbreaker, which gives you access to new abilities and changes your roleplaying experience.

Ultimately, the best class for your first Baldur’s Gate 3 playthrough is the one that interests you the most. But, with its balance of power, versatility, and engaging roleplaying opportunities, the Paladin offers an excellent foundation for your first adventure in the Forgotten Realms. Have fun, explore, and embrace the choices that make your story unique!