The Ultimate Fighter Champion in Baldur’s Gate 3: A Deep Dive
The question on every budding warrior’s mind: What is the best Fighter Champion in Baldur’s Gate 3? The short answer? There isn’t a single definitive “best.” However, the Champion subclass provides a potent blend of raw power and reliability, making it an excellent choice for players seeking consistent, high-damage output. While the Battle Master might be lauded for its versatility and tactical depth, the Champion shines in its simplicity and effectiveness, particularly when it comes to burst damage potential with its Improved Critical Hit feature. Let’s dive deeper into what makes the Champion a force to be reckoned with in Baldur’s Gate 3.
Understanding the Champion Subclass
The Champion subclass, unlike the maneuver-heavy Battle Master or the spell-casting Eldritch Knight, focuses on enhancing the Fighter’s core strengths: physical prowess and combat efficiency. The defining feature of the Champion is their ability to critically hit more often. At level 3, they gain Improved Critical, which reduces the number needed to roll a critical hit by one. This means, instead of needing a natural 20, they score a crit on a 19 or 20. This drastically increases their chances of dealing double damage and triggering other critical-hit based effects.
This seemingly small change has a huge impact. In a game where consistent damage output is crucial, the Champion’s increased critical hit rate provides a reliable source of massive damage spikes. Where other subclasses need specific setups or conditions to reach their full potential, the Champion delivers consistent power right from the start, making it incredibly beginner-friendly.
At level 7, Champions receive Remarkable Athlete, granting them an advantage on Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution checks, making them adept at navigating various in-game challenges beyond just combat. Finally, at level 10, they gain another Fighting Style and a boost on their critical damage. This solidifies their position as the subclass built to deal the most raw damage consistently throughout the game.
Champion Strengths
- Consistent Damage: The Champion’s enhanced critical chance leads to consistently higher damage output.
- Burst Damage Potential: Critical hits are powerful, and Champion’s improved chances dramatically increase their capacity for burst damage.
- Simplicity: Easy to understand and play, making it perfect for new players or those who prefer straightforward mechanics.
- Strong Early Game: Effective from the moment you choose the subclass at level 3.
- Reliable: The increased critical chance doesn’t rely on situational abilities or resources, meaning you will always have this extra damage.
Champion Weaknesses
- Lacks Versatility: Unlike the Battle Master, the Champion has no maneuvers or abilities to manipulate the battlefield.
- Less Tactical Depth: Simplicity also means fewer strategic options compared to other subclasses.
- Reliance on Basic Attacks: The Champion excels at hitting hard, but relies heavily on standard attacks and weapon damage compared to subclasses that utilize abilities.
Optimizing Your Champion Build
While the Champion’s core strength is its simplicity, a well-planned build can greatly amplify its effectiveness. Here are some crucial factors to consider:
- Race: Elf (especially Wood Elf) or Half-Orc are often good choices, offering racial advantages that complement a melee-focused playstyle. Wood Elves provide Fleet of Foot, which enhances mobility, while Half-Orcs have Savage Attacks which deals more damage on critical hits.
- Stats: Focus on Strength for melee attacks or Dexterity if you plan on using finesse weapons. Constitution is important for survivability.
- Feats: Consider feats like Great Weapon Master (for two-handed builds) or Dual Wielder (if you go that route, though it is not optimal) to increase damage. The Savage Attacker is also strong on Champions.
- Equipment: Look for gear that boosts damage, attack rolls, or critical hit chance. The weapon Balduran’s Giantslayer is ideal for Fighters, enhancing Strength and providing a massive damage boost.
- Fighting Style: Choosing Great Weapon Fighting for two-handed weapons is a great option for consistent high damage. Choosing Defense for extra armor class is also a good option.
Champion vs. Other Fighter Subclasses
Champion vs. Battle Master
The Battle Master is the king of versatility, with access to maneuvers that can manipulate the battlefield. However, the Champion surpasses the Battle Master in consistent critical hit output and simplicity. If you want a more tactical experience, the Battle Master is ideal. But if you desire a straightforward, heavy-hitting character, the Champion is the better choice.
Champion vs. Eldritch Knight
The Eldritch Knight is the Fighter subclass for those who want to mix swordplay with spellcasting. While it adds another layer of versatility, the Eldritch Knight is not as potent as the Champion when it comes to pure melee damage. The Champion’s reliability and focus on physical prowess make it the superior melee combatant.
Conclusion: The Power of Consistency
In the end, the best Fighter Champion in Baldur’s Gate 3 is the one that best suits your playstyle. If you crave consistent damage, high critical hits, and a straightforward gameplay experience, the Champion subclass is an excellent choice. While it might lack the tactical depth of the Battle Master or the versatility of the Eldritch Knight, its raw power and reliable damage output make it a force to be reckoned with. By optimizing your build and utilizing the best equipment, you can turn your Champion into an unstoppable juggernaut on the battlefields of Baldur’s Gate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the Champion subclass good for beginners?
Absolutely. The Champion’s straightforward mechanics make it an excellent choice for new players. You don’t need to manage complex resources or strategize intricate maneuvers to be effective.
2. Can the Champion compete with other damage-dealing classes?
Yes. While classes like the Paladin might boast bursts of divine damage, the Champion can consistently deliver high melee damage throughout most of the game.
3. What is the best race for a Champion Fighter?
Races like Wood Elf for mobility or Half-Orc for enhanced critical hit damage, are generally considered the best choices due to their inherent bonuses.
4. Does dual wielding work well with the Champion subclass?
While you can dual wield, it is generally not as effective as wielding a two-handed weapon for a Champion. The bonus action attack does not trigger many critical hit effects.
5. What are the key stats to focus on for a Champion?
Prioritize Strength (or Dexterity for finesse weapons) and Constitution.
6. Is multiclassing with a Champion Fighter recommended?
It is generally not recommended to multiclass a Champion, as you will get your key levels later and may lose out on important features. You are already a consistent damage dealer, and multiclassing often weakens that capability.
7. What are some good feats for a Champion?
Great Weapon Master, Savage Attacker and Heavy Armor Master are all strong picks for most Champions.
8. What equipment should I aim for with a Champion Fighter?
Focus on gear that increases damage, attack rolls, and critical hit chance. Balduran’s Giantslayer is one of the best weapons you can find for a Champion.
9. Does the Champion benefit from spells or magic items?
Yes, but the Champion does not need to utilize spells to be effective. Magic items can still greatly enhance a Champion’s output, especially those that enhance critical hits.
10. Can a Champion be a tank?
While they don’t have the tanking abilities of a Paladin, a Champion can be durable with good armor, high Constitution and using feats like Heavy Armor Master.
11. How does the Champion’s Improved Critical work?
It reduces the number you need to roll for a critical hit by one. Normally 20, it means you can score a crit on a 19 or 20.
12. Is the Champion’s enhanced crit chance a significant increase in damage?
Yes, it is a substantial increase that makes a Champion a very consistent damage dealer.
13. Does the Champion’s critical chance stack with other critical bonuses?
Yes, they are additive. This means that they will increase the amount of critical damage you do in combat.
14. What are the best combat maneuvers for a Champion?
Champions do not have access to maneuvers. They rely on basic attacks and powerful weaponry.
15. How does the Champion compare to the Barbarian?
The Barbarian excels at burst damage and tanking with Rage. The Champion shines in its consistency and reliability. Barbarians will do more damage over the course of several turns due to their Rage, while Champions will do more single target consistent damage.