Dominating the Battlefield: Choosing the Best Fighter Subclass in Baldur’s Gate 3

The Fighter class in Baldur’s Gate 3 offers unmatched martial prowess and versatility. But to truly master the art of war, you must choose the right subclass. The Battle Master subclass is widely considered the best option for Fighters in Baldur’s Gate 3 because it provides unparalleled tactical depth and adaptability.

Understanding the Fighter Subclasses

Before we delve into why the Battle Master reigns supreme, let’s briefly examine the other Fighter subclasses available in Baldur’s Gate 3:

• Battle Master: This subclass focuses on tactical combat maneuvers, allowing you to control the battlefield and disrupt your enemies.
• Champion: A straightforward subclass that emphasizes raw power and increased critical hit chance.
• Eldritch Knight: Blends martial prowess with arcane magic, offering spells to enhance combat capabilities.

Why Battle Master Excels

The Battle Master’s strength lies in its Maneuvers. These special combat abilities grant you a wide range of options in battle, making you far more than just a damage dealer. At level 3, you gain access to three maneuvers, followed by two more at levels 7 and 10. This constant influx of new tactical options keeps the Battle Master engaging and effective throughout the game.

Here are some of the key benefits of the Battle Master subclass:

• Versatility: Maneuvers allow you to adapt to various combat situations. Whether you need to disarm an enemy, push them off a cliff, or buff your allies, the Battle Master has a maneuver for that.
• Control: Many maneuvers, such as “Pushing Attack” and “Trip Attack,” grant you control over enemy positioning, allowing you to manipulate the battlefield to your advantage.
• Damage Enhancement: While not solely focused on damage, some maneuvers, like “Riposte” and “Precision Attack,” can significantly increase your damage output.
• Party Support: Certain maneuvers can be used to support your allies, such as “Rally,” which grants temporary hit points.
• Strategic Depth: The Battle Master adds a layer of strategic complexity to the Fighter class, making combat more engaging and rewarding. You aren’t just moving into range and attacking; you are making calculated decisions that can turn the tide of battle.

Key Battle Master Maneuvers

• Precision Attack: Add a superiority die to your attack roll. Use this to ensure critical hits or overcome high armor classes.
• Trip Attack: Add a superiority die to your attack and attempt to knock the target prone. This gives your team advantage on melee attacks against the enemy.
• Pushing Attack: Add a superiority die to your attack and push the target away from you 15 feet. This can be extremely useful on ledges or to control enemy positioning.
• Disarming Attack: Add a superiority die to your attack and attempt to disarm the target. This can be crucial against enemies reliant on their weapons.
• Riposte: When a creature misses you with a melee attack, expend a superiority die to make a melee attack against the creature.
• Goading Attack: Add a superiority die to your attack and attempt to force the target to attack you.

Alternative Subclasses: Champion and Eldritch Knight

While the Battle Master offers the most versatility, the other Fighter subclasses have their own strengths.

• Champion: This subclass is ideal for players who prefer a simple, straightforward approach to combat. The Champion’s increased critical hit chance can lead to significant damage bursts, making them effective damage dealers. However, they lack the tactical options of the Battle Master.
• Eldritch Knight: This subclass combines martial prowess with arcane magic. Eldritch Knights can use spells to enhance their combat abilities, such as “Shield” for defense or “Magic Weapon” for increased damage. While versatile, the Eldritch Knight’s spell selection is limited compared to a dedicated spellcaster.

Race Selection for Fighters

While any race can be a viable Fighter, some races offer benefits that synergize particularly well with the class. The article mentioned that Githyanki make excellent Fighters because of their mobility and proficiencies.

Other strong choices include:

• Half-Orc: Relentless Endurance allows you to avoid dropping to 0 hit points once per long rest. Savage Attacks adds extra damage on critical hits.
• Dwarf (Shield Dwarf): Provides proficiency in medium armor and a bonus to Strength, making them naturally resilient.
• Human: Offers a bonus to all ability scores, making them versatile and well-rounded.

Final Verdict

In conclusion, the Battle Master subclass stands out as the best choice for Fighters in Baldur’s Gate 3 due to its unparalleled versatility, tactical depth, and control over the battlefield. While the Champion and Eldritch Knight subclasses have their own strengths, the Battle Master’s maneuver system provides a dynamic and engaging combat experience that sets it apart. Understanding and mastering the Battle Master’s maneuvers will make you a formidable force in any encounter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the Fighter class and subclasses in Baldur’s Gate 3:

1. Is the Battle Master subclass difficult to play? While the Battle Master offers more tactical options than other subclasses, it is not overly difficult to learn. Understanding the different maneuvers and when to use them is key.

2. Does the Champion subclass become boring after a while? Some players may find the Champion subclass less engaging due to its lack of tactical options compared to the Battle Master or Eldritch Knight.

3. How important is spellcasting for the Eldritch Knight? Spellcasting is an important aspect of the Eldritch Knight, but the subclass is still primarily a martial class. Your spell slots will be limited, so choose your spells wisely.

4. What is the best stat distribution for a Battle Master Fighter? Prioritize Strength or Dexterity (depending on your weapon choice), followed by Constitution. A decent Wisdom score can also be beneficial for saving throws.

5. What is the best weapon choice for a Fighter? The best weapon choice depends on your playstyle and subclass. Greatswords and mauls are popular choices for Strength-based Fighters, while rapiers and shortswords are good options for Dexterity-based Fighters.

6. How do I manage my Superiority Dice as a Battle Master? Use your Superiority Dice strategically. Don’t expend them all at once. Consider saving them for critical situations or high-priority targets.

7. Can the Battle Master subclass be effective at range? While primarily a melee class, the Battle Master can be effective at range with maneuvers like “Distracting Strike,” which can impose disadvantage on an enemy’s attack rolls.

8. What armor proficiencies do Fighters have in Baldur’s Gate 3? Fighters are proficient with all armor types (light, medium, and heavy) and shields.

9. Are multiclassing options viable for Fighters? Yes, multiclassing can be a viable option for Fighters. Popular choices include Paladin (for divine smites and healing) and Rogue (for sneak attack and skills).

10. What are the best feats for a Fighter in Baldur’s Gate 3? Some of the best feats for a Fighter include Great Weapon Master (for increased damage with heavy weapons), Polearm Master (for extra attacks with polearms), and Savage Attacker (to reroll damage dice).

11. How does the Fighter class scale in the late game? The Fighter class scales well into the late game, especially with powerful weapons and armor. The Battle Master’s maneuvers remain effective throughout the game, providing tactical advantages in challenging encounters.

12. What is the difference between Action Surge and Second Wind? Action Surge allows you to take an additional action on your turn, while Second Wind allows you to heal yourself for a small amount of hit points. Both are valuable abilities for Fighters.

13. Can you respec your subclass in Baldur’s Gate 3? Yes, you can respec your character, including your subclass, by talking to Withers at your camp and paying a small fee.

14. What is the best party composition to complement a Fighter? A well-rounded party should include a healer (Cleric or Paladin), a spellcaster (Wizard or Sorcerer), and a skill monkey (Rogue or Bard) to complement the Fighter’s martial prowess.

15. Where can I learn more about Baldur’s Gate 3 and Dungeons & Dragons? Explore resources such as D&D Beyond, Baldur’s Gate 3 forums, and educational platforms like Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org for insightful content.