What is the Best Main Character Class in Baldur’s Gate 3?

The quest for the “best” main character class in Baldur’s Gate 3 is a common one, but the answer isn’t as straightforward as a single class reigning supreme. Instead, several classes stand out for their versatility, power, and suitability as the protagonist. However, if forced to choose, the Paladin often emerges as the most compelling choice for a main character due to its exceptional balance of versatility, single-target damage, and survivability. While other classes excel in specific areas, the Paladin’s overall strength and ability to adapt to any situation makes it a powerful and satisfying choice for leading your party through the trials of Baldur’s Gate.

Why the Paladin Often Takes the Crown

The Paladin in BG3 is a powerhouse. Let’s break down why they are such a strong contender for the best main character:

• Versatility: Paladins are not just melee damage dealers. They wield potent spells, provide healing, and offer powerful auras that buff allies. This means they can handle a variety of situations, whether it’s tanking damage, dishing out heavy hits, or supporting the party.
• Single-Target Damage: With abilities like Divine Smite, Paladins can unleash incredible bursts of damage on single targets, making them formidable against bosses and other tough enemies. This ensures they are effective in the most challenging encounters.
• Survivability: Paladins boast high armor proficiency and gain access to self-healing abilities, making them resilient front-line fighters who can stay in the thick of battle without being easily downed. They also have access to defensive spells, further enhancing their staying power.
• Roleplaying Potential: Paladins have a built-in moral code through their Oaths, providing great roleplaying opportunities. You can choose to be a righteous defender of the weak or a vengeful warrior, impacting dialogue and quest outcomes.
• Oath of Vengeance: Specifically, the Oath of Vengeance subclass is exceptionally potent, leaning heavily into damage and offering tools for hunting down enemies. It’s a popular choice for players looking to maximize their character’s combat prowess.

While the Paladin’s strengths are undeniable, remember that enjoying a class comes down to personal preference and playstyle. There are other classes that also make excellent main characters. Let’s explore some of the contenders.

The Other Top Contenders

While the Paladin shines, these classes also offer unique advantages as a main character:

Bard: The Charismatic Controller

• Versatility: Bards excel as both support characters and party faces. They have access to a variety of spells, including healing, buffs, and control abilities.
• Social Skills: With high Charisma and proficiency in persuasion and deception, Bards are adept at navigating social interactions and solving conflicts through dialogue.
• Combat Support: While not raw damage dealers, Bards can enhance allies’ combat abilities while hindering enemies. This makes them valuable in any team.
• Storytelling: Bards have strong ties to narrative and are often well-suited to leading the story.

Rogue: The Stealthy Striker

• High Damage Output: Rogues, especially with the Assassin subclass, are capable of unleashing incredible single-target damage with Sneak Attacks.
• Stealth and Utility: Rogues can navigate the world with stealth, picking locks, disarming traps, and gathering crucial intelligence.
• Skill Mastery: With expertise in several skills, Rogues can overcome a variety of challenges and contribute beyond combat.
• Intrigue: The Rogue’s inherent ties to shadows and secrets offer unique roleplaying possibilities.

Wizard: The Arcane Powerhouse

• Vast Spell List: Wizards possess the widest array of spells, allowing for exceptional versatility in combat and exploration.
• Control and Utility: Wizards can manipulate the battlefield, control enemies, and overcome obstacles with powerful magic.
• Strategic Depth: Wizards require thoughtful spell selection and planning, offering a cerebral gameplay experience.
• Lore Mastery: As scholars of magic, Wizards often have deep connections to the lore of Faerûn.

Cleric: The Divine Support

• Powerful Healing: Clerics are the go-to class for healing, ensuring the party remains healthy throughout combat.
• Combat Prowess: Depending on their subclass, Clerics can also be potent melee or ranged fighters.
• Versatile Spells: They have a range of spells for both combat and support, making them valuable in various situations.
• Divine Connection: Their connection to a deity provides unique roleplaying avenues and story options.

FAQs About Classes in Baldur’s Gate 3

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the landscape of classes in BG3:

1. Is there a “bad” class in Baldur’s Gate 3?

No, there is no outright “bad” class in Baldur’s Gate 3. Every class is viable and has its own strengths. However, some classes, like the Monk, may be more niche and require a specific build to shine.

2. Which class is the weakest in combat?

While the article stated the Wizard was the “weakest”, this is a simplification. No class is “weak” but the Monk can struggle early on without a well-thought-out build, and the Wizard needs time to acquire spells to reach full potential.

3. What is the easiest class for beginners?

The Fighter is often recommended for new players due to its straightforward mechanics and reliable damage output.

4. What class has the highest single-target damage?

Paladin with its Divine Smite capability, is renowned for its immense single-target damage. Rogues with Sneak Attack are also excellent, but rely more on battlefield positioning.

5. What class is best at crowd control?

Wizards and Sorcerers are the best at crowd control with a vast selection of spells to manipulate the battlefield.

6. What class is best at healing?

Clerics are the premier healers in BG3, with the widest range of healing spells and abilities.

7. Does race impact class choice?

Yes, race can impact class choice. Certain races have racial abilities that synergize well with particular classes. For example, Elves with Fleet of Foot are excellent for mobile classes like Rogues, and Tieflings with fire resistance do well in spell-casting classes.

8. What is the best race overall in BG3?

The Tiefling is often considered the best overall due to its versatility, movement speed, and fire resistance, in addition to the various bonuses that the subraces get.

9. Is dual wielding viable in BG3?

Dual-wielding can be effective at early levels, but requires specific builds and strategies to remain potent in later stages of the game.

10. What is the level cap in Baldur’s Gate 3?

The level cap in Baldur’s Gate 3 is Level 12, unlike the tabletop D&D game which reaches level 20.

11. What are the most popular classes in BG3?

Paladin, Bard, Rogue, Wizard, and Cleric are consistently among the most popular classes due to their overall effectiveness and versatility.

12. Is it better to be a pure class or multi-class in BG3?

Both have their merits. A pure class often excels at its core role, while multi-classing can offer unique combinations of skills and abilities but at the cost of late game power for a single class.

13. Can you change your class later in the game?

Yes, you can respec your character’s class later in the game by visiting Withers at your camp. This provides flexibility for experimenting with different builds.

14. Can I romance my Guardian?

Yes, you can romance your Guardian in Act 3 if you express mutual interest.

15. What is the best Fighter subclass?

The Battle Master subclass is often considered the best for Fighters due to its access to various maneuvers.

Conclusion

Choosing the best main character class in Baldur’s Gate 3 is a personal journey. While the Paladin offers a potent combination of damage, survivability, and versatility, classes like the Bard, Rogue, Wizard, and Cleric each provide unique strengths and engaging gameplay experiences. Experiment with different classes and find the one that best suits your playstyle and vision for your hero. Remember, there’s no “wrong” choice, and with the ability to respec, you can always adapt your character to the challenges ahead.