What is the Best Multiclass for Fighter in Baldur’s Gate 3?
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The best multiclass for a Fighter in Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3) isn’t as straightforward as simply choosing the most popular option. While the Rogue/Ranger multiclass is currently the most popular overall among players, and Barbarian/Fighter comes in second place, a multitude of factors like playstyle, desired role, and party composition play a vital role in determining the optimal choice for your Fighter. That being said, the Barbarian and Paladin classes emerge as the top contenders for a synergistic and powerful Fighter multiclass, each offering unique benefits and playstyles. Ultimately, the “best” option depends entirely on what you want to achieve with your character. Let’s delve into why these two classes stand out, and then consider other potential options based on different needs and build preferences.
Barbarian: The Raw Power Surge
Synergy with the Fighter
The Barbarian is an exceptional choice for Fighters seeking to enhance their frontline combat prowess. The core benefit comes from Rage, which grants you resistance to physical damage (bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing), providing significant survivability. Couple that with Reckless Attack, which allows you to gain Advantage on attack rolls in exchange for giving enemies advantage against you (which is less detrimental for a tanky fighter), and you have a recipe for consistent, hard-hitting damage output and enhanced survivability. The Unarmored Defense feature of the Barbarian is often less useful for a Fighter since you’ll be wearing armour, but this can be useful for niche builds. The primary advantages of Barbarian multiclass for a Fighter are:
- Enhanced Durability: The damage reduction from Rage is invaluable, letting your Fighter act as a frontline tank for longer periods.
- Offensive Power: Reckless Attack increases your chance of landing those crucial hits, especially against high-armour enemies.
- Strategic Aggression: The combination of Rage and Reckless Attack encourages a more aggressive style of play, which can be very effective.
- Simple Synergies: The Barbarian abilities easily integrate with the Fighter’s existing skills.
Ideal Builds
A popular build strategy involves taking 2-3 levels in Barbarian for access to Rage, Reckless Attack, and a subclass, like the Berserker for its Frenzy feature which grants you an additional attack as a bonus action. Then, you can continue leveling Fighter for more attack actions, maneuver options, and overall potency as the game progresses. This combination turns you into a relentless juggernaut.
Paladin: The Divine Crusader
Synergy with the Fighter
The Paladin is another superb option, especially for those who want to meld physical prowess with spellcasting and divine power. Unlike the Barbarian’s brutal savagery, the Paladin brings divine smites and spells to the table, transforming your Fighter into a divine damage dealer. The primary strengths of the Paladin multiclass for a Fighter include:
- Divine Smite: Allows you to deal extra radiant damage on a hit which is useful when fighting the undead.
- Fighting Style: Grants you a fighting style, useful in case your fighting style of choice is not taken with your Fighter class.
- Spellcasting: While slower to progress than a pure Paladin, the ability to use spells such as Bless, Healing word, and Shield can be a welcome addition.
Ideal Builds
A common approach involves 2-6 levels of Paladin for features like Divine Smite, the Oath features, and early spellcasting, combined with several levels of Fighter. This path provides both substantial combat strength and the flexibility of spellcasting, making your Fighter more adaptable in encounters.
Other Multiclass Options and Considerations
While Barbarian and Paladin are the most impactful multiclass options for maximizing a Fighter’s potential, other combinations are worth considering depending on your goals:
- Rogue: This class offers great utility with skills, bonus action options, and Sneak Attack which synergizes well with the Fighter’s extra attacks.
- Ranger: A mixture of martial prowess and magical spells can make the Ranger an interesting option for those wanting some flexibility and adaptability.
- Wizard: If you’re looking to add a touch of raw magical power to your Fighter, dipping into Wizard can open some interesting spellcasting options and utility. However, this option is much more niche.
Why Avoid Spellcasting Multiclasses?
In Baldur’s Gate 3, there are downsides to multiclassing spellcasters. Multiclassing spellcasters can be detrimental because the levels of both classes are separated when it comes to spell level advancement, effectively making you get your next spell level later than a pure class, and you also miss out on some of the highest spell levels altogether which, naturally, are the most powerful.
FAQ: Multiclassing the Fighter in BG3
1. Which is better for a Fighter, Barbarian or Paladin multiclass?
It depends on your play style. Barbarian provides raw strength, damage resistance, and aggressive offense, while Paladin brings divine damage, support abilities and some spellcasting. Barbarian makes you a brutal damage dealer, while Paladin blends strength with strategic spellcasting and support.
2. How many levels should I take in another class when multiclassing my Fighter?
Usually, 2-6 levels of the secondary class is sufficient for most builds that aim to maximize synergistic abilities. Taking too many levels will dilute the strength of your primary Fighter abilities.
3. Is multiclassing the Fighter always necessary in BG3?
No. A pure Fighter class is still very strong and efficient. Multiclassing is for those who want to add a unique style and some additional utility to their Fighter.
4. What is the best Fighter subclass to combine with a multiclass?
The Battle Master subclass is widely considered the best due to its maneuver options, which synergize well with any multiclass choice.
5. When should I start multiclassing my Fighter?
You can begin multiclassing once your character reaches Level 2. It’s often best to wait until you have all the core features of your chosen class before starting a multiclassing.
6. Is dual-wielding good in BG3 for a Fighter multiclass?
Dual-wielding is generally not ideal for Fighter multiclasses, due to the fact that off-hand attacks take up your bonus action, and do less damage. Instead, focusing on stronger weapons that deal more damage per attack is often the better choice.
7. What are some good Feats for a Fighter multiclass?
Sentinel and Polearm Master are excellent choices for melee-focused fighters, while Great Weapon Master is great for two-handed weapon users.
8. Is there a downside to multiclassing in BG3?
Yes, multiclassing spellcasters will delay the advancement of your spell level. This means you’ll get access to higher level spells later, or not at all.
9. What is the best race for a Fighter multiclass?
Gold Dwarves are an excellent choice for Fighters due to their additional HP, but any race can be used effectively. Your race has a significant impact on the stories you experience due to different character reactions.
10. What is the best background for a Fighter multiclass?
Soldier is a solid choice for those who want to emphasize the frontline fighter role, but this is more about dialogue options and roleplay and less impactful on gameplay.
11. What is the most popular multiclass option for a Fighter in BG3?
The Barbarian/Fighter combination is a popular and powerful choice, second in overall popularity to Rogue/Ranger.
12. What are the most powerful classes in BG3?
The Bard, Rogue, Wizard, Cleric, and Paladin are considered the strongest due to their ability to excel in their designated roles.
13. Is it worth letting Astarion drink my blood?
Yes, letting Astarion drink your blood provides the Happy buff (+1 to all checks), making him a more effective party member. This is a good idea if you plan to keep him in your party.
14. Is there a benefit to hand crossbows in BG3?
Yes, dual-wielding hand crossbows can significantly boost ranged damage output and is more effective than most other dual wielding options.
15. How should I distribute stats for a Fighter multiclass in BG3?
Strength and Constitution should be prioritized. A good stat distribution is generally Strength 16, Dexterity 14, Constitution 16, Intelligence 8, Wisdom 10, and Charisma 10.
By carefully considering these factors, you can make informed decisions that will shape your Fighter into a force to be reckoned with in Baldur’s Gate 3. Choose a multiclass that fits your playstyle and your build goals for a truly unique and powerful character.