Crushing the Curve: The Easiest Builds in Baldur’s Gate 3

The easiest build in Baldur’s Gate 3 is undoubtedly the Battle Master Fighter. Its straightforward mechanics, potent martial prowess, and forgiving nature make it perfect for newcomers while still offering depth for experienced players. The Battle Master excels at dealing consistent, reliable damage while also controlling the battlefield with its powerful maneuvers, making it a forgiving yet effective choice for those new to the game.

Why Fighter is Beginner-Friendly

The Fighter class stands out as incredibly beginner-friendly for several key reasons:

• Simple Mechanics: Fighters primarily focus on attacking with weapons. You won’t be bogged down by complex spell lists, intricate resource management, or conditional abilities. Instead, you’ll learn the fundamentals of positioning, weapon choices, and basic combat tactics.

• High Survivability: Fighters have access to heavy armor and shields, providing excellent protection from enemy attacks. Their high hit points also contribute to their resilience. This allows you to make mistakes without instantly getting knocked out, which is invaluable for learning the game.

• Versatile Build Options: While we’re focusing on Battle Master, the Fighter class offers multiple subclasses, allowing for exploration of different playstyles as you become more comfortable with the game.

• Focus on Fundamentals: By playing a Fighter, you’ll quickly master essential mechanics like attack rolls, damage calculations, and advantage/disadvantage. This foundational knowledge will benefit you no matter which class you eventually decide to play.

The Battle Master Advantage

Choosing the Battle Master subclass at level 3 elevates the Fighter’s ease of use and effectiveness. Battle Master Fighters gain access to Superiority Dice, which are used to fuel powerful maneuvers. These maneuvers add tactical depth to combat without overwhelming new players.

Key Battle Master Maneuvers for Beginners

• Trip Attack: Knock an enemy prone, giving your allies advantage on melee attacks against them. This is an excellent way to control the battlefield and increase your party’s damage output.

• Pushing Attack: Force an enemy to move a distance away, potentially knocking them off a ledge or separating them from their allies.

• Goading Attack: Impose disadvantage on an enemy’s attacks against targets other than you. This is a great way to protect your squishier party members.

These maneuvers are easy to understand and use, providing immediate benefits in combat. They add a layer of tactical decision-making without requiring extensive knowledge of game mechanics.

Race, Ability Scores, and Feats

Optimal Race Choices

For races, Githyanki are an excellent choice due to their increased mobility and skill proficiencies. Humans are also a solid choice, offering a well-rounded stat distribution and an extra skill proficiency. Other viable races include Half-Orcs (for their relentless endurance) and Dwarves (for their increased constitution).

Ability Score Allocation

Focus on the following ability scores:

• Strength: Your primary damage stat.
• Constitution: Vital for hit points and maintaining concentration on spells (if you decide to multiclass later).
• Dexterity: Improves armor class (if you’re not wearing heavy armor) and initiative.

Feat Selection

Good feat options for a Battle Master Fighter include:

• Great Weapon Master (if using a two-handed weapon): A potent damage boost but can reduce your attack accuracy.
• Savage Attacker: Roll your weapon damage dice twice and use the highest result, increasing overall damage output.
• Sentinel: Control the battlefield by stopping enemies in their tracks.

Gear Recommendations

Focus on acquiring weapons and armor that boost your Strength and Constitution. Look for magical items that grant extra attacks, improve your accuracy, or provide additional combat utility.

Early Game Gear

• Everburn Blade (Early Game Greatsword): Found on Commander Zhalk at the end of the tutorial.
• Adamantine Scale Mail: Crafted in the Grymforge.

Late Game Gear

• Balduran’s Giantslayer (Greatsword): Found in the Wyrmway.
• Helm of Balduran: Found in the Wyrmway.

Gameplay Tips

• Positioning is Key: Stay in melee range to maximize your damage output and protect your allies.
• Use Your Maneuvers Wisely: Don’t waste your Superiority Dice. Use them strategically to control the battlefield and disrupt enemy plans.
• Take Advantage of Action Surge: Use Action Surge to unleash a flurry of attacks in a single turn, overwhelming your opponents.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: Try different weapons, armor, and maneuvers to find what works best for you.
• Enjoy the game! Don’t be afraid to learn as you go.

Multiclassing Considerations

While the single-class Battle Master Fighter is already powerful and easy to play, you might consider multiclassing later on for additional utility. Dipping into Rogue (Thief) for extra bonus action or Paladin for divine smite could add interesting layers to the build. However, for a truly beginner-friendly experience, sticking with a single-class Fighter is recommended.

Conclusion

The Battle Master Fighter is a fantastic choice for players new to Baldur’s Gate 3. Its simple mechanics, high survivability, and tactical depth make it a rewarding and enjoyable class to play. By following the advice in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the battlefield and experiencing all that Baldur’s Gate 3 has to offer. As you improve your skills, remember that the best way to get better is to have fun and learn from your experiences. Resources like the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) can offer additional insights into the educational aspects of gaming and how games can be used to develop strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the Fighter the only easy class in BG3?

No, but it is arguably the easiest. Clerics and Paladins can also be beginner-friendly due to their survivability and straightforward combat roles. However, they involve some spell management, which adds a layer of complexity.

2. What is the best race for a Fighter?

Githyanki are arguably the best, providing increased mobility and skill proficiencies. Humans, Half-Orcs, and Dwarves are also strong choices. Ultimately, the best race depends on your personal preferences and playstyle.

3. What are the most important ability scores for a Fighter?

Strength is your primary damage stat. Constitution is vital for hit points and survivability. Dexterity can improve your armor class and initiative, especially if you’re not wearing heavy armor.

4. What are some good feats for a Battle Master Fighter?

Great Weapon Master (if using a two-handed weapon), Savage Attacker, and Sentinel are all excellent choices.

5. What is the best weapon for a Fighter?

It depends on your preference. Greatswords (such as Balduran’s Giantslayer) are popular for their high damage output. Longswords and shields provide a balance of offense and defense.

6. How do Battle Master maneuvers work?

Battle Master maneuvers are special combat abilities that you can use by expending Superiority Dice. These maneuvers can be used to control the battlefield, disrupt enemies, and enhance your attacks.

7. Can I multiclass a Fighter?

Yes, but it’s generally recommended to stick with a single-class Fighter for beginners. Multiclassing can add complexity to your build.

8. What is Action Surge?

Action Surge allows you to take an additional action on your turn. This is a powerful ability that can be used to unleash a flurry of attacks or cast two spells in a single turn.

9. How do I choose the right subclass for my Fighter?

The Battle Master subclass is recommended for beginners. Other subclasses, such as Champion and Eldritch Knight, offer different playstyles that you can explore later.

10. Is it better to use a two-handed weapon or a sword and shield?

It depends on your preference. Two-handed weapons offer higher damage output, while a sword and shield provide better defense.

11. What kind of armor should I wear as a Fighter?

Heavy armor is generally the best choice for Fighters, providing the highest level of protection.

12. How do I improve my accuracy in combat?

Make sure you have a high Strength score. Use weapons and items that grant bonuses to attack rolls. Gain advantage on your attacks by flanking enemies or using abilities like Trip Attack.

13. What should I do if I’m struggling in combat?

Review your gear and make sure you’re using the best weapons and armor available. Focus on positioning and using your abilities strategically. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try different tactics.

14. Where can I find more information about Baldur’s Gate 3?

There are many online resources available, including wikis, forums, and YouTube videos. The Games Learning Society can also provide insights into the game’s mechanics and design.

15. What is the maximum level in Baldur’s Gate 3?

The maximum level in Baldur’s Gate 3 is 12. This allows for significant character progression and the acquisition of powerful abilities.