Which BG3 Class Should I Play? A Comprehensive Guide
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Choosing your class in Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3) can feel like a monumental task. After all, it’s the foundation of your entire playthrough, influencing everything from your combat style to your dialogue options. The good news? There’s no single “best” class, only the best class for you. The key is understanding each class’s strengths, weaknesses, and playstyles. Ultimately, the class you should play depends on how you want to experience the game. If you want to wield powerful spells, blast foes with fireballs, or delve into the arcane, the Wizard or Sorcerer are for you. If you want to be a frontline fighter who can withstand hits while dealing damage, then the Fighter, Paladin, or Barbarian are great choices. If you enjoy stealth and striking from the shadows, the Rogue is your best option. The Cleric class is ideal for players who desire a mix of healing and supporting their party while they are delving into holy powers. Finally, if you like being a versatile character, the Bard class is great for charming others, and for supporting your party.
In the end, there is no right or wrong answer when selecting your class. Instead, you should focus on what type of character you wish to play and what you expect to be doing.
Understanding the Core Classes
Before diving into specific recommendations, let’s briefly review the core classes available in Baldur’s Gate 3:
- Barbarian: These brutal warriors excel at melee combat, using rage to enhance their attacks and survivability. They are ideal for players who enjoy a straightforward, aggressive playstyle.
- Bard: Masters of social interaction and versatile support, Bards use magic through music and performance. They’re excellent for those who enjoy a blend of combat and conversation.
- Cleric: Holy warriors empowered by their deity, Clerics are skilled healers and spellcasters who can also hold their own in combat. They’re perfect for players who like a supportive role.
- Druid: Harnessing the power of nature, Druids can transform into animals and command elemental magic. They offer a very versatile playstyle and are ideal for players that are looking for variety.
- Fighter: The masters of weaponry and combat, Fighters are versatile and reliable damage dealers who can use any weapon and armour. They are very good for new players due to their ease of use.
- Monk: Unarmed combat experts, Monks combine martial arts with mystical abilities. They’re perfect for players who enjoy a fast and mobile fighting style.
- Paladin: Holy warriors who swear an oath, Paladins are powerful frontline fighters and spellcasters. They offer a blend of offense, defense, and utility.
- Ranger: Skilled archers and trackers, Rangers are at their best while fighting from a distance, with a companion creature to assist them. They’re a solid choice for those who enjoy a more nature-based character with a companion.
- Rogue: Masters of stealth and deception, Rogues are the masters of dealing massive single target damage. They are great for players who enjoy ambushing enemies and being an assassin.
- Sorcerer: Innate spellcasters who wield powerful magic with natural talent. They have a limited selection of spells but offer many spells that allow for creative combinations.
- Warlock: Magic users who gain their power from an otherworldly patron, they offer a mix of eldritch blasts and powerful spells. They are well suited for players who want to wield powerful magic.
- Wizard: Scholarly spellcasters who learn their magic from study. They are very versatile as they have access to the most spells, and can fill any role that they need to.
Beginner-Friendly Classes
If you’re new to CRPGs or Baldur’s Gate 3, starting with a class that’s easy to grasp can make your first playthrough more enjoyable. Here are a few highly recommended options:
Fighter
The Fighter is often considered the most beginner-friendly class. It’s straightforward, allowing you to focus on learning the game’s mechanics without being overwhelmed by complex spell systems. They excel at dealing consistent damage while also being durable. They can use any weapon and armour, which means they are not restricted in what they can wield and wear.
Warlock
The Warlock is another good option for beginners. They have a simpler spellcasting system than Wizards and Sorcerers, focusing on using their Eldritch Blast cantrip. Also, they have some useful spells that help with utility outside of combat.
Barbarian
If you prefer a more direct combat style, the Barbarian is a strong choice. Their rage mechanic makes them resilient and easy to play. They also are easy to understand, and can make it easier to focus on the game.
Classes for Roleplaying
Beyond combat, Baldur’s Gate 3 places heavy emphasis on roleplaying. Certain classes can enhance your experience in this regard:
Bard
The Bard is ideal for those who want to be the face of the party. Their Charisma-based skills make them excellent at persuasion, deception, and intimidation. They also have access to spells for healing, support, and combat.
Paladin
Paladins, while powerful in combat, are defined by their oaths. Your choices and actions must align with your chosen oath, which means there are interesting roleplaying opportunities.
Classes for Powerful Builds
If you’re aiming for maximum power, these classes are known for their potential:
Paladin
The Oath of Vengeance Paladin is arguably the strongest class and subclass in BG3, offering a mix of powerful melee attacks, versatile spells, and good survival. Their ability to burst down single targets is unparalleled.
Sorcerer
Sorcerers, particularly with their Metamagic, can unleash devastating spells, often maximizing their damage potential. They can double-cast spells and increase their overall effectiveness on the battlefield.
Druid
Druids are a strong class overall with their ability to shapeshift into powerful animals, and their ability to cast spells that have different uses, making them great all rounders.
Multiclassing Considerations
Multiclassing in BG3 allows you to combine the strengths of different classes. However, doing it incorrectly can actually make you weaker. Here are a few well-regarded multiclass combinations:
- Monk/Rogue: Combines the mobility of the Monk with the stealth and damage output of the Rogue, making a very powerful martial arts assassin.
- Paladin/Cleric: Creates a heavily armored, magically enhanced frontline fighter.
- Sorcerer/Warlock: Enhances spellcasting power and versatility, allowing for unique spell combos.
- Fighter/Barbarian: A melee powerhouse that can withstand many hits while still dealing devastating damage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is it okay if I do not multi-class my character?
Yes, it is perfectly fine to stick with a single class. Many builds are powerful without multiclassing, and multiclassing can actually make your character weaker if not done correctly. You can still beat the game without resorting to complicated multiclass builds.
2. Can you change your class in BG3?
Yes, you can change your class by speaking with Withers after discovering him at the Dank Crypt. This allows you to experiment with different builds and classes without starting over.
3. Does race matter for my class?
Yes, but not as much as you may think. While some races have bonuses that synergize well with certain classes, any class can function on any race. Choose a race that you like, as it mostly serves for cosmetic purposes.
4. What is the best race for a stealth character?
Deep Gnomes are generally considered the best race for stealth due to their racial abilities.
5. What is the best race for a wizard?
Humans are a good choice for Wizards, as they are very versatile, allowing the wizard to be well-rounded in different areas.
6. Is dual-wielding recommended in BG3?
Dual-wielding can be effective with the right equipment, but it’s not a straight damage increase compared to using a single weapon. It’s important to consider the specific weapons you are using.
7. What is the most damaging spell in the game?
Fireball is considered one of the best damage-dealing spells in the game because of its high damage and wide area of effect. Especially when combined with metamagic.
8. When should I start multiclassing?
You can start multiclassing after reaching level 2. However, it’s crucial to plan your builds before doing so. Some builds work better at later levels, while some may be more optimal with one class.
9. Are Paladins good in BG3?
Yes, Paladins are incredibly powerful in BG3. They are extremely versatile, strong in combat, and can support their party well with spells. However, you must play within the bounds of your chosen oath.
10. Are all classes viable in BG3?
Absolutely. Every class in Baldur’s Gate 3 is viable and can be used to complete the game. Play what you enjoy most!
11. What is the best class for a beginner to start with?
The Fighter is generally recommended as the best class for beginners, due to its ease of use and simple playstyle.
12. What is the most fun multiclass?
This is subjective, but Fighter/Barbarian, Rogue/Ranger, and Sorcerer/Warlock are some of the most commonly regarded fun and powerful multiclass options.
13. Can I play an evil character in BG3?
Yes, you can definitely play an evil character in Baldur’s Gate 3, with the game providing opportunities to make dark choices that can shape your storyline.
14. Is it worth multiclassing spellcasters?
It can be worthwhile if you are well-prepared for the trade off. Multiclassing spellcasters means you get your next spell level later, and miss out on the most powerful higher level spells, but it can also be useful if you have a good plan in mind.
15. Can I change my class to any other class?
Yes, you can change your class to any other class in Baldur’s Gate 3 by speaking to Withers.