In the vast and intricate world of Baldur’s Gate 3, the art of multiclassing offers players an exhilarating opportunity to craft unique character builds that blend the strengths of multiple classes. Gone are the traditional restrictions of Dungeons & Dragons; here, creativity reigns supreme as adventurers can mix and match abilities to create powerful hybrids or quirky combinations that redefine gameplay. Whether you’re aiming to dominate the battlefield with a Fighter/Warlock or weave spells as a Wizard/Bard, this guide will illuminate the best practices and most intriguing builds, ensuring your journey through Faerûn is as dynamic as it is thrilling.
Multiclass is an interesting mechanic in the Dungeons & Dragons system that allows players to combine several classes for one character. It allows creating interesting mixes of abilities of several character types.
However, combining classes involves certain limitations and comes with a few consequences. This page will help you understand them.
Multiclass mechanic
Multiclassing in Baldur’s Gate 3 allows players to blend abilities from different classes, creating unique character builds that enhance versatility and playstyle. Following the Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition rules, players can freely combine any of the game’s twelve classes without the standard requirement of having a minimum ability score in the new class. This flexibility encourages experimentation, enabling players to craft characters that can address various challenges in the game. However, while multiclassing opens up diverse options, it also comes with potential drawbacks, such as missing out on key class features and power boosts that occur at certain levels. Therefore, careful planning is essential to maximize the benefits of this mechanic while avoiding common pitfalls.
From the information provided by Larian Studios before the game’s release, we can learn something about the multiclass mechanic.
Everytime you level up, your character will be able to advance within their assigned class or be able to switch to another class. However, it is important to note that every subsequent advancement will mean that only one of them can be developed further.
In practice, this means that with a limit of 12 levels in the full version of the game, you will have the opportunity to create a character who is, for example, a level 7 Cleric and a level 5 Warrior. Investing in another class will block you from achieving the maximum available level of your starting class.
Requirements and consequences of Multiclass mechanic
Multiclassing in Baldur’s Gate 3 allows players to combine different classes, enhancing character customization and gameplay strategies. To multiclass, players can choose any of the available classes upon leveling up, without the typical prerequisites found in traditional D&D systems, enabling greater flexibility in character development. However, this mechanic carries certain consequences; primarily, it can delay access to powerful abilities tied to individual classes, such as the Extra Attack feature, which is crucial for martial characters. Additionally, while multiclassing can create unique synergies and broaden a character’s capabilities, it may also lead to a dilution of class-specific strengths if not planned carefully.
From the currently available information, we know that starting another class will come with certain limitations. One of them is supposed to be a requirement where you will need to have a minimum level of a certain ability – usually the one that is the main statistic for a given class.
Developing a multiclass character also involves a fairly large risk associated with the hero’s build. It is not hard to imagine situations where spending the levels in the wrong way may block you from getting certain key skills, attributes or feats. Before starting a new class, it’s worth considering development plans for your character.
What are the most powerful multiclass builds in Baldur’s Gate 3
In Baldur’s Gate 3, multiclassing can create some of the most powerful and versatile builds in the game. Here are some of the top combinations that players are raving about:
- Gloomstalker Assassin: This build combines the Rogue (Assassin) and Ranger (Gloom Stalker) classes. The Gloomstalker provides a +3 initiative bonus and extra attacks during the first round, while the Assassin maximizes damage with Sneak Attacks, allowing for devastating one-shot potential against unsuspecting foes.
- Lockadin: A potent mix of Paladin and Warlock, this build utilizes Charisma for both spellcasting and melee attacks. The Paladin’s smite abilities combined with Warlock’s Eldritch Blast make for a formidable combination, providing high damage output while also offering healing and utility spells.
- Barbarian/Fighter: This classic build emphasizes raw power and survivability. By combining Barbarian levels (for Rage) with Fighter levels (for Action Surge), players can achieve incredible damage output while maintaining a strong defense, making it one of the most reliable choices for melee combat2.
- Fire Sorlock: This build leverages the strengths of both Sorcerer and Warlock, focusing on fire spells and high damage output. Utilizing spells like Scorching Ray combined with Warlock invocations creates a powerful spellcasting hybrid capable of dealing massive damage quickly.
- Tavern Brawler Monk/Rogue: Focusing on unarmed strikes, this combination allows for multiple attacks per turn using the Thief subclass for extra actions. The Monk provides mobility and utility, while the Rogue enhances damage potential through sneak attacks, making it a highly effective melee option5.
These multiclass builds not only enhance combat effectiveness but also offer diverse playstyles, ensuring that players can tailor their characters to fit their preferred approach in the game’s challenging encounters.
What are the top multiclass builds for dealing massive damage in Baldur’s Gate 3
In Baldur’s Gate 3, multiclassing can lead to some of the most devastating damage builds. Here are the top multiclass combinations designed for maximum damage output:
- Lockadin (Paladin/Warlock): This build combines the Paladin and Warlock classes, leveraging Charisma for both melee attacks and spellcasting. The synergy between Divine Smite and Eldritch Blast allows for high burst damage, especially with the ability to regain spell slots after short rests. The Lockadin excels in both offensive capabilities and survivability, making it one of the strongest builds in the game.
- Gloomstalker Assassin (Ranger/Rogue): By multiclassing Ranger (Gloom Stalker) with Rogue (Assassin), players can maximize their first-round damage potential. The Gloom Stalker’s Dread Ambusher feature grants an extra attack on the first turn of combat, while the Assassin’s Sneak Attack can deal massive damage to unsuspecting enemies, resulting in potentially six attacks in a single round.
- Bardadin (Bard/Paladin): This powerful combination utilizes the Bard and Paladin classes to create a character that excels in both spellcasting and melee combat. The Bard provides utility spells and additional attack options, while the Paladin offers strong smite abilities. This build is particularly effective when equipped with specific items that enhance spell success rates, allowing for devastating nova damage during critical moments.
- Sorcerer/Paladin (Sorcadin): Similar to the Bardadin, this build merges Sorcerer and Paladin classes, focusing on spellcasting alongside melee capabilities. With access to strong spells and smites, this combination allows for versatile combat strategies that can adapt to various situations while dealing significant damage.
- Barbarian/Fighter (Berserker): This straightforward yet effective build combines Barbarian with Fighter, capitalizing on the Barbarian’s Rage for increased damage resistance and output. The Fighter’s Action Surge allows for additional attacks, making this a reliable choice for consistent high damage in melee combat.
- Eldritch Knight Thrower (Fighter/Wizard): This build focuses on ranged combat using throwable weapons combined with spells from the Wizard class. The Fighter’s Action Surge and Extra Attack features enhance damage output while maintaining versatility through utility spells like Shield and Enlarge, creating a potent ranged threat.
These multiclass builds not only deliver impressive damage but also offer a variety of playstyles to suit different preferences in combat scenarios within Baldur’s Gate 3.
