Baldurs Gate 3: Cleric – best build

In the mystical realms of Baldur’s Gate 3, the Cleric stands as a beacon of hope and resilience, wielding divine power to heal allies and smite foes. Among the various subclasses, the Life Domain Cleric emerges as a formidable force, specializing in restoration and support, making them indispensable in any adventuring party. This guide delves into crafting the ultimate Life Domain build, revealing essential strategies, optimal character creation tips, and the best gear to ensure your Cleric not only survives but thrives in the treacherous landscapes of Faerûn. Whether you’re looking to bolster your companions with powerful healing spells or stand firm against the darkness, mastering this build will elevate your gameplay experience to divine heights.

For basic information about the class and choices in character creation wizard, visit Guide page in the Cleric section. We recommend getting acquainted with this page if this is your first contact with the class or the D&D system.

Character creation wizard

In Baldur’s Gate 3, the character creation wizard is an essential tool for players looking to craft their ideal Cleric build. This feature guides you through selecting the right race, background, and abilities to optimize your character’s performance in both combat and role-playing scenarios. By focusing on key attributes like Wisdom and Constitution, players can enhance their spellcasting capabilities while ensuring their Cleric remains resilient in battle. The wizard also offers insights into the best spells and skills to choose, allowing for a tailored experience that aligns with your preferred playstyle. Whether you aim to be a healer, a damage dealer, or a support character, the character creation wizard provides the foundational elements necessary for a successful Cleric build.

On this page, we focus on Cleric under Life Domain subclass. Developing other archetypes may differ slightly from what we prepared below.

When in choice for a race viable for a Cleric (especially if you’re considering wearing heavy armor), seriously consider Gold Dwarf. This race receives one extra hit point with each level, which as time progresses will translate into a hefty bonus.

Alternative choices include any variant of an Elf. Many Elven subraces (e.g. High Elf or Drow) receive additional cantrips or spells at the beginning of their adventure that will surely diversify your magic arsenal.

When choosing a Background, we recommend Acolyte who receives Proficiencies in Insight and Religion that work well with high Wisdom expected of this class. Alternatives include Folk Hero or Sailor.

Class progression

In Baldur’s Gate 3, class progression for Clerics is structured around their unique abilities and subclass features, which evolve as they level up. Starting at level 1, players choose a subclass from options like Life, Light, or Trickery, each offering distinct spells and abilities that define their role in the party. As Clerics advance, they gain access to additional spell slots and powerful domain spells that enhance their healing capabilities and combat effectiveness. Key milestones include obtaining Channel Divinity at level 2, which allows them to harness divine power for healing or turning undead, and unlocking subclass-specific features at levels 6 and 8. This progression not only enhances their spellcasting but also improves their survivability through increased armor proficiency and hit points, making them versatile support characters capable of adapting to various combat scenarios.

For a complete list and descriptions of Cleric spells, visit Best Spells page in Cleric section.

1. Cleric starts his adventure by choosing a subclass. For the purpose of this build, we decided on Life Domain. The Disciple of Life feature received with choosing this subclass will additionally empower your healing spells. It is also worth mentioning that Life Domain Clerics are proficient in Heavy Armor from the very beginning, which makes them suitable for the role of a tank. When it comes to Domain Spells, on level 1 your Cleric will automatically learn Bless and Cure Wounds. Domain Spells are always prepared. Additionally, when choosing standard tier 1 spells, consider Guidance, Guiding Bolt, Inflict Wounds, Healing Word, or Sanctuary.

Another important choice for a Cleric at the beginning of his journey is choosing the patron deity that he serves. Although this choice doesn’t affect the gameplay directly, following a certain faith may influence how some NPCs will react to you during the journey.

1. Level 2 unlocks access to Cleric’s trademark ability – Channel Divinity. It allows the class to perform a special action. All representatives of the class regardless of the patron deity receive access to Turn Undead, which is an action that forces all undead creatures in the area to flee. Additionally, with Life Domain subclass, you receive Preserve Life, which heals the caster and nearby allies by the amount of hit points equal to three times the Cleric’s level. Finally, at this stage, you also receive Channel Divinity Charge (x1) that is replenished after a short or long rest.
2. At level 3, you’ll automatically receive following Domain spells: Lesser Restoration, Aid. In addition, when choosing tier 2 spells, consider: Spiritual Weapon, Hold Person, and Warding Bond.
3. Level 4 means choosing your first Feat. As was the case with remaining caster classes, we recommend Ability Improvements. In the case of Cleric, you should invest it in Wisdom – more points in this attribute will make your spells more powerful.
4. On level 5, your Turn Undead will become a more powerful version called Destroy Undead. From now on, fleeing undead will receive a little Radiant damage. On this level, Clerics of Life Domain receive access to new spells: Revivify and Beacon of Hope. When it comes to choosing tier 3 spells, consider Mass Healing Word, Glyph of Warding, and Spirit Guardians.

1. At level 6, you’ll receive an additional Channel Divinity charge. Blessed Healer feature from Life Domain subclass will make your healing spells targeted at allies also heal the Cleric.
2. Level 7 means new Life Domain spells – Death Ward, Guardian of Faith Additionally, you can choose your first tier 4 spell – choose Freedom of Movement which when cast improves the mobility and breaks the stun on a targeted ally.
3. On level 8, Life Domain clerics receive Divine Strike: Radiant that deals extra Radiant damage when striking an enemy with a melee weapon. You’ll also be able to choose another Feat – we recommend Ability Improvements invested in Wisdom (to reach max 20 of Wisdom ability) or War Caster that will help in maintaining concentration during battles.
4. At level 9, you’ll unlock access to new Domain spells – in the case of Life Domain, these will be Mass Cure Wounds and Greater Restoration. Additionally, tier 5 spells are unlocked, but you can only choose one spell now – consider Dispel Evil and Good, or Flame Strike.
5. Level 10 means a major skill – Divine Intervention – is unlocked. This is a unique ability – can only be used once for the entire game and there are 4 versions of it. We recommend considering Arm Thy Servant that gives access to Devotee’s Mace weapon. Alternatively, you can hold off with using Divine Intervention up to the last possible moment and decide on Opulent Revival that resurrects allies and replenishes their health and spells as they would use a Long Rest.
6. Level 11 means introduction to the final, tier 6, of spells. Here we especially recommend: Heal, Harm and Planar Ally.
7. Finally, level 12, means choosing another Feat. If you already have Wisdom maxed out, consider the aforementioned War Caster.

Ilithild Powers

Illithid Powers in Baldur’s Gate 3 are unique abilities derived from the Mind Flayer tadpole implanted in characters, offering a range of psychic and tactical advantages. Players can unlock these powers through the Illithid Powers skill tree, which functions similarly to a traditional skill tree, allowing for strategic customization of abilities based on gameplay style. These powers include both passive and active abilities, such as Cull the Weak, which can instantly kill weakened enemies, and Psionic Backlash, which allows players to retaliate against spellcasters. As players progress through the game, they can evolve their Illithid Powers by consuming additional tadpoles or through specific in-game events, enhancing their combat effectiveness and expanding their tactical options in battles.

If during the game you decided to harness the powers by consuming the tadpole, consider Charm, Repulsor, and Concentrated Blast. However, the universal nature of the Illithid tree means that almost every ability has a tactical use.

Party members – their skills and spells

In Baldur’s Gate 3, Clerics are versatile spellcasters who draw their power from divine sources, making them essential for any adventuring party. Their skills are primarily centered around Wisdom, which enhances their spellcasting abilities, while their proficiency in various armors and weapons allows them to serve both as healers and frontline fighters. Clerics can choose from several subclasses, such as the Life Domain, which focuses on healing and support spells like Cure Wounds and Healing Word, or the Light Domain, which offers offensive spells like Guiding Bolt and Flame Blade. Each subclass provides unique features that enhance their role in battles, such as the ability to turn undead or channel divine energy for powerful effects. With a blend of healing, buffs, and damage-dealing spells, Clerics are invaluable assets in both combat and exploration scenarios.

A heavy-armored Life Domain Cleric can fulfill two separate roles in his party. He can be a Tank, soaking damage and making sure that no one other than him is hurt, or a Healer, who thanks to his wide range of healing spells, can heal, or even resurrect downed allies. As a Cleric, don’t be afraid of attacking enemies head on and this way distracting them from attacking remaining allies who may not have such high survivability as you (Wizards, Sorcerers, or Bards).

Cleric’s supporting spells (e.g. Bless, or Freedom of Movement) will additionally unleash the potential of melee-oriented allies e.g. Fighters, Barbarians, or Monks.

Despite the default role of Cleric as a team healer, prepare some contingencies – a few healing spells in your Druid or Bard‘s repertoire will help you get out of a tight spot.

Equipment and bonuses from it

Clerics in Baldur’s Gate 3 can significantly enhance their effectiveness through a variety of specialized equipment and magical items. Key pieces include Hellrider’s Pride, which grants defensive benefits when healing, and The Whispering Promise, which provides a Bless effect upon healing. Other notable items are Viconia’s Walking Fortress, offering exceptional protection and magical buffs, and Blood of Lathander, a legendary weapon that not only boosts attack power but also provides healing and crowd control against undead foes. Additionally, items like the Amulet of the Devout increase spellcasting capabilities, while the Ring of Regeneration ensures consistent healing during combat. Collectively, these equipment choices allow Clerics to thrive as both formidable healers and resilient front-line combatants, adapting their playstyle to suit various challenges throughout the game.

If in Act 1, you’ve decided to help the refugees in Druid Grove, Zelvor will reward you with Wapira’s Crown – special headwear that gives a slight bonus activated with each casting of a healing spell. Further items improving your healing spells are Boots of Aid and Comfortavailable for purchase in Goblin Camp.

Obtainable towards the end of the game Helm of Balduran will provide a bonus to AC and help you survive in combat. Don’t forget that thanks to your Heavy Armor Proficiency, you can wear the most formidable armors such as Reaper’s Embrace.

Consumables

Consumables play a vital role in enhancing the effectiveness of a Cleric in Baldur’s Gate 3, providing crucial support during battles and exploration. Key consumables include healing potions, which are essential for maintaining party health, and various buffs that can temporarily boost attributes or resistances. Additionally, items like scrolls can offer access to powerful spells without expending spell slots, allowing for greater versatility in combat. Players should also consider using consumables that restore spell slots or provide temporary hit points, as these can significantly influence the outcome of challenging encounters. By strategically utilizing these items, a Cleric can maximize their contributions to the party while ensuring their allies remain in fighting shape.

Here is a list of useful consumable items that you as a Cleric should have at your disposal:

1. All kinds of healing potions – useful both for you and your companions.
2. Oil of Accuracy – provides 2 to Attack Rolls.
3. All kinds of resistance potions – they will help you when fighting opponents who specialize in specific types of attacks.

What are the key differences between the Life Domain and Light Domain Cleric builds

The Life Domain and Light Domain Clerics in Baldur’s Gate 3 offer distinct playstyles tailored to different roles within a party. Here are the key differences between these two subclasses:

Core Focus

• Life Domain Cleric: Primarily a support class, the Life Domain Cleric excels in healing and buffing allies. They gain abilities that enhance their healing spells, making them invaluable for sustaining the party in prolonged encounters. Key features include Disciple of Life, which boosts healing effectiveness, and Preserve Life, allowing them to heal multiple allies at once.
• Light Domain Cleric: This subclass leans more towards offensive capabilities, specializing in radiant damage and area-of-effect spells. Light Domain Clerics can deal significant damage while also providing utility through spells like Burning Hands and Fireball. Their abilities, such as Channel Divinity: Radiance of the Dawn, allow them to damage enemies while dispelling darkness.

Combat Style

• Life Domain Cleric: Typically equipped with heavy armor, they can serve as front-line support, healing and protecting allies while also engaging in melee combat when necessary. Their spell list is rich with healing spells and buffs, making them effective in both combat and non-combat scenarios.
• Light Domain Cleric: While they can engage in melee combat, Light Domain Clerics often prefer to attack from a distance using spells or ranged weapons. They utilize their spells to control the battlefield with damage-dealing effects and debuffs, making them versatile combatants who can adapt to various situations.

Spellcasting

• Life Domain Cleric: Focused on restorative magic, their spells are geared towards healing and support. They have access to powerful healing spells that can significantly increase the survivability of their party members.
• Light Domain Cleric: Their spell repertoire includes offensive options that deal radiant damage and provide battlefield control. They have access to spells that can blind enemies or enhance allies’ attack capabilities, making them effective in both offense and defense.

Summary Table

In essence, players should choose the Life Domain for a more supportive role focused on healing and sustainability, while the Light Domain is ideal for those who want to blend support with potent offensive capabilities.

Which Domain Cleric build is better for solo play

When considering which Cleric build is better for solo play in Baldur’s Gate 3, the Light Domain Cleric emerges as the more advantageous choice compared to the Life Domain Cleric. Here are the key reasons:

Light Domain Cleric

• Damage Output: The Light Domain Cleric excels in dealing damage, making it easier to defeat enemies quickly. Their spells like Burning Hands and Fireball offer significant area damage, allowing for effective crowd control and efficient combat, especially when playing solo.
• Versatility in Combat: This build can utilize both offensive spells and healing abilities, allowing players to adapt to various combat scenarios. The ability to deal substantial damage while still having access to healing makes the Light Domain a well-rounded choice for solo adventures.
• Survivability: With high Armor Class (AC) and buffs available, the Light Domain Cleric can withstand attacks while dishing out damage. This balance is crucial when facing multiple foes without companions.

Life Domain Cleric

• Healing Focus: While the Life Domain Cleric is exceptional at providing healing and support, this specialization may not be as beneficial for solo play where self-sustainability is critical. Their abilities are more geared towards sustaining a party rather than maximizing personal damage output5.
• Limited Offensive Capability: The Life Domain offers less offensive power compared to the Light Domain, which can make solo encounters more challenging, particularly against tougher enemies that require quick takedowns.

Summary

In summary, while both domains have their strengths, the Light Domain Cleric is generally better suited for solo play due to its combination of high damage output and versatility in combat. The ability to effectively manage both offense and healing allows players to tackle challenges independently without relying on companions.