The best Warlock subclass, feats, and build in Baldur’s Gate 3

In the mystical realms of Baldur’s Gate 3, the Warlock class emerges as a formidable force, blending arcane prowess with dark, otherworldly powers. This guide unveils the ultimate build for Warlocks, particularly focusing on the Fiend subclass, which promises not only devastating damage output but also enhanced survivability through unique abilities like Dark One’s Blessing. Whether you’re unleashing the iconic Eldritch Blast or summoning chaotic forces to bend enemies to your will, mastering this build will ensure that your Warlock stands unrivaled in both ranged and melee combat. Prepare to delve deep into strategies that maximize your character’s potential and dominate the battlefield!

For basic information about this class, visit Warlock – BG3 guide page. 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 process for a Warlock is pivotal for maximizing your gameplay experience. When setting up your Warlock, prioritize Charisma and Constitution as your primary abilities, as these will enhance your spellcasting effectiveness and survivability. Selecting the right background and race can further complement your build; for instance, the Charlatan background provides proficiency in Deception, enhancing your role-playing options. Additionally, choosing a subclass such as The Fiend or The Great Old One will grant unique abilities that shape your playstyle. Remember to select powerful cantrips like Eldritch Blast, which is essential for damage output, and consider your Pact Boon choice to tailor your combat strategy. This thoughtful approach during character creation will ensure a robust and enjoyable Warlock experience throughout your adventure.

On this page we detail a build based on the Fiend subclass. Developing other archetypes may differ slightly from what we prepared below.

When choosing a race for your Warlock, we recommend checking out Tieflings and Drows. Both of these races are characterized by their innate magic potential which manifests in the form of learning an extra Cantrip or spell. This option will surely bring some variety to your magic arsenal, especially in the beginning of the adventure.

Class progression

In Baldur’s Gate 3, the Warlock class offers a unique progression system that emphasizes spellcasting and versatility. Starting at level 1, players choose a subclass, such as The Fiend, which provides powerful abilities like Dark One’s Blessing, granting temporary hit points upon defeating enemies. As Warlocks level up, they gain access to more potent spells and cantrips, with Eldritch Blast being a primary damage dealer throughout the game. By level 5, players can select a Pact Boon, enhancing their combat capabilities further—whether through melee options with Pact of the Blade or spellcasting enhancements with Pact of the Tome. Each level unlocks new spells and Eldritch Invocations, allowing for significant customization and strategic depth as players tailor their Warlock to fit their preferred playstyle, whether focusing on ranged attacks or melee combat.

1. Warlocks choose a subclass at level 1. By choosing The Fiend, you’ll receive access to Dark One’s Blessing class feature. With it, when you bring enemy HP to 0, you’ll receive temporary health points. This feature thus promotes an aggressive style of gameplay based on finishing off opponents. When choosing initial spells, make sure to learn the Eldritch Blast Cantrip. This is the most powerful offensive Cantrip available in the game, increasing your combat potential immensely. Besides Eldritch Blast, consider choosing the following spells: True Strike, Bone Chill, Armour of Agathys, Hex, and Witch Bolt.
2. At level 2, you’ll have to choose 2 Eldritch Invocations, which are a unique class feature of Warlocks. We especially recommend Agonizing Blast, Repelling Blast, and Armour of Shadows.
3. After reaching level 3, you’ll stand before the choice of 1 of 3 available Pact Boons. Although all of them offer useful bonuses, we recommend choosing between Pact of the Chain and Pact of the Blade. When it comes to choosing level 2 spells, we recommend Scorching Ray, Cloud of Daggers, and MIsty Step.
4. On level 4, you’ll have to decide on your first Feat. Same as with other spellcasting classes, a good choice may be Ability Improvements spent on Charisma. A better Charisma modifier will make your spells more powerful, and positively affect the bonus damage from Agonizing Blast.
5. On level 5, you can choose the next Eldritch Invocation. It may be a good idea to choose the other ones mentioned earlier, or Sign of Ill Omen if you’re looking to unlock an additional spell. From level 5 spells, consider Fireball, Counterspell, or Hunger of Hadar.
6. Level 6 means a new subclass feature. Dark One’s Own Luck allows adding 1d10 to any Ability Check. This skill can be used once per short rest.
7. At level 7, you can choose another Eldritch Invocation. We recommend Book of Ancient Secrets which unlocks spells such as Ray of Sickness, Chromatic Orb, and Silence. These spells can be cast once per long rest and don’t use a spell slot. When it comes to level 4 spells, consider Wall of Fire and Banishment.
8. Level 8 means choosing another Feat. Once again, you can choose Ability Improvements (Charisma), or go on a different path and go for War Caster or Lucky.
9. Among the Eldritch Invocations available on level 9, we recommend Minions of Chaos. This skill can conjure elementals fighting on your side. When it comes to level 5 spells, we recommend Flame Strike and Cone of Cold.
10. Level 10 means access to another class feature – Fiendish Resilience. With it, after each short rest, you will be able to determine the type of damage to which you will become Resistant. To get the most out of the ability, strategically plan your breaks and choose resistances based the type of enemies you will soon have to fight.
11. At level 11, you learn Mystic Arcanum, which is a level 6 spell that you can cast without spending a spell slot. When it comes to the choice of spell, we recommend choosing Circle of Death or Eyebite.
12. Level 12 means choosing the final Eldritch Invocation. We recommend Lifedrinker, which will add Necrotic damage to your every melee attack, or one of the Invocations unlocking an additional spell. You’ll also get to choose a final Feat – consider the aforementioned War Caster or Moderately Armoured which will allow you to wear medium armor.

Ilithild Powers

Ilithid powers in Baldur’s Gate 3 are derived from the Great Old One subclass of the Warlock class, which offers unique abilities focused on mind manipulation and psychic damage. Warlocks who align with this subclass gain access to spells that can debilitate enemies and control the battlefield, such as Hunger of Hadar, which creates a zone of cold and necrotic damage, and Eldritch Blast, a powerful cantrip that serves as a primary damage source. Additionally, the subclass enhances survivability through abilities like Maddening Hex, allowing Warlocks to deal psychic damage to enemies affected by their hexes. This combination of offensive and defensive capabilities makes Ilithid powers particularly effective for players seeking a strategic approach to combat in Baldur’s Gate 3.

If you decide to utilize Ilithild Powers, consider Shield of Thralls, Charm, and Cull the Weak as your choices. These will increase the battle potential of your Warlock, and unlock new tactical options.

Party members – their skills and spells

In Baldur’s Gate 3, Warlocks are versatile spellcasters who excel in both ranged and melee combat, thanks to their unique abilities and spells. Key skills include Eldritch Blast, a powerful cantrip that deals force damage and scales with level, making it a staple in any Warlock’s arsenal. Additionally, Warlocks can select spells like Hex to debuff enemies and Vampiric Touch for survivability, allowing them to drain health from foes. The Fiend subclass enhances their capabilities by granting temporary hit points upon defeating enemies, further increasing their durability in battle. With the option to choose a Pact Boon, such as the Pact of the Blade for melee builds or Pact of the Chain for summoning familiars, Warlocks can tailor their skill sets to fit various playstyles, ensuring they remain effective in any party composition.

Despite his undeniable potential, a finishing Warlock won’t last long in battle without help. Make sure your team has a supporting character such as a Cleric, Druid, or Bard. The last choice may be especially useful. His Song of Rest skill will allow you to quickly regenerate most of Warlock class skills.

If the battle transforms into a melee onslaught, it would be good to have someone to watch your back. Paladin or Fighter will work great as tanks that distract and mitigate damage that may have been directed at your Warlock.

Equipment and bonuses from it

Warlocks in Baldur’s Gate 3 benefit significantly from their equipment and the bonuses it provides, enhancing their unique playstyle. Armor Choices: Warlocks should prioritize light or medium armor to maximize their Armor Class (AC), with options like the Potent Robe, which not only increases AC but also adds damage to cantrips based on Charisma, and the Elegant Studded Leather, which provides a +2 initiative bonus and a shield spell when attacked. Weapons: While Warlocks often rely on ranged attacks like Eldritch Blast, equipping a Pact Weapon can be beneficial for melee builds, allowing them to utilize their Charisma for attack rolls. Accessories: Items such as Volo’s Eye for a Charisma boost and the Circlet of Blasting for additional damage output can further enhance their effectiveness in combat. Overall, selecting the right equipment is crucial for maximizing a Warlock’s potential in both offense and defense, making them formidable spellcasters on the battlefield.

At the end of Act 1, in Myconid Colony in Underdark you can find Cinder Shoes, a footwear that gives Heat whenever you burn an enemy, and this item will be perfect for the fire-oriented repertoire of Fiend Warlock.

In later stages of the game, focus on getting items that increase magical power and defensive potential of the hero. Similarly to Bard or Sorcerer, consider getting Potent Robe that gives a choice of bonuses scaling with Charisma. If you prefer something with more protection and are proficient in medium armor, a good choice will definitely be Adamantine Scale Mail (you can forge it).

Consumables

Consumables play a crucial role in enhancing the effectiveness of a Warlock build in Baldur’s Gate 3. Players should prioritize items that boost survivability and spellcasting capabilities. Key consumables include healing potions, which are essential for maintaining health during encounters, and spell scrolls that can provide additional options when spell slots are limited. Additionally, elixirs that temporarily enhance ability scores or grant resistance to damage types can significantly improve a Warlock’s performance in challenging situations. Utilizing these consumables wisely can turn the tide of battle, allowing Warlocks to unleash their full potential while navigating the dangers of the game.

Here are some useful potions and elixirs which every Warlock should keep handy:

1. Elixir of Vigilance – provides a 5 bonus to Initiative, thanks to which your allies will receive support during combat faster.
2. All kinds of healing potions – will quickly allow you to regenerate lost HP.
3. Potion of Flying – a mobility boost that will allow you to take a strategic position on the battlefield.
4. Elixir of Heroism – gives 10 temporary HP and grants the Bless status. It will help you prepare for an encounter with the enemy.

What are the key differences between the Fiend and other Warlock subclasses

The Fiend subclass in Baldur’s Gate 3 distinguishes itself from other Warlock subclasses—Archfey and Great Old One—through its focus on aggressive combat and survivability. Here are the key differences:

Damage Potential

• Fiend: Offers high damage output with access to powerful spells like Fireball and Scorching Ray, making it a robust choice for players who prefer dealing significant damage. The subclass also enhances the Warlock’s primary attack cantrip, Eldritch Blast, by allowing additional damage through features like Agonizing Blast.
• Archfey: Emphasizes charm and manipulation, with spells that control or deceive enemies rather than directly damaging them. Their capabilities are more reactionary, relying on the right conditions to be effective.
• Great Old One: Focuses on psychic damage and debuffs, providing a versatile spellcasting experience but lacking the raw destructive power of the Fiend.

Survivability

• Fiend: Features like Dark One’s Blessing grant temporary hit points whenever the Warlock reduces an enemy to 0 hit points, significantly enhancing survivability in combat. Additionally, the Fiendish Resilience ability allows for resistance to a chosen damage type, which can be changed after short rests.
• Archfey: Provides some defensive capabilities through spells that manipulate enemy actions but lacks direct health recovery mechanics.
• Great Old One: Offers abilities that can impose disadvantage on attacks against the Warlock but does not provide health recovery or significant defensive boosts like the Fiend does.

Spell Access

• Fiend: Gains unique spells such as Burning Hands and Fire Shield, which are not available to other subclasses, enhancing their combat versatility and area control capabilities.
• Archfey: Focuses on spells that charm or frighten enemies, such as Faerie Fire and Sleep, which are effective but less impactful in terms of raw damage output.
• Great Old One: Includes spells like Detect Thoughts and Phantasmal Force, emphasizing psychic manipulation rather than direct confrontation.

In summary, while the Fiend subclass excels in offensive capabilities and survivability through health recovery and resistances, the Archfey and Great Old One subclasses offer more utility and control-oriented options at the cost of direct damage potential.

How does the Fiend’s damage potential compare to the Archfey and Great Old One

The Fiend subclass in Baldur’s Gate 3 stands out for its superior damage potential compared to the Archfey and Great Old One subclasses. Here’s a breakdown of how they compare:

Fiend Subclass

• Damage Output: The Fiend excels in delivering high damage through spells like Fireball, Scorching Ray, and Flame Strike, which are designed for area-of-effect destruction and direct damage. This subclass allows Warlocks to add their Charisma modifier to the damage of their Eldritch Blast via the Agonizing Blast feature, enhancing their combat effectiveness significantly.
• Survivability: The Fiend’s ability, Dark One’s Blessing, grants temporary hit points whenever the Warlock reduces an enemy to 0 hit points, promoting aggressive playstyles that reward offensive strategies with increased durability.
• Spell Versatility: Fiends have access to a range of powerful spells that not only deal damage but can also control the battlefield, such as Blindness and Stinking Cloud, making them formidable in various combat scenarios.

Archfey Subclass

• Damage Output: The Archfey subclass is less focused on direct damage, relying instead on spells that charm or manipulate enemies, such as Faerie Fire and Sleep. While these spells can be tactically advantageous, they do not match the raw damage potential of the Fiend.
• Survivability: Archfey Warlocks gain abilities like Misty Escape, allowing them to become invisible after taking damage, which offers a defensive mechanism but is situational compared to the consistent benefit provided by the Fiend’s temporary hit points.
• Spell Versatility: Archfey spells are more about control and deception, which can be effective but often require specific conditions to be useful. This makes them less reliable in straightforward combat situations compared to the Fiend’s arsenal.

Great Old One Subclass

• Damage Output: The Great Old One offers a mix of psychic damage and debuffing capabilities, with spells like Dissonant Whispers and Tasha’s Hideous Laughter. However, their overall damage output is generally lower than that of the Fiend, particularly at higher levels where explosive damage is crucial.
• Survivability: This subclass provides some utility through abilities that impose disadvantage on enemy attacks or reflect psychic damage back at attackers, but lacks the direct health recovery mechanics found in the Fiend subclass.
• Spell Versatility: Great Old One Warlocks have access to unique spells that can control or debilitate foes, but like the Archfey, they do not offer the same level of consistent offensive power as the Fiend.

In summary, while all three subclasses provide unique strengths, the Fiend clearly leads in terms of raw damage potential and survivability, making it a preferred choice for players looking to maximize their effectiveness in combat. The Archfey and Great Old One subclasses focus more on control and manipulation, which can be valuable but often fall short in direct confrontations.