Baldur’s Gate 3: Bard – best build

Unlock the true potential of your Bard in Baldur’s Gate 3 with our ultimate build guide! Whether you’re strumming a lute or casting spells, mastering the College of Valour subclass can turn your character into a formidable force on the battlefield. This guide delves into the best races, skills, and spells to elevate your gameplay, ensuring you not only support your allies but also shine in combat. Get ready to charm your way to victory, as we reveal strategies that will make your Bard the life of the party—and the bane of your enemies!

You can find more basic information about the class and character creation on the page Bard – BG3 guide. 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 Bard is both exciting and crucial for maximizing your gameplay experience. The Bard class is known for its versatility, allowing players to blend support and combat roles effectively. When creating your Bard, focus on Charisma as the primary attribute to enhance spellcasting and social interactions, while Dexterity should be prioritized for combat effectiveness. Choosing the right race and background, such as a Wood Half-Elf with the Entertainer background, can further optimize your Bard’s abilities. Additionally, selecting spells that complement your playstyle, like Healing Word and Dissonant Whispers, will ensure that your Bard can both uplift allies and hinder foes in battle. This character creation wizard guides you through these choices, helping you craft a Bard that shines in any party composition.

On this page, we focus on the support archetype of the class. A bard fighting in close combat may be characterized by a slightly different, optimal way of progression.

Many of the races available in Baldur’s Gate 3 will work well with Bard, but for this guide, we recommend one of the following:

1. Tiefling – all subraces offer natural knowledge of a particular spell, which will diversify the Bard’s broad repertoire of abilities.
2. Wood Elf – speed bonus and Stealth proficiency will help you maneuver on and off the battlefield.
3. Human – proficiency in the use of various weapons and additional proficiency will complete the image of a multi-talented Bard.

When choosing the Background, pay attention to Entertainer. Proficiency in Acrobatics and Performance will be perfectly complemented by high Charisma and Dexterity statistics related to the Bard class.

Class progression

Class progression in Baldur’s Gate 3 is crucial for shaping your character’s abilities and playstyle. As players advance through levels, they gain access to unique class features, spell slots, and the opportunity to choose subclasses that further specialize their skills. Each class has a maximum level cap of 12, with key milestones at levels 3, 5, and 8, where characters can select subclasses, gain extra attacks, or improve ability scores. The game also allows for multiclassing, enabling players to blend abilities from different classes, which can create diverse and powerful combinations tailored to individual playstyles. Understanding the nuances of class progression is essential for optimizing your Bard build and maximizing its potential in both combat and role-playing scenarios.

You can read more about Bard’s spells on the guide page Bard – Best Spells.

1. At level one, you will gain access to the most important class ability – Bardic Inspiration. Allies will gain a bonus to their next Attack throw, Skill Check, or Saving Throw. The number of uses of Bardic Inspiration is equal to your Charisma modifier and renews after a long rest. When choosing spells at the beginning, especially pay attention to Vicious Mockery, Heroism, Healing Word, and Tasha’s Hideous Laughter.
2. The second level unlocks the Song of Rest, whose effect is similar to the short rest. Jack of All Trades will cause the Bard to receive half his Proficiency bonus on ability checks in which they are not proficient. Use this feature in case of check for which you lack the appropriate “specialists” in your team.
3. At level three, choose the Bard subclass, the so-called College. In this guide, we will focus on the College of Lore. This specialization will allow you to choose 3 new Proficiencies and unlock the Cutting Words action. It works like “negative Bardic inspiration”, imposing debuffs on nearby opponents. The feature available to all subclasses, Expertisedoubles the Proficiency bonus during the selected Ability check, making the Bard a true renaissance man. When choosing level 2 spells, we especially recommend: Heat Metal, Calm Emotion, Enhance Ability, and Shatter.
4. The fourth level provides a Feat. We recommend choosing Charisma improvement to reach the maximum level of 20 points as quickly as possible.
5. At level five, your Bardic Inspiration bonus will increase (from 1d6 to 1d8), and you will also gain access to Font of Inspiration. This passive ability will restore your Bardic Inspiration charges after a short rest . When choosing level 3 spells, pay attention to Glyph of Warding, Speak with Dead, Stinking Cloud, and Bestow Curse.
6. Level six will unlock Countercharm – a special ability that will give nearby allies an advantage to Saving Throws against Charm and Frighten. College of Lore bard will also gain access to 2 spells from the Magical Secrets category. In this case, we recommend Fireball, Counterspell, Haste, Lightning Bolt, or Mass Healing Word.
7. At the seventh level, choose the level 4 spells. We especially recommend Dimension Door and Polymorph.
8. At this level you once again pick a Feat. You can choose one increasing Charisma (Ability Improvements, Actor, Performer) to reach 20 points, providing the maximum modifier from this feature. An alternative could be the War Caster, who will help you maintain concentration while casting spells.
9. The ninth level unlocks the level 5 spells. Consider choosing Mass Cure Wounds or Hold Monster.
10. At this level, your Bardic Inspiration modifier will be increased once again (from 1d8 to 1d10), you will choose another 2 skills with a bonus from Expertise, and you will also choose another 2 spells from the Magical Secrets category.
11. Level eleven is access to the last sixth level of spells. Of the two available options, we prefer the Eyebite spell.
12. It is also the last chance to pick Feat. Pay attention to the previously mentioned War Cater, Spell Sniper, or Lucky.

Ilithild Powers

Illithid Powers in Baldur’s Gate 3 represent a unique mechanic that allows players to harness the abilities of Mind Flayers through the consumption of Mind Flayer Parasite Specimens. As players progress through the game, they can unlock these powers, which serve as an additional skill tree, enhancing their character’s capabilities. For Bards, particularly those following the College of Valour subclass, selecting the right Illithid Powers can significantly amplify their effectiveness in combat and support roles. Recommended powers include those that bolster spellcasting or provide tactical advantages, allowing Bards to not only inspire allies but also control the battlefield more effectively. Embracing these Illithid Powers can lead to a more versatile and powerful Bard build, making them formidable in both magical and martial encounters.

If you decide to use the power of Mind Raiders, invest in the abilities: Shield of Thralls, Charm, and Stage Fright. Powers granting buffa for allies and debuffs for enemies can turn the tide of many skirmishes.

Party members – their skills and spells

Party members in Baldur’s Gate 3 bring a diverse array of skills and spells that enhance gameplay and strategy. Each character’s class dictates their proficiency, with Bards excelling in Charisma-based skills like Persuasion and Deception, making them invaluable for dialogue and social interactions. They can also cast a variety of spells, such as Healing Word for quick healing and Faerie Fire to grant advantage on attacks against enemies. Additionally, Bards can utilize Inspiration to buff allies, ensuring that the party can tackle challenges effectively. Balancing these skills across the party is crucial; for instance, pairing a Bard with a Cleric or Wizard allows for a mix of healing, damage, and crowd control spells, creating a well-rounded team capable of handling any situation in the game.

By taking on the role of a supporting Bard and using your abilities efficiently, you will be able to unleash the full potential of your allies. However, when composing your party, you must take care of the first front line, which will protect your hero from danger. A Warrior, Paladin, heavy-armed Cleric, or Barbarian will certainly be effective in close combat with the help of your buffs.

Song of Rest ability will be particularly helpful for all classes which key actions renews after a short rest, for example for a Warrior or Warlock.

If you decide to build a more combat-oriented Bard (e.g. by choosing the College of Swords subclass), ensure that you have adequate support from a Cleric or a Wizard specializing in enchantment and defensive spells.

Equipment and bonuses from it

Bards in Baldur’s Gate 3 thrive on versatile equipment that enhances their support capabilities and survivability in combat. Key items include the Helldusk Armour, which offers a high Armor Class (AC) of 21, fire resistance, and the ability to cast Fly once per long rest, making it ideal for mobility and protection . The Blazer of Benevolence is another notable piece, providing additional temporary hit points when using Bardic Inspiration, thus bolstering the Bard’s role as a team player . Additionally, the Wondrous Gloves increase AC and grant an extra use of Bardic Inspiration, further enhancing the Bard’s supportive nature . Together, these items not only improve defense but also amplify the Bard’s unique abilities to inspire and assist allies in various situations.

In the early stages of the game, you will gain access to two items with particular statistics ideal for the Bard class. Cap of Curing will provide healing to your allies while casting Inspiration. Blazer of Benevolence will also buff companions adding some HP temporarily. The headgear can be found next to Alfira in the Druid Grove. You will receive the armor after rescuing Volo from the Goblin Camp.

In the later stages of the game, you should focus on items that increase your stamina and/ or enhance your magical abilities. It is worth mentioning the Birthright – a hat that adds 2 to Charisma, and the armor Potent Robe, thanks to which you will receive a handful of bonuses scaling with the Charisma modifier.

Consumables

Consumables play a crucial role in enhancing the Bard’s effectiveness in Baldur’s Gate 3. As a versatile class, Bards benefit significantly from items that can bolster their spellcasting and combat capabilities. Essential consumables include healing potions, which are vital for maintaining party health during encounters, and elixirs that can temporarily boost key attributes like Charisma or Dexterity. Additionally, scrolls of spells can provide an extra layer of utility, allowing Bards to cast spells they may not have prepared. By strategically using these consumables, players can maximize their Bard’s potential on the battlefield, ensuring they remain a valuable asset to their team.

Here are some useful elixirs and potions that every Bard should keep in their inventory:

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 College of Valour and College of Lore Bard subclasses

The College of Valour and College of Lore are two distinct Bard subclasses in Baldur’s Gate 3, each catering to different playstyles.

Key Differences

Combat Focus

• College of Valour: This subclass is designed for frontline combat. Bards from the College of Valour gain proficiency in medium armor, shields, and martial weapons, allowing them to engage directly in battles. Their unique feature, Combat Inspiration, enhances their allies’ damage output or boosts their armor class, making them effective in both support and offensive roles.
• College of Lore: In contrast, the College of Lore focuses on versatility and skill mastery. Lore Bards excel in a support role, using their abilities to influence encounters through skills like Cutting Words, which allows them to debuff enemies by imposing penalties on their attack rolls and ability checks.

Skill Proficiencies

• College of Valour: While they gain some combat-related proficiencies, they do not have access to the extensive skill set that Lore Bards enjoy. Their focus is primarily on enhancing combat effectiveness rather than skill versatility.
• College of Lore: Lore Bards can choose additional proficiencies such as Arcana, Intimidation, and Sleight of Hand, making them adept at navigating social situations and skill checks outside of combat.

Role in Party Dynamics

• College of Valour: These Bards are often seen as more aggressive and can take on a more active role in combat, inspiring allies while also dealing damage themselves. They embody the archetype of a heroic bard who leads from the front.
• College of Lore: They serve as the party’s face, excelling in negotiation and influence, while providing support from a distance. Their spells can control the battlefield or assist allies without engaging directly in melee combat2.

Spellcasting

• Both subclasses share access to a variety of spells, but their approach differs:
  • Lore Bards can access spells from other classes through their Magical Secrets feature, allowing for greater flexibility in spell selection.
  • Valour Bards focus on spells that complement their combat capabilities while still providing support through traditional Bard spells like Bardic Inspiration.

In summary, the College of Valour is ideal for players looking to blend combat prowess with supportive capabilities, while the College of Lore appeals to those who prefer a more strategic and versatile approach to gameplay.

Which Bard subclass is better for solo play

For solo play in Baldur’s Gate 3, the College of Valour Bard subclass is generally considered superior to the College of Lore. Here are the primary reasons:

Combat Versatility

• College of Valour: This subclass offers proficiency in medium armor, shields, and martial weapons, allowing for greater survivability and damage potential in combat. The Combat Inspiration feature enhances not only allies but also allows the Bard to contribute directly to damage output, making them more effective in solo encounters.
• College of Lore: While Lore Bards excel in skill versatility and spellcasting, they lack the martial capabilities that make Valour Bards formidable in direct confrontations. Their focus is more on support and utility rather than engaging enemies head-on.

Skill Proficiencies

• College of Valour: Valour Bards can still perform well in social situations, but their combat abilities make them better suited for tackling challenging encounters alone.
• College of Lore: They have access to a wider array of skills, which can be beneficial for non-combat scenarios. However, their lack of combat prowess may hinder them when facing tougher opponents solo.

Overall Playstyle

• The College of Valour Bard is designed to be a frontline character who can inspire themselves and others while dealing significant damage. This makes them well-rounded for both combat and support roles, which is advantageous for solo play where versatility is key.
• The College of Lore, while powerful in its own right, tends to shine more in collaborative settings where its debuffing and control spells can be maximized alongside allies. This may not translate as effectively in solo situations where self-sufficiency is crucial.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a Bard subclass that excels in solo play, the College of Valour is the better choice due to its blend of combat effectiveness and supportive capabilities.