In the chaotic world of Baldur’s Gate 3, mastering the Fighter class can be your key to dominating the battlefield. Whether you prefer the tactical finesse of the Battle Master, the brute force of a Champion, or the spell-slinging prowess of an Eldritch Knight, this guide will equip you with everything you need to forge a formidable warrior. From essential abilities and combat maneuvers to optimal builds and gear recommendations, prepare to unleash devastating attacks and outmaneuver your foes as you carve your path through this epic adventure. Get ready to transform into a relentless force, as we dive deep into the intricacies of being a Fighter in BG3!
Best background for Fighter
The best background for a Fighter in Baldur’s Gate 3 is the Outlander background. This choice provides the Fighter with Athletics and Survival skills, which are crucial for enhancing combat effectiveness and navigation in wilderness settings. Athletics not only improves offensive shoves but also boosts the ability to resist being shoved, while Survival aids in identifying hazards and guiding the party through difficult terrains. This combination allows Fighters to excel in both combat scenarios and exploration, making the Outlander background an optimal selection for maximizing their capabilities in the game.
When choosing Fighter’s background, you should match proficiencies related to the basic abilities of this class, namely with Strength and Constitution. The best background for a Fighter is:
- Outlander – proficient in Athletics and Survival.
- Soldier – proficient in Athletics and Intimidation.
Best race for Fighter
The Battle Master subclass stands out as the best choice for Fighters in Baldur’s Gate 3, offering unparalleled versatility and tactical options in combat. This subclass allows players to utilize Superiority Dice, enabling them to execute a variety of maneuvers that can control the battlefield, inflict extra damage, or provide support to allies. With features like Action Surge, which grants an additional action, and Extra Attack, Battle Masters can unleash multiple strikes in a single turn, making them formidable melee combatants. Additionally, their proficiency with all types of armor and weapons further enhances their effectiveness, allowing them to adapt to various combat scenarios while maximizing damage output. Overall, the Battle Master Fighter is not just a powerful choice but also one of the most straightforward to play, making it ideal for both new and experienced players alike.
The most important abilities of a Fighter are Strength and Constitution, so the best races for this class are:
- Shield Dwarf with 2 Strength and 2 Constitution.
- Githyanki with 2 Strength and 1 Intelligence.
- Human who has a 1 bonus for every stat.
Best combat style for Fighter
The Battle Master subclass stands out as the best combat style for Fighters in Baldur’s Gate 3, offering a unique blend of tactical versatility and raw damage output. This subclass allows Fighters to utilize Superiority Dice, enabling them to perform powerful maneuvers that can control the battlefield, deal extra damage, or provide support to allies. With the ability to make multiple attacks in a single turn—thanks to features like Action Surge and Extra Attack—Battle Masters can unleash devastating combos that few other classes can match. Additionally, their proficiency with all weapon types and armor enhances their survivability and adaptability in various combat situations, making them a formidable presence on the front lines of any encounter.
When creating a Fighter character, you can choose 1 of 6 fighting styles, which provide different passive bonuses.
- Archery – 2 to attacks with ranged weapon.
- Defence – 1 bonus to Armour Class wearing armour.
- Dueling – 2 bonus to damage rolls with a weapon and an increased chance of dealing heavy damage when the character is equipped with only one weapon and the other hand remains empty.
- Great Weapon Fighting – when a damage roll for a two-handed weapon results 1 or 2, the roll is repeated.
- Protection – when a character has a shield, it imposes a disadvantage on the enemy who attacks one of your allies. Works within a 1.5 m radius.
- Two-Weapon Fighting Style – when a character attacks with the second hand, you can add your ability modifier to the damage of the offhand attack.
The choice of fighting style depends on what kind of Fighter you would like to play as. If you’re looking for a character who uses a huge sword, the Great Weapon Fighting has a very interesting option of rerolling unfavorable damage rolls. A Fighter who chooses the Two Weapon Fighting deals the most damage. It’s also worth adding that after reaching the 5th level, the Fighter gets an additional attack each turn.
Fighter’ss ability points
Fighters in Baldur’s Gate 3 are designed to be versatile combatants, excelling in both offense and defense. To optimize their effectiveness, players should focus on specific ability scores that enhance their performance in battle. The recommended ability point distribution includes Strength and Constitution at 16 each, providing robust damage output and survivability. Dexterity is also important, ideally set at 14, as it improves initiative and ranged attacks. Lesser emphasis is placed on Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma, which can remain at lower values (8 to 10), allowing Fighters to maximize their combat capabilities while maintaining a solid foundation for skill checks.
- Strength is the most important statistic of a Fighter, who fit perfectly in one-on-one fights. A high level of Strength will be useful for defensive throws.
- The second most important feature of this class is Constitution, which provides additional hit points.
Best Fighter subclass
The Battle Master subclass stands out as the best choice for Fighters in Baldur’s Gate 3, primarily due to its tactical versatility and unique combat maneuvers. At Level 3, Battle Masters gain access to a variety of maneuvers that allow them to manipulate the battlefield, control enemy movements, and enhance their allies’ effectiveness. This subclass not only emphasizes strategic play but also maximizes damage output through maneuvers like Disarming Attack and Trip Attack, making it an excellent option for players who enjoy a more dynamic combat experience. Additionally, the ability to regain superiority dice enhances their capability to adapt to different combat scenarios, ensuring that no two encounters feel the same. Overall, the Battle Master offers a blend of flexibility and power that can significantly influence the outcome of battles in favor of the party.
Upon reaching Level 3, the Fighter will be able to choose 1 out of 2 subclasses.
- Battle Master – has Superiority Dice, which allows you to draw 3 out of 4 options: Menacing Attack deals Piercing damage and can frighten target; Pushing Attack deals Piercing damage and can push the target back; Rally, which enhances hit points of a creature; Riposte, which when missed attack, allow the Fighter use Superiority Dice to execute a counterattack and inflict a certain amount of Piercing damage.
- Eldritch Knight has many cantrips and spells. They can use, among others, Magic Missile, Witch Bolt, Thunderwave, Mage Armour, or Poison Spray.
Each of these subclasses has its strengths. If You like playing a strong character with magical abilities, choose the Eldritch Knight subclass. If you prefer to have a larger number of powerful attacks, choose the Battle Master.
Best Fighter class actions
The Battle Master subclass stands out as the best Fighter class option in Baldur’s Gate 3, offering unparalleled tactical versatility and damage output. With access to unique combat maneuvers, Battle Masters can manipulate the battlefield, control enemy movements, and deliver devastating attacks. Key features such as Action Surge allow for additional actions in combat, while Second Wind provides crucial self-healing. This combination enables Battle Masters to not only excel in direct confrontations but also support their allies through strategic positioning and buffs. Players looking to maximize their effectiveness in melee combat will find the Battle Master an ideal choice for dominating encounters.
- Second Wind is additional action that recovers hit points.
- Using Action Surge you can perform extra action, which can be used for Attacks or casting a Spell or Cantrip.
Best Fighter build
The Battle Master Fighter build in Baldur’s Gate 3 stands out as the most effective choice for players seeking to dominate the battlefield. This subclass excels in tactical combat, allowing players to utilize a variety of maneuvers that can control the flow of battle and maximize damage output. With features like Action Surge, which grants an additional action, and Second Wind for self-healing, the Battle Master can sustain themselves while dishing out significant damage. Players can further enhance their effectiveness by selecting appropriate fighting styles and feats, such as Great Weapon Master for increased melee damage or Sentinel to control enemy movement. This build not only offers versatility in combat but also provides a straightforward gameplay experience, making it ideal for both newcomers and seasoned veterans alike.
Ready build for a Fighter fighting with a two-handed weapon:
- Race: Shield Dwarf
- Background: Outlander
- Subclass: Battle Master
- Fighting Style: Great Weapon Fighting
- Abilities: Strength 17, Dexterity 16, Constitution 16, Wisdom 11-12, Intelligence and Charisma 9-10.
- Weapon: Everburn Blade
- Armour: Splint Armour
The best build for a Fighter using two weapons:
- Race: Githyanki
- Background: Soldier
- Subclass: Battle Master
- Fighting Style: Two-Weapon Fighting Style
- Abilities: Strength 17, Dexterity 13, Constitution 14, Wisdom 12, Intelligence and Charisma between 8-10.
- Weapon: Morningstar and Rapier
- Armour: Splint Armour
The following build is prepared for a Fighter with a weapon and shield:
- Race: Human
- Background: Outlander
- Subclass: Eldritch Knight
- Fighting Style: Protection or Defence
- Abilities: Strength 16, Dexterity 14, Constitution 15, Wisdom 13, Intelligence and Charisma 10.
- Weapon: Shortsword of First Blood
- Armour: Splint Armour
- Shield: Absolute’s Warboard
What are the key differences between the Battle Master and Champion Fighter subclasses
The Battle Master and Champion subclasses in Baldur’s Gate 3 offer distinct playstyles and mechanics that cater to different combat preferences.
Key Differences
Combat Mechanics
- Battle Master: This subclass emphasizes tactical superiority through the use of Superiority Dice, which fuel various maneuvers that can enhance attacks, control the battlefield, or provide support to allies. Players can choose from a selection of maneuvers, allowing for flexibility and strategic depth in combat.
- Champion: The Champion excels in straightforward combat, focusing on raw damage output and critical hits. Its features include improved critical hit chances and additional fighting styles, making it effective without needing to manage resources like Superiority Dice.
Damage Output
- Battle Master: While it can deal significant damage, especially with the right maneuvers, its effectiveness can vary based on the number of combats and how often abilities are used. It tends to perform better in longer encounters where resource management can be optimized.
- Champion: This subclass generally has consistent damage output due to its ability to score critical hits more frequently. It is particularly strong in scenarios with multiple short combats, as it does not rely on limited resources.
Resource Management
- Battle Master: Requires careful management of Superiority Dice, which limits the number of maneuvers available per encounter. Once these dice are expended, the Battle Master must rely on basic attacks until they are replenished after a rest.
- Champion: Offers a more “always-on” playstyle with no resource management needed for its core abilities. This simplicity allows for sustained performance throughout encounters without worrying about running out of resources.
Overall Strategy
- Battle Master: Best suited for players who enjoy tactical gameplay and wish to influence the battlefield dynamically through maneuvers and strategic choices. It allows for a more varied approach to combat situations.
- Champion: Ideal for players who prefer a straightforward approach, focusing on maximizing damage output with fewer complexities. It is often seen as easier to play due to its less demanding mechanics.
In summary, the choice between Battle Master and Champion largely depends on whether you prefer tactical versatility or consistent damage output with minimal resource management.
Which subclass is better for a tanky playstyle
For a tanky playstyle in Baldur’s Gate 3, the Battle Master subclass is generally considered superior to the Champion. Here are the key reasons:
Battle Master Advantages
- Defensive Maneuvers: The Battle Master has access to maneuvers like Parry and Riposte, which allow you to reduce incoming damage and retaliate when attacked. This makes it highly effective at controlling the flow of combat while absorbing damage.
- Tactical Flexibility: With Superiority Dice, the Battle Master can adapt its strategy based on the situation, using maneuvers that can protect allies, control enemies, or enhance its own attacks. This versatility is crucial for a tank, allowing you to respond effectively to various threats on the battlefield.
- Action Economy: The ability to make additional attacks as reactions (e.g., through Riposte) can significantly increase your output while also maintaining a defensive stance.
Champion Limitations
- Simpler Mechanics: The Champion subclass focuses on improved critical hits and passive bonuses, which may not provide the same level of battlefield control or survivability as the Battle Master. While it offers consistent damage output, it lacks the tactical options that can enhance a tank’s effectiveness in protecting allies and managing threats.
- Resource Management: The Champion does not require resource management, making it straightforward but less dynamic in terms of defensive capabilities compared to the Battle Master’s maneuvers.
In summary, if you’re aiming for a tanky playstyle that maximizes both survivability and tactical options in combat, the Battle Master is the better choice. Its ability to manipulate the battlefield and respond dynamically to threats makes it more suited for a frontline role compared to the more straightforward Champion subclass.
