In Baldur's Gate 3, players can immerse themselves in the world of Faerun, bringing characters straight from their personal Dungeons & Dragons campaigns to life. The game presents a challenging narrative where players must combat a Mindflayer invasion while dealing with an Illithid parasite that threatens to transform them into Mindflayers. This time-sensitive quest adds urgency to the adventure as players strive to save the Forgotten Realms and preserve their identities.
The game's adherence to D&D rules allows players to experiment with multiclassing, enabling them to create characters with a blend of abilities from different classes. This flexibility can lead to highly effective and versatile builds, transforming characters into multifaceted warriors capable of tackling any challenge.
Updated on January 13, 2025, by Rhenn Taguiam: With Larian Studios planning to introduce 12 new subclasses, Baldur's Gate 3 fans are eagerly anticipating the enhanced gameplay these additions will bring. Before these new subclasses roll out, players might want to experiment with existing multiclass setups. The introduction of subclasses like the Swashbuckler and Oath of Conquest will likely shake up the multiclass dynamics, but for now, players can enjoy tried-and-true combinations such as the Paladin/Warlock staple and the thematic Sorcerer/Cleric mix.
Baldur's Gate 3 faithfully follows the D&D 5e ruleset, allowing for potent multiclass builds like the Lockadin Staple. This combination leverages the CHA-based synergies between the Warlock and Paladin, enhancing the Warlock's utility with the Paladin's firepower and survivability. The build maximizes the Warlock's damage potential while utilizing the Paladin's Heavy Armor Proficiency, Divine Smite, and Extra Attack. Short-rest Spell Slots from the Warlock provide opportunities for powerful nova attacks with Divine Smites and long-range Eldritch Blasts.
Here’s how players can create this build:
Level | Class Choice & Features | Total Spells Available |
---|---|---|
Level 1 | Paladin 1: Oath of the Ancients Subclass - Divine Sense - Lay on Hands - Channel Oath: Healing Radiance | - Channel Oath: 1 - Lay on Hands: 3 |
Level 2 | Paladin 2 - Fighting Style: Great Weapon Fighting - Divine Smite | - Channel Oath: 1 - Lay on Hands: 3 - Known Spells: 2 + CHA Mod - Spell Slots: 2 1st-Level |
Level 3 | Paladin 3 - Divine Health - Channel Oath: Nature’s Wrath - Channel Oath: Turn the Faithless - Oath Spells: Speak with Animals, Ensnaring Strike | - Channel Oath: 1 - Lay on Hands: 3 - Paladin Spells: 3 + CHA Mod - Paladin Spell Slots: 3 1st-Level |
Level 4 | Paladin 4 - Choose Feat: | - Channel Oath: 1 - Lay on Hands: 4 - Paladin Spells: 4 + CHA Mod - Paladin Spell Slots: 3 1st-Level |
Level 5 | Paladin 5 - Extra Attack - Oath Spells: Misty Step, Moonbeam | - Channel Oath: 1 - Lay on Hands: 4 - Paladin Spells: 5 + CHA Mod - Paladin Spell Slots: 4 1st-Level, 2 2nd-Level |
Level 6 | Warlock 1: The Fiend Subclass - Pact Magic - Dark One’s Blessing | - Channel Oath: 1 - Lay on Hands: 4 - Paladin Spells: 5 + CHA Mod - Paladin Spell Slots: 4 1st-Level, 2 2nd-Level - Warlock Spells: 2 Cantrips, 2 Spells - Warlock Spell Slots: 1 1st-Level |
Level 7 | Warlock 2 - Eldritch Invocation: Agonizing Blast - Eldritch Invocation: Repelling Blast | - Channel Oath: 1 - Lay on Hands: 4 - Paladin Spells: 5 + CHA Mod - Paladin Spell Slots: 4 1st-Level, 2 2nd-Level - Warlock Spells: 2 Cantrips, 3 Spells - Warlock Spell Slots: 2 1st-Level |
Level 8 | Warlock 3 - Pact Boon: Pact of the Blade - New Spell: Mirror Image | - Channel Oath: 1 - Lay on Hands: 4 - Paladin Spell Slots: 4 1st-Level, 2 2nd-Level - Warlock Spells: 2 Cantrips, 4 Spells - Warlock Spell Slots: 2 2nd-Level |
Level 9 | Warlock 4 - New Cantrip: Mage Hand - New Spell: Hold Person - Choose Feat: Great Weapon Master: All In | - Channel Oath: 1 - Lay on Hands: 4 - Paladin Spell Slots: 4 1st-Level, 2 2nd-Level - Warlock Spells: 3 Cantrips, 5 Spells - Warlock Spell Slots: 2 2nd-Level |
Level 10 | Warlock 5 - Eldritch Invocation: Fiendish Vigor - Deepened Pact - New Spell: Hunger of Hadar - Replace Spell: Counterspell | - Channel Oath: 1 - Lay on Hands: 4 - Paladin Spells: 5 + CHA Mod - Paladin Spell Slots: 4 1st-Level, 2 2nd-Level - Warlock Spells: 3 Cantrips, 6 Spells - Warlock Spell Slots: 2 3rd-Level |
Level 11 | Paladin 6 - Aura of Protection | - Channel Oath: 1 - Lay on Hands: 4 - Paladin Spells: 6 + CHA Mod - Paladin Spell Slots: 4 1st-Level, 2 2nd-Level - Warlock Spells: 3 Cantrips, 6 Spells - Warlock Spell Slots: 2 3rd-Level |
Level 12 | Paladin 7 - Aura of Warding | - Channel Oath: 1 - Lay on Hands: 4 - Paladin Spells: 7 + CHA Mod - Paladin Spell Slots: 4 1st-Level, 3 2nd-Level - Warlock Spells: 3 Cantrips, 6 Spells - Warlock Spell Slots: 2 3rd-Level |
The presence of Elemental Resistances and Advantages in Baldur's Gate 3, combined with thematic gear, allows players to craft symbolic builds focused on the elements. The God of Thunder build combines the Storm Sorcerer's ferocity with the Tempest Cleric's combat-centric proficiencies. While a two-level dip into the Cleric class might seem minimal, it grants crucial Heavy Armor and Martial Weapons Proficiency. The key feature here is Wrath of the Storm, which provides a reaction that can deal either 2d8 Lightning or Thunder Damage upon a failed DEX Save, effectively offering a reaction-based Divine Smite with elemental flair. At 2nd-Level, the Tempest Cleric's Destructive Wrath can maximize Thunder or Lightning Damage, enhancing higher-level Sorcerer spells.
Here’s how players can create this build:
Level | Class Choice & Features | Total Spells Available |
---|---|---|
Level 1 | Sorcerer 1: Storm Sorcerer Subclass - Tempestuous Magic - New Cantrips: Mage Hand, Minor Illusion, Shocking Grasp, True Strike - New Spells: Magic Missile, Thunderwave | - Total Sorcery Points: - - Sorcerer Spells: 4 Cantrips, 2 Spells - Sorcerer Spell Slots: 2 1st-Level |
Level 2 | Sorcerer 2 - Create Spell Slot - Create Sorcery Point - Metamagic: Twinned Spell - Metamagic: Distant Spell - New Spell: Witch Bolt | - Total Sorcery Points: 2 - Sorcerer Spells: 4 Cantrips, 3 Spells - Sorcerer Spell Slots: 3 1st-Level |
Level 3 | Cleric 1: Tempest Domain Subclass - Heavy Armour, Martial Weapons Proficiency - Spellcasting - New Cantrips: Thunderwave, Fog Cloud, Guidance - Wrath of the Storm | - Total Sorcery Points: 2 - Sorcerer Spells: 4 Cantrips, 3 Spells - Sorcerer Spell Slots: 3 1st-Level - Cleric Spells: 3 Cantrips, 1 + WIS Mod - Cleric Spell Slots: 2 1st-Level |
Level 4 | Cleric 2 - Channel Divinity: Turn Undead - Channel Divinity: Destructive Wrath - New Cantrip: Resistance | - Total Sorcery Points: 2 - Sorcerer Spells: 4 Cantrips, 3 Spells - Sorcerer Spell Slots: 3 1st-Level - Cleric Spells: 3 Cantrips, 2 + WIS Mod - Cleric Spell Slots: 3 1st-Level |
Level 5 | Sorcerer 3 - New Spell: Scorching Ray - Metamagic: Quickened Spell | - Total Sorcery Points: 3 - Sorcerer Spells: 4 Cantrips, 4 Spells - Sorcerer Spell Slots: 4 1st-Level, 2 2nd-Level |
Level 6 | Sorcerer 4 - Choose Feat: +2 CHA (ASI) - New Cantrip: Ray of Frost - New Spell: Shatter | - Total Sorcery Points: 5 - Sorcerer Spells: 5 Cantrips, 5 Spells - Sorcerer Spell Slots: 4 1st-Level, 3 2nd-Level |
Level 7 | Sorcerer 5 - New Spell: Lightning Bolt | - Total Sorcery Points: 5 - Sorcerer Spells: 5 Cantrips, 6 Spells - Sorcerer Spell Slots: 4 1st-Level, 3 2nd-Level, 2 3rd-Level |
Level 8 | Sorcerer 6 - New Spell: Counterspell - Heart of the Storm, Heart of the Storm: Resistance - Learn Spells: Call Lightning, Sleet Storm, Gust of Wind, Create/Destroy Water, Thunderwave | - Total Sorcery Points: 5 - Sorcerer Spells: 5 Cantrips, 7 Spells - Sorcerer Spell Slots: 4 1st-Level, 3 2nd-Level, 3 3rd-Level |
Level 9 | Sorcerer 7 - New Spell: Ice Storm | - Total Sorcery Points: 5 - Sorcerer Spells: 5 Cantrips, 8 Spells - Sorcerer Spell Slots: 4 1st-Level, 3 2nd-Level, 3 3rd-Level, 1 4th-Level |
Level 10 | Sorcerer 8 - Choose Feat: Ability Score Increase, Charisma | - Total Sorcery Points: 5 - Sorcerer Spells: 5 Cantrips, 9 Spells - Sorcerer Spell Slots: 4 1st-Level, 3 2nd-Level, 3 3rd-Level, 2 4th-Level |
Level 11 | Sorcerer 9 - New Spell: Cone of Cold | - Total Sorcery Points: 5 - Sorcerer Spells: 5 Cantrips, 10 Spells - Sorcerer Spell Slots: 4 1st-Level, 3 2nd-Level, 3 3rd-Level, 3 4th-Level, 1 5th-Level |
Level 12 | Sorcerer 10 - Metamagic: Subtle Spell - New Spell: Wall of Stone - Cantrip: Blade Ward | - Total Sorcery Points: 6 - Sorcerer Spells: 6 Cantrips, 11 Spells - Sorcerer Spell Slots: 4 1st-Level, 3 2nd-Level, 3 3rd-Level, 3 4th-Level, 2 5th-Level |