Summary
- Baldur's Gate 3 players can enhance their gameplay by exploring various multiclass combinations, leading to more flexible and powerful character builds.
- Larian Studios is set to introduce 12 new subclasses, further enriching the gameplay experience for fans of the acclaimed RPG.
- Multiclass setups such as Lockadin Staple and God of Thunder provide unique thematic and strategic advantages, transforming characters into formidable warriors.
In Baldur’s Gate 3, players are thrust into the world of Faerun, facing the daunting challenge of a Mindflayer invasion and the threat of an Illithid parasite that could turn them into Mindflayers. This time-sensitive quest to save the Forgotten Realms and preserve their identities adds urgency to every decision, including how they develop their characters.
The game offers the flexibility of following a single class or branching into multiple classes through multiclassing. This approach allows players to craft characters that harness the strengths of various Dungeons & Dragons classes, making them adept at handling any challenge the game throws at them.
Updated on January 13, 2025, by Rhenn Taguiam: With Larian Studios poised to introduce 12 new subclasses, fans of Baldur’s Gate 3 are eagerly anticipating the enhanced gameplay these additions will bring. While waiting for these updates, players can explore existing multiclass setups to maximize their current gameplay experience. The introduction of subclasses like the Swashbuckler and Oath of Conquest will likely reshape multiclass dynamics, but for now, let's delve into some must-try multiclass builds, including the staple Paladin/Warlock combination and the thematic Sorcerer/Cleric mix.
12 Lockadin Staple (Ancients Paladin 7, Fiend Warlock 5)
Enhance The Warlock’s Utility With All-Around Offense And Defense
Baldur's Gate 3 faithfully adapts the D&D 5e ruleset, drawing inspiration from tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) builds. The Lockadin Staple, combining the Warlock and Paladin, leverages the charisma (CHA) synergies between the two classes. The Warlock's powerful utility spells complement the Paladin's offensive capabilities and heavy armor proficiency, making this build a versatile powerhouse.
This setup maximizes the Warlock's damage and utility while enhancing survivability and offensive potential with the Paladin's Divine Smite and Extra Attack. The short-rest spell slots from the Warlock allow for strategic nova-ing of Divine Smites alongside the long-range effectiveness of Eldritch Blast.
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 |
11 God Of Thunder (Storm Sorcerer 10, Tempest Cleric 2)
Get Stronger Sorcerer Setups With The Cleric
Baldur’s Gate 3 incorporates elemental resistances and thematic gear, allowing players to create symbolic builds aligned with the elements. The God of Thunder build merges the Storm Sorcerer's inherent ferocity with the Tempest Cleric's combat-focused proficiencies.
While a two-level dip into Cleric might seem minor, it grants heavy armor and martial weapon proficiency. More importantly, it provides access to Wrath of the Storm, a reaction that deals either 2d8 lightning or thunder damage to foes who fail a DEX save, effectively serving as a reaction-based Divine Smite with elemental damage. At 2nd level, the Tempest Cleric's Destructive Wrath can maximize the damage of thunder or lightning spells, offering players the ability to deliver devastating blows with 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 |
