Summary
- Players of Baldur's Gate 3 can enhance their gameplay by exploring various multiclass combinations, offering more flexible and powerful character builds.
- Larian Studios is set to introduce 12 new subclasses, promising to enrich the gameplay experience for fans of the acclaimed RPG.
- Notable multiclass setups such as the Lockadin Staple and God of Thunder provide unique and thematic combinations for creating formidable characters.
In Baldur's Gate 3, players can immerse themselves in the rich world of Faerun, directly translating characters from their personal Dungeons & Dragons campaigns. As they navigate the game's narrative, players must contend with a Mindflayer invasion and the looming threat of an Illithid parasite that could transform their characters into Mindflayers. This urgency adds a thrilling time crunch to the quest to save the Forgotten Realms and preserve their identities.
While sticking to a single class throughout the adventure is an option, Baldur's Gate 3 encourages players to experiment with multiclassing for more versatile character builds. By combining different classes, players can harness the best features from each, turning their characters into multi-faceted warriors capable of overcoming any challenge.
Updated on January 13, 2025, by Rhenn Taguiam: With Larian Studios preparing to introduce 12 new subclasses, players can look forward to even more diverse and intriguing character builds in their future runs. However, for those eager to dive into the game before these updates, exploring some of the best multiclass setups can offer a rewarding experience. The upcoming subclasses, such as the Swashbuckler and Oath of Conquest, are expected to significantly alter the game's multiclass dynamics. Popular combinations include the staple Paladin/Warlock mix and a thematic blend of Sorcerer/Cleric.
12 Lockadin Staple (Ancients Paladin 7, Fiend Warlock 5)
Enhance The Warlock’s Utility With All-Around Offense And Defense
Given that Baldur's Gate 3 faithfully follows the D&D 5e ruleset, it naturally incorporates some of the tabletop RPG's most potent builds. The Lockadin Staple is a prime example, leveraging the synergy between the Warlock and Paladin classes. This build maximizes the Warlock's damage and utility, bolstered by the Paladin's survivability through Heavy Armor Proficiency and the offensive capabilities of Divine Smite and Extra Attack. The Warlock's short-rest Spell Slots allow for powerful bursts of Divine Smites and the effective use of Eldritch Blast at long range.
Here’s how to build the Lockadin Staple:
| 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
The presence of Elemental Resistances and Advantages in Baldur's Gate 3, along with its thematic gear, allows players to craft symbolic builds that harness the power of the elements. The God of Thunder build combines the innate ferocity of the Storm Sorcerer with the combat-centric proficiencies of the Tempest Cleric. While dipping into the Cleric class for just two levels might seem modest, it grants access to Heavy Armor and Martial Weapons Proficiency, as well as the key feature Wrath of the Storm. This ability provides a Reaction that deals 2d8 Lightning or Thunder Damage upon a failed DEX Save, akin to a specialized Divine Smite. Additionally, at 2nd-level Tempest Cleric, Destructive Wrath allows players to maximize Thunder or Lightning Damage from a spell using a Channel Divinity Charge and a Reaction, enabling powerful nova attacks with higher-level Sorcerer spells.
Here’s how to build the God of Thunder:
| 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 |
