Baldur’s Gate 3 draws a lot from Dungeons & Dragons 5e. One of the major features that set the Tabletop RPG apart is diverse multiclassing options. Multiclassing in Baldur’s Gate 3 is more diverse than 5e with the option of diversifying your builds from a very early stage. Those who are familiar with 5e rules will find the BG3 system quite robust, while others will find it challenging to make effective use of the feature.
What is Multiclassing?
Multiclassing is a system where you can add multiple classes to a character to make them versatile and therefore more effective in combat. Multiple classes can add several skills and perks that will make your character more powerful and able to handle all sorts of situations. This is also a great way to experience what each class has to offer without having to resort to multiple playthroughs.
How does Multiclassing work in Baldur’s Gate 3?
Multiclassing, much like many other systems in Baldur’s Gate 3, draws from 5e and follows similar mechanics. Having matching stats is not a factor in BG3 unlike the D&D TTRPGs, so you are at liberty to multiclass as you wish. The multiclass option becomes available every time you level up. That means, from level 2 you can multiclass your character.
Since there are no restrictions for multiclassing in Baldur’s Gate 3, you can pretty much choose any class as your character levels up. You can even have a character that has all 12 classes. But, all this comes with a huge downside. Diversifying your classes too much can end up creating a weak character that has low stats. So, it all boils down to versatility against effectiveness.
Also read: How to multiclass in Baldur’s Gate 3
While the freedom to multiclass does allow you to create your fantasy character, you also need to focus on the combat attributes and how well they can be executed in combat. Having a multiclass build that combines complementing classes is therefore the need of the hour. This also means restricting to the fewest number of classes possible to make the most out of each one.
With all that in mind, here is our pick of the best classes to combine and conquer Faerûn and beyond.
Best Multiclass Builds for Baldur’s Gate 3
Paladin/Ranger
Rangers add finesse to any class that packs a punch. And none punch (or slice, if you will) better than the Paladins. A Ranger/Paladin build is one of the best multiclass options to create a character with some impressive ability scores. The Ranger’s Wisdom and Dexterity combined with the Paladin’s Charisma and Strength make for a very powerful character with comprehensive stats.
A Ranger/Paladin will be quite the versatile combatant in any sort of battle with a plethora of ranged and melee options to choose from. To add to all this, Paladins also come with Oath spells which improve versatility and make an already impressive arsenal even more effective.
Although a 6/6 Paladin/Ranger build would do well enough in battle, focusing on the Paladin more can prove advantageous as you progress. Paladins have access to some powerful spells and wards at higher levels which go well with the melee features you can gain.
The abilities of the Ranger can also be exploited to build a more ranged-focused character that relies on Paladin abilities for support.
Sorcerer/Paladin
The Paladin class in Baldur’s Gate 3 tends to complement any class that has extensive ranged capabilities but lacks the physical stats to back it up. A Sorcerer/Paladin brings a lot of options to the table which you can actually have fun with experimenting. The Sorcerer class has access to the most spells and spell slots available in the game, but Paladins have their oath spells and spell slots to match. So, there is no real pressure here to rely on just one class to build a character’s offense or defense.
The Draconian Bloodline though is a useful subclass with access to metamagic and an impressive list of features and abilities. This combined with the Paladin’s Oath of Vengence creates the ideal build for a tank battlemage. Divine Smite in particular is worth choosing for this build to have a character that does not shy away from being in the heart of the battle.
Fighter/Monk
This is a powerful build that combines two melee-based classes to create a super-class that can slash its way through anything. Monks are great at dodging and come equipped with mystic powers to aid them in real-time and combat situations. Their unarmed prowess only adds to their combat abilities. A Fighter class complements a Monk’s abilities quite well.
Fighter adds the extra oomph to the build with their resilience and impressive melee abilities. Monk’s superior movement galvanizes the melee prowess of the fighter with the chance of landing more advantage throws. Saving throws are also bound to work considerably more in your favor. This build can also make the gameplay exciting even during real-time events with some added bonuses that come with this combination.
Ranger/Rogue
If stealth is your watchword, then a Ranger/Rogue multiclass is the way to go. Rangers are adept at ranged combat and are more than able should things get a little too close for comfort. Rangers are also great at sensing the environment and everything that is happening around them, so choosing the right subclass can offer a build dedicated to stealth.
Rogues are masters of stealth and they can do more than just sneak around enemies. The assassin subclass is the way to go to build a character that likes to stick to the shadows and take out enemies before they become aware of your presence. Since both classes have impressive dexterity stats, real-time gameplay can also become quite exciting.
Druid/Barbarian/Warlock
This is a combination of the natural, the unnatural, and the supernatural. There is much to be gained from this seemingly unusual combination of classes. Warlocks are great fighters, but lack options and have their weaknesses when it comes to close-quarter combat. Barbarians, though, are basically tanks that can bash through absolutely anything. Druids bring an element of mystique into the gameplay along with spell casting.
These three classes make up for each other’s deficiencies and can create an exciting gameplay experience. Warlock and the Cantrips, especially Eldritch Blast, are quite handy and their speed stats are worth investing in too. Barbarians are at their best when allowed to go berserk, so you can choose to head down that line for a character that can pack a punch as well.
Finally, the Druid can make your character more versatile with the perks of spellcasting and shapeshifting. This build will also fare quite well in real-time checks and saving throws.
Fighter/Wizard
This is a great combination for a battle mage and most of you probably already had planned on choosing this build. The Fighter in Baldur’s Gate 3 is the best melee class with an impressive arsenal of weapons and armor skills. Fighter complements the Wizard class quite well, especially in terms of endurance. While a regular Wizard would go down pretty fast, with a Fighter multiclass you can have a character that is capable of taking damage and dishing out as well.
Fighters are quite resilient right from the earlier levels. So, you can level up your character to a Fighter level 2 or 3, and invest the remaining levels in the Wizard. At level 3, Fighters unlock their subclasses and gain some useful feats. The strength and constitution saving throws in particular can be quite handy in some situations.
That being said, Wizards at higher levels can deal plenty of damage. A 9 or 10-level Wizard multiclass would be a force to be reckoned with. So, you can focus on the Wizard levels for offense and use the Fighter class to bump up your defense stats.
Sorcerer/Warlock
This is a popular build that is bound to produce great results in both combat and real-time gameplay. Sorcerers are natural spellcasters and have an extensive collection of spells to choose from. They also have access to metamagic to power up any spell which works wonders on Warlock’s Eldritch Blast. You can also do plenty of AoE damage with many of these spells which draw from all schools of magic.
Warlocks add to the Sorcerer’s combat capabilities with some useful Cantrips and melee abilities. Warlocks are also quite witty and charismatic which can help during real-time gameplay. This build can cover quite a few abilities checks and do plenty of damage in battle. Sorcerers can be leveled up differently to suit what you seek to accomplish with this build. A support Sorcerer armed with healing spells combined with a Warlock can be a very dangerous combatant.
Barbarian/Fighter
This is the ultimate melee build in Baldur’s Gate 3. Barbarians have an emphasis on strength and come with rage bonus action which can be increased up to 5 actions per rest as you level up the class. Barbarian with the Berserker subclass is almost unstoppable and offers some useful features that can be quite effective in combat.
The Fighter class adds finesse to the ruthlessness of the Barbarian. Fighter also allows for better movement in battle along with unique actions and bonus actions. One thing both these classes have in common is the extra attack feature which will allow your character to strike multiple times in a single turn if you level up the right way.
