Summary
- Baldur's Gate 3 players can enhance their gameplay through multiclass combinations, offering more versatile character builds.
- Larian Studios is set to introduce new subclasses, enriching the gameplay experience for fans of Baldur's Gate 3.
- Multiclass setups like Lockadin Staple and God of Thunder provide unique and powerful thematic combinations.
In Baldur’s Gate 3, players can bring their characters from personal Dungeons & Dragons campaigns into the world of Faerun. The game presents a thrilling challenge with a Mindflayer invasion and the threat of an Illithid parasite that could transform characters into Mindflayers. This looming danger forces players to race against time to save the Forgotten Realms and preserve their identities.
While players can stick to a single class throughout their adventures, exploring multiclass options can lead to more flexible and powerful builds. Multiclassing allows characters to harness the best features from various D&D classes, turning them into versatile warriors capable of tackling any threat.
Updated on January 13, 2025, by Rhenn Taguiam: With Larian Studios set to introduce 12 new subclasses to Baldur’s Gate 3, fans are eagerly anticipating the chance to experiment with new and innovative character builds. Before these subclasses, such as the Swashbuckler and Oath of Conquest, become available, players might want to delve into some highly effective multiclass setups. These include the staple build for Paladins and Warlocks, as well as a thematic mix between Sorcerers and Clerics.
12. Lockadin Staple (Ancients Paladin 7, Fiend Warlock 5)
Enhance The Warlock’s Utility With All-Around Offense And Defense
Given Baldur’s Gate 3's adherence to the D&D 5e ruleset, it's no surprise that the game incorporates potent builds from the tabletop RPG. The Lockadin Staple leverages the synergy between the CHA-based Warlock and Paladin classes. The Warlock's limited spell slots but powerful utility complement the Paladin's lack of utility spells yet significant firepower.
This build maximizes the Warlock's damage and utility potential while adding the Paladin's survivability through Heavy Armor Proficiency and increased offense via Divine Smite and Extra Attack. The Warlock's short-rest spell slots allow for frequent use of Divine Smites and long-range Eldritch Blasts.
Here’s how players can achieve 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 features Elemental Resistances and Advantages, along with thematic gear, allowing players to create symbolic builds aligned with the elements. The God of Thunder combines the Storm Sorcerer's natural ferocity with the Tempest Cleric's combat-focused proficiencies.
While dipping two levels into Cleric might seem minimal, it grants access to Heavy Armor and Martial Weapons Proficiency. The crucial feature here is Wrath of the Storm, providing a reaction that deals 2d8 Lightning or Thunder damage upon a failed DEX save, effectively acting as a reaction-only Divine Smite with elemental flair. At 2nd-level, Destructive Wrath can maximize a spell's Thunder or Lightning damage using a Channel Divinity Charge and a reaction, offering powerful nova opportunities with high-level Sorcerer spells.
Here’s how players can achieve 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 |
