With Baldur’s Gate 3 adhering to Dungeons & Dragons rules, players can now explore Faerun with characters directly from their personal D&D campaigns. Players face the daunting challenge of a Mindflayer invasion alongside an Illithid parasite that threatens to transform them into Mindflayers, putting them on a tight deadline to save the Forgotten Realms and preserve their identities.
While the game allows characters to stick to a single class throughout their journey, leveling up in multiple classes can lead to more versatile builds. Multiclass combinations enable players to harness the best aspects of different D&D classes, creating well-rounded warriors capable of tackling any challenge.
Updated on January 13, 2025, by Rhenn Taguiam: As Larian Studios prepares to introduce 12 new subclasses that will enhance Baldur’s Gate 3 gameplay, fans of this acclaimed RPG are eagerly anticipating experimenting with new and unique character builds. However, for those looking to enjoy the game before these updates, diving into some must-try multiclass setups is a great way to maximize current dynamics. Once new subclasses like the Swashbuckler and Oath of Conquest are introduced, the game's multiclass system will likely undergo significant changes. Among the standout builds are the staple Lockadin and a thematic mix of Sorcerer and Cleric.
Given that Baldur’s Gate 3 faithfully follows the D&D 5e ruleset, it's no surprise that the game borrows powerful builds from the tabletop RPG. One such build is the Lockadin Staple, which leverages the synergy between the CHA-based Warlock and Paladin. The Warlock's limited spell slots but powerful utility complements the Paladin's lack of utility spells but strong offensive capabilities.
This build maximizes the Warlock's damage and utility potential, bolstered by the Paladin's Heavy Armor Proficiency for added survivability, and potent offense through Divine Smite and Extra Attack. The Warlock's short-rest spell slots allow for frequent use of Divine Smites and effective long-range attacks with Eldritch Blast.
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 |
The presence of Elemental Resistances and Advantages in Baldur’s Gate 3, combined with its thematic gear, allows for the creation of symbolic builds that align with the elements. The God of Thunder build merges the Storm Sorcerer's innate ferocity with the Tempest Cleric's combat-focused proficiencies.
Initially, dipping two levels into Cleric might seem minimal, primarily for Heavy Armor and Martial Weapons Proficiency. However, the key here is Wrath of the Storm, which grants a reaction that deals either 2d8 Lightning or Thunder Damage if the target fails a DEX Save, offering a version of a reaction-only Divine Smite with elemental damage. At 2nd-level Tempest Cleric, Destructive Wrath uses a Channel Divinity charge and a reaction to maximize a spell's Thunder or Lightning Damage, providing ample opportunities to unleash 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 |