In Baldur’s Gate 3, players can select from 12 distinct classes, each with a multitude of subclasses that offer a diverse range of gameplay styles. Every job has vastly different abilities, all of which you’ll need to survive the horrors of the Forgotten Realms.
Baldur’s Gate 3 uses the D&D 5E rules. This means you pick a race/background/class combo at the start of the game. Then, whenever you level up, continue to proceed as that class (up to a max level of 12,) or spread the levels across different classes, allowing for various multiclass builds.
Additionally, each class has a subclass option that’s chosen at some point between levels 1-3. These offer extra customization options, though bear in mind that you can only select one subclass per class.
With all of this in mind, here’s every class and subclass option in Baldur’s Gate 3.
Barbarian
The Barbarian eschews skill and subtlety for brute force. You’re all about hitting a foe as hard as possible and asking questions later. Leave the chat to your party members, as the only thing you respect is the edge of an axe.
Barbarians have the highest hit points in the RPG, use their Rage power to increase their damage output, have greater movement than the other martial classes, and don’t need armor to deflect blows.
Barbarians choose their subclass at level 3. Their options are:
- Berserker – Their Rage ability turns into Frenzy, which lets you toss enemies around. As they level up, they become immune to Charmed and Frightened conditions and can make Intimidation checks to scare foes.
- Wildheart – These nature warriors call on the power of animals, improving their Rage ability and gaining a variety of new powers, depending on what beasts they worship.
- Wild Magic – Throw some spells into the mix, causing you to create bursts of wild magic in battle. Perfect for players who love pure chaos. You also become highly resilient to the spells of others and can restore allies’ magical powers.
For full details about the best Barbarian build, check out our dedicated guide.
Bard
The music makers and dreamer of dreams, the Bards are the ultimate Jack-of-all-trades class. Not only are they full spellcasters, but they can fight on the front lines with the fighters, and use their skills to help the party outside of combat.
Bard magic has spells that can heal and buff allies, as well as inflict debilitating debuffs and status effects on enemies. They can also inspire the party, making them more effective in combat, as well as bust out an instrument at any time for a mid-fight singalong.
Bards choose their subclass at level 3. Their options are:
- College of Lore – Not only can you pick spells from other class lists, but you can use the Cutting Words ability to insult enemies so hard that they fail their dice rolls.
- College of Swords – These swashbucklers are masters of the blade, equalling the warriors of the party with their extra attacks and greater range of proficiencies.
- College of Valour – The best buffing Bard, as their Bardic Inspiration ability can be used by allies to inflict more damage in combat. They can also wear better armor and use a shield in combat.
For full details about the best Bard build, check out our dedicated guide.
Cleric
The gods are very much real in Baldur’s Gate 3, and if you pray hard enough, they’ll let you use some of their powers. The Cleric does this as they’re a conduit of divine magic.
Cleric is the best healing class in the game. Not only that, but they’re the masters of obliterating the undead and can even call on some holy magic to smite unbelievers.
Clerics choose their subclass at level 1. Their options are:
- Life Domain – If Clerics are the best healers, then this is the best healing subclass. All of your powers are centered around improving the effectiveness of your restorative abilities.
- Light Domain – Use the power of light to blind foes, and add some powerful arcane fire spells to your arsenal.
- Knowledge Domain – Gives you powers that aid out of combat skills, along with adding some useful mind control/debuff spells.
- Nature Domain – Adds some Druid-style powers and spells to your list without the need for multiclassing.
- Tempest Domain – Utilize the power of the storm to master Thunder and Lightning damage, as well as give you Heavy Armor Proficiency.
- Trickery Domain – The stealth-based Cleric, who gains powers that fool enemies, along with shadow-based spells.
- War Domain – If you want to fight alongside the warriors on the frontline, then this Domain will give you more combat proficiencies, buffing spells, and divinity powers that increase your damage in combat.
For full details about the best Cleric build, check out our dedicated guide.
Druid
Nature has a voice in Baldur’s Gate 3, and it’s often saying, “Kill the people cutting down trees.” Druids are the ones who answer Nature’s refreshingly direct call, tapping into primal forces to control the world around them.
Druids are a full spellcasting class with magic that lets them heal, influence wild beasts, and unleash the elements. Not only that, but they can transform into animals, including bears, using the strength of their form to tear foes to shreds.
Druids choose their subclass at level 2. Their options are:
- Circle of the Moon – These are the masters of the Wild Shape ability, letting them transform into animals quicker, spend spells to heal in their new form, and even learn how to shift into elementals at higher levels.
- Circle of the Land – These are the magic-focused Druids, who gain access to way more spells and can even recover some of their spent slots without resting.
- Circle of the Spores – Ever watch The Last of Us? Is Parasect your favorite Pokemon? Then, this is the subclass for you. Infect your enemies with fungal spores and drain the life from their bodies.
For full details about the best Druid build, check out our dedicated guide.
Fighter
What once was the most generic class in D&D is actually one of the most popular choices in Baldur’s Gate 3. The Fighter might seem boring at the concept stage, but it’s a highly effective combat class.
Fighters can use all weapons and armor of the bat, so you can switch to better gear instantly whenever it’s found. The best reason to play a Fighter is their level 2 Action Surge ability, as it can be used to unleash many attacks in a single round. You’ll also have access to more Feats than any other class in the game.
Fighters choose their subclass at level 3. Their options are:
- Battle Master – Those who want to spice up the Fighter should go for the Battle Master. They gain access to different “Manoeuvres,” allowing you to pull special attacks in combat, including dealing more damage and inflicting status effects.
- Champion: Easily the most basic subclass in the game, with only one amazing ability: reducing the number needed to perform a critical hit from 20 to 19-20. Pick this subclass if you want to ignore the character options as much as possible and just focus on the game.
- Eldritch Knight – You can cast some spells from the Wizard list, as well as enchant your favored weapon and throw Cantrips in alongside your main attack.
For full details about the best Fighter build, check out our dedicated guide.
Monk
Screw that Tolkien-inspired fantasy garbage. You want to go through the Forgotten Realms as magical Bruce Lee!
The Monk is the unparalleled master of unarmed combat. You don’t need spells and you don’t need swords. Instead, you have your Dragon Ball-style Ki to make your flesh stronger than metal, allowing you to outspeed and overcome anyone foolish enough to cross you.
Monks choose their subclass at level 3. Their options are:
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- Way of the Four Elements – Not only do you have your martial skills, but you can add some spells to your repertoire, letting you call on the four classic elements in a fight.
- Way of the Open Hand – Often called the best subclass in the game, these Monks can add status effects to their attacks and use their Ki to empower their attacks even further, for ridiculous damage output.
- Way of the Shadow – The Baldur’s Gate 3 version of the ninja, these Monks gain powers that make them more stealthy and allow them to operate in the darkness.
For full details about the best Monk build, check out our dedicated guide.
Paladin
If Clerics funnel divine energy into their spells, then Paladins are the ones who pour it into their weapons. These holy (and sometimes unholy) knights can channel the raw divinity of their deities into the blades, unleashing pure hurt onto enemies, especially the undead and fiends.
Not only are Paladins skilled at crushing enemies, but they also wield spells and special abilities to heal their allies. They can also use all weapons and armor, which is handy, as there are tons of great equipment options in the game.
Paladins choose their subclass at level 1. There is also a hidden subclass that has to be unlocked by completing specific actions. Their options are:
- Oath of the Ancients – Sworn protector of nature, these Paladins add some Druid and Ranger powers to their repertoire, including the ability to repel fey and ensnare foes.
- Oath of Devotion – Those who protect the weak, allowing them to use holy magic to empower their weapons and gain spells that shield allies.
- Oath of Vengeance – You have chosen to destroy evil wherever you find it. Your spells and abilities are all about making you stronger and weakening your foes, helping you to bring them down.
- Oathbreaker – You have to select another Oath first and then perform actions to break it, transforming you into this subclass. You have shattered your oath and can tap into that heresy to inflict terrible debuffs onto your foes.
For full details about the best Paladin build, check out our dedicated guide.
Ranger
The D&D 5E Ranger is notoriously the worst class in the game. Fortunately, Larian Studios gave Rangers a much-needed boost, making them more viable in a combat-heavy experience like Baldur’s Gate 3.
Rangers are amazing in the wilderness, thanks to a broad range of out-of-combat skills that can keep the party safe. When it comes to battle, not only are they masters of archery and dual-wielding, but they have their own primal spells to call on, which can inflict debuffs on their foes and force them to take more damage.
Rangers choose their subclass at level 3. Their options are:
- Beast Master – Why fight alone when you can call on powerful animal companions to work alongside you? These helpful critters can damage enemies and scout ahead for the party without risking any important characters’ necks.
- Hunter – The Drizzt wannabes of Baldur’s Gate 3 should pick this class, as they’re the combat-focused Rangers. They gain many useful skills that let them pile on damage against specific enemy types.
- Gloom Stalker – The stealth-based Rangers gain spells that let them hide from foes, which is handy, as they’re incredibly deadly when fighting while unseen.
For full details about the best Ranger build, check out our dedicated guide.
Rogue
You’ll be exploring lots of dungeons and dangerous environments in Baldur’s Gate 3, and there is no better ally to have in these places than a Rogue. They can spot traps from a mile away, break any lock you put in front of them, and notice hidden items that the rest of the party ignored.
This focus on exploration doesn’t mean Rogues are slouches in the combat department. Not only can they pile on damage with their Sneak Attack ability, but they zip in and out of battle without fear, thanks to their incredible Cunning Action power.
Rogues choose their subclass at level 3. Their options are:
- Assassin – Hired killers are really helpful in a fight. These deadly Rogues deal a ton of damage against foes who haven’t spotted them yet, making them ideal for stealthy parties.
- Arcane Trickster – These Rogues add some magic to their skill set. Not only that, but they can use the Mage Hand Cantrip to influence objects from afar. After all, why should you put yourself in danger?
- Thief – This subclass lets you perform two Bonus Actions per round. Not only does this synergy incredibly well with Cunning Action (allowing you to flee from dangerous situations easily), but it lets you chug two potions per round for extra healing & buffing.
For full details about the best Rogue build, check out our dedicated guide.
Sorcerer
Much like the mutants from the X-Men franchise, Sorcerers gain their power from genetics. In most cases, it’s because they have a supernatural being as an ancestor, usually a dragon, which means they have arcane might flowing through their blood.
Sorcerers are a full arcane spellcaster class with the mighty Metamagic power. This lets you alter how spells work on the fly, giving you ultimate customization options. You can also create extra spell slots, which means you get more magic per day than your contemporaries.
Sorcerers choose their subclass at level 1. Their options are:
- Draconic Bloodline – Your grandpa was Smaug. This gives you a choice of elemental affinities, more hit points, a higher armor class, and even the ability to fly at high levels.
- Storm Sorcery – You can be Storm from the X-Men. The winds will pull you out of dangerous situations, while your Lightning and Thunder spells will wreak havoc on your foes.
- Wild Magic – You are the embodiment of Chaos. There’s a chance that all of your spells will cause a Wild Magic surge, creating an unpredictable effect. You can also tip the odds in your favor, bending luck as needed.
For full details about the best Sorcerer build, check out our dedicated guide.
Warlock
Warlocks gained their magical powers by signing a binding contract with a higher power. In Baldur’s Gate 3, this means you owe the devil, Cthulhu, or a fairy monarch a favor. Luckily, they’ll give you lots of cool powers while you work off your debt.
While you don’t gain as many spells as Sorcerers or Wizards, you’ll receive tons of unique magical powers throughout the game. Spells will restore on a Short Rest, so you can afford to be more trigger-happy with them. You’re also the supreme master of the Eldritch Blast, which is the best Cantrip in Baldur’s Gate 3.
Warlocks choose their subclass at level 1. Their options are:
- Archfey – You can tap into the power of the Feywild. This lets you frighten your foes and slip away from combat unnoticed.
- The Fiend – You have the power of the Nine Hells or the Abyss. This lets you heal when you slay foes, improve your abilities, and resist damage.
- The Great Old One – You have the power of the unknowable cosmos. This lets you terrify your enemies and shield your mind from intruders, which is really useful in a game filled with Mind Flayers.
For full details about the best Warlock build, check out our dedicated guide.
Wizard
Wizards have to work hard to master magic, as they must learn how it works, study ancient rituals, and speak secret languages to make the Weave do their bidding. This gives them the greatest understanding of why magic works the way it does.
As a Wizard, you can potentially learn every spell on your list, so long as you find scrolls in the overworld. You can also switch your spell selection during a Long Rest, something the other arcane classes cannot do. Not only that, but you’ll master one of the eight schools of magic, giving you unique powers tied to their domain.
Wizards choose their subclass at level 2. Their options are:
- Abjuration School – This school focuses on defensive spells and banishing otherworldly beings. You can craft a magical shield that is powered by spells and protects you from harm.
- Conjuration School – This school focuses on summoning spells and transporting items. You can switch spots with an ally and move people on the battlefield.
- Divination School – This school lets you see and hear things from a distance. You can even glimpse the future, giving you a chance to avoid harm by bolstering dice rolls.
- Enchantment School – This school focuses on empowering items and capturing the minds of foes. You can even control multiple enemies with a single spell.
- Evocation School – This school focuses on damaging spells and creating energy. You can deal even more harm with your spells while shielding allies from their effects.
- Illusion School – This school focuses on creating sights and sounds that don’t exist. You can conjure even more realistic illusions, tricking your foes into attacking them.
- Necromancy School – This school focuses on channeling life and bringing back the dead. You can steal the life force of foes and create more undead allies.
- Transmutation School – This school focuses on creating substances and transforming into different forms. You can give yourself new natural abilities and even transform into a bird, as well as being a master potion maker.
For full details about the best Wizard build, check out our dedicated guide.
If you want to learn more about crafting the perfect Baldur’s Gate 3 character, check out our guides for how to respec your character, details about the max level cap, and the best class tier list.
