Baldur’s Gate 3: Best multiclass builds ranked

Baldur's Gate 3 drops the ball with Druid companionsLarian Studios

Baldur’s Gate 3 offers many character classes and subclasses to choose from, but you can make your protagonist even stronger by multiclassing, combining the best elements into a unique hybrid.

As soon as you gain your second level in Baldur’s Gate 3, you’ll gain the opportunity to multiclass. You can also respec your character in the Camp by talking to Withers, giving you plenty of chances to experiment or undo decisions you’re unhappy with.

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So if you’re wondering what the best multiclass combinations are in Baldur’s Gate 3, here’s everything you need to know about multiclass builds.

Baldur’s Gate 3 multiclass tier list

TierMulticlass
SPaladin / WarlockFighter / BarbarianSorcerer / Warlock
ACleric / Sorcerer — Rogue / Ranger — Fighter / Rogue — Bard / Rogue
BPaladin/Sorcerer — Monk / Rogue

Best classes for multiclassing in Baldur’s Gate 3

The Paladin, Warlock, Fighter, and Rogue are usually the best classes for a few level dips. This is because they get some great abilities in the low-level range which have uses across multiple builds. They also tend to work well with anything that isn’t a full spellcaster class, with some exceptions.

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These are the rankings and the explanations for the best multiclass options in Baldur’s Gate 3.

  • S = The best muliclasses to play. They work particularly well with each other and usually complement each other’s styles.
  • A = These multiclasses are great to play. Some may not complement each other’s stats, but they bring something new and powerful to the game.
  • B = While not the best multiclass in the game, they can provide something unique if you’re looking to play a specific kind of character who isn’t fully optimized for the harder difficulty modes.

While classes like the Monk have received minor buffs in updates, the overall content of the jobs hasn’t changed much since launch, so these builds should be valid, regardless of the current patch you’re using.

S-Tier multiclass options in Baldur’s Gate 3

A screenshot from the game Baldur's Gate 3Larian Studios
Give Wyll some holy powers to counteract Mizora’s influence

Paladin/Warlock

This holdover build from D&D 5E is a contradiction in terms of character concept. After all, how can you be a holy knight who has also made a pact with an evil supernatural being?

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Once you’ve come up with a fancy backstory, you’ll be in for one of the best builds in the game. The Warlock’s ability to restore spell slots from a Short Rest means you can be more liberal with your usage of leveled spells. You’ll also be a master of Eldritch Blast, the best long-ranged Cantrip in the game.

This mix also lets you turn Strength into a dump stat, though it takes some time to get there. Once you hit Warlock 3, you can select Pact of the Blade, which lets you strike using your Charisma modifier, allowing you to become a social-focused character with a lot of combat power.

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In terms of build, there are a few options, but Oath of Vengeance Paladin/The Fiend Warlock is one of the most effective. Oath of Vengeance gives you lots of great combat moves & debuff spells, while The Fiend gives you Dark One’s Blessing, giving you temporary hit points whenever you kill an enemy.

There are several potential level spreads, but Paladin 7/Warlock 5 might be the most effective. The seven Paladin levels give you Extra Attack, Aura of Protection, and a subclass feature, while the five Warlock levels give you level 3 spells.

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ProsCons
Great synergy for boosting melee attacks with magicCombining two secondary spellcasters means almost no access to high-level abilities
Access to one of the best ranged Cantrips in the gameHeavy reliance on low-level spell slots throughout the run
Great full armor build for spellcastersMakes no sense in-universe
Useful stat spread for out-of-combat interactionsOnly two Feats

The advised level progression for this build is:

Class & LevelAbilities
Paladin 1Higher max hit points, armor & weapon proficiencies, Lay on Hands, Divine Sense, Subclass (Oath of Vengeance), Channel Oath
Warlock 1Access to Eldritch Blast, arcane spells, spell slots refresh on short rest Subclass (Fiend)
Warlock 2Eldritch Invocations (Agonizing Blast + Repelling Blast)
Warlock 3Pact Boon (Pact of the Blade)
Paladin 2Paladin spells, Divine Smite, Fighting Style (Duelling)
Paladin 3Divine Health, Subclass Feature (Abjure Enemy & Vow of Enmity)
Paladin 4Lay on Hands Charge, Feat (Durable)
Paladin 5Extra Attack, Subclass Feature (more spells)
Warlock 4Extra Cantrip, Feat (Ability Score Improvement to Charisma)
Warlock 5Deepend Pact, Extra Eldtich Invocation (Mire the Mind)
Paladin 6Aura of Protection
Paladin 7Subclass Feature (Relentless Avenger)

Fighter/Barbarian

The Barbarian and Fighter are frontloaded classes that give you a lot early on but are quite boring later. By mixing them, you can have the best of both worlds.

The Fighter brings better armor proficiencies, Second Wind, and Action Surge. The Barbarian on the other hand brings fantastic hit points, Rage, and resistance to most damage, making you an unstoppable force of tactical rage.

The best mix is Battle Master Fighter with Berserker Barbarian. The Battle Master adds many combat abilities that can be used to inflict debuffs on foes, while Berserker gives you access to a stronger version of Rage and new attacks.

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In terms of spread, Barbarian 8/Fighter 4 is a great mix. The Barbarian levels will give you Feral Instinct, two Feats, and your level 6 subclass feature, while the Fighter gets their subclass, a Feat, and their amazing low-level powers. You can also go Barbarian 9/Fighter 3 to trade Brutal Critical for a Feat.

ProsCons
Action Surge & Rage combo allows for high-damage combat roundsBarbarian’s Unarmored Defense will be useless
High hit points and AC boosts your survivability in combatMost of your focus will be on melee combat and not ranged

The advised level progression for this build is:

Class & LevelAbilities
Barbarian 1High starting hit points, Rage, Unarmored Defense
Fighter 1More proficiencies, Fighting Style (Great Weapon Fighting), Second Wind
Fighter 2Action Surge
Fighter 3Battle Master Subclass (Precision Attack, Menacing Attack, Riposte)
Fighter 4 Feat (Great Weapon Master)
Fighter 5Extra Attack
Barbarian 2Danger Sense, Reckless Attack
Barbarian 3Subclass (Berserker)
Barbarian 4Feat (Ability Score Improvement – Strength)
Barbarian 5Fast Movement
Barbarian 6Mindless Rage
Barbarian 7Feral Instinct

Sorcerer/Warlock

This class combination is fantastically powerful in Dungeons & Dragons, and that extends to Baldur’s Gate, even if some of the spells aren’t in the game.

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They both use Charisma, and the Sorcerer addition will give your Warlock more spells and better ways to use them, thanks to Metamagic. Alternatively, the Warlock addition grants more armor proficiencies, higher hit points, and the beloved Eldritch Blast – a win-win.

The intention is to mainly be a Sorcerer and to dip two levels into Warlock, just so you get access to Eldritch Blast and Agonizing Blast. The final spread will be Sorcerer 10/Warlock 2. You’ll miss out on level 6 spells, but you’ll have the best Cantrip in the game at your beck and call.

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In terms of subclasses, Storm Sorcery has an amazing flying escape ability, while The Fiend gives you extra hit points via Dark One’s Blessing.

ProsCons
Access to Eldritch Blast means you have an effective weapon when you don’t want to burn through spell slotsNo access to high-level spells outside of magic items
Charisma synergy means you’ll be useful outside of combatDouble-dipping as arcane spellcasters means you’re not getting stuff from other class types

The advised level progression for this build is:

Class & LevelAbilities
Warlock 1Higher Hit Points + Armor Proficiencies, Eldritch Blast, Subclass (Fiend)
Warlock 2Eldritch Invocations (Agonizing Blast + Repelling Blast)
Sorcerer 1Sorcerer Spells, Subclass (Storm Sorcery)
Sorcerer 2Sorcery Points, Metamagic (Careful Spell + Twinned Spell)
Sorcerer 3Metamagic (Quickened Spell)
Sorcerer 4Feat (Ability Score Improvement – Charisma)
Sorcerer 5
Sorcerer 6Heart of the Storm, Heart of the Storm: Resistance
Sorcerer 7
Sorcerer 8Feat (War Caster)
Sorcerer 9
Sorcerer 10Metamagic (Subtle Spell)

A-Tier multiclass options in Baldur’s Gate 3

Shadowheart in Baldur's Gate 3Larian Studios
Shadowheart can be a master of thunder & lightning with a respec

Cleric/Sorcerer

These masters of the storm are among the best spellcasters in the game, thanks to their control of thunder and lightning via magic spells.

The idea is to take two levels in Tempest Domain Cleric and ten levels in Storm Sorcery Sorcerer. The Cleric levels give the character more armor proficiencies, but the real reason to follow the holy path is for Wrath of the Storm (a powerful counter-reaction attack), and the mighty Destructive Wrath.

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Destructive Wrath lets you expend Channel Divinity to maximize the damage of a Thunder or Lightning spell. This means you can deal ridiculous amounts of damage with spells like Lightning Bolt. You also gain all of the benefits of the Storm Sorcery subclass, enhancing your electricity even more.

ProsCons
Amazing Thunder or Lightning spell userNo access to high-level spells outside of magic items or scrolls
Armor proficiencies and extra hit points mean you won’t be as squishy as a full spellcasterLimited healing potential

The advised level progression for this build is:

Class & LevelAbilities
Cleric 1Higher Hit Points + Armor Proficiencies, Subclass (Tempest), Domain Spells
Cleric 2Channel Divinity, Turn Undead, Subclass Feature (Destructive Wrath)
Sorcerer 1Sorcerer Spells, Subclass (Storm Sorcery)
Sorcerer 2Sorcery Points, Metamagic (Careful Spell + Twinned Spell)
Sorcerer 3Metamagic (Quickened Spell)
Sorcerer 4Feat (Ability Score Improvement – Charisma)
Sorcerer 5
Sorcerer 6Heart of the Storm, Heart of the Storm: Resistance
Sorcerer 7
Sorcerer 8Feat (War Caster)
Sorcerer 9
Sorcerer 10Metamagic (Subtle Spell)

Rogue/Ranger

The Rogue can deal a lot of damage in combat, but it can be made even stronger by merging with the Ranger due to their incredible synergy.

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The ideal mix is Hunter Ranger 7/Assassin Rogue 5. The Ranger levels give you Defensive Tactics, Extra Attack, updated versions of Favoured Enemy and Natural Explorer, and spells. The Rogue levels give you 3d6 Sneak Attack, Cunning Action, and Uncanny Dodge.

This mix of classes is ideal for both powerful ranged builds or dual-wielders, especially if you choose to focus on the Stealth skill.

ProsCons
High movement character with powerful ranged options means it’s easy to stay aliveWon’t get the maximum Sneak Attack damage or Evasion
Extra Attack will make you a lot deadlier than a standard Rogue. Won’t have access to high-level Ranger spells

The advised level progression for this build is:

Class & LevelAbilities
Ranger 1Higher Hit Points + Armor Proficiencies, Favoured Enemy (Bounty Hunter), Natural Explorer (Wasteland Wanderer: Fire)
Rogue 1Sneak Attack 1d6, Expertise (Stealth, Sleight of Hand)
Rogue 2 Cunning Action
Ranger 2Ranger Spells, Fighting Style (Archery)
Rogue 3Subclass (Assassin), Sneak Attack 2d6
Ranger 3Subclass (Hunter), Hunter’s Prey (Colossus Slayer)
Ranger 4Feat (Ability Score Improvement – Dexterity)
Rogue 4Feat (Sharpshooter)
Ranger 5Extra Attack
Rogue 5Sneak Attack 3d6, Uncanny Dodge
Ranger 6Favoured Enemy (Keeper of the Veil), Natural Explorer (Wasteland Wanderer: Poison)
Ranger 7Defensive Tactics (Multiattack Defence)

Fighter/Rogue

Like the Ranger/Rogue, the Fighter/Rogue is a great mixture, but with a switch-up of the level split. You’ll be adding the power of Sneak Attack and extra movement to your warrior build.

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The idea is to go for Battle Master Fighter 5/Assassin Rogue 7. This gives you more armor & weapon proficiencies, Second Wind, Action Surge, a Feat, the Battle Master powers, and Extra Attack, while the Rogue gets Cunning Attack, 4d6 Sneak Attack, Uncanny Dodge, and Evasion.

This build isn’t quite as focused on Stealth, but the benefits of Sneak Attack means you can be a much stronger frontline warrior, so long as you can gain Advantage on attacks.

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ProsCons
Cunning Action combined with an armored melee build means you’ll have far more movement options than a standard FighterFinesse weapon requirements of Sneak Attack means you won’t be able to use some of the best melee weapons in the game
Sneak Attack can be brutal in the hands of a close-combat build.Won’t benefit from heavy armor

The advised level progression for this build is:

Class & LevelAbilities
Fighter 1Higher Hit Points + Armor Proficiencies, Second Wind, Fighting Style (Duelling)
Rogue 1Sneak Attack 1d6, Expertise (Deception, Stealth)
Fighter 2Action Surge
Rogue 2Cunning Action
Fighter 3Battle Master Subclass (Precision Attack, Menacing Attack, Riposte)
Rogue 3Assassin Subclass, Sneak Attack 2d6
Fighter 4 Feat (Ability Score Improvement – Dexterity)
Fighter 5Extra Attack
Rogue 4Feat (Defensive Duelist)
Rogue 5Sneak Attack 3d6, Uncanny Dodge
Rogue 6Expertise (Sleight of Hand, Persuasion)
Rogue 7Evasion, Sneak Attack 4d6

Bard/Rogue

The ultimate skill master. This mixture of classes means you need never worry about failing a skill check ever again, which is great if you want to stack your party with warriors who do the fighting while you sort out everything else.

The ideal mix here is College of Lore Bard 9/Arcane Trickster Rogue 3. The Rogue gets 2d6 Sneak Attack, Cunning Action, and some additional spells, while the Bard gets lots of spells, Cutting Words, extra skill proficiencies, and extra spells from different lists.

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The intention is to use the massive skill selection of the Rogue alongside the Bard’s Expertise, Jack of All Trades, and Bonus Proficiencies to give you extra benefits to every skill in the game. When you combine this with the Charisma focus of the Bard, you’ll have the ability to avoid danger at every turn.

ProsCons
Best out-of-combat skill user in the gameNo access to high-level Bard spells outside of items
Can bolster your melee & ranged weapons with Sneak AttackLacks the Charisma synergy of other multiclass builds
Cunning Action helps you get out of dodge when enemies are surrounding you.

The advised level progression for this build is:

Class & LevelAbilities
Bard 1Bard Spells, Bardic Inspiration
Rogue 1Sneak Attack 1d6, Expertise (Deception, Persuasion)
Rogue 2 Cunning Action
Rogue 3Arcane Trickster Subclass, Sneak Attack 2d6
Bard 2Song of Rest, Jack of All Trades
Bard 3Expertise (Performance, Stealth), College of Lore Subclass
Bard 4 Feat (Ability Score Improvement – Charisma)
Bard 5Font of Inspiration, Improved Bardic Inspiration
Bard 6Countercharm
Bard 7
Bard 8Feat (Actor)
Bard 9

B-Tier multiclass options in Baldur’s Gate 3

baldur's gate 3 monkLarian Studios
The Monk can be enhanced with some Sneak Attacks

Paladin/Sorcerer

This strange mixture is all about utilizing the Sorcerer’s Sorcery Points feature to maximize your use of Smite spells. You can transform Sorcery Points into spell slots, allowing you to keep throwing out powerful Smites in combat.

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The mix here is Oath of the Ancients Paladin 6/Storm Sorcery Sorcerer 6. The Paladin gets armor & weapon proficiencies, Extra Attack, and Aura of Protection, while the Sorcerer levels give you level 3 spells, a host of Metamagic powers, and your 2nd subclass feature.

This combination of classes lets you unleash many powerful melee attacks enhanced with magic while raining down damage at range with your arcane spells.

ProsCons
Sorcery Points let you use more of your Smite spellsLose access to high-level Paladin and Sorcerer spells
Higher hit points and more armor proficiencies means you’re hardier than the average spellcasterYou’ll only get two Feats

The advised level progression for this build is:

Class & LevelAbilities
Paladin 1Higher max hit points, armor & weapon proficiencies, Lay on Hands, Divine Sense, Subclass (Oath of Vengeance), Channel Oath
Sorcerer 1Sorcerer Spells, Subclass (Storm Sorcery)
Paladin 2Paladin spells, Divine Smite, Fighting Style (Defence)
Sorcerer 2Sorcery Points, Metamagic (Careful Spell + Twinned Spell)
Paladin 3Divine Health, Subclass Feature (Abjure Enemy & Vow of Enmity)
Sorcerer 3Metamagic (Quickened Spell)
Paladin 4Feat (Ability Score Improvement – Charisma)
Sorcerer 4Feat (War Caster)
Paladin 5Extra Attack, Subclass Feature (more spells)
Sorcerer 5
Paladin 6Aura of Protection
Sorcerer 6Heart of the Storm, Heart of the Storm: Resistance

Monk/Rogue

A pretty simple mix that turns you into a ninja! To do this, you go Open Hand Monk 9/Thief Rogue 3 and prepare to batter your foes with your fists. You’ll end up with a Dexterity-based character who’s great at close range.

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The idea is that the Thief gives you an additional Bonus Action to use in combat, which you can use in conjunction with Flurry of Blows to perform extra attacks. You also have the benefit of Sneak Attack and Cunning Action, all of which are combined with the amazing melee skills of the Open Hand Monk, which is considered a powerful subclass on its own.

ProsCons
Great Dexterity synergy between the two classesNo benefit from your Rogue armor proficiencies
You’ll have more out-of-combat use than a regular MonkYou’ll need a high Wisdom, which is usually a Rogue dump stat
Thief’s extra Bonus Action can be used for more Flurry of Blow attacks

The advised level progression for this build is:

Class & LevelAbilities
Monk 1Flurry of Blows, Ki, Unarmoured Defense, Martial Arts
Rogue 1Sneak Attack 1d6, Expertise (Stealth, Sleight of Hand)
Rogue 2Cunning Action
Rogue 3Thief Subclass, Sneak Attack 2d6
Monk 2Unarmoured Movement, Patient Defence, Step of the Wind: Dash, Step of the Wind: Disengage
Monk 3Deflect Missiles, Martial Arts: Deft Strikes (1d6), Way of the Open Hand Subclass
Monk 4Feat (Tavern Brawler), Slow Fall
Monk 5Extra Attack, Stunning Strike
Monk 6Improved Unarmoured Movement, Ki-Empowered Strikes, Manifestation of Body Subclass Feature
Monk 7Evasion, Stillness of Mind
Monk 8 Feat (Ability Score Improvement – Dexterity)
Monk 9Advanced Unarmoured Movement, Martial Arts: Deft Strikes (1d8), Ki Resonation Subclass Feature

How to multiclass in Baldur’s Gate 3

Baldur’s Gate 3: All playable races, subraces & their abilitiesLarian Studios
There are several ways to multiclass in Baldur’s Gate 3

When you create a character in Baldur’s Gate 3, you’ll be allowed to make a level 1 protagonist. From that point on, whenever you level up, you can multiclass. To do this, press left or right on the level up screen when your class & abilities appear. This will let you select a different class to put the level in.

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Once Withers appears in your party, you can talk to him and pay him some cash to respec a character. This will let you use the same method listed above to spread all of the levels you’ve earned so far to your desire.

Should you multiclass in Baldur’s Gate 3 – pros & cons

A screenshot from the game Baldur's Gate 3Larian Studios
Gale won’t benefit much from deviating from the path of the Wizard

The biggest benefit of multiclassing is gaining access to new class features and proficiencies that you normally wouldn’t access. These can involve giving spellcasters more hit points and better armor options, warriors gaining more skills to use outside of battle, and allowing stealthy characters to use a wide range of magic.

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It’s advised that new players who are unfamiliar with D&D avoid multiclassing. While you likely won’t make an unplayable character, tinkering with the rules and experimenting with builds is more beneficial to those who know what they’re doing and what to expect in the game.

There are two main drawbacks when it comes to multiclassing in Baldur’s Gate 3. The first is that primary spellcasters (Bard, Cleric, Druid, Sorcerer, Warlock, and Wizard) won’t get access to their most powerful spells and full allotment of spell slots. This can be a huge penalty in the later stages of the game.

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The lesser drawback is that you won’t get access to as many features, and it will take longer for you to acquire them. This isn’t as punishing as many Feats in Baldur’s Gate 3 are lackluster and can easily be ignored.

That’s all there is to know about how to multiclass in Baldur’s Gate 3. For more on the game, check out the best build for Shadowheart, how to find Halsin, whether or not you can romance multiple companions, and how to revive companions.

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