Rhenn is a Manila-based content writer with a love for all things geek and pop culture, and science and technology. He graduated BA Journalism degree as a Cum Laude, and has since then pursued making content about geek culture.
Rhenn used to write for a couple of geek and gaming publications, and also served as editor-in-chief for Philippines-based What's A Geek!. He constantly plays video games but also takes the time to try out older titles. If he's not playing video games, he's probably playing TTRPGs.
Baldur's Gate 3 players should consider multiclass combinations for more flexible character builds.
Larian Studios will introduce new subclasses, enhancing gameplay for fans of Baldur's Gate 3.
Multiclass setups like Lockadin Staple and God of Thunder offer unique thematic combinations for more powerful characters.
With Baldur’s Gate 3 following Dungeons & Dragons rules, players can finally go to Faerun with characters straight from their personal D&D campaigns. Baldur’s Gate 3 players face the challenge of a Mindflayer invasion on top of an Illithid parasite threatening to transform their characters into Mindflayers themselves, forcing players into a time crunch to save the Forgotten Realms or lose their identities entirely.
While the game allows player characters to follow a set class throughout their adventures, leveling up in other classes can provide room for more flexible builds. Thanks to Multiclass combinations, the right setup can equip characters with the best that D&D classes have to offer, transforming them into multi-faceted warriors capable of besting any threat.
Updated on January 13, 2025, by Rhenn Taguiam: With Larian Studios about to introduce 12 new Subclasses to enhance a player’s Baldur’s Gate 3 gameplay, fans of the acclaimed RPG are likely excited to test entirely new and bizarre character builds in new runs. However, fans who want to enjoy the game before these new subclasses appear might want to dive deep into some must-try Multiclass setups. After all, the game will have its Multiclass dynamic most likely changed drastically once Subclasses like the Swashbuckler and even the Oath of Conquest start appearing for the game’s iconic classes. Among those included are a staple build for the Paladin and the Warlock, as well as a thematic mix between a Sorcerer and a Cleric.
Enhance The Warlock’s Utility With All-Around Offense And Defense
Considering how Baldur’s Gate 3 is a faithful interpretation of the D&D 5e ruleset, it makes sense for the critically acclaimed RPG to take cues from the TTRPG on its more potent builds. Chief among such builds is the Lockadin Staple, where the CHA-based synergies of the Warlock and Paladin meant the former’s lack of Spell Slots but powerful utility complements the latter’s lack of utility Spells but quite the firepower.
The gist of the build ensures the damage and utility potential of the Warlock is maximized with the inclusion of extra survivability with the Paladin’s Heavy Armor Proficiency alongside more potent offense courtesy of Divine Smite and Extra Attack. Getting short-rest Spell Slots from the Warlock can give much room for nova-ing Divine Smites while abusing Eldritch Blast in the long range.
Here’s how players can do 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
The existence of Elemental Resistances and Advantages in Baldur’s Gate 3, on top of its thematic gear, meant the freedom for players to make quite the symbolic builds that follow the elements. One such example is the God of Thunder, blending together the Storm Sorcerer's innate ferocity and the Tempest Cleric's combat-centric Proficiencies.
At first glance, dipping two levels with the Cleric doesn’t seem as useful if the intent is only to get Heavy Armour and Martial Weapons Proficiency. However, the key thing for would-be Thors to get here is Wrath of the Storm, as players now get a Reaction that can deal either 2d8 Lightning or Thunder Damage if they fail a DEX Save - giving this build a version of a Reaction-only Divine Smite with a more elemental-appropriate damage. At 2nd-Level Tempest Cleric, Destructive Wrath can use a Channel Divinity Charge and a Reaction to ensure a Spell’s Thunder or Lightning Damage is maximized - leaving a lot of openings to nova opponents with a higher-level Sorcerer Spell of a similar variant.
Here’s how players can do 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
10
Zombie Lord (Spore Druid 6, Necromancy Wizard 6)
Get All The Shiny Summons
Summoner builds have become quite the popular setup in Baldur’s Gate 3, especially in the latter parts of the game when the stakes are just too high and a four-man unit might not be enough against extremely powerful squads of enemies. Thanks to the Zombie Lord, the many undead summons of the Necromancy Wizard can be supplemented with the natural offensive capabilities of the Spore Druid.
While some might argue that pursuing a full Necromancy Wizard build can maximize a player’s summoning potential, the extra Zombies from a Spore Druid can give much-needed variety for players. An integral component of this build would be gaining Dance Macabre from the Necromancy of Thay which gives players four free Ghouls per long rest, a free Necromancy Spell cast from the Staff of Cherished Necromancy, and Haste Spores from Armour of the Scorekeeper to transform the Necromancer into a pseudo-support unit.
Here’s how players can do this build:
Level
Class Choice & Features
Total Spells Available
Level 1
Wizard 1
Spellcasting
Arcane Recovery
New Cantrips: Fire Bolt, Mage Hand, Minor Illusion
New Spells: Chromatic Orb, False Life, Ice Knife, Mage Armour, Magic Missile, Ray of Sickness
Create A Thematic Dark Defender For Powerful Roleplays
The existence of the Dark Urge in Baldur's Gate 3 can encourage players to take a more grisly path in their journey amid the ongoing Mindflayer invasion, making the Dark Sentinel an ideal Multiclass build for roleplayers to try.
This build is more thematic than hyper-optimized, going for a quick Oathbreaker transition and then securing Pact of the Blade as well as dipping in Fighter for more versatile combat options.
Here’s how players can create a Dark Sentinel build:
Level
Class Choices & Features
Total Spells Available
Level 1
Paladin 1: Oath Of Vengeance into Oathbreaker Subclass
8
Traditional Sorcadin (Vengeance Paladin 6, Storm Sorcerer 6)
Secure A Flexible Tank With A Paladin, Sorcerer Tandem
Players who want a Multiclass build to get them into both D&D and Baldur's Gate 3 gameplay should consider getting the Traditional Sorcadin. This build takes full advantage of the fact that both Classes need CHA for their Spellcasting, all the while the Paladin's STR focus can ensure players are well-defended in the frontlines with a Greatsword and the Sorcerer can introduce them to the game's magic system.
The Storm Sorcerer's Tempestuous Magic can give much-needed mobility to the player, enabling their Paladin to stay in the frontlines and keep enemies within their reach. Divine Smite can easily become the player's go-to attack, reserving the Sorcerer's toolkit for extra utility and even converting Sorcery Points to much-needed Spell Slots for more smiting. Here’s how a Traditional Sorcadin setup would work:
Level
Class Choices & Features
Total Spells Available
Level 1
Paladin 1: Oath of Vengeance Subclass
Lay on Hands
Divine Sense
Channel Oath: Inquisitor’s Might
Channel Oath: 1
Lay on Hands: 3
Level 2
Paladin 2
Divine Smite
Fighting Style: Great Weapon Fighting
Channel Oath: 1
Lay on Hands: 4
Known Spells: 11 1st-Level
Spell Slots: 2 1st-Level
Level 3
Sorcerer 1: Storm Sorcerer Subclass
Tempestuous Magic
New Cantrips: Fire Bolt, Mage Hand, True Strike, Minor Illusion
Capitalize On Hitting Multiple Times With Ranger Utils
Building upon the flexibility of the Fighter in Baldur’s Gate 3 is the Champion Archer. This build lays the foundation of a powerful ranged attacker with higher chances to crit with Improved Critical Hit, and better protection by choosing Fighting Style: Defense. Players also get a second Action in a turn with Action Surge. Favored Enemy: Bounty Hunter ensures that the Hunter Ranger becomes more efficient from afar with an improved Entangling Strike. Finally, Defensive Tactics: Multiattack Defense offers boosted defenses against opponents who try to score multiple attacks.
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For this build, here's a guide to the choices players should make each time they level up:
Level
Class Choices & Features
Total Spells Available
Level 1
Fighter 1
Fighting Style: choose Defense
Second Wind
None
Level 2
Fighter 2
Action Surge
None
Level 3
Fighter 3 - Champion subclass
Improved Critical Hit
None
Level 4
Ranger 1
Favored Enemy: choose Bounty Hunter
Natural Explorer: choose Beast Tamer
None
Level 5
Ranger 2
Fighting Style: choose Archery
Known Spells: 12 1st-Level
Spell Slots: 2 1st-Level
Level 6
Ranger 3 - Hunter subclass
Hunter’s Prey: choose Colossus Slayer
Known Spells: 12 1st-Level
Spell Slots: 2 1st-Level
Level 7
Ranger 4
Choose Feat: Sharpshooter
+1 1st-Level spell slot
Known Spells: 12 1st-Level
Spell Slots: 3 1st-Level
Level 8
Ranger 5
Extra Attack
Known Spells: 12 1st-Level, 7 2nd-Level
Spell Slots: 3 1st-Level
Level 9
Ranger 6
Favored Enemy: choose Mage Breaker
Natural Explorer: choose Any
Spell Slots: +1 1st-Level, +2 2nd-Level
Known Spells: 12 1st-Level, 7 2nd-Level
Spell Slots: 4 1st-Level, 2 2nd-Level
Level 10
Ranger 7
Defensive Tactics: choose Multiattack Defense
Known Spells: 12 1st-Level, 7 2nd-Level
Spell Slots: 4 1st-Level, 2 2nd-Level
Level 11
Ranger 8
Choose Feat: Savage Attacker
Land’s Stride: choose Difficult Terrain
Spell Slot: +1 2nd-Level
Known Spells: 12 1st-Level, 7 2nd-Level
Spell Slots: 4 1st-Level, 3 2nd-Level
Level 12
Ranger 9
Gain 3rd-level spells
Known Spells: 12 1st-Level, 7 2nd-Level, 5 3rd-Level
Frenzy And Sneak Attack Make For A Deadly DPS Combo
Should a character like John Wick be transferred into D&D, his lethal rage becomes that of the Frenzy Rogue. Starting as a Berserker Barbarian gives players access to Advantage to attacks with Reckless Attack. The eventual Assassin Rogue can transform these into guaranteed powerful strikes with Sneak Attack. Catching enemies by Surprise ensures a Critical thanks to Assassinate. Assassin’s Alacrity can extend fully restored Actions and Bonus Actions that lead to more Frenzy-enhanced strikes. Players who want an angry Baldur’s Gate 3 Rogue who just won’t stop hitting foes should consider this build.
Here's how to level this build in Baldur's Gate 3:
Level
Class Choices & Features
Level 1
Barbarian 1
Unarmored Defense
Rage
Level 2
Barbarian 2
Danger Sense
Reckless Attack
Level 3
Barbarian 3 - Berserker subclass
Additional Rage Charge
Frenzy: Frenzied Strike, Enraged Throw
Level 4
Barbarian 4
Choose Feat: Tavern Brawler
Level 5
Barbarian 5
Extra Attack
Fast Movement
Level 6
Rogue 1
Sneak Attack: 1d6
Sneak Attack, Melee
Sneak Attack, Range
Level 7
Rogue 2
Sneak Attack: 1d6
Cunning Action: Hide, Dash, Disengage
Level 8
Rogue 3 - Assassin subclass
Sneak Attack: 2d6
Assassinate: Initiative, Ambush
Assassin’s Alacrity
Level 9
Rogue 4
Sneak Attack: 2d6
Choose Feat: Savage Attacker
Level 10
Rogue 5
Sneak Attack: 3d6
Uncanny Dodge
Level 11
Rogue 6
Sneak Attack: 3d6
Choose Expertise to any 2 Skills
Level 12
Rogue 7
Sneak Attack: 4d6
Evasion
5
Eldritch Nuke (Fighter 2, Evocation Wizard 10)
Generic Burst Spellcaster With Massive Damage Options
While the Eldritch Knight for the Baldur’s Gate 3 Fighter does exist as a Subclass, a Fighter dipping into a Wizard via Eldritch Nuke could facilitate some of the deadliest plays in the game. The crux of the idea plays into boosting the Evocation Wizard’s innate firepower with the Fighter’s Heavy Armor Proficiency and Action Surge. Although the Eldritch Nuke blocks 6th-level Spells from the Wizard, this character should pack enough punch to obliterate mobs quickly.
Level
Class Choices & Features
Total Spells Available
Level 1
Fighter 1
Fighting Style: choose Defense and Great Weapon Fighting
Heavy Armor Proficiency
Second Wind
None
Level 2
Fighter 2
Action Surge
None
Level 3
Wizard 1
Wizard Spellcasting
Arcane Recovery
Known Spells: 2 + INT Mod
Spell Slots: 3 Cantrips, 2 1st-Level
Level 4
Wizard 2 - Evocation
Evocation Spells
Sculpt Spells
+1 Spell learned
Spell Slot: +1 1st-Level
Known Spells: 3 + INT Mod
Spell Slots: 3 Cantrips, 3 1st-Level
Level 5
Wizard 3
+1 Spell learned
Spell Slots: +1 1st-Level, +2 2nd-Level
Known Spells: 4 + INT Mod
Spell Slots: 3 Cantrips, 4 1st-Level, 2 2nd-Level
Level 6
Wizard 4
Choose Feat: Ability Score Increase to Intelligence
Players looking for a powerful Baldur’s Gate 3 setup can rely on Dungeons & Dragons builds for decent performance, which is something the Coffeelock Staple does. Coffeelocks secure the level-scaling Eldritch Blast Cantrip of the Warlock and combine it with the Sorcerer’s ability to cycle Sorcery Points for more spell slots. The Fiend Warlock, in particular, can deal more damage with their Eldritch Blast based on their CHA Mod thanks to Agonizing Blast, with the Storm Sorcerer enjoying more damage with Lightning/Thunder spells such as Tempestuous Magic and Heart of the Storm.
Level
Class Choices & Features
Total Spells Available
Level 1
Warlock 1 - The Fiend
Dark One’s Blessing
Warlock Spells: 2 + CHA Mod
Warlock Spell Slots: +2 Cantrips, +1 1st-Level
Warlock Spells: 2 + CHA Mod
Warlock Spell Slots: 2 Cantrips, 1 1st-Level
Level 2
Warlock 2
Eldritch Invocations: choose Agonizing Blast, Fiendish Vigor/Armor of Shadows
Get A Straightforwardly Powerful Damage Boost With Sneak Attacks
The Stalker Assassin demonstrates one of the best ways to dominate combat in Baldur’s Gate 3. The seemingly boring one-hit kill can often save the party from nigh-insurmountable threats. With this in mind, the Stalker Assassin is a must-have in higher difficulties such as Tactician Mode, where jumping the gun on opponents is one of the few ways to guarantee survival. Completing the Stalker Assassin relies on the Assassin Rogue’s preference for boosted damage against Surprised foes with Assassinate, combined with the Gloom Stalker Ranger’s advanced movement options via Dread Ambusher.
Level
Class Choices & Features
Total Spells Available
Level 1
Rogue 1
Sneak Attack: 1d6
Sneak Attack: Melee, Ranged
None
Level 2
Rogue 2
Sneak Attack: 1d6
Cunning Action: Hide, Dash, Disengage
None
Level 3
Rogue 3 - Assassin subclass
Sneak Attack: 2d6
Assassinate: Initiative, Ambush
Assassin’s Alacrity
None
Level 4
Rogue 4
Sneak Attack: 2d6
Choose Feat: Two-Weapon Fighting
None
Level 5
Rogue 5
Sneak Attack: 3d6
Uncanny Dodge
None
Level 6
Ranger 1
Favored Enemy: choose Mage Breaker
Natural Explorer: choose Beast Tamer
None
Level 7
Ranger 2
Fighting Style: choose Two-Weapon Fighting
1st- Level Spells
Spell Slots: +2 1st-Level
Known Spells: 12 1st-Level
Spell Slots: 2 1st-Level
Level 8
Ranger 3 - Gloom Stalker subclass
Superior Darkvision
Dread Ambusher: Hide
Umbral Shroud
Learn: Disguise Self
Known Spells: 12 1st-Level
Spell Slots: 2 1st-Level
Level 9
Ranger 4
Choose Feat: Any
Spell Slots: +1 1st-Level
Known Spells: 12 1st-Level
Spell Slots: 3 1st-Level
Level 10
Ranger 5
Extra Attack
Learn: Misty Step
2nd-Level Spells
Known Spells: 12 1st-Level, 7 2nd-Level
Spell Slots: 3 1st-Level
Level 11
Ranger 6
Favored Enemy: choose Bounty Hunter
Natural Explorer: choose Wasteland Wanderer - Fire
