Why Baldur's Gate 3's CHA-Based Classes Are So Popular

Summary

The Baldur's Gate 3 class system is robust and takes into account a wide range of scenarios, in and out of combat.
Charisma-based classes (Sorcerer, Bard, Warlock, and Paladin) are popular in Baldur's Gate 3 due to their versatility in both combat and non-combat situations.
Sorcerers, Warlocks, Paladins, and Bards offer rewarding playstyles and have unique abilities that make them fun and powerful classes to play in Baldur's Gate 3.

Creating a new character or picking the Dark Urge origin in Baldur's Gate 3 is the start of a long path for any player. A lot goes into creating a character for an RPG like Baldur's Gate 3, especially as it uses the Dungeons and Dragons system. Adapted from the popular tabletop RPG, Baldur's Gate 3's characters have a set of characteristics that are determined by their classes, which are further divided into subclasses.

While it may seem complicated, and has a steep learning curve for new players, the Baldur's Gate 3 class system is robust and takes into account a massive range of scenarios, in and out of combat. Each class specializes in an ability, and the four Charisma-based classes have proven to be the most popular classes in Baldur's Gate 3 among players. These classes are Sorcerer, Bard, Warlock, and Paladin; each of these classes can start out with a Charisma stat at 17. While this means that their damage or spells are based on their Charisma stat, this statistic also happens to have much broader implications that prove useful throughout BG3.

What is the Charisma Ability?

Charisma is an incredibly useful stat that's used far beyond the battlefield. Those proficient in Charisma are known to avoid battle entirely just by talking their way out if it using Charisma-based skills, which includes Persuasion, Deception, Performance, and Intimidation. These skills also open up alternate paths to special loot, quests, and insight into characters that would otherwise be missed if the checks are failed.

This makes the classes that use Charisma as their base stat extremely versatile, as they excel both in and out of combat. Players can choose to fight or talk their way out of combat, giving them endless options. In tabletop RPGs like Dungeons and Dragons, characters like these are essentially limited to the imagination of the DM in control of the game which, in the case of a CRPG like Baldur's Gate 3, is the developer: Larian Studios. Larian has given players ample choices and variety in gameplay styles, making playing a Charisma-based class incredibly rewarding.

The Charisma-Based Classes of Baldur's Gate 3

Aside from the rewarding playstyles Charisma offers, Sorcerers, Warlocks, Paladins, and Bards are really fun and powerful classes to play. BG3's Sorcerers have more spellcasting options for magic than Wizards do, and their subclasses allow for interesting variation. Warlocks are a less complicated spellcaster for those who don't want to worry as much about spell slots, and their pacts add exciting lore and an opportunity for roleplaying. Warlocks also come with Eldritch Blast, one of the most potent cantrips in Baldur's Gate 3.

Paladins are the most popular class in Baldur's Gate 3 thanks to their proficiency with heavy armor, the best weapons, and Divine Smite. Players who pick this class can choose between three Oaths, each with its own set of laws the Paladin must follow, lest they become an Oathbreaker. This adds an interesting element to roleplaying and gives direction to the player in terms of what kind of character they can create.

Bards are the most versatile class in Baldur's Gate 3, with powerful support spells, the ability to use weapons, and their Jack of All Trades ability which adds a bonus to all skills they aren't proficient in, which is often the difference between success or failure. Bards are also proficient performers and musicians, and gives any playthrough an element that feels very different to any other CRPG.