Baldur's Gate 3 gives players full class customization between their own character and all those that join their party throughout the journey. Each class has multiple subclasses to choose from, each prioritizing different roles in combat and passing specific checks outside of combat.

Cleric is arguably one of the best classes in the game, and a War Domain cleric is one of the best subclass options. This subclass focuses on fighting on the front lines, while still finding opportunities to heal and support the rest of the party whenever the need arises. Here's the best build for a War Domain Cleric, and how to use them in combat effectively.

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Important Attributes & Feats for War Domain Clerics in Baldur's Gate 3

The Player Getting the Sentinel Feat

The most important attributes you'll want to have as high as possible are:

  • Wisdom
  • Constitution
  • Dexterity

As with any Cleric, you'll want Wisdom to be the highest to make sure you're getting the most out of your spells, which will always be the most important part of the class. You'll then want Constitution to be high, then Dexterity, as this subclass will often be on the front lines and taking a lot of damage. It's best to get the Ability Enhancement feats whenever possible to upgrade the above attributes a few times to make sure you have the foundations for the rest of the build.

Another useful feat to get is Sentinel, since this character will often be in close range with enemies.

Weapons & Armor for War Domain Clerics in Baldur's Gate 3

Shadowheart Wearing Medium Armor

In terms of armor, you'll want medium or heavy armor, depending on the proficiency your character has, to make sure you have a high AC. It's important this character stays up in combat, so you'll also want a shield, along with whatever powerful one-handed weapon you can find. While focusing on just AC can make this character susceptible to magic, you should aim to always be close to or in combat with enemies, drawing out more melee attacks than spell damage.

Shadowheart With a Shield Equipped

If you can find gear that boosts any of the attributes listed above, prioritize those second. Some ideal armor pieces that boost AC include:

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Best Spells & Cantrips for War Domain Clerics in Baldur's Gate 3

Guiding Bolt Being Prepared in the Spellbook

For this subclass, you'll want to start out with the cantrips Toll the Dead and Bursting Sinew, giving you decent damage options no matter what your melee weapon is. As for spells, here are some of the best ones available to War Domain Clerics that you should always have prepared and use in combat:

Spell Name

Uses

Mass Healing Word

Pick up any knocked-out party members nearby with a bonus action

Guiding Bolt

Deals decent damage when it hits, and also gives advantage on the target.

Cure Wounds

Heal a nearby ally for a decent amount of health.

Inflict Wounds

A high damage spell when in combat.

Lesser/Greater Restoration

Cure diseases, curses, and other afflictions.

Spirit Guardians

Deal damage to all nearby enemies.

Stoneskin

Limit movement but also halve all incoming damage.

Spiritual Weapon

Get an extra attack each turn.

Guardian of Faith

Damage nearby enemies, either near or far from the caster.

Planar Ally

Summon a powerful creature to fight by your side.

Flame Strike

Deals a huge amount of fire and radiant damage.

There are additional spell slots available to prepare each day, but the ones listed above should be used more often than not.

Tips for Playing War Domain Cleric in Baldur's Gate 3

The Divine Strike Reaction Prompt

While it's normal to play a Cleric back so they can focus on casting spells and healing, War Domain Clerics are best when played up against enemies. This subclass is great at taking advantage of reactions, and with the Feat, Sentinel, you'll have another one. Guided Strike adds +10 to your attack roll, greatly increasing the chances of it hitting.

Shadowheart Using Mass Cure Word

Divine Strike can also be added to reactions to increase the damage, and should almost always be used. Whenever you do use your basic attack, you can use a War Priest charge to get an additional attack in. Stoneskin may greatly slow you down and seem like it's limiting your character, but if surrounded, it can help keep you on your feet to get more reactions and spells in without having to worry about getting knocked down.

While this is a more aggressive Cleric, you'll still need to make sure they don't go down so they can keep healing your party as often as necessary. Never leave them alone on the front lines, but they do make a good tank for the party overall.

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Baldur's Gate 3 Tag Page Cover Art
9 /10

Baldur's Gate 3
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RPG
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Systems
PlayStation-1 Xbox-1 PC-1
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Top Critic Avg: 96 /100 Critics Rec: 97%
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Released
August 3, 2023
ESRB
M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence
Developer(s)
Larian Studios
Publisher(s)
Larian Studios
Engine
Divinity 4.0
Multiplayer
Online Co-Op, Local Co-Op
Cross-Platform Play
Full cross-platform play.
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WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
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Genre(s)
RPG