In the world of Baldur’s Gate 3, choosing the right class is a crucial decision that will shape your gameplay experience. With a whopping 12 classes and 46 subclasses to choose from, it can feel overwhelming at first. Fortunately, GameSpot has got you covered with their comprehensive video guide that provides an overview of each class and subclass. Whether you prefer close quarters combat as a Barbarian, want to support your party with high charisma as a Bard, or harness powerful divine magic as a Cleric, this guide will help you navigate the class selection process and find the perfect fit for your playstyle. Remember, your class choice is just one piece of the puzzle, as race, background, and subclass options also contribute to your character’s unique abilities and playstyle. So, if you’re ready to embark on an epic adventure in Baldur’s Gate 3, let this guide be your starting point to find the class that’s right for you.
Baldur’s Gate 3: A Guide to Class Selection
Welcome to Baldur’s Gate 3, where your adventure begins! Choosing the right class is an important decision that will shape your journey throughout the game. With a wide range of options available, it can feel overwhelming at first. That’s why we’re here to guide you through the process and help you make an informed decision. In this comprehensive article, we will provide an overview of each class, discuss the subclasses within each class, and explore the playstyle and abilities associated with each choice. So grab your spellbook or sword and let’s dive into the world of Baldur’s Gate 3!
Overview of Classes and Subclasses
Baldur’s Gate 3 offers a diverse selection of classes, each with its own unique playstyle and abilities. Whether you prefer to be a brute force barbarian or a cunning rogue, there’s a class that will suit your desired playstyle. The classes available in the game include the Barbarian, Bard, Cleric, Druid, Fighter, Monk, Paladin, Ranger, Rogue, Sorcerer, Warlock, and Wizard. Within each class, there are also several subclasses to choose from, allowing for even more customization and specialization.
Factors to Consider in Class Selection
Before diving into the specifics of each class, it’s important to consider a few factors that will help guide your class selection. First and foremost, think about your preferred playstyle. Do you enjoy dealing massive damage up close, or would you rather provide support to your party members from a distance? Are you drawn to magic and spellcasting, or do you prefer relying on your physical abilities? Understanding your playstyle will help narrow down your options and ensure you choose a class that aligns with your preferences.
Another factor to consider is the role you want to fulfill in your adventuring party. Are you looking to be the tank, absorbing damage and protecting your allies? Or do you want to take on the role of a healer, ensuring your party stays healthy and in fighting condition? Perhaps you prefer being a damage dealer, focusing on dealing as much damage as possible to your enemies. Your chosen class will greatly impact your ability to fulfill these roles effectively.
Lastly, consider the setting and story of Baldur’s Gate 3. Think about how your chosen class will fit into the world and contribute to the narrative. Do you envision your character as a powerful sorcerer with a mysterious past? Or maybe a valiant knight, sworn to protect the innocent? Aligning your class choice with the game’s lore can add depth and immersion to your gameplay experience.
Now that we’ve explored the factors to consider, let’s delve into the details of each class to help you make an informed decision.
1. The Barbarian Class
1.1 Overview
Baldur’s Gate 3 offers an exciting opportunity to unleash your primal fury as a Barbarian. Barbarians are fierce warriors who tap into their inner rage to become unstoppable forces on the battlefield. With their incredible strength and durability, they excel at dealing massive damage and soaking up hits from enemies. If you enjoy being at the forefront of combat, smashing foes with your mighty weapons, the Barbarian class might be the perfect fit for you.
1.2 Subclasses
Within the Barbarian class, there are several subclasses to choose from, each offering a different playstyle and unique abilities. The available subclasses include the Path of the Berserker, Path of the Totem Warrior, Path of the Zealot, and Path of the Battlerager.
The Path of the Berserker focuses on maximizing your damage output, allowing you to unleash your rage and strike fear into the hearts of your enemies. The Path of the Totem Warrior, on the other hand, grants you a spiritual connection to nature, providing you with animal-themed abilities and enhanced durability. The Path of the Zealot is a subclass for those seeking divine inspiration, granting you powerful abilities that draw upon divine energy. Finally, the Path of the Battlerager is all about defense and resilience, allowing you to don spiked armor and use it to your advantage in combat.
Each subclass offers its own unique benefits, so be sure to consider the playstyle and abilities associated with each before making your choice.
1.3 Playstyle and Abilities
As a Barbarian, your playstyle will revolve around getting up close and personal with your enemies, dealing massive damage with your brutal attacks. One of the defining features of the Barbarian class is their rage ability. When in a rage, Barbarians gain increased damage, resistance to damage, and a host of other benefits depending on their chosen subclass.
Barbarians also have access to a variety of melee weapons, such as greatswords, greataxes, and mauls, allowing them to dish out devastating blows. Additionally, they possess a unique ability called Reckless Attack, which grants them advantage on attack rolls but leaves them vulnerable to counterattacks.
Another notable feature of the Barbarian class is their ability to withstand punishment. With high hit points and resistance to damage, Barbarians can tank hits like no other class. This makes them ideal for drawing enemy attention away from more vulnerable party members and protecting the group as a whole.
In summary, the Barbarian class is a powerful choice for those who enjoy being at the forefront of combat, dealing massive damage, and soaking up hits. With their rage ability, variety of weapon choices, and resilience, Barbarians can be a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield.
With the Barbarian class explored, let’s move on to the next class in our guide.
2. The Bard Class
2.1 Overview
The Bard class in Baldur’s Gate 3 is all about versatility and charisma. Bards are skilled performers and spellcasters who inspire their allies and manipulate the battlefield with their magical abilities. If you enjoy being the center of attention, charming both friend and foe alike, the Bard class might be the perfect fit for you.
2.2 Subclasses
Within the Bard class, there are several subclasses to choose from, each offering a different playstyle and unique abilities. The available subclasses include the College of Lore, College of Valor, College of Glamour, and College of Whispers.
The College of Lore focuses on expanding your knowledge and versatility, granting you additional skill proficiencies and access to a wider range of spells from different spellcasting classes. With the College of Valor, you become a formidable warrior and spellcaster, combining martial prowess with magical abilities. The College of Glamour allows you to captivate and enchant those around you, using magical performances to control the battlefield. Lastly, the College of Whispers is all about manipulation and intrigue, granting you abilities to gather secrets, extract information, and sow discord among your foes.
Each subclass offers its own unique benefits, so be sure to consider the playstyle and abilities associated with each before making your choice.
2.3 Playstyle and Abilities
As a Bard, your playstyle is characterized by your magical abilities and charismatic presence. Bards have access to a wide range of spells, allowing them to support their allies, control the battlefield, and even deal damage from a distance. Whether it’s healing wounds, charming enemies, or manipulating the elements, Bards can adapt to any situation.
In addition to their spellcasting, Bards have a unique ability called Bardic Inspiration. This ability allows you to inspire your allies, granting them bonuses to their ability checks, saving throws, or attack rolls. It’s a powerful tool for boosting your party’s effectiveness in combat.
Bards also possess a feature called Jack of All Trades, which grants them a bonus to all ability checks that do not already include their proficiency bonus. This further enhances their versatility and utility, making them valuable assets to any adventuring party.
In summary, the Bard class is a versatile and charismatic choice for those who enjoy using their magical abilities to support their allies and manipulate the battlefield. With their wide range of spells, Bardic Inspiration, and knack for social interactions, Bards can be the life of the party both in and out of combat.
With the Bard class covered, let’s move on to the next class in our guide.
3. The Cleric Class
3.1 Overview
3.2 Subclasses
3.3 Playstyle and Abilities
And so the comprehensive guide to class selection in Baldur’s Gate 3 continues…
Baldur’s Gate 3: A Guide to Class Selection
Baldur’s Gate 3 boasts an impressive collection of 12 classes and 46 subclasses. Unsure of where to begin? Don’t fret, because we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we will provide you with all the necessary information to kickstart your character creation journey. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or new to the world of Baldur’s Gate, this guide is the perfect starting point for your class selection. So let’s dive right in and discover which class suits your playstyle and preferences.
