All Available Classes and Subclasses in Baldur’s Gate 3

In Baldur’s Gate 3, players have the option to choose from 12 unique classes, each containing numerous subclasses that provide a wide variety of gameplay styles. Each class possesses significantly different abilities, all of which are essential for surviving the terrors of the Forgotten Realms.

Baldur’s Gate 3 follows the D&D 5E rules, requiring players to choose a race, background, and class combination at the beginning of the game. As the game progresses and players level up, they have the option to either stick with their chosen class (up to a maximum level of 12) or distribute levels among different classes, opening up possibilities for diverse multiclass builds.

Moreover, there is a subclass option available for each class that can be selected at any point between levels 1 and 3. These provide additional opportunities for customization, but it should be noted that only one subclass can be chosen per class.

Considering all of these choices, the following are all the available class and subclass options in Baldur’s Gate 3.

Baldur's Gate 3 Half-Orc Barbarian — Larian Studios/dexerto

Barbarians use raw strength to crush their enemies

The Barbarian prioritizes brute force over skill and subtlety. Your main goal is to strike your enemies with maximum impact and worry about details later. Leave the talking to your party members, as the only thing you value is the sharpness of your axe.

In Baldur’s Gate 3, Barbarians possess the greatest amount of hit points and can utilize their Rage ability to enhance their offensive capabilities. They also have superior mobility compared to other martial classes and do not require armor to defend against attacks.

At level 3, Barbarians must select their subclass. The choices available to them are:

Berserker – Their Rage ability turns into Frenzy, which lets you toss enemies around. As they level up, they become immune to Charmed and Frightened conditions and can make Intimidation checks to scare foes.
Wildheart – These nature warriors harness the strength of animals, enhancing their Rage ability and acquiring a range of additional powers based on the creatures they revere.
Wild Magic – Incorporate spells into your fighting style, unleashing bursts of chaotic magic in battle. This is an ideal option for players who enjoy unpredictability. Additionally, you gain increased resistance to spells from others and have the ability to replenish allies’ magical abilities.

Bard

Bards make magic out of music, being the best buffers in the game

The Bards, known as the music makers and dreamers of dreams, are a versatile class that excels in various roles. Along with being skilled spellcasters, they are also capable of fighting alongside the warriors on the front lines and providing valuable aid to the party in non-combat situations.

Bard magic offers a versatile range of spells that can aid allies through healing and buffing, while also causing detrimental debuffs and status effects on foes. Additionally, bards can motivate the party and enhance their combat abilities. Furthermore, they are known to surprise enemies with a spontaneous mid-battle performance using their musical instrument.

At level 3, bards have the opportunity to select their subclass from the following options:

College of Lore – Not only can you pick spells from other class lists, but you can use the Cutting Words ability to insult enemies so hard that they fail their dice rolls.
College of Swords – These swashbucklers are masters of the blade, equalling the warriors of the party with their extra attacks and greater range of proficiencies.
College of Valour – The best buffing Bard, as their Bardic Inspiration ability can be used by allies to inflict more damage in combat. They can also wear better armor and use a shield in combat.

Cleric

Clerics call on the divine to heal their friends and destroy their enemies

In Baldur’s Gate 3, the existence of gods is undeniable. By praying with true devotion, one can harness their powers. The role of the Cleric is to act as a vessel for divine magic.

The Cleric is renowned as the top healing class in the game. Additionally, they possess unparalleled skills in destroying the undead and are able to harness holy magic to vanquish non-believers.

At level 1, Clerics are able to select their subclass. They have a variety of options to choose from, including:

Life Domain – If Clerics are the best healers, then this is the best healing subclass. All of your powers are centered around improving the effectiveness of your restorative abilities.
Light Domain – Use the power of light to blind foes, while also adding some powerful arcane fire spells to your arsenal.
Knowledge Domain – Gives you powers that aid your out of combat skills, along with adding some useful mind control/debuff spells.
The Nature Domain offers Druid-style powers and spells without the requirement of multiclassing.
Tempest Domain – Utilize the power of the storm to master Thunder and Lightning damage, as well as giving you Heavy Armor Proficiency.
The Trickery Domain is designed for a stealthy Cleric, granting them abilities to deceive enemies and access to spells that utilize shadows.
War Domain – If you want to fight alongside the warriors on the frontline, then this Domain will give you more combat proficiencies, buffing spells, and divinity powers that increase your damage in combat.

Character Class: Druid

Baldur's Gate 3 Wood Elf Druid — Larian Studios/dexerto

Druids can transform into animals and call on nature itself to aid them

In Baldur’s Gate 3, the voice of nature is frequently heard, urging action against those who harm the trees. Druids are the ones who heed this straightforward call, utilizing primal powers to manipulate their surroundings.

Druids possess a wide range of magical abilities, allowing them to both heal and control wild creatures, as well as manipulate the elements. Additionally, they have the unique ability to shapeshift into various animals, such as bears, utilizing their formidable strength to defeat enemies in battle.

At level 2, Druids are able to select their subclass. The available options are as follows:

Circle of the Moon – These are the masters of the Wild Shape ability, letting them transform into animals quicker, spend spells to heal in their new form, and even learn how to shift into elementals at higher levels.
Circle of the Land – These are the magic-focused Druids, who gain access to way more spells and can even recover some of their spent slots without resting.
Circle of the Spores – Ever watch The Last of Us? Is Parasect your favorite Pokemon? Then, this is the subclass for you. Infect your enemies with fungal spores and drain the life from their bodies.

Fighter

Fighters are the peak weapon masters in Baldur’s Gate 3

Despite initially being considered the most basic class in D&D, the Fighter has become one of the most favored options in Baldur’s Gate 3. While it may seem unexciting at first, this class proves to be incredibly powerful in combat situations.

As a Fighter, you have the ability to utilize any weapon or armor you come across, allowing you to easily upgrade your gear. One of the greatest advantages of playing a Fighter is their level 2 Action Surge ability, which allows you to unleash a barrage of attacks in a single round. Additionally, as a Fighter, you will have access to a larger variety of Feats than any other class in the game.

At level 3, fighters have the opportunity to select their subclass. They can choose from the following options:

Battle Master – Those who want to spice up the Fighter should go for the Battle Master. They gain access to different “Manoeuvres,” allowing you to pull special attacks in combat, including dealing more damage and inflicting status effects.
The Champion subclass is considered the most simplistic option in the game, boasting only one exceptional ability: reducing the required number for a critical hit from 20 to 19-20. If your goal is to minimize character customization and solely concentrate on gameplay, then this is the ideal subclass for you.
Eldritch Knight – You can cast some spells from the Wizard list, as well as enchant your favored weapon and throw Cantrips in alongside your main attack.

Monk

Monks clobber their foes to death with endless blows

Forget about that Tolkien-inspired fantasy nonsense. You’d much rather journey through the Forgotten Realms as a mystical Bruce Lee!

The Monk’s expertise in unarmed combat is unmatched. Spells and swords are not necessary for this skilled fighter – their Dragon Ball-style Ki strengthens their body to a level that surpasses metal, giving them the speed and ability to defeat anyone who dares to challenge them.

At level 3, monks select a subclass from the following options:

Way of the Four Elements – Not only do you have your martial skills, but you can add some spells to your repertoire, letting you call on the four classic elements in a fight.
Way of the Open Hand – Often called the best subclass in the game, these Monks can add status effects to their attacks and use their Ki to empower their attacks even further, for a ridiculous damage output.
Way of the Shadow – The Baldur’s Gate 3 version of the ninja, these Monks gain powers that make them more stealthy and allow them to operate in the darkness.

Paladin

Paladins use their holy might to obliterate their foes

Paladins are responsible for infusing their weapons with divine energy, just as Clerics do with their spells. These devoted knights have the ability to channel the raw power of their deities into their blades, unleashing devastating attacks against enemies, particularly the undead and fiends.

Paladins possess not only impressive combat prowess for defeating foes, but also the ability to utilize spells and special techniques to provide healing support for their comrades. Furthermore, their proficiency with all types of weapons and armor proves advantageous, as there is a plethora of exceptional gear available for knights to utilize.

At level 1, Paladins are required to select their subclass. Additionally, there exists a secret subclass that can only be unlocked by completing certain tasks. The available options for subclasses are:

The Oath of the Ancients is taken by Paladins who dedicate themselves to protecting nature. In addition to their Paladin abilities, they also possess powers from Druids and Rangers, such as the ability to repel fey and entangle enemies.
The Oath of Devotion is taken by those who dedicate themselves to defending the vulnerable. Through the use of holy magic, they are able to imbue their weapons with power and cast spells that provide protection for their allies.
As a follower of the Oath of Vengeance, your mission is to eliminate evil wherever it may lurk. Your powers and skills are focused on bolstering your own strength and diminishing your enemies, enabling you to defeat them with ease.
Oathbreaker – You have to select another Oath first and then perform actions to break it, transforming you into this subclass. You have shattered your oath and can tap into that heresy to inflict terrible debuffs onto your foes.

Ranger

Rangers are your best friends in the wilderness

Despite its reputation as the worst class in the game, the D&D 5E Ranger has been given a much-needed boost by Larian Studios. This has made them a more viable option in combat-heavy experiences like Baldur’s Gate 3.

Despite being adept in the wild, Rangers possess a diverse set of non-combat abilities that ensure the safety of their companions. In addition to their exceptional proficiency in archery and dual-wielding during combat, they also possess their own primal spells that can weaken enemies and increase their vulnerability to damage.

At level 3, rangers have the opportunity to select their subclass from the available options, which include:

Beast Master – Why fight alone when you can call on powerful animal companions to work alongside you? These helpful critters can damage enemies and scout ahead for the party without risking any important characters’ necks.
Hunter – Baldur’s Gate 3 players looking to emulate Drizzt should consider choosing this class, as it is tailored towards combat-focused Rangers. They have access to a range of useful skills that allow them to deal significant damage against specific types of enemies.
Gloom Stalker – The stealth-based Rangers gain spells that let them hide from foes, which is handy, as they’re incredibly deadly when fighting while unseen.

Rogue

Rogues are the masters of sneaking and assassination.

In Baldur’s Gate 3, as you venture through numerous dungeons and hazardous surroundings, there is no companion more valuable than a Rogue. Their keen eye for traps, ability to pick any lock, and knack for uncovering hidden treasures make them an essential member of any party.

Despite their focus on exploration, Rogues are not to be underestimated in combat. Their Sneak Attack ability allows them to inflict significant damage, and their exceptional Cunning Action power allows them to swiftly maneuver in and out of battle without hesitation.

At level 3, rogues have the opportunity to select their subclass from the following options:

Assassin – Hired killers can be a valuable asset in battle. With their ability to inflict heavy damage on unsuspecting enemies, these lethal Rogues are well-suited for groups that prefer a stealthy approach.
The Arcane Trickster is a type of Rogue that incorporates magic into their abilities. With the added bonus of being able to use the Mage Hand Cantrip, they can manipulate objects from a safe distance. This allows them to avoid potential danger while still completing their tasks effectively.
Thief – This subclass lets you perform two Bonus Actions per round. Not only does this synergy incredibly well with Cunning Action (allowing you to flee from dangerous situations easily), but it lets you chug two potions per round for extra healing & buffing.

Sorcerer

Sorcerers use their innate affinity for magic to change how spells work

Similarly to the mutants in the X-Men series, Sorcerers possess inherent abilities due to their genetic makeup. These powers are often inherited from a mystical ancestor, typically a dragon, resulting in a natural connection to arcane energy within their bloodline.

Sorcerers are a powerful class of arcane spellcasters known for their mastery of Metamagic. This ability allows them to manipulate spells in real-time, providing unparalleled customization in any situation. Additionally, they have the unique capability to generate additional spell slots, granting them a larger pool of magic to draw from compared to other spellcasters.

At level 1, sorcerers must select a subclass from the following options:

Draconic Bloodline – Your grandpa was Smaug. This gives you a choice of elemental affinities, more hit points, a higher armor class, and even the ability to fly at high levels.
Storm Sorcery – You can be Storm from the X-Men. The winds will pull you out of dangerous situations, while your Lightning and Thunder spells will wreak havoc on your foes.
Wild Magic – You are the embodiment of Chaos. There’s a chance that all of your spells will cause a Wild Magic surge, creating an unpredictable effect. You can also tip the odds in your favor, bending luck as needed.

Warlock

The Warlock is given many magical gifts from their otherworldly patron

In order to obtain their magical abilities, warlocks enter into a binding agreement with a higher being. In Baldur’s Gate 3, this results in owing a favor to a devil, Cthulhu, or a fairy monarch. Fortunately, as you fulfill your obligation, they will grant you various impressive powers.

Despite not having as many spells as Sorcerers or Wizards, you will still acquire a plethora of distinct magical abilities throughout the game. Additionally, the ability to restore spells on a Short Rest allows for a more liberal use of them. Furthermore, you excel in wielding the Eldritch Blast, widely considered the top Cantrip in Baldur’s Gate 3.

At level 1, Warlocks are able to select their subclass from the following options:

Archfey – You can tap into the power of the Feywild. This lets you frighten your foes and slip away from combat unnoticed.
The Fiend – You have the power of the Nine Hells or the Abyss. This lets you heal when you slay foes, improve your abilities, and resist damage.
The Great Old One – You have the power of the unknowable cosmos. This lets you terrify your enemies and shield your mind from intruders, which is really useful in a game filled with Mind Flayers.

Wizard

The Wizard’s mastery of magic lets them learn more spells than their peers

To achieve mastery in magic, wizards must put in diligent effort to comprehend its workings, delve into ancient rituals, and speak the secret languages necessary to command the Weave. This grants them unparalleled insight into the mechanics of magic.

As a Wizard, you have the ability to acquire every spell on your list by finding scrolls in the overworld. Additionally, you have the advantage of being able to change your chosen spells during a Long Rest, a luxury that is not available to the other arcane classes. Furthermore, you will become a master of one of the eight schools of magic, granting you special abilities specific to that particular domain.

At level 2, wizards must make a choice for their subclass. Available options include:

The Abjuration School specializes in protective spells and expelling extraplanar entities. You have the ability to create a magical shield that uses spells to shield you from harm.
Conjuration School – This school focuses on summoning spells and transporting items. You can switch spots with an ally and move people on the battlefield.
Divination School – This school lets you see and hear things from a distance. You can even glimpse the future, giving you a chance to avoid harm by bolstering dice rolls.
The Enchantment School specializes in enhancing items and manipulating the minds of adversaries. It is even possible to command multiple enemies with a single spell.
Evocation School – This school focuses on damaging spells and creating energy. You can deal even more harm with your spells, while shielding allies from their effects.
Illusion School – This school focuses on creating sights and sounds that don’t exist. You can conjure even more realistic illusions, tricking your foes into attacking them.
The Necromancy School specializes in harnessing the power of life and resurrecting the deceased. It grants the ability to drain life from enemies and raise them as undead allies.
Transmutation School – This school focuses on creating substances and transformation into different forms. You can give yourself new natural abilities and even transform into a bird, as well being a master potion maker.