Best Class In Baldur's Gate 3

Best Class In Baldur’s Gate 3: Class Tier List

Bard or Wizard? Here's the best classes in Baldur's Gate 3 ranked by class tier and why you should pick them!

Offering a genuine D&D journey that has been flawlessly transformed into a digital format, Baldur’s Gate 3 has a total of 12 classes and 46 subclasses to choose from.

Much like the traditional tabletop D&D game, you may be wondering which is the best class in Baldur’s Gate 3 and which one suits your play style.

To give you a hand, we’ve curated a comprehensive guide on the best classes in Baldur’s Gate 3 ranked by class tier. Exploring class characteristics, positives and negatives, here’s our take on Baldur’s Gate 3 classes and which one you should choose. 👇

Baldur’s Gate 3 Classes Tier List

Each class in Baldur’s Gate 3 has unique strengths and weaknesses. Whilst there isn’t a single class that feels imbalanced or lacks power, each BG3 class has their moments to shine; exuding a commendable equilibrium. You’re in for a treat regardless of your pick.

To help you make the right choice, we’ve categorised all Baldur’s Gate 3 classes into three distinct tiers: S, A, and B. While some classes excel both in and out of combat, earning them an S rank, others have a broader focus, placing them in A or B categories.

The 12 best classes in Baldur’s Gate 3 ranked by class tier are:

  1. Bard – S Class Tier
  2. Rogue – S Class Tier
  3. Wizard – S Class Tier
  4. Cleric – S Class Tier
  5. Paladin – S Class Tier
  6. Fighter – A Class Tier
  7. Barbarian – A Class Tier
  8. Warlock – A Class Tier
  9. Sorcerer – A Class Tier
  10. Druid – B Class Tier
  11. Monk – B Class Tier
  12. Ranger – B Class Tier

As always, tier rankings are subjective and you may have a slightly different opinion. So, go easy in the comments but drop us a comment when you’re finished nonetheless! 👇

Bard Class Baldur's Gate 3

Bard

S Class Tier Rank

Bards are more than just charisma-driven characters; they offer some of the most imaginative and effective dialogue options in BG3. As the best utility class in Baldur’s Gate 3, Bards are top-tier conversationalists with skills in Charisma and Persuasion. They also happen to have a range of amusing and original responses to dialogue!

During combat, Bards are also somewhat underrated. They might not have traditional fighting techniques, but their skills in buffing allies, debuffing enemies, and using distinctive spells add invaluable dynamics to every battle. With a Bard, you can explore diverse strategies, no matter the Bard build.

Interestingly, there isn’t a natural Bard companion in BG 3, so rolling one as your character leads to a unique role-playing experience unmatched by other classes. However, you will mainly be acting as a support to your friends.

Rogue Class Baldur's Gate 3

Rogue

S Class Tier Rank

Although you could argue that the Rogues could potentially be classified as an A-Tier class in BG3, my personal opinion is that their strengths outweigh their weaknesses.

On the downside, Rogues in Baldur’s Gate 3 require a keen strategy. Unlocking their potent abilities can take time and they will certainly benefit from multiclassing. In addition, during combat, you will be highly dependent on positioning; an out-of-place Rogue can struggle, particularly after their opening moves.

Yet, outside of combat, Rogues shine—mastering stealth, lock-picking, and trap disabling. It’s fortunate that one of the first companions in the game is a Rogue, as their skills are sorely missed otherwise. The class offers three captivating subclasses, with many favouring the Assassin and Thief. 

Much like Druids, Rogues also highlight the joy of leveraging class strengths while remaining versatile enough for various situations. So, if you’re fairly adept at combat, you will benefit greatly from the out-of-combat benefits of the Rogue class.

Wizard Class Baldur's Gate 3

Wizard

S Class Tier Rank

It goes without saying that Wizards and Mages are often a popular class for any game. And, with Baldur’s Gate 3, the same is true. In fact, Baldur’s Gate celebrates this iconic class greatly. 

The wizard class boast the most extensive spell collection, further expanded by memorizing scrolls. They’re also presented with diverse subclasses, allowing for varied gameplay styles and their unique role-playing abilities offer a distinct perspective. This makes the Wizard class in BG3 ideal for those who adore delving deep into arcane arts.

However, this power comes with fragility. Wizards in Baldur’s Gate 3 epitomize the ‘glass cannon’ archetype—mighty but vulnerable. Balancing their offence with defence requires strategic planning across pre-battle spell selection. A good multiclass system will also help here.

Though challenging, Wizards provide the authentic magical experience many RPG enthusiasts crave and are the perfect choice for proficient players of Baldur’s Gate.

Cleric Class Baldur's Gate 3

Cleric

S Class Tier Rank

If you fancy yourself a bit of a healer and are not too keen on the Bard class, then the Cleric class in Baldur’s Gate 3 shines as the premier choice. Excelling in pulling parties through dire situations, the Cleric class is a pure support role; akin much to the likes of Mercy in Overwatch 2. 

Whether it’s summoning, acting as robust tanks, or even outperforming Druids in some areas, Cleric builds are effective and imaginative. However, for those of you who just love melee action, this class is not for you; despite the many Cleric builds to enjoy in BG3.

Though some might hesitate to roll a Cleric, given the early availability of a Cleric companion, it’s tough to critique the class’s design. Breaking free from ”support class” stereotypes; Clerics offer as much as players invest in them.

Paladin Class Baldur's Gate 3

Paladin

S Class Tier Rank

Another popular class in BG3 is the Paladin – and for good reason.

In combat, Paladins are formidable. They can dish out damage or employ a gamut of defensive skills such as tanking, buffing and healing. This ensures that they’re always relevant and engaging in battle. However, what truly sets Paladins apart in BG 3 is the role-playing dimension.

Unlike most classes, Paladins select their subclass upfront, intertwining narrative choices with gameplay. For example, one wrong move might steer you towards the intriguing Oathbreaker route whilst another is a completely different journey.

This blend of narrative-driven gameplay mechanics makes the Paladin class really stand out for players who want a memorable experience in BG3.

Fighter Class Baldur's Gate 3

Fighter

A Class Tier Rank

For beginners, the Fighter Class is often the go-to class in Baldur’s Gate 3. Why? Well, because it’s the easiest to pick up and play without too many nuances. While some label Fighters as “mundane,” during the latter stages of the game, you start to see the Fighter class’s versatility.

Typically, Fighters showcase prowess with various weapons, armour types, and combat positions. Their allure peaks at Level 2 with the introduction of Action Surge, granting an extra action per Long Rest. This feature is so sought after that even classes like Wizards sometimes dip into Fighter levels to make up for their own class flaws.

Granted, there are minimal nuanced role-playing mechanics and definitely no magic which kind of sucks. However, the adaptability of the Fighter class makes for a very good option when dual classing.

Barbarian Class Baldur's Gate 3

Barbarian

A Class Tier Rank

From the get-go, the Barbarian class boast one of the game’s highest health pools, formidable melee damage, and innate frontline defences. This consistency lasts throughout the game, making them ever-reliable melee combatants, irrespective of your build choices.

However, what stops the Barbarian from featuring within our S-Class tier list is the fact that Barbarians do fall short in building diversity – the role-playing nuances are weaker compared to other classes. They aren’t adept at ranged or magical combat and their brute force approach, while thrilling, doesn’t provide much depth as you progress through the game.

So, whilst there is a ton of reliability playing as a Barbarian in Baldur’s Gate 3, Barbarians are, unfortunately, only rated as an A-Class tier due to their lack of subclass diversity and skills. 

Warlock Class Baldur's Gate 3

Warlock

A Class Tier Rank

In Baldur’s Gate 3, discussing Warlocks invariably leads to Eldritch Blast. Not just a stellar offensive Cantrip, Eldritch Blast is among BG 3’s most formidable damage tools across all classes. This makes Warlocks a favoured multiclass choice.

In addition, Warlocks can replenish spell slots with Short Rests which is kind of handy despite not boasting a vast collection of uniquely potent spells. The lack of spells goes against everything you love about Warlocks. While the idea of playing a sorcerer wielding unpredictable magic seems enticing, the execution, overshadowed by Eldritch Blast’s dominance, isn’t as captivating.

Larian has yet to nail this class for what it should be.

That said, starting Baldur’s Gate 3 as a Warlock gifts players with impressive inherent abilities and the desirable high Charisma. 

Sorcerer Class Baldur's Gate 3

Sorcerer

A Class Tier Rank

Of all the spell classes in Baldur’s Gate 3, Sorcerers are somewhat of a wild card. While expectations for Warlocks and Wizards are predictable, Sorcerers embark on an enigmatic journey from the game’s inception which is really quite cool.

The essence of Sorcerers lies in their inherent adaptability. Although they may not have the extensive spellbook of a Wizard, their Metamagic capabilities—enabling them to modify and adapt spells in various ways—position them as perhaps the most versatile spellcasters in BG 3.

Whether transforming a spell designed for a single target into a widespread assault, maximizing the number of casts in a turn, or exploiting spell intricacies in innovative ways, Sorcerers beckon players to think beyond the confines of traditional spellcasting.

This constant reassessment and strategizing over spell slots and choices becomes the class’s hallmark. A must-try for the explorative types.

Druid Class Baldur's Gate 3

Druid

B Class Tier Rank

Druids in Baldur’s Gate 3 can be viewed as the quintessential paradox: supremely versatile yet lacking in specialized expertise. Their expansive range of abilities might evoke notions of boundless potential, but the class often treads the delicate line between broad capability and absolute mastery.

While the Druid class can tap into an array of combat styles and skills, this inherent duality might deter players who seek a more streamlined, power-driven playstyle.

However, Druids are the depiction of role-playing with their shapeshifting prowess furnishing them with a myriad of tactical advantages. The game’s essence revolves around the joy of uncovering inventive solutions to brilliantly crafted challenges, and Druids, with their vast repertoire, are uniquely positioned to fully embrace this explorative spirit.

Monk Class Baldur's Gate 3

Monk

B Class Tier Rank

Despite the obvious genius that comes with the Monk Class, they are unfortunately marred with a bunch of weaknesses. Monks are largely intended to be unarmed, unarmored mystical storms of furious fists, and they offer just that for anyone who desires to roll one in BG 3.

In combat, Monks struggle to take the punishment that Fighters and Barbarians are regularly asked to endure which means that you have to build a team around them. In addition, there just isn’t a clear identity which kind of ruins the D&D experience. 

Monk’s are just mediocre at everything which then makes them good for nothing.

That said, as a multiclass option, Monk’s do have some perks.

Ranger Class Baldur's Gate 3

Ranger

B Class Tier Rank

As an early game class, the Ranger class is one of the strongest in Baldur’s Gate 3. However, this quickly disappears as you progress through the game.

While they may commence as lethal archers or skirmishers, Rangers find their damage potential rivalled and, often, overshadowed by other classes as players delve deeper into Baldur’s Gate 3. This could have been mitigated if Rangers possessed a broader toolkit or utility functions, but they find themselves outclassed in that domain too. 

The nature of Baldur’s Gate 3’s battles, with their dynamic terrains and shifting vantage points, demands adaptability from its ranged damage dealers. Rangers, with their need to maintain optimal distances for safety, often find themselves in precarious situations. And when the other ranged classes come with a suite of additional offerings, the Rangers, regrettably, lag behind in the ranking. 

Baldurs Gate 3 Class Tier List

The Final Word

No doubt reading throughout our class tier list for Baldur’s Gate 3 you will have noticed that there isn’t really such a thing as a bad class. Instead, your class selection is ultimately dependent on the journey that you wish to have within the game.

Currently, the Monk class is the weakest class and the Fighter class is the easiest class in BG3. This leaves the Bard class as one of the best BG3 classes alongside Rogue, Wizards and Clerics. Despite that, should you wish to benefit from some of the other classes’ skills, you can multiclass. 

Not to mention that later in the game you will meet the NPC Withers who will provide you with the option to respect your character entirely. So don’t stress too much, just pick a class and enjoy the journey that unveils.

What’s your favourite class combination in Baldur’s Gate 3?

Drop a comment below with your recommendations and once you’re done, don’t forget to check out some of my other roundups, game reviews and technology deep dives:

FAQs

Question about our Baldur’s Gate 3 class tier list? No sweat! Here are the most commonly asked questions we receive about classes in BG3:

What is the easiest class in Baldur's Gate 3?

The easiest class in Baldur’s Gate 3 for beginners is the Fighter Class. As the default class for new players, there are very few nuances to the Fighter Class which makes the game easier to understand. The Fighter Class delivers predictably effective results during combat and can be configured relatively quickly to a style that suits your gameplay. However, whilst the fighter class is relatively strong, once you have got to grips with the game mechanics, you might want to try a more complex class for greater power.

 

How many classes are in Baldur's  Gate 3?

In total, there are 12 classes and 46 subclasses in Baldur’s Gate 3. You can choose from any of these classes and create subclasses once you have your main class selected. Given that Larian Studios has already added more classes in recent patches, we expect that there will be an even greater number of classes to choose from in the future.

How to dual-class in Baldur's Gate 3?

To dual class in Baldur’s Gate 3, simply level up your character to unlock this option. Immediately upon reaching the second level, an option unveils itself, permitting you to integrate an additional level 1 class into your repertoire, diverging from the conventional approach of advancing your initial class.

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