In the realm of Baldur’s Gate 3, one of the most crucial choices lies in selecting your character’s class. This decision will shape your gameplay, defining your abilities, strategies, and even interactions within this expansive RPG. A key factor driving choice of best classes is the character stats, which significantly influence your class performance.
Each class leans heavily on specific stats – strength, dexterity, constitution, wisdom, intelligence, or charisma – shaping their capabilities in combat and diplomatic situations.
However, it’s not only about the stats in Baldur’s Gate 3. You also have to consider the character’s race, which plays a subtle yet impactful role in your class selection. Each race comes with unique stat bonuses. For instance, Dwarves, with their high constitution, make formidable warriors, while Wood Elves, blessed with bonuses to dexterity and wisdom, find their calling as Rangers.
Tier System and Grades
To help you navigate Baldur’s Gate 3 tier list, we’ve established a tier system with five distinct grades:
- Tier S – Overpowered
- Tier A – Balanced
- Tier B – Slightly Underpowered
- Tier C – Underpowered
Baldur’s Gate 3 Class Tier List
| Class | Tier Rating |
|---|---|
| Wizard | S |
| Sorcerer | S |
| Cleric | S |
| Bard | A |
| Paladin | A |
| Fighter | A |
| Rogue | A |
| Barbarian | B |
| Druid | B |
| Warlock | B |
| Ranger | B |
Barbarian Class
At the heart of chaos, with raw strength and unbridled fury, stands the Barbarian. A class built on physical power, Barbarians boast the highest starting HP and per-level HP gain. Their primal rage ability amplifies their ferocity, leading to increased damage output and resilience in combat.
Further enhancements, like performing multiple attacks per turn and increased movement range, unlock as they advance. Subclasses such as Berserker, Wild Heart, and Wild Magic further diversify their battlefield presence.
Paladin Class
A beacon of righteousness, the Paladin class melds the might of melee combat with the mystique of magic. Empowered with class-specific magical abilities and spells, Paladins wield any weapon or armor, reinforcing their tanky yet hard-hitting role.
Key abilities like Lay on Hands for healing and Divine Smite for increased damage output augment their combat prowess. Different subclasses open new dimensions of gameplay, with possibilities of even turning into an Oathbreaker under specific conditions.
Bard Class
The Bard, the muse of the battlefield, is a class defined by its versatility. Equipped with a wide array of spells and robust crowd control options, Bards can sway the tide of battle from afar.
From lulling enemies to sleep to bolstering allies with Bardic Inspiration, their magical repertoire is extensive and effective. Bards’ subclasses – Lore, Valor, and Swords, offer an even more nuanced approach to this already versatile class.
Wizard Class
The master of the arcane, the Wizard class, walks a fine line between fragility and absolute power. With the game’s most extensive spell list, they weave magic to survive and dominate, given their modest hit points, armor, and weaponry.
Their magic prowess grows with various subclasses that empower specific schools of magic, such as Necromancy or Abjuration, offering a specialized approach to spellcasting.
Ranger Class
The Ranger class combines martial prowess with magical finesse, taming the wilderness and the battlefield alike. Their versatility in weapon and armor selection, combined with nature-themed spells, offers a balanced combat role.
Rangers benefit from their surroundings and the type of enemies they face, bolstering their efficacy in favored terrains and against favored enemies. The Beast Master subclass adds a companion to aid them in their journeys.
Warlock Class
The Warlock class is the testament of a dangerous bargain, where power comes at the price of servitude to formidable beings. Their magic, sourced from powerful patrons, is unique and potent.
Despite having fewer spell slots, Warlocks replenish them more conveniently, allowing for more sustained spellcasting. Eldritch Invocations further modify their spells or even grant new ones. Subclasses include options like Fiend, The Great Old One, and The Archfey, each with unique abilities.
Rogue Class
The rogue, a shadow in the night, brings precision and subtlety to combat. Their specialized skills in stealth and quick, high-damage dealing attacks make them a formidable class. Leveraging their Sneak Attack ability, they can swiftly dispatch their enemies while remaining elusive with the Cunning Action ability.
Fighter Class
Proficient in all forms of weapons and armor, the Fighter class is a symbol of raw combat expertise. Whether it’s offense or defense, a Fighter can adapt and excel. Their self-healing ability, Second Wind, and the capability to perform two actions in one turn using Action Surge, accentuate their robust battlefield presence. The Eldritch Knight subclass even grants access to a select list of spells, adding a magical flair to their combat repertoire.
Druid Class
Druids, the guardians of nature, command a vast array of nature-themed spells. Their transformative ability, Wild Shape, grants them the form and abilities of different creatures, making them versatile casters. Subclasses like the Circle of the Land, Circle of the Moon, and Circle of Spores, offer unique pathways to harness their magic.
Sorcerer Class
Born with innate magic due to their bloodline, Sorcerers wield their Sorcery Points to manipulate their spells, increasing range or adding a second target. They control their magic with a finesse unparalleled by other spellcasting classes. The Wild Magic subclass introduces a degree of unpredictability, triggering additional magical effects randomly.
Monk Class
Monks, the martial arts experts, leverage their unique resource, Ki, to deliver high-damage attacks. They’re able to deflect incoming projectiles and follow up weapon attacks with unarmed strikes, adding to their overall damage output. Their various subclasses, including one that grants elemental mastery, ensure a well-rounded and flexible gameplay.
Cleric Class
Wielding divine magic and embodying faith, Clerics bring a unique blend of support and combat capabilities to the table. From healing allies to smiting foes, they are the spiritual nexus of the party. The availability of various domain subclasses further allows them to tailor their divine magic to match their playstyle.