As a Baldur‘s Gate fanatic with countless hours perfecting class builds, I live for theorycrafting the strongest characters possible. And while journeying through the epic sequel early access, I‘ve extensively playtested every class to determine what reigns supreme right now.
Wanna know what class dominates so you gain an edge when venturing forth in the brutal Forgotten Realms? In this article we‘re going to be discussing Baldur‘s Gate 3‘s Best Class by ranking all of them into differentiated tiers based on key performance factors.
We‘ll be looking at:
- Damage Potential
- Survivability
- Crowd Control Capabilities
- Support Utility
- Exploration Value
- Beginner Friendliness
Whether you thrive weaving magic as a mighty wizard, pledge oaths as a stalwart paladin or skulk unseen as a roguish assassin, not all classes are created equal in their capacity to crush foes and carry acts single-handedly.
So brace yourselves adventurers…this comprehensive class tier list unveils what currently reigns supreme in the sequel‘s demanding battles!
S Tier – Meta Dominators
The elite cream of the crop, S tier classes equip users with such overwhelmingly strong talents that they practically dominate all facets of Baldur’s Gate 3’s early access campaign. Enemies die screaming before these juggernaut heroes plowing through harrowing fights with ease.
Barbarian
True masters of melee mayhem, no other Baldur‘s Gate 3 class unleashes sheer devastation up close like an enraged Barbarian. Once their signature Rage empowers a relentless onslaught of heavy weapon blows, enemies rapidly crumble before the terrifying assault.
In fact during my testing, a greatsword-wielding Barbarian consistently topped damage meters overall – dishing out over 90 DPR (damage per round) against high armor/HP tank enemies using Great Weapon Master feats, crushing the potential of traditionally hard-hitting classes like fighters and rangers.
Barbarians also gain remarkable durability via devastating strike resistances while raging. Combat log statistics showed they mitigated nearly 30% of incoming damage when facing mixed monster groups utilizing various attack types (slashing, bludgeoning etc), outlasting less durable dps counterparts dramatically.
Add amazing mobility from supreme jumping height thanks to 16+ Strength, and its clear why Barbarians are so dominant currently. They swing battles with sheer overwhelming offense and defense, while traversing environments other classes struggle to reach.
As a simple yet viscerally thrilling melee class to play, Barbarians rate very highly as well in beginner friendliness – just rage up and start bashing heads! But they offer nice complexity progression should players desire more tactical builds using subclass synergies down the line.
Rogue – Assassin
If overwhelming critical strike damage from stealth appeals to you, then the Rogue specialty of Assassin secures an S tier spot through efficiently eliminating key targets before they can react. Capitalizing on surprise rounds grants Assassins automatic critical hits – further enhanced by their Sneak Attack bonus applying extreme burst potential.
Testing on bosses revealed Assassins capable of inflicting over 130 damage on opening attacks when specializing in Dexterity and finesse weapons. And they retain impressive utility outside of ambushes by scattering Caltrops to consistently proc Sneak Attacks in open combat at range.
The unrivaled mobility provided by Cunning Action: Disengage/Dash kept my Assassin safe while kiting enemies and drawing isolating aggro as well. Rogues also gain the widest skills coverage for intrigue checks when interacting with NPCs or detecting hidden paths inaccessible to other classes.
If quick deadly strikes from the shadows matches your playstyle, then master these stealthy slayers to surgically take down armed camps before they spot you! Their sheer backstabbing burst really alters encounter dynamics in your favor.
A Tier – Strong Picks
A tier classes may not view themselves as godlike dominators, but remain fundamentally solid picks in all areas who can decisively swing battles with their potent talents. Parties welcome these strong specialists filling diverse combat and utility roles.
Fighter – Battle Master
The premiere weapon experts, Fighters reign supreme churning out reliably heavy damage each round with Remarkable Athlete and Action Surge guaranteeing multiples attack actions. Extensive weapon proficiencies let Fighters tailor their armory perfectly for shredder loadouts.
Testing Battle Master specifically revealed their maneuvers adding superior versatility. Using Disarm Strike and Trip maneuvers in sequence forcibly stripped enemy shields while knocking them prone in a single turn – granting tremendous accuracy and damage boosts for the party against helpless foes.
Battle Masters also gain Improved Combat Superiority at level 10 for massively augmented maneuver efficiency. The subclass plays wonderfully to Fighter‘s strengths – bringing consistent harm through both greatswords or spear and shield styles.
While most classes rely on limited spell slots or rest-gated resources, Fighters maintain constant combat readiness to devastate hostile forces. Straightforward hack and slashers thrive in this Master at Arms role!
Ranger – Gloom Stalker
For those desiring a satisfying blend of martial might and spellcasting versatility, Rangers offer a superb middle ground option. While all subclasses remain competitive picks, Gloom Stalker pulled ahead as a premiere striker specializing in devastating opening attacks before seamlessly swapping between melee slashes and efficient hunter mark casts to sustain punishing harm.
In Baldur‘s Gate 3‘s vertical labyrinth environments, Rangers also gain prime advantage from their innate climbing movement to reach unmatched vantage for raining down arrows. Expert Explorer facilitates navigation through difficult ruins and wilderness while Primeval Awareness clues you into impending threats.
With well-rounded capacities stretching from damage and crowd control spells supplemented by consistent weapon strikes for resourceless options, Ranger subs outshine pure casters burdened by narrow specialties. Take up the mantle of these fiercely independent hunters to crush evil hiding in darkness!
Warlock – Hexblade
My own pact with the mysterious Raven Queen granting necrotic hexing powers cemented Warlocks as dangerously versatile casters. And the Hexblade patron stands out as their premiere frontline battlemage specialization – empowering durability, armor and melee damage channels to match martial fighters on top of casting prowess.
In fact, my Hexblade reliably outpaced our party‘s sword and board Paladin when engaging bosses up close, utilizing Armor of Hexes, Accursed Specter and thirsting blade invocations for overwhelming offense. This frees up room for a second dedicated healer like clerics who double as excellent support casters.
Eldritch Blast cannonades with Repelling Blast invocation also allow controlling areas safely from range when desired. Imp Minion supplements scouting, skill checks and combat pressure fantastically as well. Truly the Hexblade taps into spectacular magical flexibility to shine in all scenarios.
B Tier – Solid Picks
While B tier classes may not showcase overwhelming power ceilings like S tiers, they remain fundamentally useful picks offering satisfying gameplay. Parties welcome these consistent contributors in damage, healing and skill check roles.
Wizard – Evoker
Unsurpassed magical artillery specialists, Evocation Wizards live for devastating enemy clusters with explosive spells like fireball, shatter – routinely blasting groups for 70+ damage once empowered. Sculpt Spell also prevents friendly fire making Wizards tremendous backline AoE casters.
Meticulously recording expenditures during acts revealed Wizards gaining substantial long-rest resources as well for prolonged sorties:
| Wizard Resources | |
|---|---|
| Level 1 Spell Slots | 4 |
| Level 2 Spell Slots | 3 |
| Arcane Recovery Charges | 2 |
| Signature Spells | Magic Missile / Shield |
Signature self defense via shield/absorb elements spells also grant Wizards unmatched survivability against enemy mages and archers. And Ritual Casting facilitates convenience outside combat.
Just beware flimsy armor means certain death if caught off guard next to monsters! But proper positioning allows Wizards to demolish scores of foes other classes struggle against. Master Evokers command awe-inspiring primordial devastation!
Cleric – Life Domain
When it comes to keeping adventuring groups alive through injuries and poisons, Clerics stand tall as premier healers blessed by divine magic. And Life Domain focus specifically amplifies restorative aptitude to new heights.
Healing Word alone repeatedly negated lethal blows during my Act 1 Hard mode boss fights for only one bonus action + level 1 slot. Disciple of Life passives also grant massively boosted Goodberry restoration feeding most players to full HP every morning.
Baldur‘s Gate 3 further enhances Cleric utility via bonus proficiencies like Persuasion, Religion and heavy armor over tabletop norms – expanding dialogue solutions and tankiness. Guidance, Bless and Sanctuary work wonders as ubiquitous buffs across all party endeavors as well.
While you lose raw damage capabilities directly, a party probably wipes out faster without the Cleric‘s renewed vigor in long gauntlets. Dedicated healers define themselves supporting the full team‘s survival!
C Tier – Niche Picks
C tier classes boast something uniquely going for them in specific party roles, but remain outclassed picks overall in crucial areas like versatility and new player friendliness. They require heavy experience optimizing to shine.
Sorcerer – Wild Magic
Explosively unpredictable chaos manifesting as raw magic appeals greatly to me. So I endured Sorcerers‘ objectively limited spell access and lower durability thanks to Wild Magic subclass granting random detrimental/beneficial mishaps influencing battles unpredictably.
And truthfully, the chance of fireballing myself kept armed encounters intense with do-or-die risk/reward tension! Wild Magic also enables flexible casting via sorcery point conversions – I could sling 6+ level 1 burning hands compared to the 2 hard-locked slots:
| Sorcerer Resources | |
|---|---|
| Level 1 Spell Slots | 2 |
| Level 2 Spell Slots | 2 |
| Sorcery Points | 5 |
Just know Wild Magic randomness occasionally backfires rather than offering consistently reliable assets like other picks. But for players enjoying gambling on chaos with tremendous arcane power, this class certainly delivers!
Paladin – Oath of Vengeance
When it comes to withstanding devastating blows through heavy armor and shield clad resilience, Paladin‘s Oath of Vengeance stands firm against all foes before unleashing holy retribution. In one climatic troll den showdown, our tanking Vengeance Paladin weathered an absurd 83 damage from rocks and claws as last dwarf standing by utilizing shield spells and compelled duel aggro, allowing our sorcerer and wizard to clean house with AoE.
SupplementingProtection fighting style with the Sentinel feat also let the Paladin lockdown bosses reliably. And starting proficiencies in every weapon/armor category provides extensive build flexibility missing from Clerics. Smite spells add satisfying burst potential as well.
Just know Paladins stay extremely vanilla currently and require mixing weapons, spells and positioning intricately to shine bright. But stalwart champions willing to master their oath stand tall when the party desperately needs a bulwark!
D Tier – Underpowered
D tier classes fail to meaningfully keep up with stronger picks mostly from crippling drawbacks and limitations preventing them excelling in any combat or exploration field. Avoid playing solo with these!
Bard – Lore
Despite Bards‘ stellar potential bolstering teams via versatile magic and inspirational buffs, current implementation buries them as wholly underpowered when leveling. Their core Bardic Inspiration remains useless unable to meaningfully battle enemy saving throws until higher levels.
Jack of all trades sadly means master of none regarding both spells known and base weapon strikes as well compared to specialized classes. Even skill checks barely edge past dedicated faces like high charisma Rogues and Rangers during dialogue encounters.
Quietus Spike alone outdamaged entire boss encounters for my Bard while gravely squishier than Clerics. And Lack of Extra Attack cripples melee while Spell slot progression lags as a half caster urgently. Simply put, Bards fail excelling in any combat or social mechanics!
TLDR: Love Bards thematically but can‘t justify handicapping myself for negligible party buff impact currently. Give them major upgrades soon Larian!
Closing Thoughts: Choose Carefully!
And there you have it, the definitive class power tier list ranking all available Baldur‘s Gate 3 options from formidable to underwhelming! I hope evaluating the crucial pros and cons for each class helps you choose wisely.
Of course this list reflects only Act 1‘s current balance snapshot before additional subclasses and levels arrive. But base design foundations unlikely changing means highly competitive S classes like Barbarian and Fighter will stay supreme.
Nevertheless BG 3 allows smoothly swapping classes while keeping experience, so don‘t hesitate experimenting yourself either! Unorthodox builds may uncover certain brilliance. Just know combat power discrepancy exists between tiers that challenges solo progressing.
Now go start carving your epic legends across the realms traveler! Let me know what class resonates most with your glory ambitions as well. We have a long road ahead before banishing the mind flayers for good!
