Optimal? Not necessarily. Fun? Definitely.
Early access showed off a bevy of classes in Baldur’s Gate 3, but it really seems like the best is yet to come.
The 6 weirdest, most exciting subclasses in Baldur’s Gate 3
Early access gave us a taste of all of the subclasses in Baldur’s Gate 3, but it really seems like the best is yet to come. In addition to revealing the final full-on launch class, the Monk, Larian’s final preview of Baldur’s Gate 3 sketched out the remaining subclasses to be added to the game, as well as what to expect from pre-existing subclasses past early access’ puny level 5 cap.
It’s not just the final subclasses that are exciting, though. Like Divinity: Original Sin 2, Baldur’s Gate 3 looks like a game that will celebrate lateral thinking and weird choices, playstyles that are maybe more fun than optimal. To that end we’ve gathered our list of the six subclasses we’re most excited to try in Baldur’s Gate 3.
Here are the six most exciting subclasses in Baldur’s Gate 3:
College of Swords Bard
A jack-of-all-trades spellcaster/melee damage dealer, also known as a “Blade”. The Blade Bard in BG3 seems to have a broadly similar kit to the early access-available Valour Bard, but the Blade is a little less tanky and support-focused, with more capacity to deal out its own damage with dual rapiers or the like. We’ll have to wait and see what its full potential is, but it seems like a fun and flexible melee Blade D&D class.
Circle of Spores Druid
Stinky mushroom man. The Circle of Spores Druid is permanently surrounded by a “Halo of Spores” like goddamn Pigpen in Peanuts, and can use their fungal friends to raise zombies in combat. Beyond that, we’re not sure of their full potential, but we do know that they get an added focus on hit-and-run tactics and stealth, with the ability to teleport in dim light or darkness.
Way of the Shadow Monk
A stealth and ninja-themed martial artist, the Way of the Shadow Monk gets an added focus on hit-and-run tactics and stealth, with the ability to teleport in dim light or darkness. You can check out the rest of the Shadow Monk’s mechanics here, but that’s the core of a fun and agile melee fighter.
Gloom Stalker Ranger
Excels at ambushing enemies from stealth, with bonus move speed, an extra attack, and bonus damage on their first turn of combat. Also benefits from a boost to their stealth and perception checks when in dim light or darkness.
Oathbreaker Paladin
Still a work in progress, but Oathbreakers are a Paladin subclass unlocked by breaking Paladin Law. As you’d expect, this allows players to roleplay as anything from a reluctant and haunted former Paladin to a full-on villain. A nice touch is that it unlocks the Oathbreaker Paladins’ special ability at level 15, rather than level 20, meaning you can break the law early and often.
Wild Magic Barbarian
The Barbarian’s magic is not well controlled, but they love it so much. The Wild Magic Barbarian adds spellcasting to their rage-induced slicing and hammering, with the standout feature of Wild Surge, where a d8 roll determines which spell is cast. For example, an 8 might see you cast a Flame Strike, or a Healing Word, or even a Remove Magic. It’s a fun addition to the Barbarian’s already chaotic combat style, and adds a lot of potential for silly mistakes and unexpected moments of genius.
And there you have it, our picks from the full list of subclasses in Baldur’s Gate 3. Of course, there are still plenty of abilities to unlock in BG3, and we’re looking forward to seeing what else the game has in store for us.
