Building a Warlock: Embracing Dark Pacts in Baldur's Gate 3

"Bound by a pact to an all-powerful patron, warlocks trade their loyalty for supernatural abilities and unique magic."

Need to know more about the Warlock class? Then you've come to the right place!

*Not all information was available in Early Access - we will update as soon as we can!*

Roleplaying as a Warlock

Deal's a deal," you hear the demon say. "I gave you 'ultimate power to defeat your enemies', just like you asked. In return, all I wanted is your company in the Hells when all this business was over. Are they not defeated? Did you not tear down their structures, burn their empire to the ground? Sounds to me you got what you wanted; now I get what's mine." You smirk. You did indeed lay waste to many foes...but this pact is far from concluded, and your patron knows it. Until the Baron lies dead at your feet, you would be nobody's pawn.

If this sounds interesting to you, consider a Warlock. Masters of the supernatural, this class binds the forces of darkness to its will.

Note: The Origin character/Companion Wyll is a Warlock.

Class Features at 1st Level

• Starting Hit Points: 8 + your Constitution modifier
• Proficiencies:
  • Light armor, Simple weapons
  • Wisdom and Charisma Saving Throws
  • Two skills from the following list: Arcana, Deception, History, Intimidation, Investigation, Nature, and/or Religion
• Warlocks receive the ability to cast arcane spells and a (very limited) number of spell slots.
  • You may choose 2 cantrips (level 0 spells), and two level 1 spells to start. Additional spells and spell slots are earned as you level in Warlock. 
    • The cantrip "Eldritch Blast" is uniquely available to them, and can grow in power as you level in Warlock
  • They use their Charisma modifier for this spellcasting capability.
• Warlocks choose their Patron, determining their subclass.

Class Features at Higher Levels

• Hit Points at Later Levels: 5 + your Constitution modifier
• At level 2, Warlocks learn two Eldritch Invocations. These can provide various spell-like benefits, or modify your Eldritch Blast's effectiveness. You can learn more as you level in Warlock. 
  • Every time you level as a Warlock, you can swap out one of your current Invocations for one you could learn at that level.
• At level 3, the Warlock's Patron provides a Boon. You choose one of three Pacts: Pact of the Chain, Pact of the Blade, or Pact of the Tome.
  • Pact of the Chain grants you the Find Familiar spell, a creature that aids you in battle such as an imp.
  • Pact of the Blade grants you the ability to use your Charisma modifier for melee Attack rolls.
  • Pact of the Tome grants you 3 cantrips from any class' spell list. They are considered Warlock spells.
• At levels 4, 8 and 12, you can increase one of your Ability scores by 2, two Ability scores by 1, or choose a Feat, which can provide you bonuses to Ability scores and skills simultaneously.
• *Not revealed yet.*

Subclasses

Warlocks have three potential Patrons to choose from: The Archfey, The Fiend, or The Great Old One, each providing various benefits.

• The Archfey is a creature of legend, whimsical in nature and keeper of lost knowledge.
  • The Archfey provides an expanded list of spells that can be chosen when you learn a new Warlock spell.
    • These spells are controlling in nature, dominating your opponents' minds or limiting their actions.
  • At level 1, the Warlock can attempt to Charm or Frighten nearby enemies.
  • *Not revealed yet.*

• The Fiend is a devil or demon from the pits of the Nine Hells, beings of pure power and destruction.
  • The Fiend provides an expanded list of spells that can be chosen when you learn a new Warlock spell.
    • These spells are damaging in nature, focusing primarily on the element of Fire.
  • At level 1, the Warlock gains 4 temporary Hit Points whenever they reduce an enemy to 0 Hit Points.
  • *Not revealed yet.*

• The Great Old One is a mysterious being of ancient power, existing in a realm beyond mortal understanding.
  • The Great Old One provides an expanded list of spells that can be chosen when you learn a new Warlock spell.
    • These spells are disruptive in nature, leading your enemies to madness.
  • At level 1, when the Warlock lands a Critical Hit on an enemy, they and all nearby enemies may become Frightened until the end of their next turn.
  • *Not revealed yet.*

Preferred Ability Scores

Warlocks rely on Charisma for their spells and spell-like abilities, so that comes first. The Pact of the Blade subclass also uses Cha for their weapon damage, so it is especially important. Constitution comes next, followed by Dexterity to make up for lighter armor. Much like several other classes, Intelligence and Wisdom are "nice to have but not needed", and Strength can be more-or-less ignored due to Pact of the Blade.

Multiclassing Suggestions

Most players who dabble in the ways of the Warlock do not stick to it the entire time, as the class is front-loaded with its most powerful abilities and peters off after that. Despite its unique advantages, a pure Warlock can be quickly outpaced in its spellcasting capability compared to other classes. That said, their power can be readily mixed with other classes to further their goals, and they are encouraged to do so.

Warlock & Sorcerer

Is a potent combination, as both rely on their Charisma for spellcasting. Sorcerer makes up for the Warlock's very limited spell slots, and provides them with Metamagic for more versatility. In return, the Sorcerer gains a few extra Hit Points, a couple Invocations and access to Eldritch Blast.

Warlock & Paladin

Seems crazy at first glance, but they both use Charisma for spellcasting, and Pact of the Blade combined with the Paladin's Divine Smite can be quite powerful. A Paladin wants more spell slots to turn into extra Smites, of which the Warlock can provide. The Warlock then gains access to healing, heavier armor and more damaging melee weapons.

More Baldur's Gate 3 Class Guides

Considering a different class? Choose one of the options below!

Baldur's Gate 3 Character Creation Guides

When you're ready to continue, head to one of the other sections of this guide; Background would be next!