Multiclassing & Starting Builds

So you've read all there is to know on character creation, and you're ready to make yourself a custom avatar. When it comes to formulating a build, there are two main things to consider: "what do I want to achieve in gameplay?", and "how do I want to express myself as an individual in this world?" Both will be very important, due to the nature of it being a video game after all (and one heavy in roleplaying at that). While I can help provide example builds you can roleplay with (more on that down below), it will ultimately be up to you on how you actually play the character. So, in this section, I'm going to focus mostly on the gameplay side of things, leaving it to you to express yourself accordingly should you wish. With that in mind, let's talking Multiclassing.

**Multiclassing was not available in Early Access: the base functionality should be the same, but it can't be guaranteed at this time.**

Something that hasn't been brought up yet is that Larian Studios removed the Ability score requirements for Multiclassing, meaning you can combine any of the classes without prerequisites; you could mix more than two, as well, if you want to really go nuts! In terms of gameplay, you don't need to Multiclass if you don't want to: some of the most powerful characters in Dungeons & Dragons are pure Druids, Wizards, and/or Clerics, because they get access to the highest levels of spells. There's nothing wrong with that: some characters dedicate themselves entirely to their passion or something they excel at, and that can be demonstrated by going down the road of a single class. That being said, every "starting build" below will be taking advantage of Multiclassing for the simple reason that I personally find them more interesting to plan, develop, and play. If you want a pure Druid, go back to the Druid section of "Picking Your Class" and just follow it to the letter; if you want something with more flavor, follow me down the rabbit hole!

Table of Contents

    Example Characters

    Each of the character builds below are in the level 4-6 range simply because Early Access only goes to level 5, and thus there is a limit on the information we have available at time of writing regarding the class features. But that's okay: that should get you a good distance into Act 1, and set you on your way. I will be including a short line or two on how to progress your build further, should you need it. There will be a mix of "story/fun" builds that are designed to follow a particular roleplaying flavor, and more straight-forward "hey this should be a pretty strong setup, please consider it" recommendations. Let us know if any of them strike your fancy enough to consider playing them!

    "The Strongest Avenger"
    • Classes: Level 3 Wildheart Barbarian/Level 2 Oath of Vengeance Paladin
    • Race: Any.
    • Roleplaying: Oath of Vengeance will demand you punish the wicked, so lean into it. Get angry, and purge the darkness from the hearts of men...by force, of course.
    • Gameplay: Medium armor is the sweet-spot between being a full-on tank and maintaining access to Rage. Paladin gives you a small amount of healing, but spells will most likely be dumped for more Divine Smite uses - Smite is not a spell, and thus can be used while Raging. In regards to Wildheart, the Bestial Heart you choose is dependent on how you want to play: Bear makes you tanky as all get-out, while something like Eagle could be fun for literally diving into the fray. Being a Larian Studios game, Speak with Animals can always be put to good use throughout the story.
    • Starting Ability Scores: 16, 12, 16, 8, 10, 12
    • Progression: Continue leveling in Barbarian - Paladin was just to get Divine Smite.
    "Champion of the Spider-Goddess"
    • Classes: Level 3 Circle of the Land Druid/Level 3 Beast Master Ranger
    • Race: Female Lolth-Sworn Drow.
    • Roleplaying: Menzoberranzan is a matriarchal society, where only the women are given powers from Lolth herself. Most end up being Clerics or Fighters, but if you want to be more entuned with your spider-side, you can look to the Druid to actually become a spider. There is no beating around the bush: you are an evil bitch, so why not embrace it?
    • Gameplay: Druid lets you be a spider, while Beast Master lets you have a spider alongside you. This is a very CC-heavy setup, with both being able to Web for continuous slowing of your enemies. You could go Circle of the Moon to really emphasize Wild Shaping in combat, but if you want the spells and Underdark flavor, Circle of the Land is the way to go. In terms of your Ranger choices, go with Bounty Hunter for the better Ensaring Strike, and Wasteland Wanderer (any will do). Fighting Style should be Defense since you won't be attacking with a bow or melee weapon much (if ever).
    • Starting Ability Scores: 8, 16, 14, 10, 16, 10
    • Progression: Continue leveling in Druid - Ranger was to get the spider pet. At Druid level 3 and beyond, pick Underdark as your terrain bonus.
    "Lord of Thunder"
    • Classes: Storm Sorcery Sorcerer/Oath of Devotion Paladin
    • Race: Human if you want to look like Chris Hemsworth, otherwise consider a Dragonborn (either Blue or Bronze)
    • Roleplaying: Play 'em like you would Thor, obviously.
    • Gameplay: Soften enemies up with your electrical prowess, before wading into melee range and beating them down with your mighty hammer/sword/etc. You need level 2 in Sorcerer for Metamagic, and level 2 Paladin for Divine Smite, but beyond that the build is quite flexible. Grab Careful and Distant if you want to lean into your storm powers without hurting your allies, or Empowered and Twinned if you want to maximize lightning damage. Oath of Devotion seems appropriate, but it's not strictly necessary. "Immigrant Song" by Led Zeppelin not included.
    • Starting Ability Scores: 16, 10, 14, 8, 10, 16
    • Progression: How you want to progress the character is really up to you: if you want to focus more toward the electricity, go Sorcerer. If you want more melee combat like Thor, go Paladin.
    "Song of Shadows and Steel"
    • Classes: Level 3 College of Valor Bard/Level 3 The Great Old One Warlock with Pact of the Blade
    • Race: Any.
    • Roleplaying: You're a swashbuckling hero with a tale of adventure on your lips and a dark secret in your heart, but that doesn't stop you from being a good person...mostly.
    • Gameplay: College of Valor nets you Medium armor and a better melee weapon; relying on a Dexterity-based weapon isn't as important because the Warlock's Pact of the Blade will turn your attacking modifier of choice into Charisma regardless. Valor also gives you Combat Inspiration for more damage output. If you want a good hybrid of a spellcaster who can fight in melee, and you don't want to run the popular "Sorcadin" setup, this is a solid alternative.
    • Starting Ability Scores: 8, 16, 14, 10, 10, 16
    • Progression: You can go either way with this one, but Bard will give you more spells to work with in the long run. You've got the most important features of Warlock anyway, like Pact of the Blade. Your Eldritch Blast will rot on the vine, though, without more Warlock levels to support it.
    "I'm an Agent of Chaos"
    • Classes: Wild Magic Sorcerer/Level 3 Wild Magic Barbarian
    • Race: Any.
    • Roleplaying: I wouldn't say you need to be "wacky", but a "chaotic" personality would only be natural.
    • Gameplay: You have both sources of Wild Magic, maximizing your chances of good ol' RNG helping or hurting. If you want a crazy adventure full of unique moments, this is the build for you. How you play it almost doesn't even matter: just go with the flow!
    • Starting Ability Scores: 14, 12, 14, 8, 10, 16
    • Progression: Either direction is probably fine, although casting spells will trigger Wild Magic surges so the more spell slots you have, the more you can trigger them. Your basic Rage can also trigger the surges, so more levels in Barbarian aren't required.

    Conclusion

    And there you have it! You should have everything you need to get out there and begin exploring the world of Baldur's Gate III. Regardless of the challenges that lay before you, with all this knowledge in your back pocket, I'm sure you'll be able to tackle them no problem. Consider it a secret advantage available only to you (...and anyone else who read the guide, but they don't count. They're not as special as you.). A big thanks to those reading this - especially if you read the whole thing! Considering how verbose it is, perhaps a congratulations is in order?

    If you liked the guide, be sure to leave a comment! I We put a lot of effort into this, and will continue to update as more information becomes known. If you happen across anything that is incorrect, keep it to yourself I mean be sure to tell us so we can be as accurate as possible!

    ...that's it. That's the end of the guide.

    ...why are you still reading this? Go play the game!

    Continue Building Your Baldur's Gate III Character

    If you need a refresher on any aspects of character-creating, head to one of the links below!