Baldur’s Gate 3 is a D&D-based RPG with engaging combat and a story that all players will love. Those familiar with the franchise might already know what kind of character they want to play. But with 11 classes available in Early Access, new players can feel a bit intimidated.

Which classes are the best and which should you choose? Before embarking into the world of Faerûn, follow this guide for an overview of each available class.

11. Sorcerer

Sorcerers are spellcasters who draw on the inherent magic within their bloodlines. Players can choose from 2 subclasses: Wild Magic and Draconic Bloodline. 

Unlike the more scholarly Wizards, Sorcerers can be unpredictable and thrive off of chaos. They utilize a range of spells to destroy their enemies at medium and long distances. 

What Sorcerer Excels In

• Constitution Saving Throws
• Charisma Saving Throws
• Daggers
• Quarterstaves
• Light Crossbows

Choose Sorcerer if…

• You want a spellcaster with a flair for chaos.
• You like dragons– the Draconic Bloodline subclass has got you covered.
• You like to play around with Metamagic abilities.

Sorcerer Fun Factor: 70/100

10. Wizard

The studious Wizards rely on Intelligence and Wisdom to conjure devastating magical attacks. At level 2, they can choose between the Evocation and Abjuration Schools of magic.

Wizards can do more than cause damage, however. Spells like Featherfall or Mage Armor bolster their allies, and can be the difference between defeat and victory.

What Wizard Excels In

• Intelligence and Wisdom Saving Throws
• Daggers
• Darts and Slings
• Quarterstaves 
• Light Crossbows

Choose Wizard if…

• You want the challenge of juggling a ‘glass cannon’ class.
• You take an intellectual approach to combat.
• You love magic– Wizards are essentially made of the stuff.

Wizard Fun Factor: 70/100

9. Fighter

Fighters are a classic RPG class that use brute Strength to cleave through the battlefield. They can control the fight with the Battle Master subclass, or delve into magic as an Eldrich Knight.

Fighters are a great choice for tank builds or those looking to deal a lot of damage. Players wanting to go solo would do well picking the Fighter– they’re hearty and versatile.

What Fighter Excels In

• Strength and Constitution Saving Throws
• Light, Medium, and Heavy Armor
• Sheilds
• Simple Weapons
• Martial Weapons

Choose Fighter if…

• You want a versatile class that’s easy to customize.
• You like getting up close and personal in a fight.
• You prefer to lead rather than follow.

Class Name Fun Factor: 70/100

8. Barbarian

It’s easy to assume that Barbarians are no different than Fighters, as they both draw on Strength to destroy their enemies. But it’s their unquenchable, all-consuming rage that sets Barbarians apart. They’re a primal class that loves nothing better than going wild.

At level 3, Barbarians can choose between the Berserker and Wildheart subclasses. Both have immense Rage that acts as a buff for attacks.  

What Barbarian Excels In

• Strength and Constitution Saving Throws
• Light and Medium Armor
• Unarmed Defense
• Simple and Martial Weapons
• Rage (+2 damage with melee and improvised weapons)

Choose Barbarian if…

• You feel the violent call of the wild.
• You want a class that doles out large amounts of damage– even at the cost of defense.
• You’re into wearing leather and fur.

Barbarian Fun Factor: 80/100

7. Paladin

As upholders of hope and justice, Paladins seek to destroy darkness and bring evildoers out into the light. Their core ability is Strength. Paladins primarily act as tanks and use healing magic to support their allies.

Paladins can initially choose between 2 paths: the Oath of Devotion or the Oath of the Ancients. However, a Paladin who goes against their sacred oath is known as an Oathbreaker, which comes with its own dark abilities.

What Paladin Excels In

• Wisdom and Charisma Saving Throws
• Light, Medium, and Heavy Armor
• Sheilds
• Simple and Martial Weapons
• Fighting Styles (defense, dueling, great weapon, fighting, or protection)

Choose Paladin if…

• You like the idea of doling out divine justice.
• You want a tank that specializes in support.
• You’re tempted by taboo– the path of the Oathbreaker calls to you.

Paladin Fun Factor: 80/100

6. Rogue

The sneaky Rogues use Dexterity to fool and cheat their way to victory. They kill their prey with sneak attacks and traps. Stealth is their specialty.

Rogues can become Thieves or Arcane Tricksters at level 3. While the Thief is the more traditional path, Arcane Tricksters use spells to catch their enemies unawares.

What Rogue Excels In

• Dexterity and Intelligence Saving Throws
• Light Armor
• Simple Weapons
• Hand Crossbows
• Sneak Attacks (melee and ranged)

Choose Rogue if…

• You prefer an indirect approach to combat.
• Stealth is more important to you than brute strength.
• Illusions and enchantments are useful means to your ends.

Rogue Fun Factor: 80/100

5. Ranger

Another classic RPG class, Rangers do damage from a distance with the help of nature. They are expert trackers who are adept in hunting Favored Enemies, which gives them specialized abilities.

Rangers can become Hunters or Beast Masters at level 3. Both have their advantages, with Hunters favoring the bow and Beastmasters summoning an animal companion.

What Ranger Excels In

• Strength and Dexterity Saving Throws
• Light and Medium Armor
• Simple and Martial Weapons
• Favored Enemies (bounty hunter, keeper of the veil, mage breaker, ranger knight, sanctified stalker)
• Natural Explorer (beast tamer, urban tracker, wasteland wanderer)

Choose Ranger if…

• You prefer to keep your foes at a distance.
• You don’t want to go it alone– summon an animal companion to give you aid.
• You want a class that knows the lay of the land.

Ranger Fun Factor: 85/100

4. Bard

While blessed with an affinity for music, Bards aren’t your typical performers. They use their abilities to bolster allies and impede their enemies.

Bards have 2 paths: the College of Lore and the College of Valour. Sing tales of heroes past, inspire the common folk, and bewitch your foes with sweet music.

What Bard Excels In

• Dexterity and Charisma Saving Throws
• Light Armor
• Simple Weapons
• Hand Crossbows, Longswords, Shortswords, and Rapiers
• Musical instruments

Choose Bard if…

• You live to perform.
• You want a support class with a big personality.
• You want an entertaining roleplaying experience.

Bard Fun Factor: 90/100

3. Warlock

Warlocks are bound by a pact with powerful patrons. Their spells are fueled by Charisma. Warlocks serve their masters and receive incredible power in return– no matter the cost.

Warlocks can choose to serve either the Fiend or the Great Old One. Each patron provides their own unique spells and abilities.

What Warlock Excels In

• Wisdom and Charisma Saving Throws
• Warlock Spell Slots
• Light Armor
• Simple Weapons
• Boons gained from their Pact

Choose Warlock if…

• You love a good deal– even a cosmic one.
• You’re looking to roleplay a tortured soul. Many Warlocks regret their pacts.
• The Eldritch Blast cantrip holds a special place in your heart.

Warlock Fun Factor: 90/100

2. Cleric

A highly versatile class, Clerics represent the gods they worship with powerful magic. Their relationship with a pantheon can make for rich character interactions and roleplaying. They rely on Wisdom to power their abilities.

In addition to choosing a deity to worship, Clerics have a choice between 3 Domains: Life, Light, and Trickery. 

What Cleric Excels In

• Cleric Spell Slots
• Wisdom and Charisma Saving Throws
• Light and Medium Armor
• Sheilds
• Simple Weapons

Choose Cleric if…

• You’re a sucker for complicated lore.
• You want a supporting class with powerful buffs at their disposal.
• You want a rich, character driven experience.

Cleric Fun Factor: 100/100

1. Druid

Druids channel the elements and forces of nature. They have a range of defensive spells and can even transform into animals. Wisdom is their primary ability.

Druids belong to a Circle of influence, which affects their interactions throughout the game. They can choose from either the Circle of the Moon or the Circle of the Land. Their unique abilities include shapeshifting and speaking to animals. 

What Druid Excels In

• Wisdom and Intelligence Saving Throws
• Light and Medium Armor
• Most weapons besides swords and hammers
• Animal Handling
• Wild Shapes

Choose Druid if…

• You’re an animal lover.
• You want a highly versatile class with healing and tanking abilities.
• Shapeshifting is a power that appeals to you.

Druid Fun Factor: 100/100

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