With the release of Patch 8 for Baldur’s Gate 3, we got a bunch of new subclasses, each giving different ways to play and exciting character ideas.
This update made the already very replayable game even more so, making many people want to start fresh playthroughs.
In this article, we’ll look at 10 of the strongest and most interesting character builds that use these new subclasses. We’ll focus on mixing different classes to create characters that work well together and are fun to play.
1. The Swarmkeeper
Class Combination: Circle of the Moon Druid (7 levels) + Swarmkeeper Ranger (5 levels)
This build combines the new Swarmkeeper Ranger subclass with the Circle of the Moon Druid, creating a character that can transform into powerful beasts while being accompanied by a swarm of creatures.
The synergy between these classes allows for bonus damage on Wild Shape attacks, a rare feature that makes this combination particularly potent.
Key Features:
- Swarmkeeper’s swarm abilities work with Wild Shape forms
- Access to Owlbear Wild Shape form
- Extra Attack from Ranger levels
Recommended Stat Distribution:
- Level 1: 16 Dexterity, 15 Constitution, 17 Wisdom
Leveling Path:
- Start with Druid levels
- Take Tavern Brawler feat at Druid level 4
- Reach Druid level 5 for Wild Strike
- Take 3 levels in Swarmkeeper Ranger
- Return to Druid for level 6 (Owlbear form)
- Finish with Ranger levels, using the level 4 ASI to increase Wisdom to 19
This build offers a unique playstyle, allowing you to transform into powerful beasts while commanding a swarm of creatures, making it both thematically rich and mechanically strong.
2. Giants and Thief
Class Combination: Path of the Giant Barbarian (8 levels) + Thief Rogue (4 levels)
This build focuses on the new Path of the Giant Barbarian’s unique kicking ability, combined with the Thief Rogue’s extra bonus action. While somewhat of a meme build, it can be surprisingly effective and incredibly fun to play.
Key Features:
- Boot of the Giants ability for powerful kicks
- Extra bonus action from Thief Rogue
- Expertise in Athletics for improved kicking success
Recommended Stat Distribution:
- Level 1: 16 Dexterity, 15 Constitution, 17 Strength
Leveling Path:
- Start with Barbarian levels
- Take Tavern Brawler feat at Barbarian level 4
- Reach Barbarian level 6 for Elemental Cleaver
- Take 4 levels in Thief Rogue, using the ASI to increase Strength to 20
- Finish with Barbarian levels, taking Savage Attacker as the final feat
This build allows you to kick enemies with tremendous force, potentially knocking them off ledges or into hazards, while still maintaining the core power of a Barbarian.
3. The Hexblade Swashbuckler
Class Combination: Hexblade Warlock (8 levels) + Swashbuckler Rogue (4 levels)
This powerful build combines the new Hexblade Warlock subclass with the Swashbuckler Rogue, creating a charismatic and deadly melee combatant with a mix of martial prowess and magical abilities.
Key Features:
- Hexblade’s Curse for increased damage and crit chance
- Swashbuckler’s ability to disengage easily
- Dirty Tricks from Swashbuckler for additional combat options
Recommended Stat Distribution:
- Level 1: 17 Charisma, 16 Dexterity, 14 Constitution, 10 Intelligence
Leveling Path:
- Start with 1 level in Hexblade Warlock
- Take 4 levels in Swashbuckler Rogue, using the ASI to increase Charisma to 19
- Finish with Hexblade Warlock levels, taking Savage Attacker and Sentinel as feats
This build offers a mix of melee damage, magical abilities, and defensive options, making it a versatile and powerful choice for players who enjoy a swashbuckling playstyle with a magical twist.
4. The Necrotic Specialist
Class Combination: Death Domain Cleric (6 levels) + Circle of Spores Druid (6 levels)
This build focuses entirely on maximizing necrotic damage, combining the new Death Domain Cleric with the Circle of Spores Druid for a character that excels in dealing death and decay.
Key Features:
- Reaper feature for enhanced necromancy cantrips
- Halo of Spores for reactive necrotic damage
- Ability to ignore necrotic resistance at higher levels
Recommended Stat Distribution:
- Level 1: 17 Wisdom, 14 Constitution, 14 Strength, 12 Intelligence
Leveling Path:
- Start with 2 levels in Death Domain Cleric
- Take 6 levels in Circle of Spores Druid
- Finish with Death Domain Cleric levels
- Use ASIs to increase Wisdom to 20
This build allows you to specialize in necrotic damage, offering both offensive and defensive options through a combination of spells and class features.
5. The Bladesinging Bard
Class Combination: Bladesinging Wizard (2 levels) + College of Swords Bard (10 levels)
This build combines the new Bladesinging Wizard subclass with the College of Swords Bard, creating a character that excels in both melee combat and spellcasting.
Key Features:
- Bladesong for increased AC and movement speed
- Blade Flourishes for enhanced melee attacks
- Access to both Wizard and Bard spells
Recommended Stat Distribution:
- Level 1: 17 Dexterity, 15 Charisma, 14 Constitution, 12 Intelligence
Leveling Path:
- Start with 2 levels in Bladesinging Wizard
- Take 10 levels in College of Swords Bard
- Use ASIs to increase Dexterity to 20 and Charisma to 16
This build offers a unique mix of martial prowess and magical versatility, allowing you to seamlessly switch between melee combat and spellcasting as the situation demands.
6. The Wild Hexblade
Class Combination: Hexblade Warlock (4 levels) + Wild Magic Barbarian (8 levels)
This unusual combination leverages the power of the Hexblade Warlock with the unpredictable nature of the Wild Magic Barbarian, creating a chaotic and powerful melee combatant.
Key Features:
- Hexblade’s Curse and weapon bonding
- Wild Magic surges during rage
- Extra Attack from both classes (stacking outside of Honor Mode)
Recommended Stat Distribution:
- Level 1: 16 Charisma, 16 Dexterity, 14 Constitution, 12 Wisdom
Leveling Path:
- Start with 1 level in Hexblade Warlock
- Take 5 levels in Wild Magic Barbarian
- Take 3 more levels in Hexblade Warlock
- Finish with Wild Magic Barbarian levels
- Use ASIs to increase Charisma to 20 and take Great Weapon Master
This build combines the reliability of the Hexblade with the unpredictability of Wild Magic, creating a character that can dish out consistent damage while also providing unexpected magical effects in combat.
7. The Shadow Paladin
Class Combination: Shadow Sorcerer (6 levels) + Oath of the Crown Paladin (5 levels) + Hexblade Warlock (1 level)
This triple multiclass build combines the new Shadow Sorcerer with the Oath of the Crown Paladin and a dip into Hexblade Warlock for a character that excels in both martial combat and shadow magic.
Key Features:
- Superior darkvision and magical darkness
- Smite spells enhanced by metamagic
- Charisma-based weapon attacks from Hexblade
Recommended Stat Distribution:
- Level 1: 17 Charisma, 16 Dexterity, 14 Constitution, 10 Wisdom
Leveling Path:
- Start with 1 level in Hexblade Warlock
- Take 6 levels in Shadow Sorcerer
- Finish with 5 levels in Oath of the Crown Paladin
- Use ASIs to increase Charisma to 20 and take Warcaster
This build offers a unique combination of shadow magic, paladin abilities, and warlock features, creating a versatile character that can adapt to various combat situations.
8. Bladesinging and Hexblade
Class Combination: Bladesinging Wizard (6 levels) + Hexblade Warlock (6 levels)
This build combines the new Bladesinging Wizard subclass with the Hexblade Warlock, creating a character that excels in both melee combat and arcane spellcasting.
Key Features:
- Bladesong for enhanced defense and mobility
- Hexblade’s Curse for increased damage and crit chance
- Access to both Wizard and Warlock spells
Recommended Stat Distribution:
- Level 1: 16 Charisma, 16 Dexterity, 14 Constitution, 12 Intelligence
Leveling Path:
- Start with 1 level in Hexblade Warlock
- Take 2 levels in Bladesinging Wizard
- Take 5 more levels in Hexblade Warlock
- Finish with 4 more levels in Bladesinging Wizard
- Use ASIs to increase Charisma to 20
This build offers a perfect blend of martial prowess and arcane might, allowing you to switch seamlessly between sword and spell as the situation demands.
9. The Exodia Archer
Class Combination: Arcane Archer Fighter (3 levels) + College of Swords Bard (6 levels) + Gloom Stalker Ranger (3 levels)
This triple multiclass build focuses on creating the ultimate archer, combining the new Arcane Archer subclass with abilities from Bard and Ranger to create a versatile and powerful ranged character.
Key Features:
- Arcane Shot options for versatile arrow effects
- Blade Flourish usable with bows for extra attacks
- Dread Ambusher for first-round bonuses
Recommended Stat Distribution:
- Level 1: 17 Dexterity, 15 Charisma, 14 Constitution, 12 Intelligence
Leveling Path:
- Start with 3 levels in Arcane Archer Fighter
- Take 6 levels in College of Swords Bard
- Finish with 3 levels in Gloom Stalker Ranger
- Use the ASI to increase Dexterity to 19 (aim to reach 20 through gameplay)
This build offers unparalleled versatility in ranged combat, with a variety of special arrows, extra attacks, and first-round bonuses that make it deadly from the moment combat begins.
10. The Ultimate Spirit Guardian
Class Combination: Circle of Stars Druid (2 levels) + Storm Sorcerer (1 level) + Death Domain Cleric (9 levels)
This build focuses on maximizing the effectiveness of the Spirit Guardians spell, combining features from the new Circle of Stars Druid with Sorcerer and Cleric abilities.
Key Features:
- Dragon Starry Form for improved concentration checks
- Storm Sorcerer’s flight ability for improved mobility
- Death Domain’s ability to ignore necrotic resistance
Recommended Stat Distribution:
- Level 1: 17 Wisdom, 14 Constitution, 14 Dexterity, 12 Intelligence
Leveling Path:
- Start with 2 levels in Circle of Stars Druid
- Take 5 levels in Death Domain Cleric
- Take 1 level in Storm Sorcerer
- Finish with 4 more levels in Death Domain Cleric
- Use ASIs to increase Wisdom to 20
This build allows you to maintain Spirit Guardians with incredible efficiency, flying around the battlefield and dealing consistent necrotic damage to multiple enemies.
