Since Baldur’s Gate 3 came out fully over a year and a half ago, the game has had many updates, including better mod support and important long-term additions. The newest update, now being tested, will bring big changes to the game, like a proper photo mode, crossplay, and most importantly, 12 new subclasses.
This article will look at each of these new subclasses, checking out their special features and ranking them based on how strong and cool they are.
It’s important to remember that while all these subclasses can finish the game on any difficulty, this ranking shows how well they work in the game right now.
12. College of Glamour (Bard)
At the bottom of our list is the College of Glamour for Bards. While it offers creative ways to play, it’s not very powerful.
The subclass’s main feature, Mantle of Inspiration, gives temporary hit points to allies and can charm enemies who attack them up close. However, the limited ways to trigger this effect and the low temporary hit points make it less useful.
The Mantle of Majesty ability, basically a once-per-long-rest command spell, further limits its usefulness compared to other Bard subclasses.
11. Swashbuckler (Rogue)
The Swashbuckler subclass for Rogues feels like a pirate but isn’t very effective.
Its features include Dirty Tricks (disarming, blinding, or using vicious mockery as a bonus action), Fancy Footwork (immunity to opportunity attacks from attacked enemies), and Rakish Audacity (initiative bonus and easier sneak attack conditions).
While it sounds cool, it doesn’t work well in Baldur’s Gate 3’s various combat situations.
10. Arcane Archer (Fighter)
The Arcane Archer subclass for Fighters focuses on ranged combat, offering special arrow shots with different effects like banishment, movement damage, guaranteed hits, and blinding.
However, the limited uses per short rest and the existence of other versatile subclasses like Battle Master make it less appealing overall.
9. Swarmkeeper (Ranger)
The Swarmkeeper subclass brings an interesting idea with its choice of spirit swarms (bees, jellyfish, or moths). These swarms can deal damage, move enemies, or teleport the Ranger.
Other features include bonus damage against marked targets and limited flight ability. While it sounds cool, it doesn’t change gameplay much.
8. Way of the Drunken Master (Monk)
This subclass brings an interesting concept to the Monk class. Its main features are the Intoxicating Strike, which can make enemies drunk, and Life of the Party, which buffs the Monk when successfully hitting with Intoxicating Strike.
While potentially strong, its effectiveness is limited by key point use and luck-based mechanics.
7. Death Domain (Cleric)
The Death Domain subclass offers a necromancy-focused option for Clerics.
Its features include Reaper (affecting more targets with necromancy cantrips), Touch of Death (bonus necrotic damage), and the ability to ignore necrotic resistance.
While good, it doesn’t stand out as very powerful compared to other options.
6. Oath of the Crown (Paladin)
This Paladin subclass is great at being tough, offering abilities like taunting enemies, healing shouts, and Divine Allegiance (taking damage instead of nearby allies).
Its defensive abilities are impressive, but its ranking is limited by the game’s focus on dealing damage.
5. Shadow Magic (Sorcerer)
The Shadow Magic subclass introduces the Hound of Ill Omen, a unique pet that applies elemental omens to enemies and can multiply when hit.
This subclass allows for efficient sorcery point cycling and offers better darkvision. Its unique playstyle sets it apart from other Sorcerer options.
4. Path of Giants (Barbarian)
This Barbarian subclass is both fun and effective.
Features include getting bigger during rage, the ability to kick enemies around the battlefield, elemental weapon damage, and the ability to throw medium or smaller creatures.
Its mix of usefulness and raw power makes it a strong choice.
3. Bladesinging (Wizard)
The Bladesinging subclass turns Wizards into good battle mages. It gives weapon proficiencies, bladesong damage charges, extra attacks, and defensive abilities.
This subclass effectively combines close combat skills with the Wizard’s many spells.
2. Hexblade (Warlock)
The Hexblade subclass for Warlocks offers a well-rounded package of offensive and defensive abilities. It gives weapon proficiencies, allows the use of Charisma for attack modifiers, and introduces the Hexblade’s Curse mechanic.
Other features include health regeneration, the ability to raise ghostly allies, and a chance to ignore damage from cursed targets.
1. Circle of Stars (Druid)
At the top of our list is the Circle of Stars Druid subclass. It replaces wild shape with Starry Form, offering three constellations (Archer, Chalice, and Dragon) with unique abilities.
Other features include the ability to influence rolls, improved damage and healing, and flight capabilities. The versatility and power of this subclass, combined with its cool theme, make it stand out among the new additions.
Conclusion
Update 8 for Baldur’s Gate 3 promises to bring lots of new content and gameplay options to an already rich gaming experience. The addition of these 12 subclasses will definitely bring new life to the game, giving players fresh ways to play their adventures in the Forgotten Realms.
While our ranking gives insight into how effective each subclass might be, it’s important to remember that personal playstyle and preference play a big role in enjoying these new options. Whether you like the swashbuckling Rogue, the cosmic-powered Druid, or any of the other new subclasses, Update 8 is set to offer something for every type of player.
As we wait for the full release of this update, expected in the coming months, you can look forward to not only these new subclasses but also crossplay and a proper photo mode.
