Best Beginner Character Builds In Baldur's Gate 3

Summary

Newcomers toBaldur’s Gate 3might find themselves extremely overwhelmed with their wealth of options for generating their characters. After all,Baldur’s Gate 3uses theD&D5e ruleset, allowing them to create highly detailed characters for combat and other gameplay elements such as roleplay and exploration. With the game’s intense premise of a full-scale Mindflayer invasion in Faerun of theForgotten Realms, beginners have the perfect recipe for choice paralysis.

Thankfully,D&D5e being built with accessibility in mind crosses over toBaldur’s Gate 3, with the game offering ways for beginners to create a gameplay-viable character that can potentially last them to the endgame. However, how should newcomers approach creating their firstBaldur’s Gate 3character?

Updated on June 09, 2025, by Rhenn Taguiam:With Larian Studios having just released a patch that gave the Dark Urge grislier endings for their darker playthroughs, fans of Baldur’s Gate 3 might be wondering what else the game has in store for edgier sessions - especially when having to fight stronger opponents. As players might see the new Dark Urge endings as reasons for a new playthrough, fans may want to consider using specific early-game builds to boost their progression without taking too much time for experimentation. Among setups players can enjoy include one where a Githyanki’s psionic prowess is paired with the utility potential of a Bard, and one that maximizes the combat potential of the Wildheart Barbarian.

14Gith Utility Master

Githyanki Psionics With Lore Bard Utility

One of the best starter character builds for players involves choosing a Class that isn’t necessarily included among the first set of Companions players can obtain in Act 1. Among those choices, the Bard strikes a decent balance between combat and roleplay - making it perfect for a starting straight build. WithGith Utility Master, players create a Githyanki Bard - a decent way of starting as a “stranger” to the Forgotten Realms,given how the Githyankiare extraplanar creatures on the hunt for the very Mindflayers trying to invade Faerun.

This initial build capitalizes on a high DEX Score, with standard Cantrips such as Vicious Mockery and True Strike consistently dealing damage and guaranteeing Advantage for the party’s other heavy-hitters. Getting Cure Wounds and Healing Word should allow the Gith Bard to aid allies in case of emergencies, while Thunderwave and Shatter are nifty AOEs across different ranges. When boosted properly, Silence can ensure stronger foes can’t dish out their Spells - giving players room to punish them.

Gith Utility Master Base Stats

Multiclass Option: Maintain College Of Lore Bard

Being a starter build, the Gith Utility Master is best kept asa straight Lore Barduntil the latter parts of the game. After getting +2 CHA at Level 4, they should aim for another +2 CHA at Level 8 to ensure the potency of their Spells. Around this part of the game’s progression, the Bard gains access to other powerful Spells outside their repertoire, courtesy of Magical Secrets. Gained at Level 6 (for Lore) and Level 10 (at Base), the Bard should consider getting Fireball and Ice Storm for the AOE, Counterspell to stop more powerful spellcasters, andConjure Elementalfor the added minion assist.

13Wild Ferocity

Tap Into The Power Of Beasts

Whilethe Barbarian in bothDungeons & DragonsandBaldur’s Gate 3are known to be straightforward heavy-hitters,Wild Ferocityis a take on the Wildheart subclass that capitalizes on its provision of a Bestial Heart and Aspects of the Animals. At the start of the game, it’s ideal for Wild Ferocity players to choose the Bear Heart to get Resistances to all non-Psychic Damage, giving them a much-needed defensive boost. Their Unrelenting Ferocity also allows them to heal while Raging, giving them added survivability.

This build is ideal with two-handed weapons, as its added firepower allows the Wildheart Barbarian to pummel their way through opponents. There’s not a lot of complicated maneuvering to be done within the first four levels, making this build helpful for beginners who want to get used to the game’s tactical versatility through their other party members.

Wild Ferocity Base Stats

Multiclass Option: Maintain Wildheart Barbarian

Things start heating up for the Wild Ferocity build by the time they reach Level 5. While other builds begin Multiclassing here, this starting build is ideally done with a Barbarian throughout the experience. Getting Extra Attack adds another layer of DPS for the Barbarian as a tank, and its Fast Movement provides much-needed flexibility on the battlefield. By the time they start getting an Animal Aspect, they can further diversify their combat options. They should get the Stallion Aspect first, as it gives players Temporary Hit Points twice their level whenever they Dash, which they can do as a Bonus Action. Constantly getting Temp Hit Points can become a godsend in dangerous situations. In Level 10, the Barbarian should consider getting the Elk Aspect, as it can grant a permanent +1.5m Movement Speed boost to all allies within 18m - a much-needed buff for allies who may need to reposition or move alongside the Barbarian to get up close and personal to their targets.

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FEATURES

Extra Attack, Fast Movement, Stallion (Aspect of the Beast), Elk (Aspect of the Beast), Feral Instinct, Land’s Stride: Difficult Terrain, Brutal Critical, Relentless Rage

+4 STR (ASI x2)

12Warrior Of The Realms

Capitalize On Double Damage Mechanic Via Crits

TheFolk Hero BackgroundinDungeons & Dragonsis essentially an adventurer who begins their journey as a beloved hero of their community, usually entrusted with a mission to save the land. TheWarrior of the Realmsbuild takes this concept but makes it more grandiose, specifically with theChampion Fighterbuilt precisely to show enemies how a hero can always save the day. In terms of game mechanics, “always saves the day” pertains to killing enemies as fast as one is able, and this is made possible through the Champion Fighter’s potential to score critical hits often during a combat encounter.

As such, players need to secure methods of lowering the requirements of a Critical Hit for the Champion. Aside from Hold Person and other movement-impairing abilities, items that reduce crit requirements include Knife of the Undermountain King (-1) and even Covert Owl (-1 if attacking from obscurement). The Feat to acquire here is +2 STR (Ability Score Increase) to maximize Attack Rolls in conjunction with the rest of the build.

Fighter, Champion

ABILITIES, SAVES

STR 18 (+4 Mod, +6 Save), DEX 12 (+1 Mod, +0 Save), CON 15 (+2 Mod, +4 Save), INT 10 (+0 Mod, +0 Save), WIS 14 (+2 Mod, +2 Save), CHA 10 (+0 Mod, +0 Save)

PROFICIENCIES

Armor (Light, Medium, Heavy), Shields, Weapons (Martial, Simple), Athletics (STR), Perception (WIS)

+2 (ASI)

Multiclass Option: Maintain Champion Fighter

Compared to other build suggestions with Multiclass options, the slow build-up and snowball potential of the Champion Fighter means it’s also its ideal Multiclass. As the game caps progression at 12th-Level, players need to maximize opportunities to gain as much means of stacking fewer requirements for Critical Hits. These other items include the Risky Ring (Advantage on Attack Rolls), The Dead Shot (-1), Shade-Slayer Cloak (-1), as well as Bloodthirst (-1). For Feats, Alert ensures players can control their Champion’s position, +2 STR maxes out Strength to 20, and Great Weapon Master provides an extra attack at a crit as well as a risky -5 to Rolls for +10 Damage.

+Half Proficiency Bonus to any STR, DEX, CON Check that players aren’t Proficient in

Extra Attack (Improved), Remarkable Athlete: Jump, Proficiency, Indomitable, Defence (Fighting Style)

11Heart Of The Jungle

Maximize High STR With Wild Shape Via Tavern Brawler

While theBarbarian ofDungeons & Dragonsis stereotyped to be an archetypal juggernaut, a build likeHeart of the Junglecapitalizes on the flexibility of theWildheart Barbarian. At its core, this build enables players to manipulate the way their Barbarian functions on the battlefield, courtesy of Hearts that provide them or even their allies with a wide array of bonuses to accommodate various situations.

When players access the Wildheart at 3rd-Level, their Bestial Heart can provide buffs while the Barbarian is enraged. Damage Resistances except Psychic (Bear) give allies Advantage on melee Attack Rolls against foes (Wolf) or even impose Disadvantage on Opportunity Attacks that foes make against the player (Eagle). For a Feat, acquiring +2 STR via Ability Score Improvement can improve the ferocity of the Barbarian’s attacks.

Barbarian, Wildheart

STR 18 (+4 Mod, +6 Save), DEX 10 (+0 Mod, +0 Save), CON 14 (+2 Mod, +5 Save), INT 10 (+0 Mod, +0 Save), WIS 15 (+2 Mod, +2 Save), CHA 10 (+0 Mod, +0 Save)

Weapons (Simple, Martial), Armor (Light, Medium), Shields, Athletics (STR), Perception (WIS)

Rage, Unarmoured Defence, Reckless Attack, Danger Sense, Speak With Animals, Bestial Heart

+2 STR (ASI)

Multiclass Option: Circle Of The Moon Druid

Despite the power potential of the Wildheart Barbarian, players can draw even more power from a Druid Multiclass. This idea works well with theCircle of the Moon Druid, as this empowers the Barbarian with a wide variety of utility from the Druid’s kit to bolster their supportive capabilities. When done correctly, this Moon Druid Multiclass can enjoy multiple attack options when Wild Shaping. Moreover, by the time players get Tavern Brawler (Feat), they can apply double the STR Mod to both Attacks and Damage and do this many times with Wild Shapes that have multiple melee attack options.

Insight (WIS), Survival (WIS)

CANTRIPS, SPELLS

Cantrips (Resistance, Poison Spray, Thorn Whip), Lv1 (Animal Friendship, Cure Wounds, Speak With Animals, Thunderwave, Charm Person, Ice Knife, Fog Cloud, Faerie Fire, Healing Word, Create/Destroy Water, Entangle, Longstrider, Enhance Leap, Protection From Poison, Goodberry), Lv2 (Flaming Sphere, Spike Growth, Barkskin, Hold Person, Lesser Restoration, Gust of Wind, Pass Without Trace, Darkvision, Moonbeam, Enhance Ability, Flame Blade, Heat Metal)

10Frenzied Tank

Get More Out Of Frenzy With Action Surge

Unlike the more tactical Fighter,the Barbarian ofBaldur’s Gate 3prefers to wreak havoc first and asks questions later, and this is precisely what makesFrenzied Tanksuch an efficient, straightforward vanguard. Barbarians already gain a 10-turn Rage that boosts their overall damage and protection against melee, but the Berserker also adds Frenzy that unlocks the capability to throw even a creature to a target (Enraged Throw) as well as using a Bonus Action to make another melee attack (Frenzied Strike).

If the Frenzied Tank prepare for their Frenzy via Reckless Attack, a huge chunk of their attacks during the Frenzy’s turn can stack for quite the DPS. Moreover, Extra Attack at 5th Level can secure at least three strikes to a target, making this Barbarian an extremely straightforward and efficient melee DPS.

Berserker Barbarian

STR 18 (+4 Mod, +7 Save), DEX 13 (+1 Mod, +1 Save), CON 16 (+3 Mod, +6 Save), INT 9 (-1 Mod, -1 Save), WIS 9 (-1 Mod, -1 Save), CHA 10 (+0 Mod, +0 Save)

Armor (Light, Medium), Shield, Weapons (Simple, Martial), Athletics (STR), Survival (WIS)

Unarmored Defense, Frenzy (Rage), Frenzied Strike, Enraged Throw, Danger Sense, Reckless Attack

Tavern Brawler, Weapon Master, Savage Attacker

Multiclass Option: Battle Master Fighter

Given the heavy-hitting nature of the Barbarian, one possible Multiclass option for newcomers would be theBattle Master Fightervia picking Fighter as an MC at Level 6 after getting Extra Attack at Barbarian 5. This way, players maintain the overall firepower of the Barbarian while getting access to a more efficient Fighting Style, a whole second Action via Action Surge. Maneuvers via Superiority Dice can help the Barbarian get extra options in combat as well.

Extra Attack (Barbarian), Two-Weapon Fighting (Fighting Style), Action Surge, Second Wind, Superiority Dice, Maneuvers (Sweeping Attack, Riposte, Maneuvering Attack)

9Lunar Ferocity

Accommodate Hybrid Tank/Support With Wild Shape

Wild Shape or the ability to transform into another animal sets the Druid apart from otherBaldur’s Gate 3Classes, withLunar Ferocityshowing just how efficient a tank this Class could get with the right setup. Capitalizing on the Circle of the Moon’s Combat Wild Shape option, the Lunar Ferocity build lets players explore a tank-healer hybrid while offering enough combat efficiency to sustain both roles.

Essential to the kit are more battle-oriented Wild Shapes that accommodate heavy melee (Bear) and aerial combat (Dire Raven) on top of an extra magical attack in that form (Wild Strike, Primal Strike). While waiting for 10th Level Elemental Myrmidon Wild Shapes, Lunar Ferocity characters can enjoy Wild Shape-based healing (Lunar Mend) as well as a repertoire of reduced but still efficient healing, buffing, and damaging spells.

Circle of the Moon Druid

STR 12 (+1 Mod, +4 Save), DEX 14 (+2 Mod, +2 Save), CON 10 (+0 Mod, +0 Save), INT 14 (+2 Mod, +5 Save), WIS 17 (+3 Mod, +6 Save), CHA 9 (-1 Mod, -1 Save)

Armor (Light, Medium), Shield, Dagger, Club, Mace, Javelin, Quarterstaff, Scimitar, Sickle, Spear, Survival (WIS), Nature (INT)

Cantrips (Guidance, Resistance), Lv1 (Cure Wounds, Healing Word, Thunderwave, Speak With Animals), Lv2 (Heat Metal, Lesser Restoration, Mirror Image, Moonbeam, Pass Without Trace)

Magic Initiate: Cleric, Resilient, War Caster

Multiclass Option: Tempest Domain Cleric

The Druid’s decent WIS stat is already a gateway for maximized utility via theTempest Domain Cleric, which can be obtained just after Druid 5’s Wild Shape Extra Attack. Unlike other Domains, the more combative Tempest Domain can encourage the player’s Druid to be more of a tank than a tank/support hybrid, allowing players to take more risks in combat.

Armor (Heavy), Weapons (Simple, Martial), Nature, Perception

Cantrips (Sacred Flame, Blade Ward, Light), Lv1 (Bane, Bless, Command, Guiding Bolt, Inflict Wounds, Protection from Evil and Good, Sanctuary, Shield of Faith), Lv2 (Aid, Blindness, Enhance Ability, Hold Person, Lesser Restoration, Prayer of Healing, Protection from Poison, Silence, Spiritual Weapon, Warding Bond, Shatter, Gust of Wind)

Extra Attack (Wild Shape, Druid), Wrath of the Storm, Destructive Wrath, Turn Undead (Channel Divinity),

8Fiendish Accuracy

Boost A Warlock’s Utility Potential With Metamagic

TheWarlock ofDungeons & Dragonsboasts some of the most thematically frightening slate of utility abilities among the RPG’s Classes, withFiendish Accuracytransforming characters into long-ranged spellslingers that dish out a ton of damage while playing safe. This Class builds upon the Fiend Patron, with Wyll being a recommended character for this setup. Players would want to ideally secure Hex (1st-Level Enchantment, Bonus Action) and Eldritch Blast (Evocation Cantrip), as this sets up a Spell Slot-saving constant damage stream.

Selecting Dark One’s Blessing as an Eldritch Invocation also gives Fiendish Accuracy builds a nifty heal whenever they kill a hostile creature. For repositioning purposes, Misty Step (2nd-Level Conjuration) can secure the Warlock’s safety by placing them in higher spots or getting them out of danger.

The Fiend Warlock

STR 10 (+0 Mod, +0 Save), DEX 14 (+2 Mod, +2 Save), CON 10 (+0 Mod, +0 Save), INT 10 (+0 Mod, +0 Save), WIS 14 (+2 Mod, +5 Save), CHA 17 (+3 Mod, +6 Save)

Armor (Light), Shields, Weapons (Simple, Pikes, Halberds, Glaives), Intimidation (CHA), Investigation (INT)

Cantrips (Eldritch Blast, True Strike, Mage Hand), Lv1 (Hex, Arms of Hadar, Armor of Agathys, Mage Armor, Speak with Animals), Lv2 (Misty Step, Mirror Image)

Dark One’s Blessing, Eldritch Invocations (Agonizing Blast, Beast Speech), Martial Adept (Commander’s Strike, Evasive Footwork), Pact of the Blade

Dual Wielder, Martial Adept

Multiclass Option: Storm Sorcerer

The Sorlock remains one of the most popularD&D 5eMulticlasses, and this is something the Warlock can rely on after securing Deepened Pact and Armor of Shadows (Eldritch Invocation) at Warlock 5. By becoming aStorm Sorcerer, players can enjoy a wider array of more aggressive Spells alongside Metamagic that can further boost the player’s combat efficiency.

Religion (INT)

Cantrips (Mage Hand, Minor Illusion, Fire Bolt, Acid Splash), Lv1 (Magic Missile, Chromatic Orb, Shield), Lv2 (Cloud of Daggers), Lv3 (Counterspell)

Deepened Pact, Eldritch Invocation (Armor of Shadows), Sorcery Points, Tempestuous Magic, Metamagic (Twinned Spell, Distant Spell, Quickened Spell)

7Light Of Balance

Enhance The Cleric With Combat Options Via Hunter

Players looking for an all-rounder character could opt for theLight of Balancebuild, transforming Shadowheart into aLight Domain Clericin her Baldur’s Gate 3 journey. Courtesy of this build, players get access to a durable enough warrior capable of dishing damage while supporting the rest of the team. Light Clerics get 3 Cantrips and 2 1st-Level Spells at the onset, giving players access to buffers (Guidance), protections (Blade Ward, Shield of Faith, Sanctuary), and even efficient heals (Cure Wounds, Healing Word).

Not only that, but Channel Divinity Options and special Class Features also give Clerics more versatility in battle as they level up, courtesy of frightening (Turn Undead) and even dealing heavy damage (Destroy Undead) to nearby undead, imposing Disadvantage on Attack Rolls (Warding Flare) and casting out magical darkness with some damage (Radiance of the Dawn).

Light Domain Cleric

STR 14 (+2 Mod, +2 Save), DEX 11 (+0 Mod, +0 Save), CON 12 (+1 Mod, +1 Save), INT 9 (-1 Mod, -1 Save), WIS 17 (+3 Mod, +5 Save), CHA 13 (+1 Mod, +3 Save)

Armor (Light, Medium), Shield, Weapons (Simple), Morningstar, Perception (WIS), Survival (WIS)

Cantrips (Guidance, Resistance, Sacred Flame), Lv1 (Cure Wounds, Healing Word, Guiding Bolt, Bless, Bane, Shield of Faith), Lv2 (Aid, Lesser Restoration, Prayer of Healing, Scorching Ray, Silence, Spiritual Weapon)

Radiance of the Dawn (Channel Divinity), Turn Undead, Warding Flare, Radiance of the Dawn

Magic Initiate: Cleric, Shield Master

Multiclass Option: Hunter Ranger

The Light Cleric’s expectation to become a support unit can be upended by going for a Ranger at Level 6 and transitioning into aHunter Rangerby Ranger 3. This should give the player an expanded array of combat options, such as a Familiar, as well as natural buffs when going toe to toe against foes. While this build’s STR wouldn’t be too potent, it should be enough to bring a Cleric to the frontlines as a damage dealer when needed.

Armor (Heavy), Weapons (Simple, Martial), Perception, History

Lv1 (Find Familiar, Hunter’s Mark, Hail of Thorns, Ensnaring Strike), Lv3 (Daylight, Fireball)

Destroy Undead (Cleric), Ranger Knight (Favored Enemy), Beast Tamer (Natural Explorer), Defence (Fighting Style), Colossus Slayer (Hunter’s Prey)

6Battle Master Flexibility

Enjoy Flexibility In Combat Thanks To Maneuvers

Newcomers toDungeons & Dragonsmechanics who are overwhelmed with the Wizard’s arsenal of spells may opt forBattle Master Flexibilityfor a similar experience but with a straightforward melee Class. Created with a Fighter-leaning character like Lae’zel in mind, Maneuvers canhelp Battle Masterscontrol the flow of combat in their immediate vicinity with various attacks with special effects.

A 3rd-Level Battle Master will gain access to 3 Maneuvers at the onset and can expand up to a roster of 7 at the 11th Level. Ideal Maneuvers include providing an Advantage to the next Attack Roll against the target (Distracting Strike), imposing a Disadvantage on melee attacks against the Battle Master (Evasive Footwork), giving extra movement speed to an ally (Maneuvers Attack), an attack that comes with a shove (Pushing Attack), and knocking the enemy Prone (Trip Attack).

Battle Master Fighter

STR 17 (+3 Mod, +5 Save), DEX 14 (+2 Mod, +2 Save), CON 13 (+1 Mod, +3 Save), INT 10 (+0 Mod, +0 Save), WIS 10 (+0 Mod, +0 Save), CHA 10 (+0 Mod, +0 Save)

Armor (Light, Medium, Heavy), Shield, Weapons (Simple, Martial), Acrobatics (DEX), Athletics (STR), Intimidation (CHA), Perception (WIS), Survival (WIS)

Protection, Great Weapon Fighting (Fighting Style), Second Wind, Action Surge, Maneuvers (Commander’s Strike, Distracting Strike, Feinting Attack, Sweeping Attack)

Great Weapon Master, Sentinel, Polearm Master

Multiclass Option: Maintain Battle Master Fighter

Unlike other builds, it may be more effective for Battle Master Fighters tomaintain their current progression. Fighters getting a steadier stream of Feats every other level should allow players to maximize their current kit. Moreover, being able to secure more Maneuvers should let Fighters enjoy more freedom on the battlefield as straightforward damage dealers, leaving utility and healing to other party members.

5Devout Smiting

Enjoy Smites, Spellcasting Options With Traditional Pallock Setup

The Paladin is easily one of themore versatile healer-tank hybridsavailable inBaldur’s Gate 3gameplay, being a more combat-efficient blend of the Cleric and the Fighter. Even in earlier levels, theDevout SmitingPaladin already gets access to emergency healing (Lay on Hands) as well as Advantage on Attack Rolls against certain creature types (Divine Sense) on top of a Fighting Style that diversifies their general combat playstyle.

On top of access to a slate of general healing and support spells, the Devotion Paladin can also boost the chance of their weapon attacks hitting foes (Sacred Weapons), scaring off undead (Turn the Undead), and creating a damaging aura for allies (Holy Rebuke). Perhaps the highlight of Devout Smiting is the Class’ access to a wide variety of Smites that can burn (Searing), push (Thunderous), frighten (Wrathful), mark (Branding), and blind (Blinding) opponents.

Devotion Paladin

15 STR (+2 Mod, +2 Save), DEX 10 (+0 Mod, +0 Save), CON 12 (+1 Mod, +1 Save), INT 8 (-1 Mod, -1 Save), WIS 13 (+1 Mod, +3 Save), CHA 17 (+3 Mod, +5 Save)

Armor (Light, Medium, Heavy), Shield, Weapons (Simple, Martial), Acrobatics (DEX), Athletics (STR), Insight (WIS), Intimidation (CHA), Persuasion (CHA)

Lv1 (Protection From Evil And Good, Sanctuary, Bless, Cure Wounds, Searing Smite, Thunderous Smite), Lv2 (Aid, Lesser Restoration)

Protection (Fighting Style), Lay On Hands, Divine Sense, Divine Smite, Channel Oath (Holy Rebuke, Sacred Weapon, Turn the Unholy)

Sentinel, Polearm Master, Magic Initiate: Sorcerer/Bard, Charger

Multiclass Option: The Great Old One Warlock

With the Warlock being among the game’s dedicated CHA Classes (before the new version of the Player’s Handbook comes out), players may want to use this opportunity to pair the Paladin with the flexible Spellcasting cast. After securing Extra Attack at Paladin 5, players can enjoy more versatile Spellcasting viathe Great Old One Warlockas soon as they hit Level 6. The added versatility of Eldritch Blast as a long-ranged attack, on top of Pact of the Blade boosting combat prowess, can make the Devotion Paladin a force to be reckoned with.

Cantrips (Eldritch Blast, True Strike), Lv1 (Hex, Hellish Rebuke, Arms of Hadar), Lv2 (Misty Step)

Extra Attack (Paladin), Mortal Reminder, Eldritch Invocations (Agonizing Blast, Fiendish Vigour), Pact Boon (Pact of the Blade)