What is the best subclass for a Bard in Baldur's Gate 3?
The Bard class in Baldur's Gate 3 is a versatile and powerful choice, offering a mix of support, utility, and damage-dealing capabilities. When it comes to choosing the best subclass for a Bard, the decision largely depends on your preferred playstyle and the role you want your Bard to fill in the party. The three Bard subclasses available in Baldur's Gate 3 are College of Lore, College of Valour, and College of Swords. Each subclass offers unique abilities and focuses on different aspects of gameplay.
The College of Lore is the most versatile and support-oriented subclass. It excels in skill checks, spellcasting, and providing utility to the party. At level 3, Lore Bards gain the Cutting Words feature, which allows them to use their Bardic Inspiration to reduce an enemy's attack roll, ability check, or damage roll. This can be a lifesaver in tough combat situations. Additionally, Lore Bards gain access to additional Magical Secrets at level 6, allowing them to learn spells from any class, further enhancing their versatility. This subclass is ideal for players who enjoy controlling the battlefield, supporting allies, and excelling in dialogue and exploration.
The College of Valour is a more combat-focused subclass, blending martial prowess with Bardic magic. At level 3, Valour Bards gain proficiency with medium armor, shields, and martial weapons, making them more durable and capable in melee combat. They also gain the Combat Inspiration feature, which allows them to use Bardic Inspiration to boost an ally's damage or AC. At level 6, Valour Bards gain Extra Attack, allowing them to make two weapon attacks per turn. This subclass is perfect for players who want their Bard to be more involved in direct combat while still providing support and utility to the party.
The College of Swords is another combat-oriented subclass, focusing on agility and finesse. At level 3, Swords Bards gain proficiency with medium armor and the Scimitar, and they can use their Bardic Inspiration to perform Blade Flourishes, which provide various combat benefits such as increased AC, movement, or damage. At level 6, Swords Bards gain Extra Attack, similar to Valour Bards. This subclass is ideal for players who want their Bard to be a mobile and stylish combatant, capable of dealing significant damage while still offering some support.
When building a Bard, it's important to consider your ability scores. Charisma is the primary stat for Bards, as it affects their spellcasting and Bardic Inspiration. Dexterity is also important, especially for Swords and Valour Bards, as it improves their AC and attack rolls. Constitution is crucial for all Bards, as it increases their hit points and helps them maintain concentration on spells. Intelligence, Wisdom, and Strength are less important but can be useful depending on your playstyle and the skills you want to focus on.
In terms of spells, Bards have access to a wide variety of options. For Lore Bards, spells like Healing Word, Faerie Fire, and Hypnotic Pattern are excellent choices for support and control. Valour and Swords Bards might prefer spells like Thunderwave, Shatter, and Mirror Image to enhance their combat effectiveness. Regardless of your subclass, it's important to have a mix of offensive, defensive, and utility spells to adapt to different situations.
One common mistake when building a Bard is neglecting their role in the party. While Bards are versatile, they are not the best at any one thing. It's important to focus on what your Bard does best and complement the rest of your party. For example, if your party lacks a dedicated healer, a Lore Bard with Healing Word and Cure Wounds can fill that role. If your party needs more damage, a Swords or Valour Bard with offensive spells and melee capabilities can step up.
Advanced techniques for Bards include using their Bardic Inspiration strategically. For Lore Bards, Cutting Words can be used to negate critical hits or reduce the damage of powerful enemy abilities. For Valour and Swords Bards, Combat Inspiration and Blade Flourishes should be used to maximize their effectiveness in combat. Additionally, Bards can use their high Charisma to excel in dialogue and persuasion, often avoiding combat altogether or gaining advantages in social encounters.
In terms of D&D 5E rules, Bards in Baldur's Gate 3 follow the same mechanics as in the tabletop game. This includes the use of Bardic Inspiration, spellcasting, and subclass features. However, some abilities and spells may be adjusted or rebalanced for the video game format. It's important to familiarize yourself with the specific mechanics of Baldur's Gate 3 to make the most of your Bard.
In conclusion, the best subclass for a Bard in Baldur's Gate 3 depends on your preferred playstyle and the needs of your party. The College of Lore is ideal for support and utility, the College of Valour for a balance of combat and support, and the College of Swords for a more agile and damage-focused approach. By carefully considering your ability scores, spell selection, and role in the party, you can create a Bard that is both effective and enjoyable to play.
The College of Lore is the most versatile and support-oriented subclass. It excels in skill checks, spellcasting, and providing utility to the party. At level 3, Lore Bards gain the Cutting Words feature, which allows them to use their Bardic Inspiration to reduce an enemy's attack roll, ability check, or damage roll. This can be a lifesaver in tough combat situations. Additionally, Lore Bards gain access to additional Magical Secrets at level 6, allowing them to learn spells from any class, further enhancing their versatility. This subclass is ideal for players who enjoy controlling the battlefield, supporting allies, and excelling in dialogue and exploration.
The College of Valour is a more combat-focused subclass, blending martial prowess with Bardic magic. At level 3, Valour Bards gain proficiency with medium armor, shields, and martial weapons, making them more durable and capable in melee combat. They also gain the Combat Inspiration feature, which allows them to use Bardic Inspiration to boost an ally's damage or AC. At level 6, Valour Bards gain Extra Attack, allowing them to make two weapon attacks per turn. This subclass is perfect for players who want their Bard to be more involved in direct combat while still providing support and utility to the party.
The College of Swords is another combat-oriented subclass, focusing on agility and finesse. At level 3, Swords Bards gain proficiency with medium armor and the Scimitar, and they can use their Bardic Inspiration to perform Blade Flourishes, which provide various combat benefits such as increased AC, movement, or damage. At level 6, Swords Bards gain Extra Attack, similar to Valour Bards. This subclass is ideal for players who want their Bard to be a mobile and stylish combatant, capable of dealing significant damage while still offering some support.
When building a Bard, it's important to consider your ability scores. Charisma is the primary stat for Bards, as it affects their spellcasting and Bardic Inspiration. Dexterity is also important, especially for Swords and Valour Bards, as it improves their AC and attack rolls. Constitution is crucial for all Bards, as it increases their hit points and helps them maintain concentration on spells. Intelligence, Wisdom, and Strength are less important but can be useful depending on your playstyle and the skills you want to focus on.
In terms of spells, Bards have access to a wide variety of options. For Lore Bards, spells like Healing Word, Faerie Fire, and Hypnotic Pattern are excellent choices for support and control. Valour and Swords Bards might prefer spells like Thunderwave, Shatter, and Mirror Image to enhance their combat effectiveness. Regardless of your subclass, it's important to have a mix of offensive, defensive, and utility spells to adapt to different situations.
One common mistake when building a Bard is neglecting their role in the party. While Bards are versatile, they are not the best at any one thing. It's important to focus on what your Bard does best and complement the rest of your party. For example, if your party lacks a dedicated healer, a Lore Bard with Healing Word and Cure Wounds can fill that role. If your party needs more damage, a Swords or Valour Bard with offensive spells and melee capabilities can step up.
Advanced techniques for Bards include using their Bardic Inspiration strategically. For Lore Bards, Cutting Words can be used to negate critical hits or reduce the damage of powerful enemy abilities. For Valour and Swords Bards, Combat Inspiration and Blade Flourishes should be used to maximize their effectiveness in combat. Additionally, Bards can use their high Charisma to excel in dialogue and persuasion, often avoiding combat altogether or gaining advantages in social encounters.
In terms of D&D 5E rules, Bards in Baldur's Gate 3 follow the same mechanics as in the tabletop game. This includes the use of Bardic Inspiration, spellcasting, and subclass features. However, some abilities and spells may be adjusted or rebalanced for the video game format. It's important to familiarize yourself with the specific mechanics of Baldur's Gate 3 to make the most of your Bard.
In conclusion, the best subclass for a Bard in Baldur's Gate 3 depends on your preferred playstyle and the needs of your party. The College of Lore is ideal for support and utility, the College of Valour for a balance of combat and support, and the College of Swords for a more agile and damage-focused approach. By carefully considering your ability scores, spell selection, and role in the party, you can create a Bard that is both effective and enjoyable to play.