What are the best multiclass options for a Bard in Baldur's Gate 3?
Multiclassing a Bard in Baldur's Gate 3 can create a highly versatile and powerful character, capable of excelling in both combat and roleplay scenarios. Bards are naturally flexible due to their Jack of All Trades feature, which grants them half proficiency in any ability check they arenÔÇÖt already proficient in. This makes them excellent candidates for multiclassing, as they can synergize well with several other classes. Below, IÔÇÖll cover the best multiclass options for a Bard, the mechanics involved, and strategies to optimize your build.
One of the most popular multiclass options for a Bard is the Bard/Rogue combination. This build leverages the BardÔÇÖs spellcasting and support abilities with the RogueÔÇÖs sneak attack and stealth mechanics. To start, youÔÇÖll want to take at least three levels in Bard to gain access to the College of Lore subclass, which provides additional skill proficiencies and the Cutting Words feature. Cutting Words allows you to use your Bardic Inspiration to reduce an enemyÔÇÖs attack roll, ability check, or damage roll, making it a powerful defensive tool. After reaching level 3 in Bard, you can then take levels in Rogue. The Thief subclass is particularly effective, as it grants you an additional bonus action, which can be used for dual-wielding attacks or using items like healing potions. This combination allows you to deal consistent damage with sneak attacks while still providing support through Bard spells and abilities.
Another strong option is the Bard/Paladin multiclass. This build combines the BardÔÇÖs spellcasting and support capabilities with the PaladinÔÇÖs martial prowess and divine smites. To optimize this build, youÔÇÖll want to start with at least two levels in Paladin to gain access to Divine Smite, which allows you to expend spell slots to deal extra radiant damage on a melee attack. After that, you can take levels in Bard, focusing on the College of Valor subclass to gain extra attack at level 6. This combination allows you to deal significant melee damage while still having access to a wide range of spells for support and utility. One important tip for this build is to prioritize Charisma, as it affects both your Bard spellcasting and your PaladinÔÇÖs aura abilities. Additionally, consider taking the War Caster feat to maintain concentration on spells while in melee combat.
For players who prefer a more spellcasting-focused build, the Bard/Sorcerer multiclass is an excellent choice. This combination allows you to combine the BardÔÇÖs versatile spell list with the SorcererÔÇÖs metamagic abilities, such as Twinned Spell and Quickened Spell. To start, youÔÇÖll want to take at least three levels in Bard to gain access to the College of Lore subclass, which provides additional magical secrets at level 6. After that, you can take levels in Sorcerer, focusing on the Draconic Bloodline subclass for additional hit points and damage bonuses. This build allows you to cast powerful spells like Fireball or Counterspell while still having access to the BardÔÇÖs support abilities. One advanced technique for this build is to use Twinned Spell to cast spells like Haste or Polymorph on multiple allies, significantly increasing your partyÔÇÖs effectiveness in combat.
When multiclassing a Bard, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. First, be aware of the ability score requirements for multiclassing. In BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3, you need at least 13 in the primary ability score of both your current class and the class you want to multiclass into. For example, to multiclass into Rogue, you need at least 13 Dexterity, and to multiclass into Paladin, you need at least 13 Strength and Charisma. Second, consider the impact of multiclassing on your spell progression. While multiclassing can provide additional abilities and versatility, it can also delay your access to higher-level spells. To mitigate this, focus on classes that complement your BardÔÇÖs spellcasting, such as Sorcerer or Warlock.
One common mistake to avoid when multiclassing a Bard is spreading your levels too thin. While it can be tempting to take levels in multiple classes to gain a wide range of abilities, this can result in a character that is not particularly effective in any one area. Instead, focus on a primary class and take just enough levels in a secondary class to gain the abilities you need. For example, a Bard/Rogue build might take 6 levels in Bard and 4 levels in Rogue, allowing you to gain extra attack from the College of Valor while still having access to the ThiefÔÇÖs additional bonus action.
In conclusion, multiclassing a Bard in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 can create a highly versatile and powerful character, capable of excelling in both combat and roleplay scenarios. By carefully considering your ability scores, spell progression, and class synergies, you can create a build that maximizes your effectiveness in any situation. Whether you choose to combine Bard with Rogue, Paladin, or Sorcerer, the key is to focus on a primary class and take just enough levels in a secondary class to gain the abilities you need. With the right strategy and careful planning, a multiclass Bard can be a valuable asset to any party.
One of the most popular multiclass options for a Bard is the Bard/Rogue combination. This build leverages the BardÔÇÖs spellcasting and support abilities with the RogueÔÇÖs sneak attack and stealth mechanics. To start, youÔÇÖll want to take at least three levels in Bard to gain access to the College of Lore subclass, which provides additional skill proficiencies and the Cutting Words feature. Cutting Words allows you to use your Bardic Inspiration to reduce an enemyÔÇÖs attack roll, ability check, or damage roll, making it a powerful defensive tool. After reaching level 3 in Bard, you can then take levels in Rogue. The Thief subclass is particularly effective, as it grants you an additional bonus action, which can be used for dual-wielding attacks or using items like healing potions. This combination allows you to deal consistent damage with sneak attacks while still providing support through Bard spells and abilities.
Another strong option is the Bard/Paladin multiclass. This build combines the BardÔÇÖs spellcasting and support capabilities with the PaladinÔÇÖs martial prowess and divine smites. To optimize this build, youÔÇÖll want to start with at least two levels in Paladin to gain access to Divine Smite, which allows you to expend spell slots to deal extra radiant damage on a melee attack. After that, you can take levels in Bard, focusing on the College of Valor subclass to gain extra attack at level 6. This combination allows you to deal significant melee damage while still having access to a wide range of spells for support and utility. One important tip for this build is to prioritize Charisma, as it affects both your Bard spellcasting and your PaladinÔÇÖs aura abilities. Additionally, consider taking the War Caster feat to maintain concentration on spells while in melee combat.
For players who prefer a more spellcasting-focused build, the Bard/Sorcerer multiclass is an excellent choice. This combination allows you to combine the BardÔÇÖs versatile spell list with the SorcererÔÇÖs metamagic abilities, such as Twinned Spell and Quickened Spell. To start, youÔÇÖll want to take at least three levels in Bard to gain access to the College of Lore subclass, which provides additional magical secrets at level 6. After that, you can take levels in Sorcerer, focusing on the Draconic Bloodline subclass for additional hit points and damage bonuses. This build allows you to cast powerful spells like Fireball or Counterspell while still having access to the BardÔÇÖs support abilities. One advanced technique for this build is to use Twinned Spell to cast spells like Haste or Polymorph on multiple allies, significantly increasing your partyÔÇÖs effectiveness in combat.
When multiclassing a Bard, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. First, be aware of the ability score requirements for multiclassing. In BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3, you need at least 13 in the primary ability score of both your current class and the class you want to multiclass into. For example, to multiclass into Rogue, you need at least 13 Dexterity, and to multiclass into Paladin, you need at least 13 Strength and Charisma. Second, consider the impact of multiclassing on your spell progression. While multiclassing can provide additional abilities and versatility, it can also delay your access to higher-level spells. To mitigate this, focus on classes that complement your BardÔÇÖs spellcasting, such as Sorcerer or Warlock.
One common mistake to avoid when multiclassing a Bard is spreading your levels too thin. While it can be tempting to take levels in multiple classes to gain a wide range of abilities, this can result in a character that is not particularly effective in any one area. Instead, focus on a primary class and take just enough levels in a secondary class to gain the abilities you need. For example, a Bard/Rogue build might take 6 levels in Bard and 4 levels in Rogue, allowing you to gain extra attack from the College of Valor while still having access to the ThiefÔÇÖs additional bonus action.
In conclusion, multiclassing a Bard in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 can create a highly versatile and powerful character, capable of excelling in both combat and roleplay scenarios. By carefully considering your ability scores, spell progression, and class synergies, you can create a build that maximizes your effectiveness in any situation. Whether you choose to combine Bard with Rogue, Paladin, or Sorcerer, the key is to focus on a primary class and take just enough levels in a secondary class to gain the abilities you need. With the right strategy and careful planning, a multiclass Bard can be a valuable asset to any party.