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 adapt to a variety of roles. Below, IÔÇÖll explain the mechanics, strategies, and considerations for multiclassing a Bard effectively.
First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of multiclassing. In BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3, multiclassing allows you to split your levels between two or more classes, gaining the benefits of each. However, you must meet the ability score prerequisites for the class you want to multiclass into. For Bards, this typically means having at least 13 Charisma, as it is their primary ability score. Additionally, youÔÇÖll need to meet the requirements for the class youÔÇÖre multiclassing into, such as 13 Strength for a Fighter or 13 Dexterity for a Rogue.
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 capabilities. 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, allowing you to reduce an enemyÔÇÖs attack roll or ability check. After that, you can take three levels in Rogue to gain the Thief subclass, which grants an extra bonus action, or the Arcane Trickster subclass for additional spellcasting. This combination allows you to be a skill monkey, excelling in both social interactions and stealth missions.
Another strong option is the Bard/Paladin multiclass. This build combines the BardÔÇÖs spellcasting and support abilities with the PaladinÔÇÖs martial prowess and divine smites. To make this work, youÔÇÖll need to invest in both Charisma and Strength or Dexterity, depending on your preferred combat style. Start with at least two levels in Paladin to gain access to Divine Smite, which allows you to expend spell slots to deal extra damage on melee attacks. Then, take levels in Bard to increase your spellcasting capabilities and gain access to powerful support spells like Healing Word and Faerie Fire. This build is particularly effective in melee combat, as you can use your Bard spells to buff yourself and your allies while dealing significant damage with your Paladin abilities.
When multiclassing a Bard, itÔÇÖs important to consider your ability scores carefully. Charisma should always be your highest stat, as it affects your spellcasting and Bardic Inspiration. However, youÔÇÖll also need to invest in the primary ability score of your secondary class, such as Dexterity for a Rogue or Strength for a Paladin. This can make it challenging to balance your stats, so consider using feats or ability score improvements to shore up any weaknesses.
One common mistake to avoid when multiclassing a Bard is spreading your levels too thin. While it can be tempting to take just one or two levels in multiple classes, this can dilute your characterÔÇÖs effectiveness. Instead, focus on a primary class and take just enough levels in your secondary class to gain the key features you want. For example, a Bard/Rogue might take three levels in Rogue to gain the Thief subclass, then focus on Bard for the rest of their levels to maximize their spellcasting and support abilities.
Advanced techniques for multiclassing a Bard include optimizing your spell selection and action economy. For example, a Bard/Rogue can use their bonus action to hide or disengage, then use their action to cast a spell or make a sneak attack. Similarly, a Bard/Paladin can use their Bard spells to buff themselves before engaging in melee combat, then use their Paladin abilities to deal massive damage with Divine Smite.
In terms of D&D rules, multiclassing in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 follows the same principles as in the tabletop game. You gain the features of each class as you level up, but your spell slots are determined by your total level in spellcasting classes. For example, a Bard 5/Rogue 3 would have the spell slots of a 5th-level Bard, as Rogue levels do not contribute to spellcasting progression unless you take the Arcane Trickster subclass.
Specific examples of effective Bard multiclass builds include a Bard 6/Rogue 4, which combines the BardÔÇÖs Magical Secrets feature with the RogueÔÇÖs Uncanny Dodge and Expertise, or a Bard 5/Paladin 5, which balances spellcasting and martial abilities for a versatile combatant. These builds allow you to adapt to a variety of situations, making you a valuable asset to any party.
In conclusion, multiclassing a Bard in Baldur's Gate 3 can create a highly versatile and powerful character. By carefully selecting your secondary class and optimizing your ability scores, spell selection, and action economy, you can create a build that excels in both combat and roleplay. Whether you choose to multiclass with a Rogue for stealth and skill versatility or a Paladin for martial prowess and divine smites, the key is to focus on a primary class and take just enough levels in your secondary class to gain the key features you want. With careful planning and execution, a multiclass Bard can be a formidable force in any adventuring party.
First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of multiclassing. In BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3, multiclassing allows you to split your levels between two or more classes, gaining the benefits of each. However, you must meet the ability score prerequisites for the class you want to multiclass into. For Bards, this typically means having at least 13 Charisma, as it is their primary ability score. Additionally, youÔÇÖll need to meet the requirements for the class youÔÇÖre multiclassing into, such as 13 Strength for a Fighter or 13 Dexterity for a Rogue.
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 capabilities. 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, allowing you to reduce an enemyÔÇÖs attack roll or ability check. After that, you can take three levels in Rogue to gain the Thief subclass, which grants an extra bonus action, or the Arcane Trickster subclass for additional spellcasting. This combination allows you to be a skill monkey, excelling in both social interactions and stealth missions.
Another strong option is the Bard/Paladin multiclass. This build combines the BardÔÇÖs spellcasting and support abilities with the PaladinÔÇÖs martial prowess and divine smites. To make this work, youÔÇÖll need to invest in both Charisma and Strength or Dexterity, depending on your preferred combat style. Start with at least two levels in Paladin to gain access to Divine Smite, which allows you to expend spell slots to deal extra damage on melee attacks. Then, take levels in Bard to increase your spellcasting capabilities and gain access to powerful support spells like Healing Word and Faerie Fire. This build is particularly effective in melee combat, as you can use your Bard spells to buff yourself and your allies while dealing significant damage with your Paladin abilities.
When multiclassing a Bard, itÔÇÖs important to consider your ability scores carefully. Charisma should always be your highest stat, as it affects your spellcasting and Bardic Inspiration. However, youÔÇÖll also need to invest in the primary ability score of your secondary class, such as Dexterity for a Rogue or Strength for a Paladin. This can make it challenging to balance your stats, so consider using feats or ability score improvements to shore up any weaknesses.
One common mistake to avoid when multiclassing a Bard is spreading your levels too thin. While it can be tempting to take just one or two levels in multiple classes, this can dilute your characterÔÇÖs effectiveness. Instead, focus on a primary class and take just enough levels in your secondary class to gain the key features you want. For example, a Bard/Rogue might take three levels in Rogue to gain the Thief subclass, then focus on Bard for the rest of their levels to maximize their spellcasting and support abilities.
Advanced techniques for multiclassing a Bard include optimizing your spell selection and action economy. For example, a Bard/Rogue can use their bonus action to hide or disengage, then use their action to cast a spell or make a sneak attack. Similarly, a Bard/Paladin can use their Bard spells to buff themselves before engaging in melee combat, then use their Paladin abilities to deal massive damage with Divine Smite.
In terms of D&D rules, multiclassing in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 follows the same principles as in the tabletop game. You gain the features of each class as you level up, but your spell slots are determined by your total level in spellcasting classes. For example, a Bard 5/Rogue 3 would have the spell slots of a 5th-level Bard, as Rogue levels do not contribute to spellcasting progression unless you take the Arcane Trickster subclass.
Specific examples of effective Bard multiclass builds include a Bard 6/Rogue 4, which combines the BardÔÇÖs Magical Secrets feature with the RogueÔÇÖs Uncanny Dodge and Expertise, or a Bard 5/Paladin 5, which balances spellcasting and martial abilities for a versatile combatant. These builds allow you to adapt to a variety of situations, making you a valuable asset to any party.
In conclusion, multiclassing a Bard in Baldur's Gate 3 can create a highly versatile and powerful character. By carefully selecting your secondary class and optimizing your ability scores, spell selection, and action economy, you can create a build that excels in both combat and roleplay. Whether you choose to multiclass with a Rogue for stealth and skill versatility or a Paladin for martial prowess and divine smites, the key is to focus on a primary class and take just enough levels in your secondary class to gain the key features you want. With careful planning and execution, a multiclass Bard can be a formidable force in any adventuring party.