What is the best multiclass combination for a Fighter in Baldur's Gate 3?
Multiclassing a Fighter in Baldur's Gate 3 can significantly enhance your character's versatility and effectiveness in combat. The Fighter class is inherently strong due to its high durability, multiple attacks, and access to heavy armor and weapons. However, multiclassing allows you to add new abilities, spells, or utility to your build, making it more adaptable to different situations. One of the best multiclass combinations for a Fighter is with the Paladin class. This combination, often referred to as the "Fighter-Paladin" or "Fightadin," leverages the strengths of both classes to create a powerful melee combatant with high damage output, survivability, and utility.
The Fighter-Paladin multiclass works well because both classes share similar attributes, primarily Strength and Constitution, which are essential for melee combat. Fighters gain multiple attacks, Action Surge, and Second Wind, while Paladins bring Divine Smite, Lay on Hands, and spellcasting to the table. Together, these abilities create a character that can deal massive burst damage, heal themselves, and support allies.
To start building a Fighter-Paladin, you should begin as a Fighter. This gives you proficiency in heavy armor and all weapons, as well as the Second Wind ability, which allows you to heal yourself in combat. At level 2, you gain Action Surge, which lets you take an additional action on your turn, making it incredibly powerful for burst damage. At level 3, you can choose a Fighter subclass. The Battle Master is a strong choice because it provides maneuvers that add utility and damage to your attacks. Alternatively, the Champion subclass increases your critical hit chance, which synergizes well with Paladin's Divine Smite.
After reaching Fighter level 5, you should multiclass into Paladin. At Paladin level 1, you gain Lay on Hands, which allows you to heal yourself or allies, and Divine Sense, which helps detect hidden enemies. At Paladin level 2, you gain access to Divine Smite, which lets you expend spell slots to deal extra radiant damage on a hit. This ability is particularly powerful when combined with the Fighter's multiple attacks and Action Surge, allowing you to deal massive damage in a single turn.
When multiclassing, it's important to consider your ability scores. Fighters and Paladins both rely on Strength for melee attacks, so you should prioritize this stat. Constitution is also important for hit points and survivability. Charisma is the primary stat for Paladin spellcasting and abilities like Divine Smite, so you should aim for at least a 14 in Charisma. Dexterity can be useful for initiative and saving throws, but it is less critical if you are wearing heavy armor.
One common mistake when multiclassing is spreading your ability scores too thin. Focus on Strength, Constitution, and Charisma, and avoid investing in stats that do not directly benefit your build. Another mistake is multiclassing too early or too late. For a Fighter-Paladin, it is generally best to multiclass after reaching Fighter level 5, as this gives you Extra Attack, which is crucial for your damage output.
Advanced techniques for optimizing a Fighter-Paladin include using your spell slots strategically. Divine Smite is your primary source of burst damage, so save your spell slots for critical hits or tough enemies. You can also use spells like Shield of Faith to increase your AC or Bless to boost your attack rolls and saving throws. Additionally, consider taking the Great Weapon Master feat, which allows you to deal extra damage with heavy weapons at the cost of accuracy. This feat synergizes well with the Fighter's multiple attacks and the Paladin's ability to smite.
In terms of related D&D rules and mechanics, multiclassing in Baldur's Gate 3 follows the same principles as in tabletop D&D 5E. You need to meet the ability score requirements for both classes (13 Strength for Fighter and 13 Charisma for Paladin). Your spellcasting ability is determined by your Paladin levels, so your spell save DC and spell attack bonus will be based on your Charisma. Additionally, your total character level determines your proficiency bonus, which affects your attack rolls, saving throws, and skill checks.
A specific example of a Fighter-Paladin build in action would be a character who starts as a Fighter, reaches level 5 for Extra Attack, and then multiclasses into Paladin. At Fighter level 5 and Paladin level 2, you can use Action Surge to make four attacks in a single turn, each of which can be enhanced with Divine Smite. This allows you to deal massive damage to a single target or spread it out across multiple enemies. In a tough boss fight, you can use Lay on Hands to heal yourself or an ally, and then use your spells and smites to finish off the enemy.
In conclusion, the Fighter-Paladin multiclass is a powerful and versatile build that combines the best aspects of both classes. By focusing on Strength, Constitution, and Charisma, and strategically using your abilities and spells, you can create a character that excels in both damage output and survivability. Avoid common mistakes like spreading your ability scores too thin or multiclassing at the wrong time, and consider advanced techniques like using feats and spells to further optimize your build. With careful planning and execution, the Fighter-Paladin can be a formidable force in Baldur's Gate 3.
The Fighter-Paladin multiclass works well because both classes share similar attributes, primarily Strength and Constitution, which are essential for melee combat. Fighters gain multiple attacks, Action Surge, and Second Wind, while Paladins bring Divine Smite, Lay on Hands, and spellcasting to the table. Together, these abilities create a character that can deal massive burst damage, heal themselves, and support allies.
To start building a Fighter-Paladin, you should begin as a Fighter. This gives you proficiency in heavy armor and all weapons, as well as the Second Wind ability, which allows you to heal yourself in combat. At level 2, you gain Action Surge, which lets you take an additional action on your turn, making it incredibly powerful for burst damage. At level 3, you can choose a Fighter subclass. The Battle Master is a strong choice because it provides maneuvers that add utility and damage to your attacks. Alternatively, the Champion subclass increases your critical hit chance, which synergizes well with Paladin's Divine Smite.
After reaching Fighter level 5, you should multiclass into Paladin. At Paladin level 1, you gain Lay on Hands, which allows you to heal yourself or allies, and Divine Sense, which helps detect hidden enemies. At Paladin level 2, you gain access to Divine Smite, which lets you expend spell slots to deal extra radiant damage on a hit. This ability is particularly powerful when combined with the Fighter's multiple attacks and Action Surge, allowing you to deal massive damage in a single turn.
When multiclassing, it's important to consider your ability scores. Fighters and Paladins both rely on Strength for melee attacks, so you should prioritize this stat. Constitution is also important for hit points and survivability. Charisma is the primary stat for Paladin spellcasting and abilities like Divine Smite, so you should aim for at least a 14 in Charisma. Dexterity can be useful for initiative and saving throws, but it is less critical if you are wearing heavy armor.
One common mistake when multiclassing is spreading your ability scores too thin. Focus on Strength, Constitution, and Charisma, and avoid investing in stats that do not directly benefit your build. Another mistake is multiclassing too early or too late. For a Fighter-Paladin, it is generally best to multiclass after reaching Fighter level 5, as this gives you Extra Attack, which is crucial for your damage output.
Advanced techniques for optimizing a Fighter-Paladin include using your spell slots strategically. Divine Smite is your primary source of burst damage, so save your spell slots for critical hits or tough enemies. You can also use spells like Shield of Faith to increase your AC or Bless to boost your attack rolls and saving throws. Additionally, consider taking the Great Weapon Master feat, which allows you to deal extra damage with heavy weapons at the cost of accuracy. This feat synergizes well with the Fighter's multiple attacks and the Paladin's ability to smite.
In terms of related D&D rules and mechanics, multiclassing in Baldur's Gate 3 follows the same principles as in tabletop D&D 5E. You need to meet the ability score requirements for both classes (13 Strength for Fighter and 13 Charisma for Paladin). Your spellcasting ability is determined by your Paladin levels, so your spell save DC and spell attack bonus will be based on your Charisma. Additionally, your total character level determines your proficiency bonus, which affects your attack rolls, saving throws, and skill checks.
A specific example of a Fighter-Paladin build in action would be a character who starts as a Fighter, reaches level 5 for Extra Attack, and then multiclasses into Paladin. At Fighter level 5 and Paladin level 2, you can use Action Surge to make four attacks in a single turn, each of which can be enhanced with Divine Smite. This allows you to deal massive damage to a single target or spread it out across multiple enemies. In a tough boss fight, you can use Lay on Hands to heal yourself or an ally, and then use your spells and smites to finish off the enemy.
In conclusion, the Fighter-Paladin multiclass is a powerful and versatile build that combines the best aspects of both classes. By focusing on Strength, Constitution, and Charisma, and strategically using your abilities and spells, you can create a character that excels in both damage output and survivability. Avoid common mistakes like spreading your ability scores too thin or multiclassing at the wrong time, and consider advanced techniques like using feats and spells to further optimize your build. With careful planning and execution, the Fighter-Paladin can be a formidable force in Baldur's Gate 3.