After months of eager anticipation, fans of Baldur’s Gate 3 have descended upon the game once more with the launch of Patch 8. This latest update introduces a plethora of exciting content, including 12 new subclasses, various evil endings, a photo mode, and more. The buzz surrounding these additions speaks to the heightened excitement shared throughout the community.
The standout feature that many, including myself, are particularly thrilled about is the introduction of new subclasses. These subclasses offer fresh gameplay experiences and strategic options for approaching encounters differently.
Among the newly released subclasses, some clearly emerge as more formidable options, while others cater more to role-playing and unique character quirks. While none of the additions seem unappealing, it’s evident which subclasses excel in Honour Mode versus those that are better suited for relaxed campaigns with friends.
This raises the pivotal question: which of the new subclasses introduced in Patch 8 stands out as the best?
12 College of Glamour Bard
The Ultimate Buff
The Bard class in Baldur’s Gate 3 is often viewed as overwhelmingly powerful, particularly due to its high Charisma, which can help players navigate various encounters effortlessly. However, the College of Glamour Bard takes a more supportive route, focusing on buffing allies rather than direct damage.
This subclass grants you the Mantle of Inspiration, providing temporary hit points to allies while charming attackers in the process. As you advance in levels, both the temporary HP and the number of allies you can influence grow significantly.
By Level 6, you gain access to the Mantle of Majesty, which allows you to command charmed opponents, paving the way for tactical battlefield control—perfect for thwarting aggressive enemies. However, it’s worth noting that this subclass may struggle in single-player scenarios where a full buff approach might not be as effective. This makes it a great choice for players looking to take a supportive role in multiplayer games.
11 Swarmkeeper Ranger
Bees?
A common critique of Rangers is their exclusive ability to summon animal companions, leaving Druids, who traditionally share this capability in tabletop play, at a disadvantage. The Swarmkeeper subclass, however, adds a new twist. Players now summon entire swarms in combat rather than singular companions.
This swarm, which can be made up of options like a Cloud of Jellyfish, Flurry of Moths, or Legion of Bees, not only provides additional damage against targets marked by Hunter’s Mark but also comes with unique abilities, such as flight and increased Armor Class by Level 11.
While this is an entertaining addition, it may not rival the sheer damage output of the Hunter subclass, making it more suitable for lighter campaigns rather than Tactician Difficulty runs.
10 Way of the Drunken Master Monk
Unarmed Hilarity Ensues
For players who enjoy engaging in fast-paced melee combat, the Way of the Drunken Master Monk subclass is a delightful choice. This unique class embodies the spirit of light-hearted role-playing, featuring quirky drunken antics along with its combat capabilities.
This subclass allows you to utilize your drunkenness to gain various combat advantages, such as regaining Ki Points and creating opportunities for amusing interactions, such as the potential to make others drunk from your attacks. The added humor and engaging mechanics make this subclass a fun pick, even if its effectiveness as a combat pillar may mirror existing Monk subclasses.
9 Arcane Archer Fighter
Make Lae’zel’s Arrows Devastating
Typically, Fighters excel in close combat, leading the charge on the battlefield. However, the Arcane Archer subclass balances this by providing players the power to unleash devastating magical ranged attacks while still holding their ground in melee combat.
Similar to the Eldritch Knight, this subclass introduces Arcane Shots, allowing for magical projectiles that can deliver impactful ranged damage. With the added benefit of Action Surge, players can amplify their attack output beyond traditional limits.
This subclass is perfect for those wishing to dominate the battlefield as a versatile force, combining long-distance prowess with powerful melee capabilities.
8 Death Domain Cleric
What Shar Wishes She Had
The introduction of the Death Domain Cleric prompts questions about character decisions, such as why Shadowheart is classified as a Trickery Domain Cleric instead. This subclass aligns perfectly with the lore surrounding Shar.
Immediately, this subclass enhances your Necromancy cantrips, enabling them to target multiple creatures while inflicting bonus Necrotic damage. Utilizing your Channel Divinity for Touch of Death, you’ll enhance the impact of melee attacks, with most subclass spells revolving around Necromancy.
This class embodies a tactile magic style that complements the overarching necromantic theme, making Shadowheart a far more deadly character than her standard subclass suggests. In fact, I have started prioritizing acquiring Withers first in my playthroughs, enabling me to shift Shadowheart to this subclass and unlock her potential immediately.
7 Bladesinger Wizard
Squishy Can Fight?
While sending wizards into melee combat may usually spell disaster, the Bladesinger subclass turns this expectation on its head. By embracing the Bladesong ability, wizards transform into surprisingly effective combatants.
This ability grants additional benefits such as a proficiency bonus to Armor Class and Constitution saves, improved Acrobatics checks, and an increase in movement speed. As you progress, you’ll earn proficiency in more weapons and armor, greatly enhancing your combat viability.
What stands out with this subclass is its capability to fuse magic and physical combat, making even the weakest character a powerful force by combat’s end. For players seeking a blend of spellcasting and direct involvement in battle, this subclass delivers a unique experience that enhances gameplay.
6 Swashbuckler Rogue
Unbelievably Busted
The Rogue class is renowned for its exceptional damage output via Sneak Attacks; however, the Swashbuckler subclass elevates this to an entirely new level. This subclass allows players to trigger Sneak Attack without needing Advantage, as long as they avoid Disadvantage.
Adding to that is the ability to execute Dirty Tricks on your opponents, showcasing a playful side to combat. Techniques such as Flick o’ the Wrist to disarm foes, Sand Toss to blind them, and Vicious Mockery offer delightful combat options that truly embody the rogue archetype.
This lack of requirement for Advantage fundamentally reshapes gameplay, allowing Rogues like Astarion to unleash absurd damage from the shadows. The exhilarating nature of this subclass, combined with its overwhelming effectiveness, makes it one of the most enjoyable experiences in the game.
5 Shadow Magic Sorcerer
A Dark, Unique Method of Spellcasting
As a player who typically leans towards Sorcerers, I was pleasantly surprised by the capabilities of the Shadow Magic subclass introduced in Patch 8. This subclass infuses darkness into your spellcasting techniques, enhancing combat dynamics significantly.
One of its key features allows you to regain 1 hit point rather than being knocked down when you hit 0 hit points, imbuing you with a resilience usually found in Half-Orcs and select martial classes. Additionally, you can see through your own darkness without any drawbacks.
Another crowd favorite is the Hound of Ill Omen, a loyal spectral dog that fights alongside you for just three Sorcery Points. This pet persists beyond long rests until it falls in battle or you decide to dismiss it, enabling powerful synergy in encounters. This shadowy Sorcerer class embodies a darker aesthetic, providing a unique gameplay experience that many players will find appealing.
4 Circle of Stars Druid
The Strongest Druid Subclass
Druids are uniquely connected to nature, but the Circle of Stars Druid brings an elegance that transcends the terrestrial. Drawing power from the constellations, this subclass provides a wholly different style of nature magic.
The Starry Form feature replaces traditional Wild Shapes, allowing shifts into forms that enhance your healing, concentration, or combat effectiveness. You can select from forms like Chalice, which boosts healing potential; Dragon, enhancing concentration; and a combat-focused Archer.
With the added benefit of a Star Map, players can cast Guiding Bolt without using spell slots and gain numerous maps as they level up. Combined with Cosmic Omens, which alters rolls, this subclass reigns supreme among Druids, showcasing abilities that surpass traditional expectations.
3 Oath of the Crown Paladin
The Textbook Paladin
When envisioning a Paladin, the Oath of the Crown typically personifies the chivalric ideal, making its late addition in this patch a pleasant surprise. This subclass skilfully weaves together offensive and supportive tactics, enhancing teamwork dramatically.
Unique abilities such as Divine Allegiance, enabling you to absorb allies’ damage as a reaction, compelling enemies to focus on you, and Turning the Tide to heal nearby allies showcase the class’s true heroic nature. Furthermore, always-prepared Oath Spells, including Spirit Guardians, solidify this Paladin’s role as an indispensable front-line protector.
However, it is crucial to maintain moral integrity and adhere to your tenets, as failing to do so could lead to swift consequences.
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