Baldur’s Gate 3 features an extensive array of classes and subclasses, presenting players with immense opportunities for replayability, allowing for exploration of various gameplay options. Each class brings unique dialogue, mechanics, and abilities to the forefront, enhancing the narrative experience.
However, not all subclasses are created equal. Some of them, upon closer inspection, may be deemed less desirable or less effective than others, particularly in a video game format compared to tabletop play. It’s important to recognize the inherent differences and limitations when transitioning a complex system like Dungeons and Dragons into a more structured digital format.
10 Eldritch Knight Fighter
Just Multiclass
The Eldritch Knight subclass allows Fighters to wield limited spellcasting abilities; however, this requires a specific build emphasizing defensive spells like Shield to be effective. Unfortunately, casting a spell consumes your action for that turn, hindering your ability to launch attacks, especially in later levels where multiple strikes are possible.
For players seeking effective combat spells, the Battle Master subclass offers combat maneuvers that enhance attacks without sacrificing turns. If spellcasting is a priority, consider multiclassing or choosing a different subclass, such as the Pact of the Blade Warlock, to maximize your combat potential.
9 College of Valour Bard
A Gold Star for Trying
The Bard class shines through its Charisma focus, a trait that can help you maneuver through challenges and confrontations. However, the College of Valour subclass, while providing unique combat-oriented Bardic Inspiration, pales in comparison to its counterparts.
Multiclassing into the College of Swords subclass often proves more beneficial, as it offers similar combat-focused features without the drawbacks. While Valour provides some combat bonuses, its role as a buffing subclass trails behind more effective options like Clerics.
8 Beast Master Ranger
Patch 8 Rendered It Useless
Initially, the Beast Master subclass of Ranger had its merits, allowing players to summon powerful animal companions to support them in battle. However, with the advent of Patch 8 and the introduction of the more versatile Swarmkeeper subclass, Beast Master has lost its charm.
Whereas Swarmkeeper enhances players’ capabilities and provides additional strategic options based on their summoned creatures, Beast Master has fallen behind, rendering it less appealing for optimal gameplay.
7 Archfey Warlock
Not the Strongest Patron
The Warlock class allows players to choose their patron, influencing their abilities and spell options. However, the Archfey patron is often outclassed by others like The Great Old One due to its limited spell selection that mostly comprises Fae-themed spells, which can also be replicated by playing as a drow character.
Without significant advantages for players exploring areas like the Feywild, which are not as readily accessible, many find the Archfey patron lacks substantial benefits in combat and encounter scenarios.
6 Way of the Drunken Master Monk
Sad AND Disappointed
When the Way of the Drunken Master was introduced in Patch 8, anticipation was high due to its fun tabletop playstyle. Yet, in practical application, its effectiveness was significantly diminished.
This subclass feels like an inferior version of the Way of the Open Hand, primarily relying on the protagonist’s alcohol consumption to activate essential abilities. This mechanic can quickly become tedious, particularly during prolonged combat encounters.
While some abilities, such as drunken combat effects and increased Ki points from alcohol, bring some flair, the overall experience remains lackluster and underwhelming.
5 Knowledge Domain Cleric
Better Suited for Roleplay
The Cleric class boasts numerous subclasses; however, the Knowledge Domain falls short when it comes to adaptation within Baldur’s Gate 3. While gaining proficiency in various skills may seem beneficial, the game’s mechanics do not optimally utilize all skills during play.
The spells associated with this subclass tend to require high Wisdom levels to function effectively, which limits their accessibility and usefulness. This subclass leans heavily towards roleplaying elements, which may not resonate strongly within the confines of the game’s structure.
4 Transmutation Wizard
Fireball is Right There
The Transmutation Wizard subclass lacks competitive strength compared to stronger schools like Evocation, which enhance spells such as Fireball into formidable tools for any encounter.
Transmutation is primarily a buff subclass focused on enhancing weapons and abilities, but its capabilities often seem inferior to those provided by the newer Bladesinger subclass from Patch 8. Given the cost of learning powerful spells from scrolls, prioritizing effective damage spells over Transmutation’s offerings becomes crucial.
3 Arcane Trickster Rogue
The Spells Are Quickly Useless
The Arcane Trickster stands out as the least effective subclass within the Rogue hierarchy due to its limited selection of spells and abilities. Most spells available focus more on debuffs rather than damage, and the capstone limit of Level 3 spells severely restricts the Rogue’s combat effectiveness.
Designed primarily for tabletop interactions, this subclass excels in out-of-combat scenarios where creative thinking is rewarded—doing little to enhance your role in intense battles. The spells do not deliver adequate benefits, making it advisable to consider levels in Wizard for a more robust spellcasting experience.
2 Illusion Wizard
Sorry, Gale
Despite Gale’s enthusiasm for Illusion magic, players find it lacks practicality in the game’s structure. The subclass’s strengths are minimal outside specific scenarios, such as dealing with the Bhaalists in Act Three.
While Illusion magic focuses on deception, enemies often prove resistant to these tricks, especially in challenging modes. This relegates most Illusion spells to ineffective territory, where their utility pales compared to direct combat spells, making them feel unwarranted during encounters.
1 Trickery Domain Cleric
Sorry Not Sorry, Shadowheart
Regarded as the weakest subclass in Baldur’s Gate 3, the Trickery Domain for Clerics has left many players frustrated, especially those who start with Shadowheart. While it thrives in tabletop settings, its adaptation has proven problematic in the game.
In gameplay, the inability to effectively utilize its deception skills against astute NPCs, reminiscent of the Illusion subclass, renders it nearly obsolete. Consequently, many players opt to visit Withers at the earliest opportunity to change Shadowheart’s subclass, a sentiment echoed by numerous gamers in the community.
Thus, Shadowheart, your journey for a new subclass begins, as the Trickery Domain simply doesn’t hit the mark.
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