Baldur’s Gate 3 Top 5 Best Builds

In the last piece, we discussed the top 5 classes for Baldur’s Gate 3. Now we will talk about the top 5 best builds for the game. The 5 best builds in Baldur’s Gate 3 generally focus on maximizing damage output, versatility, and strong utility, often through optimal class combinations, race choices, and ability distributions. So let’s talk about the 5 best builds! **Builds are for the level 12 MAX**

5. Paladin / Warlock “Hexadin Smite Master“

The first build we will briefly discuss is the combination of the Paladin and Warlock called the “Hexadin Smite Master.” This build as I mentioned combines level 6 Paladin and level 6 Warlock. Primary attributes for this build utilize Strength and Charisma attributes. Half-Elf or Tiefling is the best race for their racial bonuses. Some of the key features of this Baldur’s Gate 3 build are you get to combine the durability and burst-style damage of the Paladin with the Warlock’s Utility. This class gets to use “Hex” or “Hexblade’s Curse” for additional damage.

Then on top of that, you can combine “Eldritch Smite” plus “Divine Smite” to stack for a bunch of burst damage. While playing this build you should prioritize engaging in melee combat with a high-damage weapon. Then use “Smites” and the spells you get access to allow you to control the battlefield. After the fights are over you can use the short rest feature to replenish the spell slots, so you can consistently use Smites.

4. Berserker Barbarian / Thief Rogue “Frenzied Dual-Wielder”

The next build we are going to talk about combines the “Berserker” Barbarian and the “Thief” Rogue classes and subclasses. You would want to Berserker Barbarian level 7 and the Thief Rogue level 5. For this to work the primary attributes are going to be Strength and Constitution. Half-Orc or the Githyanki races would be the ones used to get the most out of the build. One of the features of this Baldur’s Gate 3 build is Berserker Rage grants bonus melee attacks.

On top of that, the Thief’s extra Bonux Action allowed for even more attacks. So you can see where this goes attacks for days. We get to dual-wield “heavy weapons” for a flurry of attacks all in one turn. Normally you can’t dual-wield heavy weapons proficiently. Then our high Strength stat means we have access to powerful jump repositioning.

Things to remember are to use “Frenzied Rage” to go all out in combat. This gives you 2 more abilities called “Frenzied Strike” and “Enraged Throw” on top of resistance to physical damage, and advantages on Strength checks and saving throws. Also, remember you are one of the highest damage dealers, so you are going to want to take out the high-value targets quickly.

3. Tempest Cleric / Storm Sorcerer “Lightning God Build”

The next build on the list is as cool as it sounds and it combines the “Tempest” Cleric and the “Storm” Sorcerer classes. Your level 12 character would be split between 6 levels in Cleric and 6 levels in Sorcerer. The primary attributes you need that affect your spells are Wisdom and Charisma attributes. Humans or Half-Elf are the best race to use for this build. One of the key features of the “Lightning God Build” is the fact you get to utilize the Tempest Cleric’s abilities for high damage on your Thunder and Lightning Spells.

Then this build gets to use the Storm Sorcerer’s abilities for some quick repositioning and bonus damage. On top of those this Baldur’s Gate 3 build can maximize spell damage with “Channel Divinity. This might be able to turn any lightning spell into a potential one-shot kill. With this build, you will want to focus on using the spells Call Lightning, Thunderwave, and Lightning Bolt with “Channel Divinity” for massive AoE damage. The build synergizes perfectly with enemies that group up. Making this one do the ideal builds for big fights.

2. Sorcerer / Warlock “Sorcadin or Sorlock”

For the number 2 best Baldur’s Gate 3 class, I couldn’t decide between. So we have to combine either the Sorcerer and Warlock for the “Sorlock.” Or the Sorcerer and Paladin for the “Sorcadin.” If you go to the Sorlock route the levels should be level 6 Sorcerer and level 4 Warlock. Then if you go the Sorcadin route you will want a level 8 Sorcerer and level 4 Paladin. The primary attributes for these are Charisma and Constitution. Then make sure to either pick the Half-Elf or Tiefling race for the build.

The Warlock’s Eldritch Blast benefits from Agonizing Blast for high consistent damage. Then the Sorcerer spells allow for massive AoE damage and quickened spellcasting. Trust me AoE damage can prove very useful in Baldur’s Gate 3. A key feature of the “Sorlock” is you have a spammable “Eldritch Blast” for extreme sustained damage. Then if you are a “Sorcadin” you get to combine “Divine Smite” combos for huge amounts of melee bursts.

What you will want to focus on is using the Sorcerer’s Metamagic to double up on spells and maintain concentration on key buffs. Then you can begin to eliminate targets with Smite and Eldritch Blast. Making this a very dangerous build for the game.

1. Gloom Stalker Ranger / Assassin Rogue / Fighter “Crit Master”

Now we have the best Baldur’s Gate 3 build on the list which combines 3 classes. The “Crit Master” combines the “Gloom Stalker” Ranger, “Assassin” Rogue, and Fighter classes. For this build, you will at least want a level 5 Gloom Stalker, a level 3 Assassin Rogue, and a level 2 Fighter. That leaves the other 2 levels for where you want to put them. The primary attributes for this build are going to be Dexterity and Wisdom. You will also need to select the Wood Elf or Drow race for best racial passives here.

Gloom Stalkers are ideal for opening up combat with high damage. As they will more than likely have the highest Initiative. Then thanks to the Rogue’s Assassin subclass allows us automatic critical hits on surprised enemies. Then lastly the Fighter’s Action Surge provides you with extra attacks. So you can kind of see how powerful you are and how much damage you are going to put out on that first turn.

While playing you should always open combat with stealth. This way you are ensuring a high initiative and advantage. With access to all this first-turn damage, you should be aiming for one-shotting key enemies on the first turn. Depending on potential buffs and weapons you can take down some powerful enemies on the first and maybe even subsequent turns after.

Final Thoughts on the Top 5 Builds in Baldur’s Gate 3

Now I will say I haven’t used every combination of classes available or even seen every combination. I am confident however that these are 5 of the top builds or really close. These focus on maximizing damage output, versatility, and strong utility. This is possible through optimal class combinations, race choices, and ability distributions. These builds can be used on solo play and with a party of friends, and still be just as powerful either way. If you think there is another Baldur’s Gate 3 build or one I missed let me know!