Summary
Subclasses form the heart of how aBaldur’s Gate 3character grows within a Class, especially since it’s their archetype of choice that largely defines their overall gameplay. Although the majority of Classes inBaldur’s Gate 3offer Subclasses from the base version ofDungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, certain missing options may add more flair to both the game’s Forgotten Realms setting and its story.
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ForD&Dfans who stay updated with the TTRPG’s recent releases, they might find that some of the newer Subclasses among these new entries may be a fitting addition toBaldur’s Gate 3. However, players may also be curious as to what exactly these archetypes offer that they can’t find in the game’s main Subclass offerings.
12Path Of The Beast (Barbarian)
While Karlach is provided with opportunities for wanton violence or a magical attunement with nature as a Barbarian inBaldur’s Gate 3, thePath of the BeastinTasha’s Cauldron of Everythinghas the Barbarian literally tap into an inner beast.
Key to the Path of the Beast is the Form of the Beast, the Class Feature that can provide the Barbarian with a powerful bite, claws, or a tail to use in battle. Their Form gives them a decent middle ground to the Druid’s Wild Shape, providinga decent Multiclass opportunity for playerslooking at a martial specialist or a more effective tank.
11College Of Eloquence (Bard)
While the College of Lorelargely covers skill specializationinBaldur’s Gate 3gameplay, theCollege of EloquencefromMythic Odysseys of Therosreflects an oratory specialty that transforms into creating unbelievable odds from the most impossible of situations.
Their Silver Tongue transforms all 1-9s in Perception and Deception Checks into 10s, whereas Bardic Inspiration can be used to reduce an enemy’s Save or have allies keep their die at a failed use. Lastly, Infectious Inspiration can use a Reaction to give a Bardic Inspiration die to a nearby ally for free should another Inspired ally succeed in their check.
10Twilight Domain (Cleric)
WhileShadowheart’s devotion to Shar transformed her into a Trickery ClericinBaldur’s Gate 3, the TTRPG’s resident healers could become much tankier courtesy of theTwilight DomainfromTasha’s Cauldron of Everything. This Domain’s mission to show comfort in darkness is similar to Shadowheart’s belief that there’s calm in its very presence.
Themes aside, the Twilight Domain would make for a perfect addition to the game with its Features finally being able to transform the Cleric into an optimal defensive Class. The Twilight Cleric’s key features tie into their protective capabilities, such as providing Advantage in Initiative Checks, a sphere that constantly provides Temporary HP or ends statuses, or imbuing an attack with divine energy.
9Circle Of Stars (Druid)
While First Druid Halsin’s connection to his Bear Wild Shape makes him more in tune with the Circle of the Moon Druid inBaldur’s Gate 3, theCircle of StarsfromTasha’s Cauldron of Everythingwould flavorfully prove his distinctive position. Courtesy of this Circle’s power over starlight and the cosmos, a Stars Druid would present the perfect middle ground between magical prowess and natural might.
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Whilesimilar to the Circle of Land in terms of spell focus, the Circle of Stars can provide more interesting options to the Druid courtesy of star-themed effects. Trading Wild Shape with Starry Forms can enhance a Druid’s spellcasting possibilities, while Cosmic Omen diversifies Reactions to provide buffs or debuffs to rolls.
8Echo Knight (Fighter)
Lae’zel has tactical prowess that makes her compatible with almost anyBaldur’s Gate 3Fighter Subclass, but theEcho KnightfromExplorer’s Guide to Wildemountwould be a thematic fit for the Gith’s otherworldly nature. Whereas theBattle Master has Maneuversand the Eldritch Knight has spells, the Echo Knight offers the Manifest Echo.
With this ability, the Fighter can summon a spectral duplicate to fight alongside them. Thanks to their Echo, players can attack from multiple locations, exchange places with the Echo, make the Echo absorb attacks meant for allies, or even gain healing whenever their Echo is destroyed.
7Way Of The Long Death (Monk)
Although slightly overlooked due to not havingCompanion representation inBG3, the Monkdoes add the unique flair of Unarmed Combat to dish out high DPS. However, players who wish for a more defensive Monk would love theWay of the Long DeathTradition from theSword Coast Adventurer’s Guide.
The Long Death Monk compensates for their lack of offensive flexibility with a wide variety of defensive options. They get Temporary HP when defeating foes, Frighten creatures, or even avoid being reduced to 0 HP. These straightforward defensive benefits give players the opportunity to use the Monk as a more simplistic tank and avoid the intricacies of building other characters.
6Oath Of Conquest (Paladin)
While Minthara’s rather questionable morality does not affect her access to her Oath’s powers, perhaps theOath of ConquestfromXanathar’s Guide to Everythingwould be a better fit for her story. Possessing an unwavering desire to conquer foes, Minthara being a Conquest Paladin fits her gameplay inBaldur’s Gate 3.
However, theConquest Paladin also makes for a unique alternative to a frontline juggernautcompared to the likes of the Vengeance Paladin. This time around, a Conquest Paladin can add a whopping +10 to their Attack Roll (Guided Strike), a constant Psychic Damage aura (Aura of Conquest), and even a constant damage reflect (Scornful Rebuke).
5Fey Wanderer (Ranger)
Despite his size, Minsc and his space hamster Boo are some of thebest-known Rangersin Faerun, as shown in their appearance inBaldur’s Gate 3. However, while the game covers the bare necessities of a diverse Ranger, theFey WandererofTasha’s Cauldron of Everythingwould allow players to capitalize on its strengths to the fullest.
At its core, the Fey Wanderer has the typical combat benefits of other Ranger Subclasses, such as a free Hunter’s Mark, a free fey ally, and even free Misty Step. However, the Fey Wanderer shines in its capacity to also become the party’s face. This is courtesy of WIS-based CHA buffs and extra Proficiencies, as well as playing with targets of Charm/Frighten effects.
4Swashbuckler (Rogue)
Astarion’s sheer charm makes it a surprising reveal that he prefers to become a Rogue inBaldur’s Gate 3. While theRogue retains the overpowered nature of Sneak Attacks, becoming aSwashbucklerfrom theXanathar’s Guide to Everythingcould be an interesting approach for the vampire elf.
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Contrary to the sneaky expectations of the Class, the Swashbuckler represents Astarion’s innate charm through flashiness. Benefits of the Subclass include the cancelation of the Advantage requirement in Sneak Attacks, removing Opportunity Attacks on opponents that got hit, and even imposing Disadvantage on enemy attacks that don’t target the player.
3Shadow Magic (Sorcerer)
TheDark Urge as a Custom Origin inBaldur’s Gate 3provides a darker path for players, with the Sorcerer as their default Class. While the Sorcerous Origins available to players reflect the raw spellcasting potential of the Class,Shadow MagicfromXanathar’s Guide to Everythingrepresents the Dark Urge’s mysteriously grim backstory.
With magic from the dark depths of the Shadowfell, this Sorcerer has access not just to powerful spells but also the means to debilitate enemy forces. On top of constant Darkvision, the Shadow Sorcerer can escape the brink of death or impose Disadvantage on any target.
