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Thankfully, BG3 and its Early Access experience allowed players to have a glimpse of what encounters might feel like with various party compositions. The flexible Class system in BG3 can pave the way for some interesting, optimized, and even overpowered party builds. Here are some party setups players might want to try out in their playthrough:
Updated September 5th, 2022, by Megan Smith: As Baldur’s Gate 3 creeps closer and closer to its hopeful release date, players that have supported the RPG during its early access have been rewarded with new classes to try. Gradually, three completely different classes pulled directly from D&D have been implemented into the game, from the brutal Barbarian class to the instrumental bard. This has expanded on Baldur’s Gate 3’s party composition in several ways through experimenting with how the classes work differently than the others, as well as finding new exciting and overpowering builds to use. These builds may eventually be the ones players take into the game when the full title releases, but by then, there may be even more classes to choose from.
12 Back To Basics (Fighter, Cleric, Rogue, Wizard)
It’s never wrong to rely on the basics. As with most RPG setups, a party composed of a tank, a pair of melees, and magical DPS, as well as a healer, won’t go wrong – and the same works with BG3. Instead of Shadowheart, players should opt for a Light Domain Cleric to gain access to decent healing Spells as well as buffs. Meanwhile, Lae’zel (Battle Master) can dominate the battlefield by controlling the flow of melee combat.
Meanwhile, Astarion (Thief) easily boasts high DPS, especially with Sneak Attacks. Lastly, Gale (Wizard) can fit into multiple builds, especially given the Wizard’s flexible arsenal of Spells. Gale can set up battles by creating surfaces or punish enemy groups with AOE.
11 Hunter’s Mark (Ranger, Cleric, Rogue, Wizard)
Players who want to maximize damage over any distance might want to pair Astarion (Thief) ’s devastating Sneak Attacks and overall DPS with a versatile Ranger. That way, the Ranger can complement Astarion’s melee damage with their own long-ranged DPS specialization. Additionally, a Ranger with an alternate pair of dual-wielded weapons can easily switch to melee should the need arise.
Moreover, Gale (Conjuration) can ensure that allies won’t get hurt with his AOE Spells, leaving players with more room to play around with mobility. Lastly, Shadowheart (Trickery Domain) remains reliable with her range of healing and support Spells.
10 The Bodyguard (Melee, Cleric, Warlock, Wizard)
Players might try their hand in a party largely devoted to long-ranged tactics, with a bodyguard to protect them. Essentially, Lae’zel as a Fighter with the Battle Master as a versatile Subclass works best to tank for such a party, especially when buffed by a Light Domain Cleric. That way, the Battle Master can demolish most enemies before even getting to the party.
A Warlock and Wizard tandem can pepper through enemy forces with their mix of single-target and AOE Spells. The quick-fire nature of the Warlock and the meticulous versatile Spells of the Wizard work well to achieve this type of play.
9 Heavy Hitters (Barbarian, Fighter, Warlock, Cleric)
Looking for unfiltered rage and destruction, players should focus on a party with a main goal of hitting hard and worrying about actual tactics later. That being said, BG3 party composition is still incredibly important as even while using a Barbarian with the Berserker subclass, this unrelenting frenzy still needs support from ranged spellcasters, alongside a fair amount of potions due to a lack of classes with healing abilities.
Essentially, the party can be split into two teams, with Lae’zel focusing on one enemy with either a Warlock or Wizard to support them, while the Barbarian does the same with similar support. A lot of the focus will be put on the Barbarian that needs to get hit, and therefore the Fighter is there to pick off any stragglers that attempt to harm the rest of the group.
8 Team Patrons (Cleric, Fighter, Rogue, Warlock)
Some players think that Shadowheart in Early Access remains an underdeveloped Cleric. Thankfully, a main character centered around the Cleric (Light Domain) build may help a party shine. The Light Domain equips Clerics with a decent range of buffing and healing Spells, as well as damaging Spells. Having this Cleric with a longbow can make for a Spellcaster that can dish out damage and support from a distance.
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Astarion (Thief) becomes a great offensive character in this party. The Thief easily overtakes other Classes in terms of damage output, courtesy of Sneak Attacks and Double Attacks, especially when dual wielding. Astarion works great with Lae’zel (Battle Master) as a tank and Wyll (The Fiend) as the ranged DPS controller.
7 The Adventurers (Charisma, Damage, Healing, Skills)
Adventurers on a quest to obtain an ancient artifact might find themselves facing a ton of challenges. In fact, they may not be as “equipped” as others might be. Players who want a classic adventuring setup may want to lean away from Classes and instead focus on archetypes that can make combat and roleplaying easier.
Players should always dedicate a character for Charisma and Charisma-based Checks in order to excel in most dialogue options. Moreover, they should have a character with the most Proficiencies in Skills to navigate most environments. In terms of battle, the party should have a dedicated DPS and Healer in order to ensure their survival.
6 Traveling Circus (Fighter, Bard, Warlock, Wizard)
The idea of the traveling circus is the fantastical and the extraordinary, all of which are great describing words for classes that can cast spells. The bard’s role is to inspire the party to try their best through a well-placed tune that can improve Lae’zels rolls during combat, especially as she will be expected to tank many of the hits available.
Players may wish to give their Fighter a hand with this by taking the College of Valour subclass that makes the Bard proficient in medium armor, allowing them to stand closer in battle. Wizards and Warlocks will give aid from a distance through either AOE damage or overpowered Eldritch Blast.
5 The Powerhouse (Fighter, Cleric, Rogue, Rogue)
Players call haxx whenever they see Rogues, as other players easily make OP builds with them. Interestingly, BG3 allows the same flexibility with Rogues. Pairing Astarion (Rogue) with another Rogue easily racks up melee DPS, especially when piling up Surprise Attacks, Sneak Attacks, and sheer mobility.
Likewise, the sheer stats and features that Rogues have to allow them to make evasive tank builds, where they “tank” damage by actually avoiding most attacks. This party works well with Lae’zel (Fighter) as a traditional tank to distract enemies. Lastly, Shadowheart (Trickery Domain) can ensure the party survives.
4 The Pet Lovers (Druid, Ranger, Warlock, Wizard)
Who doesn’t love pets? A great alternative to a simple Ranger would be a Ranger (Beast Master), especially since the Giant Spider Companion easily gives the party a tank. However, with the recent addition of the Druid class, players may also wish to be the tank themselves once unlocking the Beast Shape ability and turn into a bear.
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In turn, this party can have its other members focus on various useful Spell strategies. For instance, Wyll (Warlock) can focus on single-target damage, while Gale (Wizard) focuses on obliterating enemies via AOE. Although there isn’t a ranger companion, players that hope to enjoy the co-op of BG3 may wish to suggest becoming a Ranger to their friend; otherwise, Lae’zel can make a great alternative.
3 All Ranged (Fighter, Ranger, Warlock, Wizard)
Players fighting dangerous enemies and powerful bosses might want to keep their distance as much as possible. Thankfully, they want to try a ranged-focused build to pull this off. Essentially, their Lae’zel (Fighter) should specialize in the Archery Fighting Style to gain a ranged bonus. This Fighter, paired with a Ranger (Hunter), brings in most range physical damage in-game.
Wyll (The Fiend) and Gale (Wizard) will likely excel switching up the battlefield with surfaces and other ranged effects. However, players should note that this build does lack a Healer, so they better stock up with their healing Spells, healing Scrolls, and healing potions.
2 All Magic (Spellcaster, Cleric, Warlock, Wizard)
Players who want a dash of magic into their build might want to focus on an all-Spellcaster Party. Essentially, this build focuses on dishing out as much magic as possible to eliminate opponents as soon as possible. In this regard, a magic-oriented tank such as Lae’zel (Eldritch Knight) might help in this regard.
Wyll (Warlock), Gale (Wizard), and Shadowheart (Tempest Domain) already have interesting utility, damage, and healing Spells that synergize well in a Spellcaster-focused build. However, players need to ensure that their original character must be able to back up the party on the tanking end or at least have enough Cantrips, especially since they will want to preserve their Spell Slots.
1 All Melee (Melee, Cleric, Fighter, Rogue)
Players who want a more direct approach to combat might appreciate a straightforward all-melee build. Essentially, companions such as Lae’zel (Battle Master) and Astarion (Thief) work best in melee, thanks to the Fighter’s high AC and the Rogue’s insanely-high damage output. Additionally, Shadowheart (Trickery Domain) not only offers decent buffs, but she can hold out her own with Cleric weapons and armor.
The player character should probably be melee-centric as well. Aside from a second Fighter or Rogue, a Ranger might become a decent choice. Aside from their decent melee combat DPS, alternating between a melee build and a DPS build can ensure safety in times of emergencies.
Baldur’s Gate 3 is currently in early access and is available for the PC.
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