What is the Best Starting Class in BG3?
Baldur’s Gate 3, the latest installment in the iconic role-playing game series, has finally arrived. With a vast array of classes, subclasses, and races to choose from, it can be daunting to decide which one to play as a starting class. In this article, we’ll dive into the top contenders for the best starting class in BG3.
What Makes a Great Starting Class?
Before we dive into the individual classes, let’s identify what makes a great starting class in BG3. A great starting class should offer:
- Strong combat abilities: The ability to hold their own in combat, especially during the early stages of the game.
- Flexible character build: The freedom to customize the character’s build and playstyle as desired.
- Solid crowd control and support options: The ability to aid party members and hinder enemies, making it an invaluable addition to the team.
- High versatility: The potential to adapt to various situations and enemy types, ensuring the class remains relevant throughout the game.
The Contenders
After thorough research and playtesting, we’ve identified the top classes that excel in the areas mentioned above. Let’s take a closer look at each:
Fighter
The Fighter class is an excellent choice for those who enjoy taking charge on the battlefield. [Bold]They possess excellent melee combat skills, High Armor Class, and can deal significant damage to enemies. The Fighter also excels at tanking damage and absorbing punishment, making them a solid choice for new players.
Pros:
• High damage output
• Excellent melee combat skills
• High Armor Class
• Solid survivability
Cons:
• Limited spellcasting options
• May struggle in ranged combat
Warlock
Warlocks are an enigmatic force in the world of Baldur’s Gate 3, wielding arcane and infernal magic. They can deal Significant Spell Damage, cast Conjuring spells, and even bend the fabric of reality. While they may struggle with close-range combat, Warlocks are well-suited for ranged and caster-heavy teams.
Pros:
• Powerful spellcasting options
• Ability to cast Conjuring spells
• Can bend reality ( literally)
Cons:
• Weak melee capabilities
• Limited survivability in close-range combat
Barbarian
Barbarians are ferocious warriors who can take a punch (and several more) and still manage to deliver devastating blows to their enemies. [Bold]Their Rage abilities give them a temporary boost to Strength, Speed, and other abilities, making them nearly unstoppable on the battlefield. The Barbarian’s main drawbacks are their limited mobility and vulnerability to magic.
Pros:
• Devastating melee attacks
• Excellent survivability
• Temporary boost from Rage abilities
Cons:
• Limited mobility
• Vulnerable to magic
Paladin
Paladins are holy warriors who serve a higher power, waging war against evil forces with Holy Auras, Lay on Hands, and Healing Word. Their sheer Survivability and Support Options make them an invaluable asset to any party.
Pros:
• Strong survivability
• Solid support options
• Access to healing spells
• Holy Aura can turn the tide of battle
Cons:
• Limited damage output
• Limited mobility
Rangers
Rangers are Skilled Hunters, masters of ranged combat, Tracking, and Camouflage. While they may struggle in melee, their ranged abilities are second to none. They can also Heal Wounds, making them a solid support option for parties.
Pros:
• Expert ranged combat abilities
• Solid Tracking skills
• Camouflage options
• Can Heal Wounds
Cons:
• Limited melee capabilities
• Vulnerable in close-range combat
Rogue
Rogues are stealthy assassins who thrive in the shadows, taking Silent Stab, Deadly Critical shots at unsuspecting enemies. Cunning Action gives them a chance to manipulate enemy positions and gain initiative, making them formidable foes. However, they’re not as resilient as other classes and can struggle with Crowd Control.
Pros:
• Expert ranged combat abilities
• Deadly Critical hits
• Silencing Enemies
• Cunning Action allows manipulation of enemy positions
Cons:
• Vulnerable to damage
• Limited survivability
In conclusion, the Fighter stands out as the most well-rounded and versatile class, with exceptional melee combat skills and a solid build. While Warlocks excel in spellcasting, their close-range limitations make them a less attractive option. Barbarians, with their ferocious attacks, are perfect for melee enthusiasts, while Paladins and Rangers offer unparalleled survivability and support options, respectively.
For Rogues, mastering the art of stealth and Cunning Action will be essential to survival, as their limited defenses put them at risk in direct combat. Ultimately, the best starting class in BG3 will depend on personal playstyle and the specific needs of your party.