Baldur's Gate 3 Guide | How To Multiclass

What it means to multiclass in Baldur's Gate 3 is that your abilities, spells, and proficiency are combined into really unique and individualized sets. Based on D&D but with several of its twists, multiclassing is both an opportunity and a problem. In this guide, we'll be talking about what multiclassing is, the pros and cons of its adoption, and several useful class combinations that will help you in your difficult way.

What is Multiclassing

Multiclassing means that when features of several archetypes are combined, higher levels of attainment are achievable for several classes. Imagine a sneak attack coming from the rogue class, combined with the fantastic magical powers of sorcerers. To use this feature, your character must gain Level 2. Upon leveling up, you get a multiclass pop-up where you are expected to choose another class. If you don't find it, check your difficulty settings because, by default, this is not available on "Explorer" difficulty.

The system's also not punitive in terms of experimentation. Go have a word with Withers, a skeletal NPC who's near the shoreline early on, to respec your character for 100 gold. That gives you the leeway to change up your build in a quick fashion should you not be into what you chose originally or want to mess with something different. Save beforehand so you don't waste resources.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Multiclassing

While multiclassing comes with some fascinating possibilities, there are also some serious drawbacks. One major drawback involves the loss of access to high-level class abilities. Since the game is capped at Level 12, dedicating a level to another class reduces your potential to advance in the first class. In this case, a character who splits their levels evenly between Fighter and Rogue (Level 6 each) will never have access to Level 12 class features, like the spells and bonus feats.

Additionally, multiclassing is going to confuse your character with attribute distribution. Every class in the game is based upon key primary attributes; splitting classes may cause a problem. For example, druids cast their spells using Wisdom, while sorcerers cast using Charisma. In such cases, multiclassing would divide your attention into two different modifiers for different aspects of spellcasting subjects and could thus make them weak.

Despite these challenges, multiclassing provides tremendous creative freedom. When done correctly, it can yield significant synergies, such as mixing melee prowess with ranged spellcasting or high damage output with support abilities.

Best Practices in Multiclassing 

The secret to multiclassing: Going in with a plan. This usually means having your primary class be at least level 5 or 6 before crossing over to some secondary class. At that point, you have some major capabilities, mid-tier stuff: Extra Attack for the Fighter, and level 3 spells for a Spellcaster. At an early stage, multiclassing often just leaves characters behind and can be problematic for multiple fights deep into Act 1 and into early Act 2.

Attributes planning is also needed. Because your main class dictates your starting attributes, ensure that they align with your multiclassing goals. In the case of a Rogue using Dexterity as your major attribute, multiclassing with something like Barbarian, which relies on Strength, will require additional Strength points if you want to remain relevant in combat. 

On the other hand, multiclassing between classes that share the same main attribute, such as Bard and Sorcerer, who would both use Charisma, simplifies character management and enables better synergies. 

Class Combinations To Try 

Some multiclass combinations truly excel in Baldur's Gate 3. Below are some recommended combinations that might inspire your next character:

Druid/Barbarian 

Mix all these together to make a pretty resilient tank that takes a great deal of punishment, dishing it out. Start with the Circle of the Moon. The druid has some very formidable Wild Shape forms, such as the polar bear, to restore a bunch of hit points. After that, take at least two levels in Barbarian, choosing the Wildheart subclass with the Bear Heart option to further improve damage resistance. For survivability and attacking, pop Rage before using Wild Shaping.

Sorcerer/Bard 

The Sorcerer/Bard combo is perfect for spellcasting versatility. Since both classes share the same main attribute, they go together rather easily. Begin with Sorcerer so you can utilize your proficiency in Constitution for enhanced concentration checks to maintain spells. 

You will finally get to Metamagic at Sorcerer Level 2, which will really open up some amazing manipulations of Bard spells. Take Metamagic's Twin Spell, for example - you get to cast a Bard spell twice as one action and really amp up your magical output. 

Fighter/Rogue

As far as high DPS goes, the Fighter/Rogue multiclass truly delivers. While taking the Fighter's Extra Attack and Action Surge abilities, it adds on top the benefits of Sneak Attack given by the Rogue. Take the Fighters' Champion subclass for better critical hit chances or the Rogues' Assassin subclass, which provides huge advantages in surprise rounds. By level 5, Fighter lets you attack up to four times per turn - one of the better choices for melee-focused characters.

Is Multiclassing Right for You?

It depends on your desire and the type of game you are working with. If you are a complete newbie, it's always better to go with one class and see all of its powers and game mechanics properly. If you have already gone through the second or third playthrough, or you just like experimenting, then multiclass will give you a few interesting prospects concerning variety and deepness. 

The point of this all is that with how easy it is to respec and experiment in Baldur's Gate 3, there's really little risk in at least trying out new builds. You'll know what does or doesn't work with multiclass to make very unique characters and drive nails into the tough fights.

Also, check our Baldur's Gate 3 Review and other guides below:

• Baldur’s Gate 3 Beginner Guide | Tips & Tricks
• Baldur's Gate 3 Guide | How To Rescue Shadowheart
• Baldur's Gate 3 Guide | All 10 Companion Locations
• Baldur's Gate 3 Guide | How To Get The Best Ending
• Baldur's Gate 3 Guide | Paladin Build Guide