Summary
This article contains story spoilers for Baldur’s Gate 3.
Baldur’s Gate 3includes the twelve classes that are included in theDungeons and Dragons Player’s Handbook. These classes have been staples for decades, and give players a good selection of classes to choose from, even without buying additional handbooks. Each of the six Origin companions inBaldur’s Gate 3has a canon class from the start of the game and, at the appropriate level, is automatically assigned a subclass.
The distribution of classes inBaldur’s Gate 3goes a long way in creating a balanced party, but each character’s class is also strongly tied to their background and lore. This could make players reluctant to change the Origin characters' classes, but there are several other options for all of them that are still thematically and narratively relevant for the character and, in some cases, are an even better fit.
Baldur’s Gate 3’s Companions Have Several Lore-Friendly Classes
Lae’zel’s starting class is Fighter, and her default subclass is Battle Master. This fits well with her personality, backstory, and skillset. As Lae’zel possibly undergoes a massive character arc over the course ofBaldur’s Gate 3, changing her class could be a way to reflect this change. For example, Lae’zel could be respecced as a War Domain Cleric that worships Vlaakith to show her dedication to Vlaakith. As the story progresses and Lae’zel possibly has a crisis of faith, she could be respecced as a Monk after meeting Orpheus' honor guard.
Shadowheart’s starting class is Trickster Domain Cleric, but the new Death Domain Cleric that came with Patch 8 would be more suited to her worship of Shar. Many of the necrotic spells of the Death Domain are mirrored in the effects of Shar’s Shadow Curse. Another interesting respec for Shadowheart at this point of the story is theHexblade Warlock, who gets their power from a Shadowfell entity, Shar’s domain. If Shadowheart turns to Selune over the course of the story, respeccing her to a Light Domain Cleric also makes narrative sense.
Astarion begins as an Arcane Trickster Rogue, which leans into his background as a deceiver for Cazador. Players often respec his subclass, keeping him as a Rogue but making him an Assassin or Thief.The Swashbuckler also works well for Astarion, as it relies on dirty fighting to survive and accurately reflects Astarion’s attitude and personality as careless but dangerous. Another popular class for Astarion is Gloom Stalker Ranger, which leans into his nature as a vampire spawn to thrive in the shadows.
Multiclassing Gives Baldur’s Gate 3’s Companions More Flexibility
Gale’s devotion to Mystra, especially at the start ofBaldur’s Gate 3, is one of his defining features. Respeccing Gale as a Knowledge Domain Cleric may be unconventional, but it would make sense that he would do so to try and earn her favor back, and would put Gale in more of a support than an offensive role. Another class change that could work for Gale isWild Magic Sorcerer, if the player headcanons that his magic went haywire thanks to the Karsus Weave in his chest.
Wyll’s pact with Mizora makes it difficult to respec him into something other than Warlock, but he can multiclass and even change classes in Act 3. Wyll’s devotion to protecting people means that multiclassing him intoOath of Devotion Paladinwould work well for him, and Warlock and Paladin have great synergy as a multiclass option, and may drop the Warlock class to be pure Paladin after certain events in Act 3.
Karlach is a Barbarian Berserker, which fits her personality and fiery nature. A respec as an Oath of Vengeance Paladin also works, especially if it’s aimed at Gortash. As Karlach is Zariel’s former champion, Karlach also works as either aBattle Master or Champion Fighter.
Baldur’s Gate 3
WHERE TO PLAY
Abducted, infected, lost. You are turning into a monster, but as the corruption inside you grows, so does your power. Forge a tale of fellowship and betrayal, sacrifice and survival, and the lure of absolute power. Caught in a conflict between devils, deities, and sinister otherworldly forces, you and your party will determine the fate of the Forgotten Realms.THE ULTIMATE D&D EXPERIENCEChoose from a wide selection of D&D races and classes, or play as an origin character with a hand-crafted background. Adventure, loot, battle, and romance as you journey through the Forgotten Realms and beyond. Play alone or as a party of up to four in multiplayer – and select your companions carefully.A CINEMATIC STORYTELLING EPICForged with the new Divinity 4.0 engine, Baldur’s Gate 3 gives you unprecedented freedom to explore, experiment, and interact with a world that reacts to your choices. A grand, cinematic narrative brings you closer to your characters than ever before, as you venture through our biggest world yet. Romance, deceive, aid, obstruct, and grow alongside your friends thanks to Larian’s next-generation RPG engine.
