Baldur's Gate 3: Best Bard class build (2023)

Classic CRPG players know the sheer intensity of stories in theBaldur's Gateseries, doingBaldur's Gate 3a highly anticipated sequel for fans of narrative-driven games. This time, players fromBaldur's Gate title are trapped in the middle of an ongoing invasion of Faerun's mind flayers, with only their chosen class and skill set as a means to combat this seemingly insurmountable threat.

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Players who wish to withdraw the Bard signature fromyou might want to adapt yourBaldur's Gate 3 Bard to get maximum performance and analyze possible optimization options for your character. However, how can players achieve the perfect Bard?

bard's point

See Also

The best Baldur's Gate 3 class options and how to use them

players frombaldur's door gamewho are not familiar with your original reference bookdungeons and dragons 5eYou might not be sure what to expect from the Bard class. Considered one of the starting classes inD&D 5e, abardoserves as a basic character build for players looking for a decent mix between a utility and combat character. While generally considered a promiscuous archetype due to their incredibly high charisma, here are some other reasons why a bard might be a player's class of choice:

• Bardic Inspiration:As the class's most unique resource, Bard's Inspiration is a huge buff that bards can give their allies, allowing them to add extra dice to any d20-based roll. This value increases as bards level up.
• Abilities: Charisma and Dexterity, where CHA allows players to cast powerful spells and utilities to play on the battlefield while having enough DEX to deal decent damage in gun combat.
• Spell:Using CHA as their casting modifier, bards can cast spells that allow the party to gain various advantages in combat, while also facilitating non-fighting interactions.
• Subclass - College of Lore:Serving as the most academic bard specialization, the College of Lore gives bards more access to utility spells that serve to aid allies more effectively in combat.
• Subclass - Colégio de Valor:Serving as the Bards' combat-based specialization, the College of Valor gives them access to more offensive skills that allow them to become frontline attackers.

The Bard Basics

Before players create the best possible Bard build in the playable version ofTitle of Baldur's Gate, it helps to understand what they will get when they choose Bard as their starting class. Often these traits become the target of optimization options when creating a min-maxed bard build for players to take advantage of. Here are the things players can look forward to when creating a Bard in the game:

• Initial instrument:Players can select an instrument from various musical implements as Bard's tool. This simply changes the overall game sounds when casting spells and can be changed by switching to another instrument.
• Saving Throw Proficiencies: Dexterity, Charisma:Players add their Dexterity and Charisma proficiency bonuses to their saving throws, making bards better able to dodge deadly attacks (acrobatics) or even resist truth-zone spells that speak truth.
• Proficiency, Light Armor:Thanks to this proficiency, bards will not impose attack debuffs or prevent spellcasting, even when wearing light armor.
• Proficiency, weapons (simple, hand crossbow, longsword, rapier, shortsword):These proficiencies allow the bard to add his proficiency bonus when making attack rolls, increasing his chance to hit enemies.

The Race: Guaranteed Conjuration

(Video) Baldur's Gate 3 - Ultimate Bard Class Guide (Lore & Valour Build)

As with most builds that focus on creating ideal classes, the best races are generally those that maximize the boosts players can give to a given skill score. Being a class loaded with charisma, the Bard needs to pack a lotcharismato ensure they can successfully cast their most formidable spells. Fortunately, certain racesavailable to groups in title Baldur's Gatecan help players maximize their Bard's performance in the heat of battle:

• Forest Half-Elf:Traditionally, woodland half-elves retreat to a quiet life in the forests of Faerûn. For the half wood elf, their half legacy drives them to continue traveling through the rest of the Realms. As half-elves, they give bards CHA +2 and two (2) more points that they can divide between their other abilities. They also gain Fleet of Foot (walk speed becomes 10.5 m) and Mask of the Wild (stealth proficiency), making Wood Half-Elf Bard great for long-range builds.
• drow:Though relatively unknown due to their clandestine lives, drow are known to worship Lolth. This is only true of their Lolth-Sworn variants, however, as Seladrine Drows hope to break their association with the dark deity. As a Drow, they have CHA +1 and DEX +2. Their Fey ancestry gives them Advantage on checks against being Charmed and immunity to sleep, along with Greater Darkvision (see in the dark within 24m). Even without light, your Dancing Lights (Evocation Cantrip) can illuminate a 12m radius area. More importantly, they also gain Proficiency (thorn, short sword, hand crossbow). Thanks toAlone, the Drow is ideal for maximizing a Bard's potential arsenal.
• Human:As the most common Race in Faerûn, humans are found building lives almost anywhere. What they lack in racial traits, they make up for with +1 to all Skill Points. This makes humans an ideal race for a "balanced" Bard build.

Background: Emphasis on Charisma

While the Bard inBaldur's Gate 3specializes in Dexterity and Charisma, still follows its original styledungeons and dragoncounterpart that emphasizescharismafor its advantage in combat. More specifically, they need Charisma to impress or intimidate their enemies, which are Abilities these Backgrounds turn into proficiencies:

• Criminal (fraud, concealment):Experts at breaking the law and getting away with it, criminals are more than capable of hiding in the shadows when necessary. Their ability to deceive allows them to lie without much consequence, while their stealth allows them to blend into shadows more efficiently, perfect for surprise attacks. This is the ideal Background for offensive and stealthy builds.
• Guild Craftsman (Insight, Persuasion):Their skill at the craft makes the guild artisan an expert in niche matters, perfect forcentered on the traveling craftsman. Their keen eyesight allows them to shed knowledge on the things they perceive, while their proficiency persuasion allows them to convince others to bow to their side. This is the ideal setting for buildings that speak volumes.

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• Soldier (Athletics, Intimidation):Trained in a variety of battlefield strategies, the Soldier is brave and intelligent in the heat of battle. Their athletic proficiency allows them to perform incredible feats of strength, while their intimidation allows them to frighten people into submission.
• Quack (deception, conjuration):Possessing a special ability to twist their words, charlatans can pit allies against each other for profit and fun. Their skill at deception allows them to deceive others, while Sleight of Hand makes stealing easier.
• Noble (History, Persuasion):Raised in a prominent family, the noble prioritizes acquiring loyalty, renown, and power. Their proficiency in history allows them to identify interesting pieces of ancient lore from various situations, while persuasion allows them to see others on their side.

The Ability Array: Life has a second priority

As with other RPGs similar toDungeons and Dragons, it makes sense toBaldur's Gate 3Players want to prioritize a skill matrix that focuses on the bard's greatest strengths: charisma and dexterity. With the above considerations taken into account, here is an ideal setup for a Skill Matrix that maximizes the Bard's starting performance:

• Strength 12 (+1):At worst, Strength can become a Bard's Combat Skill, especially for melee builds. However, given how Strength contributes to Charge, this must also be taken into account.
• Dexterity 14 (+2):As the Bard's primary Combat Skill, Dexterity must have a secondary or tertiary priority. Ranged Bard builds will use DEX for ranged weapons, while DEX can also replace STR with versatile weapons, which also count towards the Bard specialization.
• Constitution 16 (+3):As the primary determinant of HP in the game, Constitution should be paramount for the support-based Bard. CON should equal or as close as possible to CHA regarding stat distribution.
• Intelligence 8 (-1):Considering there aren't many things bards do that need INT that the resident spellcaster doesn't cover, intelligence can become a dump stat.
• Wisdom 10 (0):Since there aren't many things in the game that require a WIS save or an active bard's WIS check, Wisdom can become a neutral stat.
• Charisma 16 (+3):The bread and butter of Bard building, it's important that they get as much Charisma as possible to.

Level 1: Seek Basic Survival

When players build their Bards for theirBaldur's Gate 3during the game, it is ideal that they do so in order to optimize their combat abilities. Level 2 may be close, but it's better for theLevel 1Bard to build to be as effective in combat as possible, with occasional support spells. It's imperative that the Bard is built as a secondary attacker, so his heal can either be a primary function or a replacement for the Cleric. Here are other things for players to consider:

• Bard's Inspiration (Class Feature):Thanks to this Action, a friendly target can add a +1d6 bonus to any d20 roll until your next Long Rest. This includes attack rolls, skill checks, and saves. Ideally, the Bard gives everyone Bardic Inspiration as quickly as possible, as this can become a lifeline in emergencies.
• Cruel Provocation (Cantrip):This Enchantment Cantrip deals 1d4 Psychic Damage to a target and forces it to take a Debuff on its next Attack Roll. As such, this trick becomes a huge debuff against tougher enemies.
• True Attack (Cheat):This Divination Trick gives players Advantage on Attack Rolls against the target. As this lasts for two (2) turns in Focus, this is an ideal attack buff for almost guaranteed hits.ranged weapons.
• Dissonant Whispers (Level 1):This enchantment spell not only forces the target to take 4d6 psychic damage on a success, but also frightens it. A target making a successful Wisdom check means it takes half damage, but 2d6 is still a formidable attack against tougher foes.
• Blade Ward (Level 1):This Abjuration Spell grants the user Resistances to bludgeoning, piercing, and weapon slashing damage, halving damage to the user.
• Heroism (Level 1):This enchantment spell not only grants an ally up to 5 temporary HP, but also ensures they don't panic for ten (10) turns. Rather than relying heavily on healing, a guaranteed increase in maximum HP through temporary HP can drastically increase its user's chances of survival.
• Word of Healing (Level 1):This evocation spell only heals for 1d4 + CHA Mod Hit Points, but makes for a nifty emergency heal due to its nature as a bonus action.

Level 2: Get some more healing

By the time the bards reachLevel 2, receive a myriad of bonuses that further define their role as thedungeons and dragonsthe default "face" of the group or the sweet talker. While Tier 1 prioritized Bard's survivability, Tier 2 ensured his effectiveness both in and out of combat, particularly with regards to🇧🇷 Here are some things to consider:

• Handyman (class feature):This allows players to add half of their proficiency bonus (rounded down) to non-proficient ability checks. This cements Bard's ability to sweet-talk or brag his way to success.
• Song of Rest (class feature):When not in combat, a bard grants the effects of a short rest to its allies.
• Cure Wounds (Free Spell/Spell Replacement, Level 1):This Summoning Spell is the number one priority for healers, as this touch-based Spell grants 1d8+CHA Mod Hit Points. Players can use this as a bonus spell if they're looking for a healing path, or replace Heroism via spell replacement.
• Tasha's Horrible Laugh (Free Spell/Spell Replacement, Level 1):This enchantment spell forces a target prone and incapacitated, essentially leaving them a target for the rest of the party to attack without fear of retaliation. You can get Tasha as a free spell or replace Heroism with this spell via spell replacement.

Level 3: Cement Healing Specialization, Prioritize Combat Role

Unlike other classes inDungeons and Dragons, the bard ofBaldur's Gate 3You cannot choose a subclass or archetype untilLevel 3🇧🇷 This time, called Bard College, it practically "solidifies" the Bard's specialization throughout the game. Depending on the player's choice of role, the Bard can be customized to become a healer through the College of Lore or a combat specialist through the College of Valor. Here are some things to note:

College Of Lore: The Outer Battle Is Also Important

bards who choosecollege of traditionthey value knowledge and truth more than anything else and spend the rest of their days gathering wisdom and knowledge wherever they see it. They don't care much for combat, instead they like to seek information. Support builds can rely on College of Lore Bard to maneuver out of combat, especially with its additional proficiencies. Here are other things to keep in mind:

• Clipped words (class feature):With this ability, the Bard can impose a 1d6 penalty to an opponent's Attack Functions, Skill Checks, and Damage Rolls until the start of his next turn. Think of it as negative bardic inspiration designed to weaken the enemy's combat performance.

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• Arcane, Intimidation, Sleight of Hand (Competition):The Bard also gains proficiency in Arcana (INT), Intimidation (CHA), and Sleight of Hand (DEX),consolidating its potential roleout of combat. With Arcana, it is likely that Bards can also access arcane knowledge in the absence of a spellcaster. Meanwhile, Sleight of Hand can turn the bard into a miniature rogue for stealing items, while Intimidate gives the party a better chance of forcing enemies into submission through fear.

College Of Valor: Cementing the Offense

Players who want their Bard to take advantage of its combat potential can choose thefaculty of value🇧🇷 This College trains its Bards to watch over the heroes around them, ensuring they stay alive to tell their stories, which means they must train to become the heroes they idolize. Players should choose the College of Valor if they want to perform better in combat, particularly at close range. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Combat Inspiration:An enhanced form of Bard's Inspiration, the affected creature can now add the +1d6 bonus to its Damage Roll or use it to gain +4 AC against an attack, allowing it to increase attack power or defensive capabilities of your allies.
• Medium Armor (Proficiency):Bards now gain a defense boost, as wearing medium armor no longer prevents them from casting spells or penalizes attack rolls, perfect forBards with a penchant for melee weapons.
• Shields (Proficiency):Bards can now equip a shield without penalizing their spellcasting abilities and attack rolls.
• Martial Weapon (Proficiency):Bards can now equip more complex weapons, making them more attuned to fighters in terms of base damage potential.

Level 4: Optimize the combat routine

(Video) Baldur's Gate 3 Bard Class Review (Patch 8)

When the players arriveLevel 4, they likely have a "set routine" for their Bard when in combat. This level makes the perfect time for bards to take advantage of these routines and optimize them further to ensure they perform flawlessly, especially as they will likely be working as a support unit. On that note, here are things to consider:

• +2 CHA (Ability Score Enhancement):While players canalso select a talent, it is ideal for a Bard to at least maximize his CHA whenever possible to strengthen his spellcasting abilities. In that case, a +2 to your CHA score can be an invaluable asset in the long run, especially when using more powerful spells.
• Hand of the Wizard (Cantrip):Players who have difficulty reaching distant objects may want the Bard to have the Hand of the Wizard, which allows them to interact with objects up to 60 feet away. This is a nifty way to take some of the pressure off the mage so they can focus on more combat oriented spells. Level 4 can take a long time to get the Hand of the Wizard, but players have now oriented themselves with the game mechanics that the Hand of the Wizard is a neat way to start "breaking" the rules in your favor.
• Enhance Skill (Free Spell/Spell Replacement, Level 2):This Transmutation Spell can grant one of several mystical enchantments to an ally, which until the end of the Spell gives Advantage to one (1) Ability Test and an additional buff (+7 HP Temp to CON, double charge capacity to STR, half damage drop to DEX).
• Minor Restoration (Free Spell/Spell Replacement, Level 2):This abjuration spell allows the caster to remove a condition or disease afflicting a creature, allowing the bard to consolidate his support role.
• Crown of Madness (Free Spell/Spell Replacement, Level 2):This enchantment will madden your target with fear and rage, forcing them to attack creatures close to them, regardless of their loyalty.
• Mangle (Free Spell/Spell Replacement, Level 2):This Summoning Spell deals up to 3d8 Thunder damage to objects and creatures. While a successful saving throw means the target takes half damage, creatures made of inorganic materials like stone gain disadvantage when doing so.

Baldur's Gate 3is currently in Early Access and available for PC.

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