Baldur’s Gate 3: Best Armour & Clothing for Warlock Class

Discover the best Warlock Armour & Clothing in Baldur’s Gate 3, equipping your class with the top 10 early and end-game choices.

Best Armour & Clothing for Warlock Class - BG3

Unlike other spellcasters, the Warlock has light armour proficiency and can make use of simple weapons. This gives the Warlock class flexibility to play both spellcaster and weapon damage dealer with armour. Thus, the equipping, clothing, and armour options are varied with difficult decisions regardless of the Act. This guide explains the best clothing and armour choices for the Warlock class and how to use them.


Best Armour & Clothing for Warlock Class in Baldur’s Gate 3

The best clothing and armour items for the Warlock class in Baldur’s Gate 3 are Potent Robe, Bhaalist Armour, and Elegant Studded Leather. Potent Robe deals additional damage based on your Charisma modifier for Cantrips like Eldritch Blast. Moreover, Potent Robe gives you temporary hit points equal to your Charisma modifier giving it the perfect balance of offense and defensive bonuses. Bhaalist Armour triggers vulnerability for piercing damage in the melee range and is the highest damage-producing armour in BG3 if using daggers, shortswords, or rapiers. Lastly, Elegant Studded Leather is a powerful defensive light armour that gives you +2 initiative and the shield spell when attacked. Regardless of your Act and subclass, let us review the best clothing and armour for the Warlock class in BG3.

Best Armour & Clothing for the Warlock Class in Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3):

  1. Potent Robe: +1 AC, Damage to Cantrips, Temporary HP
  2. Bhaalist Armour: 2x Damage with Pericing
  3. Elegant Studded Leather: +2 initiative and Shield spell
  4. Helldusk Armour: 21 AC and Fire Resistance
  5. Birthright: +2 Charisma
  6. Quickspell Gloves: Helps use bonus action for spellcasting
  7. Icebite Robe: Cold Resistance and Spell
  8. Infernal Robe: Fire Resistance and Spell
  9. Shadow of Menzoberranzan: Free invisibility spell
  10. The Protecy Sparkswall: +1 Spell Save

Clothing vs Light Armour for Warlock

BG3 Clothing vs Light Armour on Warlock

When playing your Warlock, at level 2, you can pick an Eldritch Invocation that has an important impact on your armour choices. The Armour of Shadows grants you Mages Armour without using a spell slot and makes the ideal choice if you prefer clothing and spell casting. This gives you +3 AC and AC for your Dexterity Modifier. This means that if you have 16 Dexterity, you will gain +3 totalling 16 AC passively. Additionally, you can equip a shield with Wyll as a Human for another +2 AC immediately and reach 18 AC within level 2, drastically increasing your chance to avoid attacks.

However, you can forgo this setup but be required to use light armour to boost your AC to 15 or higher. The critical decision before you progress through this list is, do you plan on using clothing and spell casting or using light armour and having more of a melee build. We suggest clothing with Mages Armour activated at all times because it’s simpler, has more range, and is a better option for spell-casting gear in Act 3.


10 The Protecty Sparkswall

The Protecty Sparkswall features in Baldur’s Gate 3:

  • Armour Type: Clothing
  • Armour Class: 10 + Dexterity Modifier
  • Proficiency Requirement: None
  • Rarity: Rare
  • Weight: 1.8 kg / 3.9 lb
  • Value: 260 gp
  • Where to Find: Bridge within the Grymforge, behind traps.
  • Special Bonus: High Spellcasting, Sparkswall Armour

Act 1 Clothing and Light Armour options are limited for the Warlock. One to consider in Act 1 is Protecty Sparkswall found in the Grymforge. Passively, this clothing item gives a +1 bonus to spell save DC. However, you can obtain another item that grants lighting charges and gain +1 AC and Saving throws while you have lighting charges. An early combination is this clothing item combined with the Spellsparkler quarterstaff.

The Spellsparkler is available early in Act 1 at Waukeen’s Rest, serving as a reward for dealing with Counsellor Florrick. Opt for this staff if you plan to utilize the Protecty Sparkswall. The Spellsparkler awards 2 lightning charges when you inflict damage with a spell or cantrip. By employing this combination, you can achieve elevated AC and defensive advantages while adopting an aggressive playstyle. Also, consider obtaining the Bracer of Defence in the Blighted Village Apothecary if you do not use light armour or a shield. This will boost your AC passively by +2 and help survival early on in BG3.

9 Shadow of Menzoberranzan

Shadow of Menzoberranzan features in Baldur’s Gate 3:

  • Armour Type: Helmet
  • Armour Class: None
  • Proficiency Requirement: Light Armour Proficiency
  • Rarity: Rare
  • Weight: 0.5 kg / 1.1 lb
  • Value: 190 gp
  • Where to Find: In the Underdark, Myconid Colony, complete Defeat the Duergar Intruders quest.
  • Special Bonus
    • Shrouded in Shadow: Become Invisible for 2 turns.

Upon reaching the Underdark, navigate to the Myconid Colony and help the people there rid themselves of the Duergar Intruders. Afterwards, you will be given access to a secret cave which contains a powerful light armour helmet Shadow of Menzoberranzan. The strength of this helmet is the free invisibility spell Shrouded in Shadow. This is extremely useful when playing solo or on honour mode difficultly to trigger the surprise status effect or retreat when overwhelmed.

BG3 Stealth and Invisibility Surprise

Similar to an invisibility potion, you can sneak past detection areas and attack a target to skip their first turn if surprised. You can also use this skill to sneak, stealth, and bypass areas while exploring. The only downside is, that you won’t be able to use a combination of cloth and light armour, so pick this for light armour-specific Warlock builds in Act 1.


8 Infernal Robe

Infernal Robe features in Baldur’s Gate 3:

  • Armour Type: Clothing
  • Armour Class: 10 + Dexterity Modifier
  • Proficiency Requirement: None
  • Rarity: Very Rare
  • Weight: 1.8 kg / 4.0 lb
  • Value: 1600 gp
  • Where to Find: Wyll kills Karlach to get a reward from Mizora (additional ways).
  • Special Bonus: Fire Shield Warm Sepp, Fire Resistance, +1 AC

When you recruit both Wyll and Karlach as companions, they find themselves in a conflict that can either be resolved through negotiation or escalate into violence. The Infernal Robes stand out as one of the top clothing items in BG3, but obtaining them involves confronting and defeating Karlach. However, our guide provides an alternative method to avoid permanently harming Karlach. By following these steps, you can acquire the Infernal Robes, an exceptional choice for Warlock in Act 1.

The potency of the Infernal Robes lies in its ability to confer Fire resistance, effectively halving damage from Fire sources. Additionally, these robes grant access to a formidable level 4 Evocation spell, Fire Shield: Warm. When active, this spell reduces damage from cold attacks by half and inflicts 2d8 fire damage on melee attackers. Notably, Fire Shield: Warm serves as a robust countermeasure against melee threats and doesn’t require concentration. Depending on your party composition, it’s worth considering the acquisition of Infernal Robes to enhance your character build.


7 Icebite Robe

Icebite Robe features in Baldur’s Gate 3:

  • Armour Type: Clothing
  • Armour Class: 10 + Dexterity Modifier
  • Proficiency Requirement: None
  • Rarity: Rare
  • Weight: 1.8 kg / 3.6 lb
  • Value: 800 gp
  • Where to Find: Saccophagus in Act 2, Shadow-Cursed Lands X: -158 Y: 73.
  • Special Bonus: 

In the early stages of Act 2, it’s worth exploring the Shadow-Cursed Lands Sarcophagus near the Grand Mausoleum to discover the Icebite Robe. This robe stands out as one of the excellent clothing items in Act 2 due to having both a powerful spell Armour of Agathys and Cold Resistance.

Armour of Agathys, a Level 1 Abjuration spell, provides the user with 5 temporary hit points and reflects 5 cold damage to melee attackers upon being hit. The spell remains in effect until a long rest and does not require concentration, making it a robust defensive self-buff spell. Furthermore, the Icebite Robe allows the upcasting of this spell to Level 3 once per long rest. This upcasting enhances both the Temporary Hit Points gained and the cold damage. Consequently, the immediate gain becomes 15 temporary hit points, with a return of 15 cold damage to melee attackers. The Icebite Robe is a potent Act 2 clothing item suitable for any Warlock build and can be easily obtained.

Baldur's Gate 3 Darkfire Shortbow
Bow

Considering purchasing the Darkfire Shortbow in Last Light Inn as well. This will grant you a free haste spell in addition to Fire damage. Even if you don’t have proficiency to use the bow, you are still granted these benefits in addition to the resistance without requiring the use of the item!


6 Quickspell Gloves

Quickspell Gloves features in Baldur’s Gate 3:

  • Clothing Type: Gloves
  • AC: None
  • Proficiency Requirement: None
  • Rarity: Very Rare
  • Weight: 0.5 kg / 1 lb
  • Value: 300 gp / 1000 gp
  • Where to Find: Sold by Vendor Roland in Sorcerous Sundries in the Lower City of Baldur’s Gate.
  • Special Bonuses: Quickspell Flinger

One significant limitation in the combat capabilities of Warlock spellcasters is the absence of bonus action utility. To address this, consider acquiring the Quickspell Gloves from Roland at Sorcerous Sundries in the Lower City of Baldur’s Gate. These gloves provide a valuable ability, allowing you to use a Cantrip as a bonus action instead of an action. This enables you to cast the spell fireball and Eldritch Blast in a single turn, eliminating the need for a potion of speed.

Baldur's Gate 3 Martial Exertion Gloves BG3

An alternative that may seem odd is Martial Exertion Gloves, also found in Act 3. These gloves provide a once per short rest Martial Exertion bonus taking 6d6 Piercing damage to gain an additional attack per turn and to double your movement speed. You can gain an additional action once per short rest, in addition to Potion of Speed allowing for 3 high damage spells in one turn at the expense of health.

5 Birthright

Birthright features in Baldur’s Gate 3:

  • Armour Type: Helmet
  • Armour Class: None
  • Proficiency Requirement: None
  • Rarity: Very Rare
  • Weight: 0.5 kg / 1 lb
  • Value: 410 gp 
  • Where to Find: Sold by Rolan or Lorroakan’s Projection in Sorcerous Sundries Baldur’s Gate.
  • Special Bonuses
    •  Charisma: +2 (up to 22).

The best helmet you can obtain for your spellcasting Warlock is the Birthright helmet sold in the Sorcerous Sundries. This bumps up your Charisma by two to 22. You can then push your Charisma another +2 with the Mirror of Loss permanent bonus from Shadowheart’s quest.

Morror of Loss Stolen Vigour Permanent Bonus on Sorcerer class with max stat - Baldur's Gate 3

With 24 Charisma, you will have a +7 modifier which is a useful combination for Quickspell Gloves and Potent Robes. This trifecta of items will ensure your Eldritch Blast hits hard, and reliable and you gain temporary hit points every turn. Moreover, you can use a spell and a cantrip in a single turn to increase your power and consistency dramatically. Consider Birthright one of the best items and equipment for the Warlock in Baldur’s Gate 3.


4 Helldusk Armour

Helldusk Armour features in Baldur’s Gate 3:

  • Armour Type: Heavy
  • AC: 21
  • Proficiency Requirement: None (unique)
  • Rarity: Legendary
  • Weight: 20 kg / 40 lb
  • Value: 8,000 gp
  • Where to Find: Looted from Raphael in the House of Hope Act 3.
  • Special Bonus: Armour Proficiency, Infernal Retribution, Prime Aegis of Fire, Fly

An excellent defensive choice for Warlocks is the Helldusk Armour, which can be obtained in the House of Hope late in Act 3. Notably, this armour provides Heavy Armor Proficiency while worn, allowing you to equip it and still cast spells. Once equipped, it grants an impressive 21 Armor Class (AC) and reduces damage from all sources by 3. In terms of defensive properties for a Warlock class in Baldur’s Gate 3, Helldusk Armour is unmatched.

However, the drawback is that Helldusk offers no offensive bonuses. Additionally, it may be more beneficial to allocate this armour to a heavy armour front-end melee user in your party. Consequently, due to its late-game availability and lack of offensive capabilities, Helldusk Armour doesn’t secure the top spots on our list.


3 Elegant Studded Leather

Elegant Studded Leather features in Baldur’s Gate 3:

  • Armour Type: Light
  • Armour Class: 14
  • Proficiency Requirement: Light Armour
  • Rarity: Very Rare
  • Weight: 5.85 kg / 12.8 lb
  • Value: 2,000 gp
  • Where to Find: Looted from the security vault inside The Counting House of Lower City Baldur’s Gate.
  • Special Bonuses
    • Ambusher: Gain a +2 bonus to Initiative Rolls.
    • Advantage: on Stealth checks.
    • Shield: Cast as a level 1 spell once per short rest.

For Warlocks looking for well-balanced light armour, consider Elegant Studded Leather. This armour provides 14 AC plus your dexterity modifier. In addition, you gain +2 initiative rolls, allowing you to go sooner in combat order. The most beneficial part of the armour is the once-per-short-rest usage of the Shield spell. This level 1 spell uses a reaction when you are attacked and increases your AC by 5 for one turn.

Thus, when you are attacked, with 14 AC, plus Dexterity Modifier, you are likely to have 22 or more AC for one turn. This allows you to get the benefits of light armour and stealth advantage without the need for heavy investment into spells for defence. Consider this a well-balanced set for the Warlock and one of the best in Baldur’s Gate 3.


2 Bhaalist Armour

Bhaalist Armour features in Baldur’s Gate 3:

  • Armour Type: Light
  • Armour Class: 14
  • Proficiency Requirement: Light Armour Proficiency
  • Rarity: Very Rare
  • Weight: 5.85 kg / 12.8 lb
  • Value: 2,000 gp
  • Where to Find: Within Murder Tribunal, must become Bhaal’s unholy assassin, then be sold from Echo of Abazigal.
  • Special Bonuses
    • Aura of Murder: Enemies within 2 meters become Vulnerable to piercing damage unless they are Resistant or Immune to it.
    • Ambusher: Gain a +2 bonus to Initiative Rolls Initiative Rolls.

The most powerful armour in all of Baldur’s Gate 3 for increasing damage is Bhaalist Armour and it’s perfect for melee Rapier wielding Warlock build. This light armour gives Aura of Murder, doubling your pricing damage within a 2-meter range. If you choose to play a Rapier melee Warlock, you want to use the Duellist’s Prerogative Legendary Rapier with you off-hand free.

Legendary Rapier - Duellist's Prerogative - Baldur’s Gate 3 - BG3
Duellist’s Prerogative

Moreover, you can use Hellrider Longbow for a passive +3 initiative roll. This combo allows you to go sooner and hit harder as a melee rapier-wielding Warlock. The downside is this Rapier Bhaalist Armour setup isn’t for spell-casting Warlocks but remains one of the strongest armours for the Warlock class in Baldur’s Gate 3.


1 Potent Robe

Potent Robe features in Baldur’s Gate 3:

  • Armour Type: Clothing
  • Armour Class: 10 + Dexterity Modifier
  • Proficiency Requirement: None
  • Rarity: Very Rare
  • Weight: 1.8 kg / 4 lb
  • Value: 1,600 gp
  • Where to Find: Complete Rescue the Tiefling’s quest in Act 2 from Alfira NPC.
  • Special Bonus: Gregarious Caster, Well-liked and Well-Fortified, and AC +1

The best clothing or armour item for the Warlock in Baldur’s Gate 3 is the Potent Robes. This robe can be acquired in Act 2 by rescuing the Tieflings from Moonrise Tower. What sets these robes apart is their bonus to both offensive and defensive capabilities, linked to your overall Charisma Modifier. The Warlock can uniquely attain 24 Charisma by using the Birthright helmet and the permanent bonus from the Mirror of the Loss.

Best Character Build and Tricks Steps to get The Mirror Of Loss bonus in Baldur's Gate 3

The Birthright Helmet, found in Act 3, provides a +2 Charisma bonus, allowing you to reach up to 22 Charisma. Additionally, during Shadowheart’s Act 3 questline, involving decisions about her parents, you encounter the Mirror of the Loss. Successfully passing a 25 DC check and another 20 DC check allows you to sacrifice one ability score to permanently boost another by +2. After a long rest, the negative bonus is removed, leaving you with 24 Charisma and a +7 Charisma Modifier.

BG3 Warlock Eldritch Blast
Eldritch Blast
Optimzing Potent Robe

Examining the two Potent Robe bonuses, you can gain 7 Temporary Hit Points every turn and an additional 7 damage with Cantrips. This allows the Warlock to use a Hex and Eldritch Blast combination dealing between 30-50 damage with a cantrip.

An additional tip for maximizing the Potent Robes is to pair them with the Quickspell Gloves, available for purchase in Act 3 from Rolan at Lorroakan’s Projection. These gloves enable you to use a Cantrip as a bonus action rather than an action, allowing the Warlock to cast Eldritch Blast and a powerful spell in the same turn.

QuickSpell Gloves - Baldur's Gate 3

While Potent Robes may lack the defensive capabilities of Helldusk Armour, they are easily obtainable and offer a potent mix of offensive and defensive potential. Consider Potent Robes the best overall clothing item for the Warlock Class in Baldur’s Gate 3.


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