Baldur’s Gate 3: Best Armour for Cleric Class

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

When choosing armour for your Cleric, it is important to consider your character’s playstyle, build, role, and party composition. Clerics have light armour, medium armour, and shield proficiency. However, four out of seven subclasses gain access to heavy armour (Life, Nature, Tempest, War).  Regardless of your playstyle and subclass, this guide will explain the best 10 armour for the Cleric class and how to use it.

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Best Armour for Cleric Class in Baldur’s Gate 3

The best armour for the Cleric class in Baldur’s Gate 3 is Helldusk Armour, Viconia’s Walking Fortress, and Armour of Persistence. Helldusk Armour gives the best defensive bonuses in the game, in addition to the Fly spell. This armour makes you incredibly survivable and solves the Cleric’s main issue, mobility. Secondly, the Viconia’s Walking Fortress Shield boosts your AC by 3 along with a powerful reflect spell. Lastly, the Armour of Persistence is a great replacement for Helldusk Armour with 20 AC and permanent defensive buffs. The strength of this set is you can buy it from a trader and not require heavy puzzles or boss fights. Regardless of your subclass, let us review the best armour and equipment for the Cleric class.

Best Armour for Cleric Class in Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3):

1. Helldusk Armour: best defensive capabilities in BG3
2. Viconia’s Walking Fortress: best shield
3. Armour of Persistence: second-best heavy armour
4. The Reviving Hands: Heals grant Blade Ward
5. Dark Justiciar Half-Plate: best Medium Armour
6. Dwarven Splintmail: Best Heavy Armour Act 2
7. Grymskull Helm: Fire Resistance and Crit Immunity
8. Adamantine Shield: Best Shield in Act 1
9. Luminous Armour: Best Medium in Act 1
10. Githyanki Half Plate: Starter Set

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10 Githyanki Half Plate

Githyanki Half Plate features in Baldur’s Gate 3:

• Armour Type: Medium Armour
• Armour Class: 15 AC
• Proficiency Requirement: Medium Armour Proficiency
• Rarity: Common
• Weight: 12 kg / 24 lb
• Value: 180 gp
• Where to Find: Taken from Lae’zel companion our on Risen Road Githyanki Patrol.
• Special Bonus: Disadvantage on Stealth checks.

The best starter armour set for the Cleric class is the Githyanki Half Plate which can be taken from Lae’zel during the prologue. What makes this armour set so powerful is it has 15 AC and comes in Medium Armour. Meaning, that any subclass can get an instance boost of +2 AC or more and become much harder to hit within seconds of starting the game.

The downside is, that you need to rob Lae’zel of this armour, and if you plan on using her, lower her survivability. However, you can obtain additional sets north of Act 1 on the Risen Road. Look to snag Githyanki Half Plate immediately, then upgrade at Vendors like Dammon in Hollowed City at level 4 or higher.

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9 Luminous Armour

Luminous Armour features in Baldur’s Gate 3:

• Armour Type: Medium
• Armour Class: 15 AC
• Proficiency Requirement: Medium Armour Proficiency
• Rarity: Uncommon
• Weight: 9 kg / 18 lb
• Value: 250 gp
• Where to Find: Found in a chest within the Selûnite Outpost area of the Underdark (X: 176 Y: -247).
• Radiating Shockwave: When the wearer deals Radiant damage, they cause a Radiant Shockwave.

For offensive Cleric builds like Light domain, the Luminous Armour offers a powerful debuff for doing radiant damage in Act 1. Triggered when doing Radiant Damage, the Radiant Orb condition creates a 3-meter orb of light which debuffs enemies. Enemies inflicted, suffer a -1 to Attack Rolls per remaining turn. Clerics are known for Radiant Damage, especially early in the game with the Guiding Bolt spell.

Additionally, at the end of Act 1, you can obtain the Blood of Lathander legendary mace. This mace comes with the Sunbeam spell, which is a level 6 spell dealing 6d8 Radiant damage that can cause blindness. You want to combine Luminous Armour with Sunbeam for a devastating combo that not only does damage but debuffs enemies and can make them blind. Moreover, this can be obtained early in the game and is highly recommended for offensive-based Cleric builds and playstyles.

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8 Adamantine Shield

Adamantine Shield features in Baldur’s Gate 3:

• Armour Type: Shield
• Armour Class: 2 AC
• Proficiency Requirement: Shield Proficiency
• Rarity: Rare
• Weight: 2.7 kg / 5.4 lb
• Value: 190 gp
• Where to Find: Crafted in the Adamantine Forge with Shield Mould and Mithral Ore.
• Special Bonus
  • Adamantine Shield: When a melee attack misses you, the attacker is sent Reeling for 2 turns.
  • Shield Bash: When a foe hits you with a melee attack, you can use your reaction to knock them Prone unless they succeed a  Dexterity saving throw.
  • Critical Immunity: Attackers can’t land critical hits on the wearer

The best shield in Act 1 is the Adamainte Shield and every Cleric should obtain this by beating Grym in the Adamantine Forge. A common gear setup we use on our builds is combining a Quarterstaff with a Shield for extra spells and Armour Class (AC). Quarterstaff are a versatile weapon, allowing them to be equipped in one hand alongside a shield for extra defensive bonuses.

A powerful combination for healing Clerics is the Staff of Arcane Blessing with the Adamantine Shield. The staff grants additional bonuses to Bless spell which adds your party playing the support role. Moreover, the Adamantine Shield grants immunity to critical hits, retaliation with a shield bash, and +2 to AC. This combination is powerful for the Life Cleric and will often carry you into Act 3 with a powerful Blessed buff support Cleric playstyle.

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7 Grymskull Helm

Grymskull Helm features in Baldur’s Gate 3:

• Armour Type: Heavy Armour
• Armour Class: None
• Proficiency Requirement: Heavy Armour Proficiency
• Rarity: Very Rare
• Weight: 1 kg / 2 lb
• Value: 570 gp
• Where to Find: Dropped by Grym in The Adamantine Forge.
• Special Bonus
  • Critical Immunity: Attackers can’t land Critical Hits on the wearer.
  • Resistance: Grants Resistance to Fire damage.
  • Hunter’s Mark Spell: Cast as a level 1 spell once per long rest.

Often overlooked benefit of beating Grym and unlocking the Adamantine Forge is the Grymskull Helm. This is the only heavy armour helmet in BG3 and should be obtained for resistance to Fire damage and immunity to critical. Fire damage is common in Baldur’s Gate 3, and resistance lowers it by half. Moreover, immunity to critical damage simply lowers the burst of the enemies allowing you to better survive.

Both the Tempest and War Cleric should especially seek out the Grymskull Helm for its Hunter’s Mark ability. This skill, commonly used by Rangers, allows for 1d6 physical damage if the enemy is hit with a weapon attack. This helps those melee damage dealers provide extra burst damage. The benefit of Hunter’s Mark is that it requires a bonus action, not an action so melee main hand attack can be used in conjunction with Hunter’s Mark. This is why Grymskull helm is one of the best Cleric Class armour in Baldur’s Gate 3 and you should obtain it before leaving Act 1.

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6 Dwarven Splintmail

Dwarven Splintmail features in Baldur’s Gate 3:

• Armour Type: Heavy Armour
• Armour Class: 19 AC
• Proficiency Requirement: Heavy Armour Proficiency
• Rarity: Rare
• Weight: 19 kg / 42 lb
• Value: 1900 gp
• Where to Find: Sold by Lann Tarv in Moonrise Towers if you convince Disciple Z’rell to give you additional aid in finding Ketheric’s relic.
• Special Bonus
  • Superior Plate: You take 1 less Piercing damage.
  • Body Aid: Gain a +1 bonus to Strength Saving throws and Ability checks.
  • Constitution: +2 (Max 20)
  • Disadvantage: on Stealth checks.

Early in Act 2, look to convenience Disciple Z’rell to provide additional aid in finding Ketheric’s Relic. This will trigger the vendor Lann Tarv to show you extra stock of inventory, which includes one of the best Cleric class armours, Dwarven Splintmail. What makes Dwarven Splintmail useful is the extra Constitution of +2 along with 19 AC, one higher than Act 1’s best, Adamantine Splint Mail.

Higher Constitution is especially important for the Cleric class because it determines concentration saving throws. Some of the most powerful spells like Blessed, Sunbeam, Wall of Fire, Hold Monster, and more all require concentration. Thus, having a higher Constitution will help hold these spells and keep their effects going as long as possible. Consider picking up Dwarven Splintmail if you play a full heavy armour support Cleric or melee build.

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5 Dark Justiciar Half-Plate (Very Rare)

Dark Justiciar Half-Plate (Very Rare) features in Baldur’s Gate 3:

• Armour Type: Medium Armour
• Armour Class: 17
• Proficiency Requirement: Medium Armour Proficiency
• Rarity: Very Rare
• Weight: 12 kg / 24 lb
• Value: 2,900 gp
• Where to Find: Gauntlet of Shar, Act 2, most kill the Nightsong.
• Special Bonuses
  • Shar’s Umbrae: While obscured, the wearer has an Advantage on Stealth Checks. Advantage on Constitution Saving throws.
  • Shar’s Protection: While the wearer has Shield of Faith active, reduce all incoming damage by 2 and reflect damage received back at the attacker, who takes 1d4 Necrotic damage.
  • Shar’s Aegis: Cast as a level 1 spell ( Recharge on a Long rest).

If there were one armour set designed for a specific Cleric subclass it would be the Very Rare version of the Dark Justiciar Half-Plate as a Trickery domain build. This powerful Medium Armour set grants high AC, Advantage on Stealth Checks, Shield of Faith, damage reduction, and reflect damage while the shield holds. As a Trickery Domain Cleric, you can combine the Shield with Channel Divinity Cloak of Shadows to become invisible. Using this build, you can play either spell caster or melee damage dealer while maintaining high survivability.

There is a downside to obtaining the Very Rare Dark Justiciar Half-Plate though. You must kill the Nightsong at the end of Act 2, and most likely walk the path of the Diety Shar with Shadowheart. While the armour is one of the best for the Cleric class, it is specifically designed with the Trickery Domain subclass in mind. So, be careful before you make a fatal decision at the end of Act 2.

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4 The Reviving Hands

The Reviving Hands features in Baldur’s Gate 3:

• Armour Type: Medium
• Armour Class: None
• Proficiency Requirement: Medium Armour Proficiency
• Rarity: Very Rare
• Weight:  0.5 kg / 1 lb
• Value: 570 gp
• Where to Find: Bought from Vicar Humbletoes in Stormshore Tabernacle, Lower City.
• Special Bonuses
  • Aegis Palms: When you heal a creature, it gains the effect of Blade Ward. When you Revive a creature it gains the effect of Death Ward.
  • Saving Throw: Strength Saving throws +1
  • Revivify spell: Cast as a level 3 spell once per long rest.

The best overall gloves for the Cleric class in Baldur’s Gate 3 is Reviving Hands medium armour. You can purchase these early in Act 3 from Vicar Humbletoes in Stormshore Tabernacle, Lower City. What makes the Reviving Hands strong is the effect of Blade Ward when you heal a creature. Blade Ward grants Resistance against Bludgeoning, Piercing, and Slashing damage. You can combine the Reviving Hands with Act 1’s The Whispering Promise Ring which grants Blessed for two turns.

Now, when you heal, the creatures gain offensive and defensive spells. The best way to use this combination is with the Mass Healing Word spell. Using a bonus action, you heal every friendly creature with 18 meters for 1d4. The healing isn’t strong, but you’re mainly using it for the buffs, and the Amulet of Restoration gives you a free spellcast of this spell.

Reviving Hands also aids fallen allies with Death Ward using Revivfy Spell. Once per long rest, when you revive, that creature will be protected from death and if it reaches 0 health, will automatically pop up to 1 HP. This is why any support Cleric must obtain The Reviving Hands armour in Baldur’s Gate 3.

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3 Armour of Persistence

Armour of Persistence features in Baldur’s Gate 3:

• Armour Type: Heavy Armour
• Armour Class: 20
• Proficiency Requirement: Heavy Armour Proficiency
• Rarity: Very Rare
• Weight: 20 kg / 40 lb
• Value: 6,400 gp
• Where to Find: Bought from Dammon at the Forge of the Nine in the Lower City of Baldur’s Gate.
• Special Bonuses
  • Magical Plate: All incoming damage is reduced by 2.
  • Legendary Persistence: You always gain Resistance and Blade Ward.
  • Disadvantage: Disadvantage on Stealth checks.

The easiest way to increase your heavy armour Cleric’s survivability in Act 3 is to buy the Armour of Persistence from Dammon in the Lower City. While expensive, this grants 20 AC and permanent Resistance and Blade Ward. This will protect you against weapon damage dealers and increase your saving throw bonuses, making it more likely to avoid attacks.

Additionally, the Armour of Persistence reduces all damage by 2. This is only outdone by the Legendary Helldusk Armour which requires a tough fight inside the House of Hope. If you’re using the War or Tempest subclass for a melee damage dealer, you can dump the Dexterity ability score and focus more on strength and wisdom to get more damage out of those subclasses. Thus, we recommend Armour of Persistence as one of the best for the Cleric class in Baldur’s Gate 3.

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2 Viconia’s Walking Fortress

Viconia’s Walking Fortress features in Baldur’s Gate 3:

• Armour Type: Shield
• Armour Class: 3 AC
• Proficiency Requirement: Shield Proficiency
• Rarity: Legendary
• Weight: 2.7 kg / 5.4 lb
• Value: 760 gp
• Where to Find: Looted from Viconia DeVir during the quest Daughter of Darkness in Act 3.
• Special Bonuses
  • Rebuke of the Mighty: When a foe hits you with a melee attack, you can use your Reaction to deal them 2d8 force damage and knock them Prone unless they succeed a Dexterity Saving throw.
  • Spellguard: You gain an Advantage on Saving throws against spells. Spell Attack Rolls against you have a Disadvantage.
  • Reflective Shell: Can cast once per Short Rest.
  • Warding Bond: Can cast at Level 2, once per Long Rest.

The best Shield for any Cleric in Baldur’s Gate 3 is Viconia’s Walking Fortress. You can obtain this Shield by defeating Viconia DeVir in an epic fight in Act 3 concluding the Shadowheart companion quest. What makes the shield special is the Reflective Shell ability. You can use it once per short rest, as a bonus action to reflect projectiles to their point of origin. The spell lasts for two turns, so you can rush into the thick of things, use a bonus action and give yourself extra protection. This includes range spells, arrows, thrown items, and magic missiles.

Moreover, the Rebuke of the Mighty allows you to react and knock enemies prone when they hit you. This shield in combination with Helldusk Armour turns your Cleric class into a walking Fortress, nearly impossible to kill. Thus, it’s worth recruiting and finishing Shadowheart’s story and obtaining Viconia’s Walking Fortress.

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1 Helldusk Armour

Helldusk Armour features in Baldur’s Gate 3:

• Armour Type: Heavy
• Armour Class: 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 Bonuses
  • Helldusk Armour: You are considered Proficient with this armour while wearing it.
  • Infernal Retribution: When you succeed in a Saving Throw, the caster receives Burning for 3 turns.
  • Prime Aegis of Fire: You have Fire Resistance and cannot be Burned. You take 3 less damage from all sources.
  • Fly: Grants the ability to Fly.

The best overall armour for the Cleric class in Baldur’s Gate 3 is Helldusk Armour because it grants the most defensive bonuses and all subclasses can use it. One of the main issues with the Cleric class is the lack of mobility. Helldusk Armour grants Fly, which allows you to traverse terrain at a much faster pace. You won’t need to use a potion, Misty Step, or a Scroll of Fly, granting a massive bonus to movement.

In terms of defensive protection, nothing beats Helldusk Armour due to Prime Aegis of Fire. You gain Fire Resistance and immunity to Burned along with 3 damage reduction from all sources. If an attacker misses against you, you can punish them with Infernal Retribution causing Burning for 3 turns. Lastly, you gain 21 AC, the most in the game with armour. Combined with Viconia’s Walking Fortress you are at 24 AC without any other item sets or bonuses. This will make you hard to hit and punish anyone who attempts to attack you.

Offensive Armour

The only downside of Helldusk Armour is the lack of offensive potential. The issue with Clerics is some of the best offensive armour does not suit any playstyle. For instance, Bhaalist Armour grants vulnerability to Piercing damage. However, War and Tempest generally use Slashing Two-Handed weapons. Also, spellcasters like Light Domain won’t select Robe of the Weave without Mage Armour. Thus, you end up relying on your chest piece armour to provide defensive bonuses when using the Cleric class. Simply put, nothing does this better than Helldusk Armour in Baldur’s Gate 3.

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Cleric Armour Proficiency in Baldur’s Gate 3

Below is a chart of available armour proficiencies for the Cleric class, depending on your subclass:

Subclass	Light	Medium	Heavy
Life	X	X	X
Light	X	X
Trickery	X	X
Knowledge	X	X
Nature	X	X	X
Tempest	X	X	X
War	X	X	X

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