Baldur’s Gate 3 Best Classes: Tier List

The Tier List will be analyzing the best and worst classes in Baldur’s Gate 3 based on their damage output, survivability, utility, and flexibility.

Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or just embarking on your first journey through this epic video game, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each class is essential for maximizing your party’s potential. Baldur’s Gate 3, developed by Larian Studios, offers a diverse range of classes, each with its own unique abilities, playstyles, and potential for success.

In this tier list, we will be exploring and ranking the best and worst classes in Baldur’s Gate 3 based on their overall effectiveness and versatility. The game’s class system allows players to choose from a variety of options, including melee damage, ranged, spell caster, support, and more. Each class excels in different areas, from dealing devastating damage in combat to providing valuable support and utility to the party.

This tier list will consider factors such as combat potential, survivability, versatility, and synergy with other classes. The goal is to provide an overview of the relative power levels of each class, allowing you to make informed decisions when creating your party composition.  Join us as we delve into Baldur’s Gate 3 world and uncover the best and worst classes that await you in this epic adventure.

Baldur’s Gate 3 Classes Tier List

The best Baldur’s Gate 3 Class is:

• S tier – Fighter, Sorcerer, Paladin
• A Tier – Barbarian, Wizard, Cleric, Rogue
• B Tier – Warlock, Druid, Bard, Ranger
• C Tier – Monk

What is The Best Class in Baldur’s Gate 3?

The Fighter Battle Master is the strongest class and subclass in Baldur’s Gate 3 due to its damage output, survivability, and ease of play.  The Fighter is extremely simple, with the ability to multi-attack and use a bonus action to attack another time.  A unique skill, Second Wind, allows another action with your Fighter, essentially giving you many actions in one turn.  Lastly, the Fighter has the second highest health and is not limited to any armor class or any weapon, giving the class a ton of variety.

Here is a tier list of all Baldurs Gate Classes Ranked:

List Position	Class	Ranking
1	Fighter	S+
2	Sorcerer	S
3	Paladin	S-
4	Barbarian	A+
5	Wizard	A+
6	Cleric	A
7	Rogue	A-
8	Warlock	B+
9	Druid	B+
10	Bard	B
11	Ranger	B-
12	Monk	C

Monk (C Tier)

Monk is a class that is a skilled and disciplined martial artist, who harness their body’s inner energy to perform incredible feats of physical prowess and spiritual enlightenment. Monks are known for their unarmed combat, swift movement, and unique mystical abilities. They use a combination of unarmed attacks, polearms, and spells in Baldur’s Gate 3.

Monk Class Pros:

1. High mobility: monks have high mobility by default and have a lot of tools for moving quickly.
2. Unique Damage: Monks can deal with unarmed attacks and have a unique gameplay feel.
3. Variety: Monks can have some crowd control, spells, and utility.

Monk Class Cons:

1. Weak Survival: Monks aren’t that good at solo survivability and depend on a support build.
2. Requires Multiple Ability: Monks rely heavily on their Dexterity score, which can hurt if you want to optimize casting or melee damage since you have a limited pool of ability.
3. Difficulty: Monks can be difficult to play effectively, especially for new players requiring advanced knowledge of movement.

The truth about the Monk is this, they do nothing well. Every other class in Baldur’s Gate 3 either does more damage, better survivability, group utility, etc. While the Monk might be interesting, in its current state, it’s the weakest class in the game.

Ranger (B- Tier)

Rangers are skilled warriors who are at home in both the wilderness and the city. They are known for their ability to track and hunt their prey, as well as their ability to use nature’s magic to their advantage.  Rangers have Extra Attack at level 5 which can help their damage optional out, but at higher levels, they fall off the power curve of damage.

Ranger Class Pros:

1. Nature Skills: Rangers excel in survival, tracking, and interacting with the natural world.
2. Hunter’s Mark: The ability to mark targets and deal additional damage can significantly enhance the Ranger’s combat effectiveness.
3. Animal Companion: Rangers can form bonds with animals, gaining a loyal companion and additional tactical options.

Ranger Class Cons:

1. Underwhelming at Higher Levels: Rangers can sometimes feel less impactful compared to other classes in the later stages of the game.
2. Limited Spellcasting: Rangers have access to a smaller spell list and fewer spell slots than some other spellcasting classes.
3. Struggles in Urban Environments: Rangers‘ nature-focused abilities may have limited utility in urban settings, reducing their effectiveness in certain campaigns.

The Ranger is a fun class for those that love a range class, especially with a bow.  Early in the game, having the ability to cast at range with a melee companion seems strong. Later in the game though, you will be vulnerable to crowd control, stuns, knockback, and melee damage dealers.  Other classes can simply take or dish out more damage making it a weaker choice.

Bard (B Tier)

Bards are versatile characters who are skilled in a variety of areas, including music, magic, and combat. They are known for their ability to inspire their allies, debuff their enemies, and their unique ability to play musical instruments. Think of the Bard as an out-of-combat, fun, different and unique playstyle. Inside of combat, their ability diminishes significantly and is weak compared to other classes.

Bard Class Pros:

1. Versatility: Bards can excel in various roles, including spellcasting, support, and skill-based abilities.
2. Bardic Inspiration: The ability to enhance allies’ rolls can greatly boost the effectiveness of the party.
3. Wide Spell Selection: Bards have access to a diverse array of spells, granting them versatility in different situations.

Bard Class Cons:

1. Limited Combat Prowess: Bards may lack the raw damage output or durability of some other combat-focused classes.
2. Reliance on Concentration: Many Bard spells require concentration, limiting their ability to maintain multiple ongoing effects simultaneously.
3. Moderate Spell Progression: Bards have a slower spell progression compared to other spellcasting classes.

The Bard makes a great character in Baldur’s Gate 3 if you want to focus on the story aspects of the game and support class.  Consider this class weak in raw battlefield potential, but unique and fun for storytelling and dialogue options.

Druid (B+ Tier)

Druids are nature-based spellcasters who have access to a broad range of spells and abilities. They can shape-shift into various animal forms, granting them unique tactical advantages. Druids excel at support roles, crowd control, and summoning, making them valuable assets to any party.

Druid Class Pros:

1. Shape-shifting: Druids can transform into animals, granting them unique abilities and tactical advantages.
2. Nature Magic: Druids have access to spells that control the environment, summon creatures, and heal allies.
3. Versatile Playstyle: Druids can fill a variety of roles, such as melee combatant, spellcaster, and support.

Druid Class Cons:

1. Limited Armor Proficiency: Druids are typically restricted to wearing light and medium armor, which can limit their defensive capabilities.
2. Complex Spellcasting: Druids have a diverse range of spells, but their unique spell list and nature-focused abilities can be more challenging to navigate.
3. Shape-shifting Limitations: The effectiveness of shape-shifting can depend on the situation and available forms, limiting its utility in certain encounters.

With their high damage output, shapeshifting abilities, and healing spells, Druids are a great addition to any party.  The class also feels and plays very unique, fun, and different from others in Baldur’s Gate 3.

Warlock (B+ Tier)

Warlocks are patrons of powerful otherworldly beings known as patrons. They are known for their potent spellcasting abilities and their ability to summon powerful creatures to fight alongside them.  What holds the class back is limited spells and spell slots, and you end up doing nothing more than spamming Eldritch Blast at ranged.  Their familiars and other spells are okay, but nothing compared to the versatility of a Wizard or the raw damage of a Sorcerer.

Warlock Class Pros:

1. Pact Boons: Warlocks have unique pact boons that grant them additional features and customization options, such as a familiar or a pact weapon.
2. Best Cantrip: Warlocks rely on Eldritch Blast Cantrip for most of their damage, along with Hex to debuff targets.
3. Short Rest Spell Slots: Warlocks regain their spell slots on short rest, allowing for more frequent spellcasting compared to other spellcasting classes.

Warlock Class Cons:

1. Limited Spell Slots: Warlocks have fewer spell slots overall, which can restrict their sustained spellcasting capabilities.
2. Reliance on Eldritch Blast: Many Warlocks heavily rely on Eldritch Blast as their primary damage-dealing option, which can lead to a lack of combat variety.
3. Lack of Spell Versatility: Warlocks have access to a limited number of spells and spell levels, reducing their flexibility compared to other spellcasting classes.

It’s hard to recommend Warlock with so many better options in the game.  It’s simple and easy to play, which mainly revolves around repeatedly casting Eldritch Blast.  But we highly recommend going with a Sorcerer or Wizard whose power is unmatched early or later in the game.

Rogue (A- Tier)

Rogues are masters of stealth, deception, and precision strikes. They excel in both melee and ranged combat, and their Sneak Attack feature allows them to deal substantial damage in a single strike. Rogues are very simple and easy to play and have massive damage potential. Rogues also possess a wide array of skills, making them exceptional in non-combat situations.

Rogue Class Pros:

1. Sneak Attack: Rogues can deal massive damage with their Sneak Attack feature, particularly when attacking enemies who are unaware or engaged by allies.
2. Skills and Expertise: Rogues are highly skilled, excelling in various non-combat situations and providing valuable utility to the party.
3. Cunning Action: Rogues can take bonus actions to Dash, Disengage, or Hide, granting them exceptional mobility and tactical options.

Rogue Class Cons:

1. Limited Durability: Rogues are typically more fragile than heavily armored classes, requiring careful positioning and tactics to avoid being overwhelmed.
2. Lack of Spellcasting: Rogues don’t have access to spellcasting, limiting their versatility and utility outside of their primary role as damage dealers.
3. Reliance on Advantage: Rogues heavily rely on gaining an advantage in combat to maximize their Sneak Attack damage, which can be more challenging to achieve in certain situations.

Rogues may not be a front-line tank, but they can dish out a ton of damage in a single turn.  This is your prototypical stealth damage dealer and a strong one in Baldur’s Gate 3.

Cleric (A Tier)

Clerics are number nine on our Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Classes: Tier List. They are divine spellcasters who are devoted to a particular deity. They are versatile characters who can be built to be effective in a variety of roles, including damage-dealing, healing, and support.  Think of the Cleric as the best overall support class that can help your party excel in any situation but struggles to carry the damage or responsibility of being the huge damage dealer. 

Cleric Class Pros:

1. Divine Magic: Clerics have access to a wide range of healing, support, and offensive spells.
2. Armor and Weapon Proficiency: Clerics can wear armor and use a variety of weapons, allowing them to be versatile in combat.
3. Domain Abilities: Different domains grant Clerics unique features and spells, further enhancing their utility and specialization.

Cleric Class Cons:

1. Limited Offensive Options: Clerics may be less focused on dealing high burst damage compared to other spellcasting classes.
2. Reliance on Deities: Clerics’ powers and abilities may be tied to serving a specific deity, which can impact character backstory and roleplaying opportunities.
3. Support Focused: The Cleric wants to primarily support the battlefield, not dominate it.  Without huge attacks every turn, you are limited to spell casting and weaker damage than others.

While Clerics may not be the highest damage dealers in Baldur’s Gate 3, they do make a great support class. You can put a Cleric on any team and help but don’t assume you will dominate the battlefield the same way our S Tier classes do.

Wizard (A+ Tier)

Wizards are renowned for their spellcasting prowess and unmatched versatility. They have access to the largest spell list in the game, enabling them to adapt to various situations, excelling in area-of-effect spells, utility, and control. However, they may require careful planning and preparation.

The true strength of the Wizard is huge area damage with spells like Fireball. Wizard starts off slow, and only at level 5 and higher do you feel the full force of power. You’ll also need to play this very strategically, relying on Mage Armour, Misty Step, and positioning to avoid damage. As a cloth-wearing Mage, you are likely to be attacked first, with low HP and high damage, there’s a big risk-reward. The potential raw power unlocked at later levels gives this a magical feel and the easiest casters to play.

Wizard Class Pros:

1. Broad Spell Selection: Wizards have the largest spell list in the game, granting them immense versatility and options in different situations.
2. Arcane Recovery: Wizards can regain expended spell slots during a short rest, allowing for efficient resource management.
3. Crowd Control: Wizards can lock down areas or individual enemies with a variety of crowd control options with or without concentration.

Wizard Class Cons:

1. Limited Hit Points and Armor Proficiency: Wizards are typically less durable and have limited armor options, making them vulnerable in close-quarters combat.
2. Spell Preparation: Wizards must carefully choose and prepare spells in advance, requiring foresight and planning for optimal spellcasting.
3. Complexity: Wizard spellcasting can be intricate, with numerous spells and their interactions requiring more knowledge and understanding to fully utilize their potential.

We recommend the Wizard class for Spell Casting players that want variety and flexibility with their builds.  Sorcerers have the ability to spell cast multiple times per turn increasing damage potential but Wizards have variety.

Barbarian (A+ Tier)

The Barbarian class offers exceptional strength, durability, and damage output. It’s rage and frenzy ability, combined with high hit points and powerful melee attacks, make it a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield. Barbarians are known for their exceptional tanking abilities and can dominate encounters with their sheer physical prowess.  Barbarians also get Extra Attack, giving them more actions per turn than other classes, raising their damage even higher.

Barbarian Class Pros:

1. Raw Damage Output: Barbarians are renowned for their ability to deal massive damage in melee combat. Their Rage feature grants them increased strength and damage resistance, allowing them to overpower enemies.
2. Durability: Barbarians have a high hit point pool and resistance to certain types of damage while raging, making them incredibly durable and capable of soaking up enemy attacks.
3. Simplistic: The Barbarian isn’t overly complex like a spell-casting Warlock or Sorcerer, and it can be powerful early and at the end game.
4. Unarmored Defense: Barbarians can utilize their Dexterity to calculate their armor class, allowing them to forgo wearing heavy armor and benefit from increased mobility.

Barbarian Class Cons:

1. Limited Ranged Combat Options: Barbarians are primarily focused on melee combat and may struggle in situations where ranged attacks are required.
2. Lack of Spellcasting: Barbarians do not have access to spellcasting abilities, limiting their utility outside of combat situations.
3. Rage Limitations: The duration of a Barbarian’s rage is limited, and they have a limited number of rage usages per day. Once the rage ends, the Barbarian becomes vulnerable, and managing rage resources becomes crucial.

Whether you prefer to wield a massive greataxe, crush enemies with your bare hands, or simply revel in the chaos of battle, the Barbarian class offers a thrilling playstyle that rewards boldness and aggression. If you’re looking for a class that can smash through your enemies like a wrecking ball, then the Barbarian is a great choice for you. With their high damage output and survivability, Barbarians are an asset to any party.

Paladin (S- Tier)

Paladins are formidable warriors with a divine connection, granting them access to powerful spells and abilities. They are excellent melee combatants and can also heal themselves and their allies. Their smite ability allows them to deal massive burst damage, making them a strong choice for both offense and support.  Paladins, like similar S Tier classes on our “Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Classes: Tier List” get Extra Attack, allowing more actions per turn. Combine this with Smite and extra damage, you are one of the highest single targets, single-turn damage dealers.

Paladin Class Pros:

1. Divine Smite: Paladins can expend spell slots to deal extra damage, allowing for devastating attacks.  This can be toggled on and off giving a unique gameplay experience that isn’t overly complex.
2. Healing and Support: Paladins possess access to healing spells and protective abilities, making them valuable in supporting their allies.
3. Lay on Hands: Paladins can heal themselves and others through their pool of hit points, providing self-sustainability.
4. Heavy Armor: Paladins can equip heavy armor and have high AC, thus they make a durable character.

Paladin Class Cons:

1. Limited Spellcasting: Paladins have a more limited selection of spells compared to other spellcasting classes.
2. Spell Slots: For optimal damage, you’ll need to reserve your spell slots for Divine Smite for best damage, thus limiting your casting potential.
3. Code of Conduct: Paladins often have a strict adherence to a code or oath, which can restrict roleplaying options and require careful consideration of character decisions.  Oathbreaker is considered the strongest of the subclasses.

If you’re looking for a class that can be both a powerful warrior and a righteous defender, then the Paladin is a great choice for you. With their high damage output, survivability, and support abilities, Paladins are a valuable asset to any party.

Sorcerer (S Tier)

Sorcerers possess innate magical abilities and can cast spells without relying on external sources. With their sorcery points and metamagic options, they can customize and enhance their spells, making them incredibly versatile. Using metamagic, you can cast multiple spells during a single turn very early in the game.  While the spell book is limited compared to a Wizard, the burst potential is high.

Sorcerer Class Pros:

1. Metamagic: Sorcerers can manipulate and enhance their spells through metamagic options, granting them unparalleled flexibility.  Increasing range, casting an additional spell, and more, you are the master of magic.
2. Spell Slots: Sorcerers have more spell slots than some other spellcasting classes, allowing for sustained spellcasting without relying on long rests.
3. Spell Points: Sorcerers can convert spell slots into sorcery points and vice versa, providing additional resource management options.

Sorcerer Class Cons:

1. Limited Spell Selection: Sorcerers have access to a more limited spell list compared to wizards, which can restrict their options in certain situations.
2. Fragile: Sorcerers typically have lower hit points and less access to defensive abilities, making them more vulnerable in combat.
3. Complex: Casters in Baldur’s Gate 3 and specifically the Sorcerer are hard to understand unless you have Dungeons and Dragons experience.

If you’re looking for a class that is both powerful and fun to play, then The Sorcerer is a great choice for you. We recommend this class as one of the best Spell Casters in Baldur’s Gate 3.

Fighter (S+ Tier)

The Fighter class is a great choice for players who want to focus on dealing damage and being a tough tank in Baldur’s Gate 3. Fighters have a high hit point pool and access to a variety of armor and weapons, making them very durable in combat. They also have a few abilities that can help them deal more damage, such as Action Surge and Second Wind. The true strength of the class is it’s simplistic nature along with Extra Attack. Combine this with Great Weapon Master feat, you can take 5 actions in a single turn. High survival, big damage, and simple, making it the best overall class in Baldur’s Gate 3.

Fighter Class Pros:

1. Weapon Proficiency: Fighters have access to a wide range of weapons and can become highly skilled in their use.
2. Extra Attacks: Fighters gain multiple attacks at higher levels, allowing for increased damage output in combat.
3. Melee or Ranged: Fighters can also do well at range due to their unlimited weapon proficiency and thus keep damage high regardless of playstyle.
4. High Health: Second highest health of any class.

Fighter Class Cons:

1. Limited Magical Abilities: Fighters lack access to spellcasting, limiting their options for utility and versatility outside of combat.
2. Reliance on Equipment: Fighters heavily rely on their equipment to excel in combat, making gear upgrades crucial for maintaining effectiveness.

If you’re looking for a class that can dish out a lot of punishment and take a lot of hits, then the Fighter is a great choice for you. With their high damage output and survivability, Fighters are a valuable asset to any party.

What Class Should You Pick in Baldur’s Gate 3?

In conclusion, the world of Baldur’s Gate 3 is filled with a diverse selection of classes, each offering unique playstyles, abilities, and opportunities for adventure. No matter which class you choose, you are sure to have a fun and challenging experience in Baldur’s Gate 3. So, what are you waiting for? Start your adventure today!

Here are some additional thoughts:

• This ranking is based on several factors, including overall power, versatility, durability, and mobility.
• The ranking may vary depending on playstyle, so it is important to experiment with different classes to find one that you enjoy playing.
• The game is still in early access, so the balance of the classes may change as the game progresses.

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