Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Fighter Arcane Archer Build

This guide focuses on the essential aspects of an Arcane Archer Fighter build in Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3) and how to use those powers to your advantage.

The Arcane Archer is a brand new subclass for the Fighter added to Baldur’s Gate 3 by the developers at Larian Studios in Patch 8. As the name suggests, this subclass has a focus on dealing damage with ranged weapons. Additionally, Arcane Archers are also known for weaving magic into their attacks. The gameplay for this Fighter subclass will be something very different, with new subclass-specific arrow abilities and special proficiencies.

In our Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Fighter Arcane Archer Build guide Baldur’s Gate 3, we will take you step-by-step through picking the best classes/subclasses, the ability score, complete level progression, the best companions to pick, weapons, armor, and consumables.

This build page has been updated for the patch 8 version of Baldur’s Gate 3.

Everything About the Arcane Archer Fighter in Baldur’s Gate 3

The Arcane Archer is a unique way to play the Fighter Class because you can empower your ranged attacks with “Arcane Shots.” These shots use a unique resource and add an effect like force, psychic, or necrotic damage. Moreover, you can push back enemies, shoot in a line, giving the Fighter AOE potential, and even banish a target. Therefore, expect this to be a different way to play a Fighter class in Baldur’s Gate 3 with high dexterity, bows, and even medium armor or cloth.

The strength of the Arcane Archer is you can access some spell casting and attack at range. With high dexterity, you can pickpocket, steal and disarm traps. However, the downside is you will need to play at range to optimize this subclass, and while you have cantrips, they are weak in comparison. Moreover, this subclass will be dexterity-based vs. strength, which may seem odd for some traditional Fighter builds.

Arcane Archer Fighter Build Pros	Arcane Archer Fighter Build Pros
Can steal and pickpocket	Ranged focused
Ranged Damage	Weak Cantrips
Magic Spells	Dexterity Based

Features and Mechanics of Arcane Archer Fighter

The following list presents all the essential Arcane Archer Fighter build Mechanics and Features in Baldur’s Gate 3:

• Class: Fighter
• Subclass: Arcane Archer
• Background: Urchin
• Skills: Athletics and Acrobatics
• Ability Score
  • Strength: 8
  • Dexterity: 17
  • Constitution: 16
  • Intelligence: 14
  • Wisdom: 10
  • Charisma: 8
• Saving Throw: Strength and Constitution
• Armour Proficiency: Light, Medium, and Heavy
• Weapon Proficiency: Simple, Martial, and Shield

Character Creation

Category	Selection
Character	Origin – Custom character
Race	High Half-Elf
Racial Bonus	Extra Cantrip, Civil Militia, Darkvision
Class	Fighter
Subclass	Arcane Archer
Cantrips	Guidance or Light
Background	Urchin
Ability Score	STR: 8 DEX: 17 CON: 16 INT: 14 WIS: 10 CHA: 8
Skill Proficiencies	Athletics and Acrobatics

Race Choice for Arcane Archer Fighter

High Half-Elf is the best choice for an Arcane Archer Fighter Build because it gives an extra cantrip, giving you more spellcasting potential. Moreover, BG3 introduced a new cantrip in Patch 8 called “Toll the Dead.” This cantrip provides exceptional damage and can further increase your utility. Alternatively, you can use a Githyanki if you prefer more mobility or a Drow if you want superior darkvision.

Here is the best race choice for an Arcane Archer Fighter build in Baldur’s Gate 3:

Race	Features
High Half-Elf	Civil Militia Darkvision Fey Ancestry 1 Cantrip
Githyanki	Astral Knowledge Githyanki Psionics Martial Prodigy
Drow	Superior Darkvision Fey Ancestry Drow Weapon Training

Fighter Subclass – Arcane Archer

The Arcane Archer subclass is unlocked at level, which unlocks a new resource called Arcane Arrows. Similar to the Battle Master Fighter, this resource is required to use arrows that gain extra effects. You can pick different arrow times at various levels, and with Arcane Arrows, add more damage, knockback, or crowd control. Therefore, it’s a perfect subclass to hang back with a Longbow, Heavy Crossbow, or even Dual hand crossbow and destroy enemies!

The Arcane Archer Fighter subclass unlocks the following features and spells:

• Arcane Archer Lore (Level 3): Gain proficiency in Arcana and Nature.
• Cantrip Choice (Level 3): Choose between Guidance, Light, and True Strike.
• Arcane Arrows (Level 3): Resource used to fire an Arcane Shot. Replenished by a Short or Long Rest.
• Arcane Shots: 3 (Level 3): Choose 3 Arcane Shots, with an option to switch out one Arcane Shot every level.
• Curving Shot (Level 7): When you miss with any magical ranged attack, use a Bonus action to attack the next closest target with the same attack.
• Magic Arrow (Level 7): All of your ranged attacks are considered magical to overcome Resistance.
• Arcane Arrows: 5 (Learned at 7): Gain one additional Arcane Arrow.
• Arcane Shots: 4 (Level 7): Select one more Arcane Shot.
• Arcane Arrows: 6 (Level 10): Gain one additional Arcane Arrow.
• Arcane Shots: 5 (Level 10): Select one more Arcane Shot.

Recommended Background for Arcane Archer Fighter

Urchin is the Best backkground for an Arcane Archer Fighter in Baldur’s Gate 3 because you gain proficiency in two Dexterity skills, Sleight of Hand and Stealth. Only select Urchin if you use full Dexterity build. A second choice is Criminal which also gives bonuses to dexterity skills.

Ability Score

Dexerity is the best ability score to increase with the Arcane Archer because the build uses range weapons that scale based on Dexerity. Unlike traditional Fighter builds, the Arcane Archer can lower strength to 8 and increase intelligence used for cantrips and spells. Therefore, set your ability score in character creator to 17 Dexterity, 16 Constituion, and 14 Intelligence. If you want more strength, simply find the Hill Giant Club in Act 1 or use Elixir of Hill Giant Strength to gain strength. This is useful in Act 1 with the Titanstring Bow.

Below is the best ability score for an Arcane Archer Fighter in Baldur’s Gate 3:

Ability	Recommended Score
Strength	8
Dexterity	17
Constitution	16
Intelligence	14
Wisdom	10
Charisma	8

You can increase your ability score via a quest in Act 1, Act 2, and Act 3. Make sure to check out our Permanent bonus guide on how you can boost your ability score through quests.

Recommended Skills for Arcane Archer Fighter

Athletics and Acrobatics are the best skills for the Arcane Archer Fighter in Baldur’s Gate 3 because you resist being shoved. Most skills do not influence combat, and these two are recommended if you have low strength and high dexterity. Moreover, the Urchin Background will grant Stealth and Sleight of Hand, so if you select a different background, pick those.

Here are the best skills for Arcane Archer Fighter in Baldur’s Gate 3:

1. Athletics – Strength skill influences climbing, swimming, jumping, or grappling tasks.
2. Acrobatics: Dexterity Skill that helps resist being shoved.

Illithid Powers For Arcane Archer Fighter

The best Illithid Powers for an Arcane Archer in Baldur’s Gate 3 are Luck of the Far Realms, Black Hole, and Cull of the Weak. Luck of the Far Realms boosts critical hits and burst damage. Cull of the Weak triggers area damage when you kill an enemy, especially when combined with Luck of the Far Realms. Black Hole pulls in up to 5 enemies, slows them, and can be used again for free. You must take the Astral Tadpole in Act 2 to unlock it, but it’s worth it—especially in big fights with many enemies.

Here are the best Illithid Tadpole Powers for the Arcane Archer build in Baldur’s Gate 3:

Illithid Powers	Description
Luck of the Far Realms	When you make a successful Attack Roll against a foe, you can change that hit into a Critical Hit.
Cull of the Weak	When you bring a creature down to fewer hit points than your number of evolved Illithid powers, it dies and all nearby creatures take 1-4 Psychic damage.
Psionic Backlash	When an enemy within 9m casts a spell, you can use your reaction to inflict ld4 Psychic damage to the caster per the spell’s level.
Blackhole	Area-based suck-in that slows targets.
Repulsor	Massive area knockback that can hit friendlies.
Charm	This is the priority power you want to obtain because you can force enemies to attack something else.

Best Companions for Arcane Archer Fighter

Shadowheart, Gale, and Lae’zel make the best companions for the Arcane Archer Fighter build because you gain a healer, spellcaster, and front-line melee Fighter. Gale can be respec to Sorcerer for more damage, or kept as a Wizard. However, you can increase your intelligence with gear and increase skills to fulfill the Wizard role in the party. Shadowheart should be respecced to Life Cleric for more healing, while Lae’zel can be used as a Fighter or Barbarian, drawing enemies’ attention in melee range.

Below our are recommendations regarding companions for an Arcane Archer:

• Gale (Sorcerer) – respec Gale to a Draconic Bloodline Sorcerer to gain Metamagic and increase his spell power abilities. Use him for pure area-based damage caused by fire and ice.
• Lae’zel (Fighter – Battlemaster) – have her the front-line attention-getter doing Fighter to level 12.
• Shadowheart (Cleric – Life) – utilizes Shadowheart to buff, heal, and stun enemies.

Best Arcane Archer Fighter Build – Level Progression in Baldur’s Gate 3

Level	Class	Selection
1	Fighter	Fighting Style: Archery, Second Wind
2	Fighter	Action Surge
3	Fighter	Subclass: Arcane Archer, Guidance, Piercing Arrow, Shadow Arrow, Grasping Arrow
4	Fighter	Feat: Sharpshooter
5	Fighter	Extra Attack
6	Fighter	Feat: Ability Improvement Dexterity
7	Fighter	Bursting Arrow
8	Fighter	Feat: Alert
9	Fighter	Indomitable
10	Fighter	Banishing Arrow
11	Fighter	Improved Extra Attack
12	Wizard	Multiclass, Friends, Mage Hand, Minor Illusion, Longstrider, Shield, Thunderwave, Feather Fall, False Life, Protection from Good and Evil

Level 1

At level 1, the Fighter gains access to Second Wind and a Fighting Style. Select the Archery Fighting Style since we are going to play at range. Use Second Wind for healing early in the game and or potions. Look to gain a ranged weapon in the tutorial, where you can grab Lae’zel’s ranged weapon or find crossbows. Your subclass is granted at level 3, so feel free to melee or play ranged until then.

Level 2

Level 2 you gain Action Surge which grants an additional action per short rest. This will be extremely helpful throughout the game and stacks with Elixir of Blood Lust and Potion of Speed (both). Therefore, you can gain four actions in one turn, and at level 11, each action can attack three times!

Level 3

At level three you choose the Arcane Archer subclass which grants proficiency in Arcana and Nature. Select Guidance cantrip if you don’t have Cleric, or Light for utility.

With this subclass, you will unlock 3 Arcane Arrows, a resource specific to Arcane Archers. They are used to fire an Arcane Shot, and Short and Long Rests can replenish slots. There are eight types of Arcane Shots, and at Level 3, you can choose three of them. We recommend selecting Piercing Arrow for AOE damage. Shadow Arrow to debuff casters. Grasping Arrow to snare targets.

In combat, you should look to consume Action Surge and then fire Arcane Arrows on turn one for the most damage. Remember to short rest after each combat encounter to replenish both resources and long rest when short rest aren’t available. Also, start stocking up on alchemy ingredients and craft elixir of blood lust and potions of speed. Use these in tough combat encounters for even more actions.

Level 4

At level four you can select a feat, take the Sharpshooter feat. Sharpshooter will increase your damage at the expense of lower chance to hit a target. You can counter the lower percentage attack by using Shadowheart bless spell and Oil of Accuracy coating your weapon. This feat results in huge damage at range.

Level 5

At level five you gain extra attack, now each action can attack twice. This is further improved at level 11 which is why you don’t want to multiclass the Fighter beyond 1 level.

Extra Attack

Level 6

At level 6, you gain another feat. Select Ability Improvement for +2 Dexterity. This will increase your damage and accuracy. Alternatively, the Alert to always go first and not get surprised.

Make sure to complete the Auntie Ethel bonus before moving on from Act 1, so your dexterity will be 20 at this level.

Level 7

At level 7 you can either multiclass to the Wizard to gain some extra spells, or stick with the Arcane Archer for more arrows. We suggest sticking with the Arcane Archer and Fighter class until the last level. Look at level 12 if you want Wizard multiclass selections.

If you stick with Arcane Archer, you will get two passives features: Curving Shot and Magic Arrow.

• Curving Shot: When you miss with any magical ranged attack, use a Bonus action to attack the next closest target with the same attack.
• Magic Arrow: All of your ranged attacks are considered magical to overcome Resistance.

Additionally, you will also get one additional Arcane Arrow, and get to choose another Arcane Shot. Select Bursting Arrow for the AOE damage and knock back.

Level 8

At level 8, you gain another feat, take Alert, which helps prevent being surprised and will ensure you go first in combat most times.

Level 9

At level 9 you gain Indomitable, helps to roll again when you fail a saving throw.

Level 10

Upon reaching Level 10 you will get one additional Arcane Arrow, and get to choose another Arcane Shot. We recommend selecting Banishing Arrow.

Level 11

At level 11 you gain improved extra attack, allowing three attacks per action. You should feel very powerful at this point especially with arrows.

Level 12

At level 12 you can either get another feat or multiclass. Since our Dexerity is maxed out, we recommend multiclassing to the Wizard because you gain more spells and utility. Below are the suggestions on cantrips and spells:

• Cantrips: Friends, Mage Hand, Minor Illusion
• Spells: Longstrider, Shield, Thunderwavem Feather Fall, False Life, Protection from Good and Evil

Prepare long strider, shield, thunder wave.

How to Play the Arcane Archer Fighter Build

The best way to play the Arcane Archer Fighter is to optimize Actions per turn with Elixir of Blood Lust, Potion of Speed, and Action Surge. Combining these three, you gain four actions, each allowing you to attack three times. Each attack can use an Arcane Arrow, and you should prioritize killing one target per turn to trigger Elixir of Bloodlust. Then, you can use a combination of elemental arrows like arrows of many targets, with Arcane Arrows to do AOE damage, debuff, knockback, or crowd control.

Before combat begins, go into stealth and coat your weapon with Oil of Accuracy or poison. Do this in turn base mode, reset your turn to gain a bonus action, and initiate combat. This will trigger a surprise, giving you a free extra round in combat. Use Action Surge on turn one if you can take out multiple targets, and use your spells pre-fight or Shield during combat.

Best Gear for Arcane Archer Fighter Build

Beginner

Here’s the best beginner gear, items, and equipment for an Arcane Archer Fighter Build in Baldur’s Gate 3:

Gear Slot	Best Gear Item	Effect
Head	Shadow of Menzoberranzan	Invisibility skill
Cape	Deathstalker Mantle (optional)	Dark Urge
Chest	The Graceful Cloth	+2 Dexterity
Gloves	Gloves of Archery	+2 Ranged Damage
Boots	Disintegrating Night Walkers	Free Misty Step
Necklace	Amulet of Branding	Cast Vulnerability
Ring	Caustic Band	+2 Acid Damage
Ring	Strange Conduit Ring	Psychic damage
Weapon 1 Main Hand	Club of Hill Giant Strength	19 Strength
Weapon 2 Off-Hand	Adamantine Shield	+2 AC
Weapon 2 Ranger	Titanstring Bow	Add STR modifier

• Shadow of Menzoberranzan: Looted from the Pale Corpse in the Myconid Colony, Underdark (Alternative Haste Helm).
• Deathstalker Mantle: Automatically acquired as part of Dark Urge story.
• The Graceful Cloth: Purchased from Lady Esther on Rosymorn Monastery Trail (Adamantine Scale Mail, Hide +2 Armour, or Githyanki Half Plate).
• Gloves of Archery: Sold by Grat the in the Goblin Camp (Alternatives Gloves of Dexterity, Gloves of Missile Snaring, or Gloves of Hail of Thorns).
• Disintegrating Night Walkers: Looted or stolen from Nere in Grymforge (Alternatives Boots of Striding, or Boots of Genial Striding).
• Amulet of Branding: purchased in Creche Y’llek from A’jak’nir Jeera (Alternatives Amulet of Misty Step, or Amulet of Restoration).
• Caustic Band: Buy it from Derryth in the Myconid colony, Underdark (Alternative The Sparkswall).
• Strange Conduit Ring: Looted in Creche Y’llek from Inquisitor’s Chamber (Alternative Fetish of Callarduran Smoothhands, or Ring of Absolute Force).
• Club of Hill Giant Strength: Found in Arcane Tower under Stool top level (Alternatives Hunter’s Dagger, or Knife of the Undermountain King).
• Adamantine Shield: Crafted in the Adamantine Forge (Alternatives Glowing Shield, or Wood Woad Shield).
• Titanstring Bow: Brem in Zhentarim Hideout Act 1 (Alternatives Bow of Banshee, Spellthief, or Joltshooter).

Advanced

Below is the best gear for the Arcane Archer Fighter Build in Baldur’s Gate 3:

Gear Slot	Best Gear Item	Effect
Head	Helm of Balduran	Cannot be Stunned
Cape	Shade-Slayer Cloak	Lowers Crit Roll
Chest	The Graceful Cloth	+2 Dexterity
Gloves	Legacy of the Masters	+2 Attack Roll
Boots	Helldusk Boots	Cannot be Moved
Necklace	Surgeon’s Subjugation Amulet	Stun on Crit
Ring	Killer’s Sweetheart	Auto Critical
Ring	Risky Ring	Advantage on Attacks
Weapon 1 Bow	Blood of Lathander	Automatic Revive
Weapon 2 Mace	Viconia’s Walking Fortress	+3 AC
Weapon 2 Shield	Gontr Mael	Best Bow

• Helm of Balduran: Found in Dragon’s Sanctum X: 636 Y: -964 Act 3 (alternatives Helldusk Helmet, Sarevok’s Horned Helmet, Mask of Soul Perception, or Circlet of Hunting).
• Shade-Slayer Cloak: Purchased in Guildhall Act 3 (alternatives Cloak of Protection, or Deathstalker Mantle)
• The Graceful Cloth: Purchased from Lady Esther on Rosymorn Monastery Trail (alternatives  Armour of Agility, or Helldusk Armour)
• Legacy of the Masters: Sold by Dammon in Lower City, Forge of the Nine (alternatives Gloves of Soul Catching, Helldusk Gloves, or Gloves of Dexterity).
• Helldusk Boots: Wyrm’s Rock Fortress X: -32 Y: 219 Act 3 (alternative Disintegration Night Walkers).
• Surgeon’s Subjugation Amulet: Looted from Malus Thorm at the House of Healing in Act 2. (alternative: Amulet of Greater Health, or Periapt of Wound Closure).
• Killer’s Sweetheart: Found in Self-Same Trial inside the Gauntlet of Shar. (alternative Ring of Free Action)
• Risky Ring: purchased in Act 2 Moonrise Towers from Araj Oblodra (alternatives Shifting Corpus Ring, or Ring of Regeneration)
• Blood of Lathander: Act 1 and 2 Quest.
• Viconia’s Walking Fortress: Looted from Viconia.
• Gontr Mael: Looted from the Steel Watcher Titan in Steel Watch Foundry (alternative The Dead Shot).

Best Consumables, Potions, Ammunition, and Items

The following list is the best consumable items that will aid in our Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Arcane Archer Fighter Build Guide:

• Elixir of Bloodlust: Once per turn when you kill a foe, you gain HP 5 temporary hit points and an additional action.
• Elixir of Hill Giant Strength: Increases Strength ability score to 21 until Long Rest.
• Potion of Speed: Gain extra action, +2 AC, Advantage on Dexterity Saving Throws, and double movement speed.
• Drow Poison: Weapon poison that adds Constitution Saving Throw or becomes Poisoned and falls Asleep.
• Potion of Flying: Drink to gain a flying speed of 60ft for one hour.
• Elixir of Heroism: Gain 10 temp HP and become Blessed until a long rest.
• Potion of Greater Healing: 4d4 + 4 hit points restored.
• Oil of Accuracy: Coat Weapon. Bonus of +2 in Attack Rolls.
• Elixir of Vigilance: Drink to gain a +5 bonus to Initiative and you can’t be Surprised.

Permanent Bonuses

Throughout Baldur’s Gate 3, you will have the ability to gain permanent bonuses to your character. These can grant additional spells, ability scores, and other bonuses. Permanent Bonuses are not displayed throughout the campaign but are vital to increase overall combat performance. We have all permanent bonuses here in a guide, but the most important ones for you to collect are listed below.

Act 1	Act 2	Act 3
Auntie Ethel’s Hair: Gain +1 to an Ability Score.	Potion of Everlasting Vigour: Gain +2 Strength.	Mirror of Loss – +2 to an Ability Score of your choice.
Awakened: Use illithid powers as a Bonus Action.	Slayer Form: Ability to transform into the Slayer.	Partial Ceremorphosis: Access to tier 3 illithid Powers.
Scratch: Gain Find Familiar Scratch.	Summon Us: Allows you to summon Us.	Sweet Stone Features: Blessed permanent.
Cheeky Quasit: Gain Summon Quasit Shovel.		Statue of the Gods: +2 to Saving Throws
Loviatar’s Love: 30% Hit Points or less, you gain a +2 bonus to Attack Rolls and Wisdom saving throws.
Necromancy Of Thay: access to powerful spells in Act 3.
Volo’s Ersatz Eye: See Invisibility

Arcane Archer Fighter Changes in Patch 8 for BG3

Patch 8 is the last major content release for Baldur’s Gate 3, and the developers at Larian Studios have pulled out all of the stops for fans. It adds 12 new subclasses – one for each of the dozens of major classes. The Arcane Archer is the new Fighter subclass and brings a very different playstyle, focusing on magic and archery.

Additionally, Patch 8 will bring other major changes to the game, including crossplay, allowing friends across platforms to play together. Photomode is another fun quality of life improvement they added. Overall, there are no major rebalancing or gameplay changes made to already established classes and subclasses.

Build Summary – Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Arcane Archer Fighter

FAQs about the Arcane Archer Fighter build in Baldur’s Gate 3

What race should I pick for an Arcane Archer?

Pick a High-Half for extra Cantrip or Wood-Half Elf for extra movement. The Drow is helpful for superior dark vision and the Githyanki for Misty Step and extra movement.

What are the best Illithid Powers for an Arcane Archer?

Luck of the Far Realms, Cull of the Weak, and Black Hole are the best tadpole powers due to their aoe damage and critical.

What are the best multiclass combos for Arcane Archer?

Wizard for extra spellcasting or Stormy Sorcerer for fly spell.

Should I focus on Strength or Dexterity with Arcane Archer?

Dexterity is your primary ability score because it increases damage with ranged weapons.

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