Hexblade Multiclass Build Guide for Baldur's Gate 3

We share the best multiclass build combinations guide for the Hexblade, Baldur’s Gate 3’s newest subclass, and now available in Patch 8!

With Larian Studios releasing Patch 8 for Baldur’s Gate 3, players are enjoying an overpowered new subclass for the Warlock, Hexblade. Hexblade is an ideal subclass for multiclassing due to its features, level 1 bonuses, and application with many Charisma classes. However, it can be confusing how to multiclass the Hexblade, what the best combos are, and why. In this Hexblade Multiclass Build Guide for Baldur’s Gate 3, we aim to answer those questions and give you sample combos and builds for multiclassing the new powerful Hexblade Warlock class!

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Hexblade Warlock Class Basics

The key features of the Hexblade class and multiclass combination are Hexblade Warrior, Bind Hexed Weapon, and Hexblade’s Curse. You get these three features at level 1, making it the best overall one-level “dip” in BG3. Here are the most important features when using the Hexblade Multiclass Build Guide for Baldur’s Gate 3:

Hex Warrior: gains proficiency with Medium armour, Shields, and Martial weapons.
Bind Hexed Weapon: Bind to your main-hand weapon. Its damage becomes magical, you cannot drop or throw it, and you become Proficient with it if you weren’t already. When you attack with this weapon, there is a chance that Hexblade’s Curse will be applied to the target.
Hexblade’s Curse: Curse a target. Your damage rolls against the target gain a bonus equal to their Proficiency bonus. The number you need to roll a Critical Hit while attacking the target is also reduced by 1.

Summarizing these three bonuses, you can now equip any weapon, Hexed Bind it, and lower the criticals needed against the target with Hexblade Curse. Even with a spell like Shadow Blade, the bound Hex weapon can trigger the Hexblade Curse, netting you increased damage and better burst potential. Thus making Hexblade effective on any class, but especially spellcasters who lack proficiency with weapons and armour. Most players will use between 1-4 levels in Hexblade before multiclassing into another.

Advanced Bonuses for Hexblade Multiclass Build

If you decide to stay within the Hexblade and Warlock class, you gain a couple of other interesting features:

Deepened Pact (Level 5): Gain an Extra Attack Extra Attack with your pact weapon (must take Pact of Blade at level 3).
Accursed Spectre (Level 6): Raise an Accursed Spectre from the soul of a fallen.

The Accursed Spectre is a subclass feature of the Hexblade. What makes this bonus strong is that you use a reaction, not an action or a bonus action to summon a creature. However, the target must be Cursed with Hexblade, which can only be applied once per short rest. Your bound Hex weapon can curse a target as well, but it’s a bit more unreliable.

The Deepened Pact feature is related to the Warlock class, but can grant an extra attack to melee Warlocks. This helps if you don’t want to multiclass to a Paladin or Fighter for five levels to gain the extra attack feature. However, you must take Pact of the Blade at level 3 for this to apply. While it seems like a useless bonus with Bound Hex Weapon, it is not, so consider taking it if you want to do only Warlock and not another extra attack class with your multiclass build.

Why Multiclass with Hexblade?

The best reason to multiclass with the Hexblade is gaining proficiencies, bonus action utility, and it synergies with other Charisma-based classes. Oftentimes, classes’ raw power fades beyond a certain level. For instance, Paladins gain extra attack at level 5, then an Aura at level 6. However, staying with the class beyond level 8 or 9 often doesn’t reward the build with much more power or utility. Therefore, it’s better to gain additional utility, spells, and burst using the Hexblade.

Another reason is your level one spells and cantrips. Even at level one, the Warlock can gain the following spells and cantrips:

Shield: uses a reaction and spell slot to boost overall AC by 5 when attacked. Makes you incredibly hard to kill at level 1, and stacks with Mirror Image.
Hellish Rebuke: uses a reaction when attacked to return fire damage. Useful at low levels, also Wrathful Smite or Hex are good spells to select here.
Booming Blade: adds thunder damage when a target moves and can be used as a weapon attack.
Eldritch Blast: gives the multiclass build range and force damage without using a spell slot.

Therefore, you become incredibly powerful at level 1, and can multiclass from that to another class and gain more utility. With a second level of investment, you can gain Eldritch Invocations which are useful for stealth or seeing in Darkness. With a third level, you gain a Pact Boon, which can also help you at later levels. Therefore, expect to spend anywhere from 1 to 4 levels with a Hexblade, but even one level can make a huge difference in your performance. Next up in our Hexblade Multiclass Build Guide for Baldur’s Gate 3, we discuss the best combos!

Best Hexblade Multiclass Combos

The best multiclass combinations with the Hexblade build are Sorcerer, Paladin, Bard, and Fighter. The Sorcerer gains proficiency and a bonus action with the powerful spellcasting of Metamagic. The Paladin gains additional spells, range, and added burst potential with Hexblade. The Bard increases offensive spells while retaining support capabilities. The Fighter gains increased critical burst and additional spells. Below is a guide to the best multiclass combos for the Hexblade Build in Baldur’s Gate 3:

Sorcerer + Hexblade
Paladin + Hexblade
Bard + Hexblade
Fighter + Hexblade

1. Sorcerer + Hexblade

Shadow Magic Sorcerer Gameplay Baldur's Gate 3

The strength of the Sorcerer and Hexblade multiclass build is it gains utility with bonus action, metamagic for spell manipulation, and Charisma synergy. The Hexblade can bind a weapon and stack Charisma, thus the Sorcerer can play a melee damage dealer with Shadow Blade or a martial weapon. Moreover, the Sorcerer can still retain its effectiveness with spell casting. You gain metamagic using Twinned and Chromatic Orb in early levels to knock enemies prone with cold damage, then later use Quickened to shoot two Fireballs off in one turn for large AOE damage.

The best level split for the Hexblade Sorc Multiclass is 6 and 6. Start level 1 with Warlock so you gain all the proficiencies, get Shield, Eldritch Blast and Booming Blade. Then, multiclass for 6 levels through Sorcerer Shadow Magic. This will give you the Eyes of Darkness spell so you can cast it on top of yourself with Shadow Blade. Ranged enemies won’t be able to hit you, and you can see through the cloud and gain an advantage on melee attacks.

Lastly, swap back to Warlock Hexblade to finish out your multiclass level progression. You want to gain Pact of the Tome and Deepened Pact so your Hex-bound weapon gains Extra Attack. This allows you to not have to dip into Fighter or Paladin and have a singular Charisma-based spec. Use medium armour throughout most of the game and one-handed and shield for the highest survivability. Also, the Half-Orc Savage Attack race feature does work on almost any spell and melee attack. Therefore, it gives you the most burst possible, though it seems like an odd race choice.

Sorcerer + Hexblade Multiclass Build Character Creation and Level Progression

Race: Half-Orc
Background: Entertainer
Ability Score
- STR: 8
- DEX: 16
- CON: 14
- INT: 8
- WIS: 10
- CHA: 17

Level	Class	Selection
1	Warlock	Hexblade, Shield, Hellish Rebuke, Booming Blade, Eldritch Blast
2	Sorcerer	Multiclass Sorc – Shadow Magic Subclass, Cantrips Bursting Sinew, Fire Bolt, Friends, Light — Spells Magic Missile, Chromatic Orb
3	Sorcerer	Metamagic: Distant and Twinned Spells: Chromatic Orb
4	Sorcerer	Metamagic Quickened, Spells Mirror Image, Replace Thunderwave w/ Shadow Blade
5	Sorcerer	+2 CHR feat, Mage Hand cantrip, Misty Step spell
6	Sorcerer	Fireball
7	Sorcerer	Counterspell
8	Warlock	Multiclass back to Warlock, Wrathful Smite, Hex spells, One with Shadows, Repelling Blast Invocations
9	Warlock	Invisibility Spell, Pact of the Blade Boon
10	Warlock	Toll of the Dead Cantrip, Blur Spell, Alert Feat
11	Warlock	Elemental Weapon spell, Agonising Blast Invocations
12	Warlock	Hunger of Hadar spell

2. Paladin + Hexblade

Baldurs-Gate-3-Paladin-Divine-Smite-Kills-1

Your goal with a Paladin and Hexblade build is to gain as much burst potential as possible. Using a two-handed weapon, the Paladin combines high strength with Divine Smite for massive criticals. However, the Hexblade allows you to bind your weapon and use Charisma rather than strength for damage. Therefore, you only need one ability score to increase the damage rather than two. Thus, you split your abilities and gain high dexterity, allowing the use of medium or light armour with good survivability.

Players will want a 2 Hexblade, 6 Paladin, 4 Fighter split. The Paladin subclass take Vengeance because it gives you a free Misty Step spell and Hunter’s Mark. You can use the Hunter’s Mark with a strange conduit ring for extra damage on each attack. For the Fighter, select the Eldritch Knight subclass which unlocks more spells and cantrips. Alternatively, you can select the Champion subclass to focus totally on critical burst.

Make sure to select the Savage Attacker feat and take the Half-Orc for its Savage Attack (different bonuses). Both stacks give you the most unreal burst potential with a Hexblade multiclass build.

Paladin + Hexblade Multiclass Build Character Creation and Level Progression

Race: Half-Orc
Background: Entertainer
Ability Score
- STR: 8
- DEX: 16
- CON: 14
- INT: 8
- WIS: 10
- CHA: 17

Level	Class	Selection
1	Warlock	Hexblade, Shield, Hellish Rebuke, Booming Blade, Eldritch Blast
2	Warlock	Wrathful Smite, Hex spells, One with Shadows, Devil’s Sight Invocations
3	Paladin	Multiclass Paladin, Vengeance Subclass
4	Paladin	Great Weapon Fighting, Command, Thunderous Smite, Divine Favour, Shield of Faith, Cure Wounds
5	Paladin	Protection from Good and Evil
6	Paladin	Great Weapon Master Feat, Compelled Duel
7	Paladin	Drop Compelled, select Magic Weapon, Lesser Restoration
8	Paladin	Aid spell
9	Fighter	Multiclass Fighter, Defense Fighting Style
10	Fighter	Action Surge
11	Fighter	Eldritch Knight subclass, Chromatic Orb, Magic Missile spells, Bursting Sinew, Fire Bolt cantrips, Longstrider extended
12	Fighter	Savage Attacker feat, Shield spell

3. Bard + Hexblade

The Bard is known for its group utility with Bardic Inspiration, and the class is made even better with Hexblade multiclass. We recommend a 2 Hexblade, 6 Bard, 4 Fighter split. Take the College of Sword Bard subclass to gain more utility with weapon attacks and the Eldritch Knight Fighter subclass to gain different spells. We also suggest taking Hexblade at level 1 because the Bard starts extremely slow and doesn’t get their subclass until level 3. At level one, you will have ranged damage, melee attacks, and survivability.

As you progress, look to take utility spells with the Bard and source your damage from the Hex Bound weapon. This build will use Devil’s Sight, so you can cast the Darkness spell with another character or via Scrolls and still see through the cloud. This gives you great survivability along with One with Shadows for even more stealth.

With the Duelling feature, look for a one-handed and shield style of gameplay. You can still hit hard with a Longsword, but gain at least two AC due to the shield. Moreover, stick with the Bard for at least 6 levels because you gain Extra Attack. This allows you to not take five levels of the Fighter to get the same bonus, therefore giving you great action utility with weapon attacks.

Bard + Hexblade Multiclass Build Character Creation and Level Progression

Race: Half-Orc
Background: Entertainer
Ability Score
- STR: 8
- DEX: 16
- CON: 14
- INT: 8
- WIS: 10
- CHA: 17

Level	Class	Selection
1	Warlock	Subclass: Hexblade, Eldritch Blast, Booming Blade, Hex, Wrathful Smite
2	Warlock	Hellish Rebuke, Eldritch Invocations: Devil’s Sight and One with Shadows
3	Bard	Multiclass Bard, Vicious Mockery, Friends, Longstrider, Speak with Animals, Tasha’s Hideous Laughter, Charm Person
4	Bard	Thunderwave Spell
5	Bard	College of Swords subclass, Duelling fight style, Invisibility spell
6	Bard	Mage Hand cantrip, Heat Metal spell, +2 CHR feat
7	Bard	Glyph of Warding spell
8	Bard	Fear spell, replace Heat Metal with Hold Person
9	Fighter	Multiclass Fighter, Defence Fighting Style
10	Fighter	Action Surge
11	Fighter	Eldritch Knight subclass, Chromatic Orb, Magic Missile spells, Bursting Sinew, Fire Bolt cantrips, Shield extended
12	Fighter	Protection from Good and Evil spell, Alert Feat

4. Fighter + Hexblade

The Fighter is overall a powerhouse class but lacks spellcasting, making it have lower utility. However, the combination of the Hexblade subclass and the Eldritch Knight rounds out the class to be a formidable spellcaster with massive melee damage. The best multiclass Hexblade build for the Fighter is using only one level for Hexblade. The reason is, you gain Improved Extra Attack at level 11. This gives the Fighter a unique advantage, attacking 3 times per action. This passive is too important to pass up, but thankfully, one level can improve your Fighter multiclass build.

With the Fighter, you do NOT want to Hex bind your weapon. This will force the weapon to take Charisma as its damage modifier rather than Strength. However, you can still use the Hexblade Curse, which lowers the number needed to critical strike. Hexblade Curse also adds your proficiency bonus, which gives a +4 at level 12. This bonus is based on your level and acts as free damage as long as the enemy is cursed. Moreover, this bonus stacks with Hex Necrotic damage; therefore, you can double-dip and gain two bonuses with your bonus action. This solves the Fighter’s problem with weak bonus action utility.

Fighter + Hexblade Multiclass Build Character Creation and Level Progression

Race: Half-Orc
Background: Soldier
Ability Score
- STR: 17
- DEX: 14
- CON: 14
- INT: 8
- WIS: 10
- CHA: 12

Level	Class	Selection
1	Fighter	Great Weapon Fighting style
2	Fighter	Action Surge
3	Fighter	Eldritch Knight subclass, Booming Blade, Fire Bolt cantrips, Chromatic Orb, Magic Missile spells, Shield extended
4	Fighter	Thunderwave Spell, Great Weapon Master feat
5	Fighter	Extra Attack
6	Warlock	Multiclass Warlock, Hexblade subclass, Eldritch Blast, Friends cantrips, Wrathful Smite, Hex spells
7	Fighter	Multiclass back to Fighter, +2 STR feat
8	Fighter	Darkness, Scorching Ray spells
9	Fighter	Misty Step, Savage Attacker feat
10	Fighter	Indomitable
11	Fighter	Light cantrip, Gust spell
12	Fighter	Improve Extra Attack, Shatter spell

Hexblade Multiclass Gear and Item Priorities

Below are the best items and gear to get for your Hexblade Multiclass build in BG3 and why:

Strange Conduit Ring: gives extra damage 1d4 Psychic while holding concentration. You can concentrate on Hex or Hunter’s Mark for two sources of extra damage on weapon attacks. Moreover, the bonus is doubled if you have the Resonance Stone. The ring can be found in Act 1 at the Crèche Y’llek.

Resonance Stone: This items gives an AOE radius of steeped in Bliss bonus which double psychic damage. This damage applies to Shadow Blade, a Warlock and Sorcerer spell, allowing you to do massive critical damage. You can find the stone at the end of Act 2 in the puzzle mind flayer colony.

Birthright: This hat increases your Charisma by +2. You can receive additional permanent bonuses in Act 1 and Act 3, bringing your Charisma to 24 with one feat! You can obtain the hat via purchase at Sorcerous Sundries in Act 3.

Deathstalker Mantle: Only obtained with Dark Urge origin story, when you kill an enemy, you turn invisible. This is incredible on solo or Honour Mode runs, but will dramatically affect your story (evil character).

Armour of Agility: Gain your full dexterity bonus to AC plus +2 to all saving throws, and it doesn’t impose a disadvantage on stealth checks. The best overall medium armour. Sold by Gloomy Fentonson at Stormshore Armoury in Act 3.

Killer’s Sweetheart: This ring gives you a guaranteed critical hit after killing a creature one per long rest. It stacks with Deathstalker Mantle, so one kill turns you invisible and the next attack is auto-crit! Found in Act 2, Gauntlet of Shar.

Hellriders Longbow: Gain a +3 to initiative rolls merely for having it equipped in your bow slot. Thus, you are likely to attack earlier in combat allowing a early kill. Found in Act 3, sold by Ferg (Alternative darkfire shortbow).

FAQs about the Hexblade Warlock and multiclassing

What makes the Hexblade Warlock special?

The Hexblade can allows players to bind weapons, forcing it to use Charisma rather than Strength or Dexterity. This gives Charisma-based builds an advantage only stacking one ability score rather than two.

Do I have to use a hex weapon or pact weapon?

Yes. You choose a weapon to become your Hex Weapon, and you can use Charisma to attack with it. If you take Pact of the Blade, this scales even better and works with other weapons too.

Yes, to use your Charisma ability score rather than Strength or Dexterity. However, if you do not bind a weapon, it will still use STR or DEX, which can be useful on a Fighter multiclass Hexblade build.

What’s the role of a Hexblade in a party?

The Hexblade is a front-line damage dealer that also has the ability to spellcast. The build is unique in that it has strong range and melee damage from level 1 to max level.

How many levels should I take in Warlock for a multiclass?

Most players take between one and four levels of the Hexblade Warlock multiclass:

1 level: Gain two cantrips, two spells, and Hex Bind weapon so you can use CHR vs. STR or DEX
2 levels: Eldritch Invocations useful for Devil’s Sight and Darkness combo.
3 levels: Pact of the Blade, which is helpful if you stay with Warlock to level 5, which gives you extra attack to bound weapon.
4 levels: gain a feat, useful if you need two or more feats for you build.

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Hexblade Multiclass Build Guide for Baldur’s Gate 3

Hexblade Warlock Class Basics