Baldur's Gate 3 Bard Multiclassing Guide & Ranking

[@Fextralife]

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[@AntonyMBenedict]

After Level 6 Bard I took 2 level Paladin for the Smites. My Bard can smite at higher spell level than Level 8 Minthara, it is kinda crazy. I agree 10 Bard 2 Paladin is a top tier build, may be even one of the best in game.

[@seanw8643]

My honor mode I was a 10 bard and 2 pally it was crazy

[@deanc3131]

Without a doubt. It is strong start to finish, but really shines in late act 2 through end game.

[@GreenLightningHood]

IF YOU ARE GOING TO DO THIS BUILD, then take the two levels of paladin first. You'll get the heavy armor and martial weapon proficiencies from Paladin if you start Paladin and you get the same number of spell slots as if you started Bard.

[@AGoatDemon98]

​@@GreenLightningHoodwhat starting oath, abilities and skills did you select?

[@giopatton7343]

@@GreenLightningHoodi disagree you need to get to level 6 bard immediately to get that extra attack, if not you handicap yourself pretty badly late act 1 early act 2

[@DinnendalAnnare]

I really need one of these vids for either Ranger or Druid, your content is so freaking good, your "finding the best multi-class" on warlock was just amazing.

[@Shaun9918]

Don't sleep on life cleric/lore bard. I'm currently in act 2 with two levels of life cleric and the rest in lore bard. The support is unreal. I use the Phalar Aluve and Ad. Heavy Splint Armor while debuffing enemies with Harold. I'm also able to navigate any dialogue scenario with gloves of dex. and headband of int. I think this is a strong contender for Honor Mode.

[@burns0100]

Lore Bard/Light Cleric is also super strong for the same reason. Generally I'd rather splash a potion to heal then cast a spell because I'd rather either buff/debuff or deal major damage with my spells then waste it on a heal unless it was late game when mass heal actually does good amounts. Still just being able to apply radiant orbs to everyone and then focus on other spells is really nice. Supporting three other DPS builds with one Cleric who acts as the face of the group because they have so much proficiency in skills is nice. Like a plus 10 to persuasion is beyond amazing, plus guidance and all the other item bonuses you rarely fail a speech check and all your saving throws are between +4-10 so for certain encounters where you are forced to do some action like drinking or sitting in a chair to take damage you shouldn't fail those either. Go Githyank for even more potential and you have a super well rounded class for any situation.

[@lazypaladin]

I have _literally_ just started a Ranger/Bard Multiclass as I've been juggling wether it's a good idea so this is *fantastic* timing!

[@paulcervenka]

I have only played DnD for a short amount of time but wasn't able to get back into it for a long time and for Christmas my brother in law bought me BG3 so I am so pumped to get back into it via the game and this video is just awesome. Thank you!

[@thatguy00271]

Sorceror is A for giving constitution saving throw while maintaining full spell progression. 10 Lore/ 2 Tempest or Draconic. Tempest gives bonus action flight which does not proc enemy opportunity attacks. Draconic can grant access to Armour of Agathys. You also get to pick two out of Twinned, Extended, Distant, or Careful spell modifiers. This is particularly for the strategy of using Magical Secrets for Conjure Elemental upcasted to level 6.

[@hectech]

Correction: I am using using sorcerer 1 lvl temp cleric 1 lvl and bard for the rest. I'm level 6 and haven't had problems.

[@wizardofwaz1175]

Instantly liked and saved to a playlist, I absolutely love these videos! Thank you so much for making them!

[@heartbeatpoetry7704]

I feel like for Bard and Cleric and maybe a few other classes, you should talk about triple multiclassing. Specifically for Bard, there is an argument to be made for taking 1 or 2 points in Wizard as the 2nd multiclass (like 1 Fighter/10 Bard/1 Wizard or 9 Bard/ 1 Cleric/ 2 Fighter.)

[@dododimitrov9657]

great video as usual and I love this type of multiclass series. 1lv Life Cleric/11 Bard is probably best healer in the game. You get the extra healing bonus and armor from Cleric then upscale all the healing spells with charisma.

[@donaldroy4717]

He didn't consider bard as the best healer/support who can hide in sanctuary... and be untargetable. (Give threaten to the target of paladin tank or monk/rogue/ranger strikers) I guess some don't have imagination. Mine had 33 ac and my team never died or dropped below 45% unless I was intentionally proccing an effect.

[@ryansiebel2860]

Extremely helpful video. Knew I was interested in bard, and I think I’m now sold on bard/paladin for my second playthrough. Sounds awesome!

[@sebastianelgarrista70]

I love Bard lvl 6, Rogue lvl 4 and Fighter lvl 2. Bard Flourich + thief rogue + 2 hand crossbows + sharpshooter ❤

[@Thenadathor]

Action surge + extra bonus action

[@kahlenalbee3788]

my favorite bard I've had was astarion with 4 levels bard, 3 levels theif, and 5 levels in gloom stalker. I had him duel weilding crossbows and it was so much fun

[@revelation9125]

3 rogue into assassin 3 ranger into gloomstalker 6 bard into college of swords Really fun burst damage build to drop multiple enemies on the first turn.

[@jeslord718]

When I run Bard, it's always with this combo. 4 lvl in Rogue (Thife) Feat: Sharpshooter. 6 lvl in Bard (Collage of Swords) Fighting style: Two-Weapon Fighting. Feat: Crossbow Expert. 2 lvl in Fighter. Fighting style: Archery.

[@andrzejtopolewski5370]

Exactly! I don't know why everyone is sleeping on this. I've completed the game on honour mode twice, 1 run was solo bard and it is definitely the strongest ranged option. If you want to min-max, you can go even 6 swords bard (two weapon fighting), 3 tief for extra attack, 3 champion (archery) for better crit range. You use Ethel's hair, so your only feat will be sharp shooter. You will have Dex at 18 and can increase it to 20 by graceful cloth or later in act 3 use mirror and replace it with bhallist armour (for solo run, or you can give it to another melee character with nyrulna if you are not solo running). With bhallist armour (you can use amulet of branding instead before), saraveok helm, 2 crit daggers, risky ring (to mitigate sharpshooter), damage is absolutely nuclear, because on 1st turn you make 4 double attacks from main hand (double attacks from college of swords with increased damage and double it from adrenaline) + 2 offhand attacks. All of it with very high crit chance (with elixir it will be 15) and double dmg from vulnerability. If you are playing ascended astarion with poison amulet and helldusk gloves, there is nothing besides cheesy/buggy builds (like explosives or owlbear dive) which will have even comparable damage to you. And the best part is that you (not like smites or other casters) refresh all of your resources every short rest (+ you have additional short rest which matters if you want to limit the number of long rests for a challenge). Another great feature is that you can start with 16 base charisma without asi (14 const is enough for this build, cause you one shot encounters and have high ac anyways) and with upgrades from bard and rogue to persuasion/deception + buffs like guidance/friends, you will have a face which should handle pretty much any dialogue in game. To sum up 6 bard/3 tief/3 champion will have top damage achievable without buffs (ranged, which is really handy), you are great in talking and can stealth + open everything - pretty much self sufficient character.

[@andrzejtopolewski5370]

Actually the only encounter which is troublesome when playing solo with this build is Katheric due to his resistance and high hp pool at point) + Cazador if you are playing as astarion and won't start combat from ambush + fail dialogue roll. Besides Katherick I do not recall a boss from act 2 and further, which I couldn't either persuade or kill in 1st round of combat - for example for Saravok or Orin it was even a significant overkill.

[@MoSnTKid]

Is this how you lvl up? If not what is your order usually when you lvl up?

[@jeslord718]

@@MoSnTKid Start with 4 lvl bard (collage of sword) Feat: sharpshooter. Then 4 lvl Rouge (thife) Feat: Crossbow expert or +2 Dex. Then go back to bard to level 6 and then the last two lvl be in Fighter. Fighting styles? Two-Hand Fighting and Archery. That is how I ran. Good luck!

[@MoSnTKid]

@@jeslord718 Thank you for the quick reply, I'm just getting into the game for the first time today and like the idea of a spellcaster assasin type. Two more questions lol. Does starting as Bard or Rogue change your backstory or is that only the race you pick? And what race/races would you prefer for this build?

[@malvicus]

Long overdue and well thought out. Thanks!!

[@tonydeluna8095]

This game is really good, especially the combat system once you get used to it. Overall, I love the voice acting and the story. Soundtrack is great too

[@glitch-3107]

I'm doing a playthrough of an all bard party this is gonna be mad helpful

[@johannesreus5154]

I plan to do 6 swords bard, 4 rogue, 2 fighter for my honor mode tav. He is a party face, skill monkey and insane archer in a single character and spells are a nice add-on to that. Probably max dex, 16 cha and 14 con. I am hyped

[@johannesreus5154]

I think bards make fantastic archers with flourishes, you are way underrating a bards martial prowess

[@StudlySoldier]

1 level of storm sorcerer gives you CON saving throw proficiency if you take it first, plus flight to reposition when you cast a spell. That's absolutely worth trading a feat for

[@KnicKnac]

ASI is SO much better than a subpar Sorc

[@MrSneaksful]

@@KnicKnac what is ASI?

[@KnicKnac]

@@MrSneaksful Ability Score Increase or shortened to ASI

[@friedtoads13]

@@KnicKnacbut subpar sorc can fly and is fun! i imagine my silly (and also haunted, little bit bloodthirsty) bard playing his flute whimsically and drifting away from his enemies without a care in the world.

[@burns0100]

As a face class I think Lore Bard 4 and Light Cleric 8 is actually really powerful for a radiant orb/support build. Making it so nothing can touch your party or yourself and having some very powerful damage spells and utility cantrips. Plus you get a lot of proficiencies to support yourself in all aspects of the game. You can basically dump dex when you get the plus 18 gloves and have bigger focus on wisdom and charisma being a highly potent caster and able to talk yourself out of any situation. Grabbing con proficiency from Resilient at level 4 to get 16 con and then using your other 2 feats for 2+ API to get 20 wisdom. By end game you have a +4-10 in saving throws for every stat besides Int and even with medium armour have a plus 21 armour class. If you set yourself up right with gear you can't be touched by attacks once you get rolling, best to open with your channel divinity to apply radiant orb to everyone in the fight and then you can sit back and focus on buffs, debuffs and spell effects. Really fun build but a little slow to start, best to start Bard and get your first four levels, aiming to get the luminous armour by then and start moving into light cleric at level 5, from this point on you feel powerful. Act 2 becomes a cake walk and act 3 posses no danger as long as you know where the encounters happen. Only weakness is being surprised as if you can't get the build going you are useless for one entire turn. I'm going to try this for my Honour Mode build, hopefully I can find a way to speed run some of the items better without risking death because in terms of weapons The Blood of Lathander is one of the better ones to avoid death. Because you aren't focused on melee at all, just casting.

[@bobmishima3295]

My archer bard build is 8 swords bard, 3 champion fighter, 1 great old one warlock. Great old one aoe fear is crazy when you have high crit in act 3 and are able to apply it with arrow of many targets and slashing flourish. Hex also get's alot of procs with slayer arrows and using slashing flourish on one target.

[@gregoberski5897]

This sounds so cool! I have an idea of doing an honour mode run with all 4 members all being some combinations of Fighter/Warlock/Bard, it's too bad they nerfed Extra Attack for that difficulty or they would all be 5 Fighter/5 Warlock/2 Bard.

[@joshuaDstarks]

I’ve got a level 8 Rock Gnome Bard, and he’s wild.

[@gk4204]

Another detailed video. Thank you very much.

[@the121smashchampion]

just recently been playing around with rogue3(assassin)/ranger5(gloomstalker)/ bard4(college of swords). Dual weilding hand crossbows, with gear boosting ranged attacks. initiate combat with sneak attack, then can used ranged slashing flourish x2, and i believe a bonus action for off-hand attacks. A bit off beat from the typical gloomstalk assassin, but seems to be dealing damage pretty well

[@shyamsundarrajan2469]

Playing a dark Urge good run currently level 11 8 bard 3 rogue Stats are Strength 8 Dex 16 (raise to 18 with third feat and 20 with magic mirror) Con 16 Int 8 Wisdom 8 Charisma 17 (+ 1 from hags hair + 2 from second feat going to 20) Swords bard with 2 weapon fighting style and extra attack and thief for extra bonus action First feat Savage attackers for double dice rolls for each attack having 4 attacks 5 with haste not counting the flourishes that refresh on short rest Expertise in slight of hand stealth persuation and performance ( can choose deception or intimidation but we are a bard) +12 for all the above Spells have all illusion spells with two thunder spells With the ring that lets us cast illusion and enchantment spells as bonus action and dark urge cape Access to two spell slots to grant greater invisibility and the diadem of arcane synergy so weapons do bonus damage based on my spell casting modifier which is charisma Using two short swords and two hand cross bows so basically both in and outside the battle I am unstoppable the dark urge cape gives me invis on every kill so that's an automatic advantage to do a sneak attack and greater invisibility with stealth expertise even better just use Gale to cast haste I am planning on respeccing the build by using the gloves of Dex to get Dex to 18 and spend the points on con and wisdom but that not needed for combat as much. I am having way too much fun with this build can even cheese it more with hill strength potion to give me carry capacity but at this point I feel like I am cheating cause of my super high die rolls

[@Ranulf13]

My first char was bard and did 1 level dip in life domain and it was so great heavy armor and shields al8ne are worth it becaus in the end you lose just one feat but a feat does give you less then everything a cleric gives you.

[@sprindall]

Haha! “For more Elden Ring content…” The man has Shadow of the Erdtree on the brain.

[@sprindall]

Check your outro @fextralife

[@angelwings4191]

Currently CoS Bard 6/War Cleric 1(basically a drow who follows eilistraee with phalar aluve) and I multiclassed after 3rd but with a certain buff it was like I didn't even miss the feat anyway and that extra attack charge and Divine Favor have been nice. I'm thinking of respecing to CoS 10/Pally 2 for the smites tho. Same aesthetic vibes for the most part.

[@klstay]

I have been thinking about doing a party with three 2/5/5 Bard/Warlock/Paladin plus a X/3/5 Bard/Assassin/Stalker for all those party short rests and inspirations. Face, thieving, control, blasting, melee and tanking all covered.

[@davidbloedel9814]

Is there an updated Sorcerer Class Guide video? I can only find the one from Early Access 2 years ago. Also hope you do a Sorcerer Multiclass Guide & Ranking video soon too. Thanks for the awesome content!

[@SleepyOwley]

6 swords bard 6 red dragon sore was my first play through. Great aoe, and burst with Scorching ray. Good melee very fun and very deadly

[@vaulthunter853]

Hi Fextra, first I would like to say a big thank you for all you amazing guides the create, I have been following you since DOS2 and love your work. My question on this video is related to the bard-warlock dual class. Looking at your video, it shows 18 STR on the stats, why is this? Is it because of the pact of the blade, college of valor or a manual stat change? Sorry for the noob question, I've only just started playing BG3. I'm looking at the 7+5 build btw. Thanks in advance :)

[@Deadhammer218]

If you wanna maximize proficiencies & gain new class PLUS deity dialogue, go *Lore Bard* with a 1-2 lvl dip in *Knowledge Cleric* : 11 Lore Bard / 1 Knowledge Cleric if you still want 6th level Bard spell or 10 Lore Bard / 2 Knowledge Cleric if you want to sacrifice spell casting for lvl 2 Cleric skill "Knowledge of the Ages", which gives "Proficiency in all Skills of a chosen Ability" (works like the Githyanki race skill)

[@Insomnia4321]

If your doing a moon druid focused on wildshape you probably want to take it to level 10 and use the last 2 levels for something like a ranger or a barb ( ive seen a monk buidl aswell but i couldnt understand it)

[@chalexen2862]

I'm doing a ridiculous Shāng Bù Huàn / "Thunderbolt Fantasy" inspired build mixed with other inspirations, (defensive dualist, practice sword / wooden sword, Magic Sword spell, *undecided* etc). My party is missing a frontline tank, so I came here looking to see what my options are.

[@sargothi]

I go fighter 8 bard 4. I get 4 feats and I can perform as an impromptu band when ever and where ever I please

[@jarrodbright5231]

Probably the biggest thing not mentioned with regards to multi-classing a Bard is that level 6 Bard spells stink (there are only 2 of them, Otto's Irresistable Dance and Eyebite, and both are worse than lower level spells especially since you get Arcane Secrets at level 10). After the highly impactful Bard level 10, it's generally better to put levels into pretty much any other class than to take those last 2 Bard levels. I really have to disagree with you every time you say it's hard to give up that level 6 spell slot (when talking about a Bard anyway). Because of this I think the analysis of taking 2 levels of a class is wrong on a few occasions.

[@gregoberski5897]

You're right that their level 6 spells aren't great; but I think the utility of the level 6 spell slot is in upcasting, especially things like Summon Elemental.

[@EdmundMill]

@@gregoberski5897but you can get that level 6 spell slot by multi-classing with paladin or something else.

[@jarrodbright5231]

@@gregoberski5897I'd honestly rather take a level of Cleric or Sorcerer to get the level 6 spell slot that way.

[@markthomas5821]

6 college of swords bard, 5 fiend warlock, 1 war domain cleric.

[@jonboywonder6852]

I really want to try a Lvl8 College of Swords Bard/ Lvl4 Champion Fighter Half-Orc. Im thinking Two weapon fighting+Dual Wielder with Savage Attacker from Orc race and Improved Critical hit from Champion class would be really fun but I’m new to this game 😅 Any advice on this being a good build or not? I know I’ll miss out on bigger spells and expertise but I’m wondering if this would be an all around good overall build? Any help at all would be much appreciated!

[@firesly1]

I am doing 2 fighter 10 bard playthrough

[@stuartdowson3757]

When to dip into Paladin? After level 6 or after level 10? Thanks, same Q for Warlock, as will go Bard of Lore for either. Was thinking 10/2 ratio for both but just wondering when to dip.

[@muhammaddeen3700]

Finally ❤

[@robard418]

Warrior bard all the way.

[@SolidBold00]

Wait why would you not get extra attacks in Honor Mode? I'm confused.. does the game also nerf you for multiclassing in Honor Mode? If the class gives you an extra attack then you should get it....

[@akechijubeimitsuhide]

I'm tempted to make a bard who multiclasses into warlock and name him Paganini.

[@Tydides1]

Nice!

[@sedalionthunder6295]

I did see a 5 fighter 6 bard (collage of swords) and soloed the game

[@carlomorelli1785]

Just started a Bardadin playthrough, was planning on a 10 swords bard/2 vengeance pal...do you guys think it would be worth it to dip a couple levels into fighter as well for the action surge and the Con saves?

[@common_undead]

If you don't care about magical secrets at level 10 swords bard, go for it. I'd personally go 6 sword bard/2 paladin/4 sorcerer to grab some metamagic while still retaining full spell progression. Start out as sorcerer for con saves if you need.

[@V3rg1l]

6 swords, 3(or 4) thief, 2 paladin

[@myst0ne]

Bardadin is the way to go

[@TheTraveler980]

Melee Bard: Bard 10, Paladin 2 Archer Bard: Bard 10, Fighter 2 Spellcaster Bard: 7 Bard, Warlock 5

[@christopherhynes5449]

Still waiting on rogue trader build guides :/

[@ruriva4931]

I wanted to do a bard barbarian combo just for the dialogue options to bad bardbarian isn’t very viable.

[@myshy2]

I used Bard/Paladin multiclass for my first playthrough as well :) 10 Bard 2 Paladin :)

[@brandonsiverly1448]

For 10 Bard 2 Paladin what sub class am I picking for bard Sword or Lore

[@victorcharles27]

1 million subscribers 🎉2024 Let's goo👍

[@dboy2577]

sorcerer next please

[@ngthutseng4295]

Anybody got any thoughts on a 5 CoS Bard 6 Champion Fighter 1 GOO warlock for a sort of crit archer build.

[@daraydagamer940]

go 3 bard and 9 barbarian

[@ExZentric0]

Slightly cheating but I use Grave Cleric 1/Spirit Bard 11 for RP reasons (Mods)

[@lavdntschstan]

Multiclassing is for noobs

[@RonnieMyers777]

Why?

[@hobojoe9717]

Who the fuck cares?

[@Devvitc]

What take is that? It’s the opposite because you actually have to know what you’re doing otherwise you f up your entire build. Multiclassing is almost always superior compared to 12 full.

[@lavdntschstan]

How so?@@Devvitc

[@Devvitc]

@@lavdntschstan Well going the full 12 only gives you the aspects/ perks of one class but you want to combine the best perks of multiple classes and discard the uninteresting once of your main. That way you will have many features that just enhance each other/ stack. Something you can never have with just one class obviously (even if you lose one feat it’s still far more powerful).