Baldur's Gate 3: Cleric Class Overview

[@Jasta85]

Cleric is one of those classes that can be just about anything depending on the subclass. You can have a focused healer, a front sword and board fighter, a fireball slinging caster or even a semi thief with stealth type spells. One of the few classes where you could make an entire party of just clerics and have them fill just about every role you need.

[@vlasicbauer]

And call that party A-Men, of course

[@CJack14dt]

But it always seems like outside of healing someone else can do it better.

[@PedroFerreira-ne3jv]

@@CJack14dtnaturally, it is a group game with a semblance of balancing after all. The strength of the cleric is how mechanically sound they are and being able to expand to fill multiple niches and still be a solid class(with their spellcasting and proficiencies) even if they aren’t perfect on their second niche

[@ilgiallo0]

But the problem they are not martial and doesn't get the bonus attack at 5. Tbh i'm not able to make shadowheart work. She just a poor archer with some very shiity spell .

[@PedroFerreira-ne3jv]

@@ilgiallo0 yeah, IMO it’s a bit dangerous saying to new people that clerics can be the primary weapon user in a party(or multiclassing as if they were). Even with no restrictions to multiclass, going fighter/paladin/ranger whatever will be pretty bad(if your interest is damage) because clerics don’t get multi attack, and don’t offer much after lvl 2 to classes who get it. Clerics can be good front liners(high AC tanks I mean) but they will only be able to deal damage using spells, doesn’t matter what class you NEED multiclass to keep up damage with weapons after lvl 5(or be a rogue tbh).

[@talahar123]

You are killing it with the BG3 content!

[@PalaDave99]

Time for my war cleric, Eutanazio, to make his triumphant return

[@csabaalmasi5297]

I'm stealing that name

[@alexandrapaiva3700]

@@csabaalmasi5297same

[@denbrubeck9148]

Been waiting for this, thanks for your hard work, Mortim!

[@DaveVoyles]

Dwarven cleric basically turns you into a tank who can heal. Love it.

[@Razadune]

These class overview videos are by far the most helpful thing I've found for getting over that hump of finally choosing a class to play. Thanks for putting them together.

[@ryell0913]

Which class did you end up choosing in the end?

[@Kyroshi]

In the DND Dragonlance Series, there was once an antagonist dark cleric called Verminaard. This is the kind of Evil War Cleric probably multiclassed with 2-3 levels of fighter which I might be playing as a 2nd more evil playthrough as the dark urge. Seems like fun!

[@security9999]

That book series got me through some serious stuff as a child. I remember those books fondly.

[@guster2244]

Love that series

[@arokh72]

I was about to comment on when the gods walked the Earth, recalling Fizban. I have my original copies of the books, loved playing the ADnD campaign with friends, and still revisit the books from time to time. We even went as far as ordering potato scallops...slices of potato deep fried in batter, adding steak seasoning, and calling them "Otik's spiced Potatoes". I admit to hoping to meet, and date, a real life Tika haha.

[@Kyroshi]

@@arokh72 hahaha good one. Good look with finding your Tika:) your muscles must be outstanding if you are going to be her caramon counterpart :D

[@ariusaneid1451]

Loving this series. As a longtime 5e DM and player, it has been enjoyable to hear the analysis of these classes with the passion you have for the subject, as well as appreciated how you have kept it relevant for both new and returning players to the system. I know the PHB and related character options very well, and ignoring the changes they made to the classes, this was still very fun and informational. After the launch of the full game, I'd love to watch a run down of all the changes they make to class options from the source material. Would love to see it all analyzed and listed off in a single format. Keep up the quality work!

[@josephfernandez8015]

Clerics aren’t a popular class to play but they are extremely versatile thanks to the domain abilities. My favorite is the war domain cleric who’s basically a tank that can also buff and heal.

[@High_Rate136]

That's how I have Shadowheart set up.

[@bligh1156]

Human Male Cleric was THE most popular choice in early access. Larian specifically noted it.

[@chasesmay7237]

RA Salvatore’s Cleric Quintet was one of my first and favorite stories focusing on the trials of a cleric within that world. Those books were amazing, better even than many of the Drizzt books imho I believe Ohgma was mentioned often in Cadderly’s story:)

[@joevoyles2005]

I adored those books, so good.

[@flaviomonteiro1414]

Thanks for the recommendation

[@fiveforbiting]

My first and almost only. I haven't read them in over 20 years. Still remember a lot of characters and scenes.

[@thmsdrew]

Been waiting for the Cleric one! Thanks!

[@RwnEsper]

I'm so excited to play this game eventually. Someday I'll have a PS5 😂! It's worth noting that in BG 1 & 2 making your PC a Cleric is one of the best ways to go; simply having consistent access to the Priest spell list is extremely powerful. It gives you massive sustainability while you explore the game and find all the things to make your other party members fully-functional.

[@CrazyxEnigma]

Yep, only Anomen and Viconia can get close to a PC Cleric. Fighter/Cleric in particular was quite strong(Dwarf supremacy!) If I remember right DUHM was one of the most op spells and only good characters had access to it.

[@nbf-fb1xs]

Was waiting for this one

[@Hybban]

My favorite class. I've been a (Dwarven) Cleric in D&D since forever. You kept the best for last!

[@Jadegreif]

Great overview. My first ever character in D&D, well AD&D back in the day was a Cleric of Tyr, so I have some fond memories of the class. Not sure if I recreate her though, the more videos you make of all the classes, the more I am like "...oh this sounds great... of they can do that?... that looks awesome..." about all the classes. First world gamer problems I guess :)

[@arthurmiranda8896]

I'm considering a Storm Sorc/ Tempest Cleric for a coop campaign, it's kind of hard to theorycraft with two subclasses that are not in the game yet.

[@barcster2003]

It works.

[@Costcohotdog12]

Thanks for all these guides!

[@alessimc]

Great video as always, tons of good info.

[@dumplingshakes22]

Been waiting for this since you started these ahah. I’m almost settled on being a cleric and now I can decide which kind

[@MouseDestruction]

My cleric of Talos be like "I don't care about saving you, I just want to kill them all for my lord"

[@serinahighcomasi2248]

I’ve dreamed so long of making a Cleric who can support and protect her party with powerful heals and barriers. This might just be perfect.

[@The-Random-Hamlet]

The idea of recreating Viconia comes to mind. Fun memory, when I played Baldur's Gate 1 & 2, in some play throughs I would name my character after a god for the fun of the NPC praising us. Like having a thief character named Mask and then saving Trademeet, "All hail Lord Mask, our savior."

[@HessenUK]

My Cleric is going to be called Claire Rickal. She’s going to be teaming up with Barbara Aryan, Paul O’Din, Andrew Idic, and Ms. Rouge

[@Atrigraphy]

Maybe make a Succubus summoning Neck-Romancer too? 😅

[@TheSergio1021]

My first DnD character ever was a bronze dragonborn tempest domain cleric that worshiped both a storm god and bahamut. The build was pretty great since I could max out the damage of my breath weapon

[@Dennis19877]

Thanx for the overview!

[@coconutologist]

4:02 Cleric's do be beholden to be holden' beholders. Onward to 300k. All glory to the algorithm.

[@PseudoJulianoK]

An amazing day to you too, Mort! I'm excited to play cleric in BG3, but I believe my first run will be a Durge Sorcerer with an evil party

[@OmegagamingDK]

Can't wait to make a Bhaal Cleric dark urge on a later playthrough

[@Shikao87]

Clerics fit quite well into my favourite archetype, I usually pick Paladin over them. However, depending on mood and party needs I will definitely play it sooner or later and quite likely more than one domain

[@saintsword23]

I'm a fan of the support hybrids myself. I'm strongly considering an Oath of the Ancients paladin so I can blast off an AoE heal once per short rest, have all sorts of cleansing spells, while still being a great frontline fighter and single target damage dealer. Add Polearm Expert + Sentinel and you have a great party protector!

[@R3GARnator]

When your party expects you to be their healer, you answer with a mighty hammer blow!

[@louco280]

On d&d 5 the cleric is more a priest then a cleric. And I love to play him as it was on 3.5 a real middle ground char... They could at least give a second attack to war domain at lvl 8. Just like Solasta did with the unfinished business mod. So you could really fell like the cleric is going a path closer to a paladin but still a cleric.

[@arokh72]

Well Mortim you did it. You've convinced me to give cleric a go. I'll see about hitting a dwarven War Cleric dedicated to Clanggedin Silverbeard if possible, or maybe RP him as an Helmite, if Helm is an option as a deity.

[@schmecklin377]

Gonna be doing a cleric/ranger wood elf my first run.

[@battlericky17]

I loved my light cleric. Might have to make him in this! 12:43

[@dansome]

helpful video thanks. ive been torn between what to play (doing a co-op run with 3 other buddies) and i think im sold on light cleric.

[@CrazyxEnigma]

I've never really been into Clerics, 5E ones have a lot of variety with what they can do with their domain. Slightly disappointed there isn't some evil domains like Death, Murder, Destruction etc.

[@GrantPlays547]

Awesome! I like cleric class!

[@charlesb6123]

Now I'm thinking about playing a dark urge cleric. Imagine the possibility of conflict between following the deity and demands of the dark urge.

[@tavtav934]

Finally, cleric

[@megmucklebones7538]

lol, I'm 4 hours in - but after watching this, going to re-roll my Cleric and start again. My first foray into DnD5, so now I have bit more information on the class.

[@jedimastercosmin]

Been waiting for my favourite class. Awesome video, thanks a lot! I'm a bit disappointed that the Death domain didn't make the cut, because Kelemvor is my favourite deity. Life domain is fun though. Probably gonna roll with that.

[@Diceux]

I think everyone might be sleeping on Monk dips for Wisdom based classes. It's not all that in table top, but Larians changes are intriguing. We need to see how certain proficiencies are handled when multiclassing to be sure. I do think adding a few levels of Way of Shadow Monk to a Cleric like Shadowheart could potentially be a bit busted. Praise the Gods and these hands!

[@saintsword23]

20 Wis 16 Dex Cleric with a Monk dip would have 18 AC. You'd probably take Light, Knowledge, or Trickery domain to avoid Heavy Armor proficiency. And you'd get to dual wield. This could be pretty solid. The sort of strength-based alternative without monk (your straight up war cleric) is 20 Wis, 16 Str with a Life, Tempest, or War Domain Cleric...but you'd only get either 16 AC with a heavy weapon or 18 AC with a one hand and shield. And you don't get to sneak around as well.

[@CrazyxEnigma]

Ah Monk dip the meta for optimization in the Pathfinder games.

[@PleasantSkulman]

Cleric is the class most rife for adding in extra subclasses, whether official or fan-made. Any concept can be made in a domain and given some vaguely thematic powers.

[@Lutasiren]

it seem pretty underwhelming as a pathfinder wotr player. where's my animal domain and my 80AC boar that i can ride on

[@Kexlar]

Just purchased the game, played a few hours, it is amazing, but as the game is close to release on the 3rd of August I am waiting until then to play as I am not 100% if we will need to start from scratch again. I played as Bard and it is fun to play, but looking at cleric after this video, another excellent video.

[@ertai222]

That seems like something the devs should have mentioned to people who bought early.

[@stephens021]

@@ertai222 They did, they have been saying it continuously and loudly ever since the start of EA. From the FAQ; Will Early Access saves be compatible with the full release? No. Due to the amount of updates and changes expected during the Early Access stage and at launch, saves made during Early Access will not be compatible with the full version of the game when it releases.

[@rickc-arelsii6276]

Yaaaay! A new Mortym upload!

[@bakuiel1901]

Normally I ignore the Cleric, not really sure why. The exception is I played a Fighter/Cleric in BG1&2. This time I plan to have Shadowheart so glad to have them.

[@Amdor]

I hope ...for my second playthrough ... (this game will be on my drive forever it seems) that Lolth Prestess will have some fun interactions :)

[@bradveach4832]

Very tempted . Maybe as a co -op. But I'm still leaning to hunter

[@PaulSpurgeon]

Paladin 2, War Cleric 10 sounds like a good idea!

[@yanomamo89]

I am going to roleplay a Dwarf Runepriest! 👍

[@zimtot]

Probably gonna do a first playthrough with a pure tempest cleric 🌩

[@iDEATH]

I don't like 5e, so I appreciate these sorts of overview videos quite a bit. My current plan is to try and recreate one of my favourite 2e characters for the roleplaying opportunities this game seems to provide, but she was a drow cleric of Eilistraee so with my poor knowledge of 5e I'm all over the place trying to figure out how to represent her mechanically in BG3. Probably going to be some multiclassing. A bit of fighter? Maybe bard? I'll figure it out!

[@ryanpereslugoffdekojary]

One thing I've been rabidly looking forward to for (Omg 3 YEARS?!) is bringing my first 5e character, a High Elf Cleric of Sehanine, into this game 1 for 1. I'll have to settle for Selûne but God(dess) damn it's exciting to bring my tabletop knowledge into a game like this.

[@Tob1Kadach1]

I wanna be a Grave Cleric, best way to do that at the moment seems to be a Life Cleric and choose Kelemvor as my deity

[@erikskoog8415]

Good show sir

[@MrFox64057]

Trickery cleric will fit right in with my Draconic sorcerer green dragon 😈. Then I'll have a warlock spamming status effects and a dumbo tank. Lots of poison while controlling the enemies.

[@sidra_games4551]

Shadowheart is my favorite character battle wise in the game. I tend to like her more even that then one I make. Bless and Guiding light are so good. I can't even imagine playing the game without Bless. She nukes better than the nukers while helping everyone hit.

[@erikslorenz]

And it didn't even have spiritual weapon which like doubles the damage

[@Lucas-nn8nl]

I like these videos of all the classes and there ideas

[@Ehlstar]

I hope for you so much that you are gonna get a review copy of BG3 man.

[@happyninja42]

*happy cleric noises* 👏👏

[@DSMTyralion]

So Monk is dead last :( Looking forward to tomorrow! :)

[@WindxStrife]

Im so hype for monk tho. Best for last :)

[@MortismalGaming]

It will have to wait until launch, I have no information on how they implemented them into the game

[@DSMTyralion]

@@MortismalGaming NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Well, I guess it makes sense :(

[@RialuCaos]

Currently planning on a Drow Lolth-sworn Cleric (Trickery domain of course). I'm only not certain whether to focus on Strength or Dexterity, though currently I'm leaning towards Dex for the extra AC in medium armor + sleight of hand and stealth skill proficiencies. From what I hear, you can use short swords and rapiers with Dex attack bonus without needing specific feats.

[@grey_wind]

I wonder if a Storm Sorcerer/Tempest Cleric would be viable, practically speaking. Like imagine you're naturally connected to storms, so you are led to serve a god of it as a result. Stats might not sync up well though... Idk. I don't have time to make all these fun character ideas 🤣

[@arandomcheese]

It's the best way to build a storm sorcerer. Most of their abilities shine in the frontline, which tempest cleric lets you do by giving you martial weapons and heavy armour. Not to mention their channel divinity lets you nuke someone once per rest. cleric 2/sorcerer 10 sounds like a great multiclass.

[@chloetherainbowqueen3025]

The trick with a lot of cleric sorcerer builds is preparing cleric spells without attacks or spells reliant on saving throws, I ran a divine soul with a level 1 grave cleric dip second level it fit thematically and gives some extra spells to a sorcerer that usually lacks without being behind on spells slots I just had 13 in wisdom and maxed out charisma But since only none to a few of my cleric spells actually used wisdom it worked out fine

[@barcster2003]

It works. 2 levels in tempest lets you max out your lightning or thunder damage 2 times a day.

[@chuckyweber7154]

Ayy! Just in time for my break at work. Hahah

[@MarcoR6]

I've played as a Cleric in NWN but I couldn't make it work, don't really know why, gave up after a few plays. I think it is a class I like better as a support than a main character. But maybe I'll give it a try again in BG3.

[@adelvoid1530]

no alignment in a dnd setting makes things a little weird, especially for divine classes...

[@Zangelin]

how so?

[@CrazyxEnigma]

It'll take some getting use to but I think it's a good thing. If you do something that goes against your God's tenets they should penalize you but otherwise give you free reign to make decisions, in a CRPG having to juggle your alignment to not lose your powers can be very annoying and there's going to be times you disagree with the DM's(Larian in this case) interpretation of alignment.

[@cstarcrusher]

lets go!! 🔥

[@SquekretGenius420]

War Cleric to Waaaaar!🔨

[@xXN0cturnXx]

Turn Undead seems like a weird phrase. I thought the Cleric becomes undead and commands them or so haha. Should maybe more a "Repel the Undead" or so ...but also iam no dnd or bg player how should i know.

[@pul0y]

knowledge actually gives proficiency AND expertise to 2 in addition to medium armor and shield proficiency all clerics get. this makes it my planned 1lvl dip for a lore bard in the absence of hexblade. some would say take rogue, but i would rather take the cleric spell list over sneak attack..i hope that sanctuary made it in..even if all i get are bless, guidance and sanctuary, that'd be already more than enough. i don't plan to bring shadowheart along my first run so yeah..some cleric basics needed. still i am saddened at the lack of options facing my future bane cleric..only war is a good fit. i would rather have order. also no domains for a kelemvorite run either. so sad. i hope mods will come through for me later.

[@Matiargentino100]

same, i hate that cleric got the boot in terms of subclass, not even the player handbook list is complete, also i dont understand what was so hard about hexblade, for all the things they did coding hexblade curse doesnt seem that out of the cuestion, even if warlock gets the charisma on melee i will miss the 19-20 crit

[@Skorge789]

Man I can't decide between being a tempest or war cleric.

[@MortismalGaming]

Tempest is the common choice

[@gamerid6507]

ah the cleric...a partys best friend

[@kaidorade1317]

Female Drow Cleric of Lolth…has a nice ring to it

[@Quarter324]

I wonder if the monk/cleric multiclass will still be a good choice.

[@nyarparablepsis872]

That comment on the relation of classes to the divine "in other editions" made me feel seen as a 3/3.5 nerd 😎

[@MortismalGaming]

My most played edition was definitely 3.5 and Pathfinder 1e, 5e behind those two.

[@ramza8355]

I'm planning to roleplay as Knowledge Cleric who serves Kelemvor. I'm new to this world. Can a Kelemvor's cleric cast speak to the dead? At first I thought they can't because it means they messing with the dead. And can a Kelemvor's cleric seek a life and death knowledge? not for the creation for undead but just for the knowledge of dead?

[@goldfish1837]

I'm going tempest cleric with a couple of lvl's in Fighter

[@ossdemura]

Maybe my class for the first run?

[@Vaytra]

Another lovely video from you Mortym!!! Any word on if you are getting a review copy? I heard they are coming tomorrow. I have my fingers crossed for you that you get one!

[@MortismalGaming]

No official word, a maybe at the moment

[@Vaytra]

@@MortismalGaming No worries either way! You have devoted community of BG3 addicts who will watch your videos whenever they come out sooner or later! But it would be fun for you to get that early start - good luck! 🤞🏻

[@noahfranke467]

im really sad there is no domain that fits an evil theme better than trickery. i would love something like a domain of shadow or death for an evil playthrough as cleric.

[@Zangelin]

war?

[@noahfranke467]

@@Zangelin war doesn’t really make it for me tbh. I know it’s the closest to something like „murder“ but that just doesn’t cut it. I also feel like the whole „Shar deity“ with „trickery domain“ doesn’t cut. But if I recall correctly there are no other domains in the ttrpg version either right?

[@siegwardinspirit]

become a war -criminal- cleric

[@saintsword23]

Tempest as well. I seem to remember a lightning abusing evil emperor somewhere...

[@sjoerddz]

Wonder if they will ever add the broken peace or twilight clerics, then again cleric is already one of the best in 5e. Lets see if we can do the classic combo of Spirit Guardians and just taking the dodge action lmao along with optional bonus action spiritual weapon

[@seriousdraw]

But if you start off as another class, and multi-class into Cleric, do you still get access to the choice of Deity? Isn't that kind of like you JUST started believing in that god?

[@lordbravery4155]

Haven't played the beta yet, I want to play the first time fresh. But I do play dnd, does the spirit weapon, spirit guardian, toll the dead combo not work in this game? That's kinda my favorite way to cleric.

[@Nooctae]

I find it kinda weird that Shadowheart as a Cleric of Shar is a TRickery DOmain Cleric. I might respec her out of that, maybe.

[@stephens021]

I hate Trickery Domain so I am for sure doing this.

[@JosieJOK]

Thematically, it works, Shar being the goddess of darkness and stealth being better in the dark! I thought I’d respec Shadowheart out of Trickery, too, but it’s turned out to be useful (thus far), meaning I don’t have to bring Astarion along. She handles the stealth skills just fine, plus Pass Without Trace has been really helpful at times. Who’d have thought?!

[@dragonson04]

Tempest Cleric + Storm Mage

[@exquisitemeat5845]

Second favourite class personally; the idea/fantasy of a Tempest Cleric always makes me giddy. I definitely want to make a Tempest/paladin multiclass at some point

[@garion046]

Due to the way guidance works (added whenever you roll a skill nearby it), along with bless, healing and a subclass, I think a character with at least a level of cleric is an essential for a party in BG3.

[@Lutasiren]

actually, nope. u can find a necklace early in act1 allowing anyone to cast guidance. and it's a video game, u can expect a lot of healing potions, and u can throw them to range heal also. sure not as good as a cleric but u can bring one more dps

[@bananana5714]

I will test every domain on shadowheart

[@Inconspicuoustwrex]

"God, tiefling warlock, so unoriginal." Yep, deffinantly playing the super unique, human gwm fighter first run...

[@SpacedOwls]

I'm curious how BG3 is going to deal with Level 10 Divine Intervention

[@bozobandoroso4998]

Looks awesome. When is the game released?

[@Zangelin]

next thursday!

[@docuzi]

Is this out for consoles? My laptop isn't really geared for gaming so I'd rather play this on my PS5. Clerics are my favorite class on D&D with Light Domain as my favorite subclass. Thank you for this video!

[@mitchdickerson4782]

Yes it will come out on PS5 don’t know about other consoles though.

[@docuzi]

@@mitchdickerson4782 thank you for taking the time to inform me. Much appreciated!

[@RwnEsper]

Out in early September for PS5

[@NstHarlequin]

Early sept for ps5, Xbox version is planned but needs a bit more work so no firm date yet.

[@ertai222]

Is there an option to just "auto lv" your companions if you're not interested in min/maxing them and just want to enjoy the story? Would be good for newer players unfamiliar with everything but still want to play a good RPG.

[@MortismalGaming]

They have default choices selected on level up so you could just click accept yeah

[@ertai222]

@@MortismalGaming good to know.

[@hiei990]

Honestly I am jealous of Clerics being the only ones capable of choosing a God to worship. Hope Larian (or mods) allow for that selection in the future.

[@jibble285]

I'm sure it will probably be one of the first mods to come out

[@spankyjeffro5320]

You can "worship" any god you want with any character. But, only clerics, warlocks and paladins get tangible benefits for that. While mods might change that, they won't be valid. Better thing to do is multiclass.

[@Mo_sty]

Interesting facts about cleric, I thought they must be good people, its nice to hear they can serve evil gods and be the bad person

[@spankyjeffro5320]

Yes. A cleric is just a servant of a god. That god can be any, in theory. Good or bad. As others have said, you can even have martial gods which reward prowess in battle.

[@glassworktrophic8465]

I struggle to utilize Shadowheart effectively. Trickery domain seems like the lamest. It feels like everything they do they just do worse than even other clerics.

[@CrazyxEnigma]

Big thing Trickery domain does is nullify the need for a Rogue. You can respec her to a different domain once you find the respec NPC.

[@barcster2003]

Focus on being tricky. If you arent interested in that you won't like trickery domain.

[@TheBoringInvestorMan]

No Grave domain? :( This makes me very sad, I play an Aasimar Grave domain cleric and he's fucking awesome

[@cbmatty9262]

Yeah I’m a life domain cleric that serves Baal. What’s the problem?

[@MortismalGaming]

One of the very few rules they explicitly lay out for cleric domains in the tabletop is that good deities can't be represented by the death domain and that evil deities can't be represented by the life domain.

[@Abelbasaur]

Anyone knows if will it be Sune at the 1.0? She isnt in the game atm :(

[@lalilola3770]

Mort, after all class review, could you do some overall review of all clases? Like, their strengths and weaknesses, difficulty and such?

[@MortismalGaming]

Yeah I might do something like that