The Best Build in Baldur's Gate 3 | Bardadin Build Guide

[@SirCharles12357]

Excellent job! Love how you include the location of all the gear choices and you discuss it by acts. This is definitely one of the top power builds in the game!

[@searching4god]

Thank you for the feedback! I was worried that the video was too long when recording, glad to know the information is relevant!

[@antoniomaurtua230]

yes is the best part, youtube is full of builds videos, this is complete, sry for my english xd@@searching4god

[@VesperYTU]

​@@searching4godsorry, but I did not get it? Why should we respec to 1rst pal level, not just multiclass to it? Is there something that I will miss if I will just multiclass? Thank you for future answer, your video is really nice, btw.

[@georgekalimeris6134]

This has to be one of the best build guides I've come across in all my time in bg3. Your showcase, explanation and in depth analysis of the build itself is very very well thought out. The only note that I have is that you didn't mention the possibility of this build also working as a lockdown cc-er as well with the ring that lets you cast illusion/ench spells as a bonus action and the helmet of arcane acuity. I have been running your setup with that alteration and it's even more fun imo because it can now literally do everything. And to take that one step further, if given the dark urge cloak (which can only be acquired by playing as dark urge) you pretty much never have to worry about losing concentration on anything because you're invisible all the time. All in all thank you very much for this guide, spectacular job and this has got to be one the best builds I've tried thus far in bg3!

[@searching4god]

Wow thank you for the high praise! Glad you enjoyed it

[@Kong-kg6ij]

I have spent a lot of time reviewing the build guides on KZbin and by far yours are the best. It is the way you explain them that is far superior to the others who just tell you what to do. Keep it up and please come out with an optimal Honor party guide.

[@rosarioguglielmino3380]

This is easily the best guide about bardadin so far, great job

[@searching4god]

You guys are moving me to tears in the comments, thank you so much, glad you enjoyed it!

[@Willmtlk]

One of the best guides I’ve seen so far. Just got BG3 and been looking for a solid template on my first play through and this was an amazing place to start. Thanks!!

[@searching4god]

Thank you so much, sincerely!

[@VictorMartinez-me7tl]

I hardly ever chime in on comments for videos but I wanted to say this is a well done video. Very clear and simple to follow. I don't get people that say this is "wrong or right" as it is just one way to play a class in a game for fun. One thing i was curious about is the shadow blade ring on this build. Since you suggested going for the resonance stone it made me think about this ring. I haven't made it to the part of act 2 yet where we pick it up (the stone) but I threw this ring on with a strength pot and it was 8-25 psychic damage before the stone in the main hand. I will continue my game and see how this works out (hopefully don't die as it's honor mode) when i get it. Thank you for this build and I am enjoying it whether it's right or wrong...please make more videos!

[@searching4god]

Thank you! The ring interaction sounds fun and viable in place of other rings if they are contested by other party members. Meta-gaming generally brings out an elitist attitude in people which is why you see all the authoritative comments about what the correct choice was :/ In many other games I'd even understand, but Baldur's Gate 3 is not that game.

[@Denny-Thray]

The only thing I'd change is that this is the perfect character, IMO, to use the Gauntlets of Hill Giant Strength. It frees up an elixir slot and allows you to use the Bloodlust Elixir. And an extra action far outpaces the DPS from the Helldust Gloves and 4 extra strength from the Cloud Giant Elixir.

[@searching4god]

This is exactly what I had in mind when recommending it as an alternative - especially since you practically never miss attack rolls in late game, Bloodlust Elixir >>>

[@OrpheusOverdrive]

Lots of good information other than build information. Being able to twin cast the Glaive buff would NEVER have occurred to me. Thanks! Bonus points for going through best in slot and alternates on equipment for every act as well. Very thorough and well done guide!

[@searching4god]

Thank you for the feedback! Glad you enjoyed it

[@tjsymon4667]

Excellent write-up, I've been toying with a Bardadin build throughout my current run, but your in depth and professional vid gave me the confidence to switch to a dual wield version of it. The crit-fishing aspect that dual wield supports, along with the synergies you lay out into the ACTIII gearing section... really good stuff. I'm surprised I haven't heard of your channel before, but I'll be watching from now on.

[@searching4god]

Thank you for this comment, sincerely!

[@slender7999]

best guides on youtube, thanks

[@Panda-pt8sg]

I love that you sepperate the gear by acts and I currently have a honor run we’re I am using all 3 of the builds you have done so far just for it keep it up

[@sasukegre]

I restarted my run from Warlock to this build. That says it all.

[@searching4god]

I can guarantee you won't regret it!

[@sasukegre]

@@searching4god I haven't so far. I am really enjoying the versatile gameplay a lot. Less thinking to enter fights. I was with a Warlock eldritch blaster deep in Act 2 and it was boring as hell. I think Warlock makes a lot of sense as a companion, not a main character - at least for me.

[@vitormolinari6180]

Amazing video!! Great audio quality, very direct and concise. Please more builds!!!

[@searching4god]

Thank you so much for the feedback ❤️ More to come :)

[@mightbecursed]

39:07 Divine smite is capped to 5d8, so using a spell slot above 4th spell level adds no further damage.

[@searching4god]

Thanks for pointing that out, it slipped my mind completely during editing. You should be treating 5/6 lvl spell slots as more lvl 4 smits, that is what I meant to say :P

[@Swink0990]

bro, 5 minutes in and Im saying to myself. Wow this is actually well put together.

[@searching4god]

Hahaha thank you! My first time making videos so hoping to get even better each upload :)

[@TheMissing8]

Really solid in depth guide. Thank, man! Would love to see more in the future. Also, " if you have an archer in your party the game is just over actually and you've won Bg3." Made me lol. 🤣

[@searching4god]

Thank you so much

[@maciejmalatynski486]

Nicely done buddy thank you , looking forward for more content from your side , subscription added

[@east__]

you are severely underrated, been using this build and it’s great. Insane quality on the video aswell man keep it up.

[@searching4god]

A thousand thanks!

[@TheFeanor74]

I've watched a few Bardadin guides and yours is definitely one of the best. Great job and thank you! Kudos for advocating the DEX Paladin. I think there are so many reasons to go this route instead of STR - even if you don't drink elixirs and go with a finesse longsword like Phalar Aluve. High Dex combined with medium armor with full Dex modifier and wearing a shield is very close to going heavy armor with damage reduction and a two-hander (plus you get the added bonus of better initiative, which can be HUGE). I think the main "problem" of this build is the leveling order. I agree with you that a respec is unavoidable. - Your solution is going 6 swords bard first, then respec at level 7. I think this is a solid option. My main problem is this doesn't "feel" like the build that I want to play - What do you think about going 5 (or 6) paladin and respec? You get 2nd attack at level 5 but totally miss on bard skill proficiencies and expertise, flourishes and level 3 spells. If you go for example oath of vengeance, you get Vow of Enmity for nice advantage on attack. Does that compensate for what you are giving up on the bard side? After the respec at level 7, I totally agree with you, so I really only want to hear your opinion on the leveling order before the respec. Pity that the "most optimal power game" solution is to go 6 sword bard (as you suggested), but play as a ranged dual hand crossbow build because of extra bonus attack and ranged flourishes. This is so OP early on. But I already have played this build and I want to stick to melee this time.

[@searching4god]

Thank you sincerely! I completely understand how you feel about the early game of this build and was even expecting more people to comment about how it only "becomes" a Bardadin halfway into the game. Unfortunately, and as you mention, there is just no way to incorporate both classes into the build in the early game - BUT, that isn't to say you can't start with EITHER class. Starting out with and taking Paladin until the respec is perfectly viable, strong even. Of course you miss out on the dual xbow + flourish value but Paladin is strong in it's own right. The Vow of Enmity interaction is fantastic, Smites are great for action economy, heavy armor immediately is preferable, and you get your extra attack earlier. Had this been a guide for the Sorcadin (for example), I would suggest taking Paladin first and foremost and later incorporating Sorcerer. Without a doubt a solid choice - just remember to keep in mind the Bardadin items to be able to pivot in Act 2 :)

[@obergruppenfuhrersang-froi8203]

I've been using this build video as a template for my first bard. It is excellent in every way. The issue I'm having now in act 3 is the option to use the helm of arcane acuity/ring that allows illusion and enchantment spells on bonus action. I'm finding that they are two very different builds. I can't really have the best of both worlds. With two weapon figting, my bonus action is spoken for. My advice is to stick with this build if you have another party member that can reliably hold person/monster. This build is superior.

[@politecat9207]

A good move is to always leave the crowd control spells to SH and Gale, while your Tav and another char dish out damage. Most enemies won't save a spell coming from those two companions.

[@Melina_Evarblume_Seelie]

You seem to have been the Divine intervention I needed to finally decide on what my bards name is. I thought "Hannah Montana" since she's a blonde bard living a double life (Durge) and thought it would be funny. I was humming the song, turn on my phone to check what I should do at lvl 2 and see you also saying the "best of both worlds" Thanks for miraculously confirming the name.

[@eetuantola2519]

I put together a similar build where I went 6 bard, 3 paladin and champion fighter to further amp the burst crit playstyle of the build. Very nearly one shot Ansur's first 600hp phase (I missed one of my 6 attacks). Certainly one of the most fun and op builds and might just have to give your version a go on my next playthrough. Thanks for the vid :)

[@darxiide]

great video!! would you be open to making a build planner for these and linking it in the description so that we can follow the build without needing to skip to different parts of the video? it would help for things like being able to level while still knowing what gear to aim for and what proficiencies to take and what not. just a suggestion, still a dope guide and I'll be watching the rest of your guides as well.

[@searching4god]

Thank you! Do you mean the BG3 Build Planner by EIP Gaming? If so, sure I'll look into it :)

[@darxiide]

sweet, yeah that's the one!!

[@ltarmenia4ever]

UNATCO theme track from Deus Ex playing in the background recognized - making this build truly the best in-game.

[@searching4god]

Game recognize game

[@jaxsonfanta5420]

This was an amazing video man! Thank you for your hard work in editing and for how thorough you were, I very much appreciate it and hope your channel blows up! I thought you did such a good job you got a subscriber! Well done man.

[@searching4god]

Thank you so much for the kind words

[@ammd1234]

This build looks killer! Love the content, can't wait to try this build in my next playthrough

[@searching4god]

Thank you! Besides all the minmaxxing the build is incredibly fun, enjoy!

[@thisisaloadofbarnacles9122]

21:24, you can simply stop concentrating on the banishing portion of the spell Banishing Smite after using it to allow yourself to keep hitting an enemy.

[@searching4god]

Although true, in which case you could use it as a high damaging ranged “attack”, it still requires breaking any active concentrations to cast (i.e., Haste, Spirit Guardians, HoH…) to deal less damage than a Divine Smite of equivalent level would. Not bad, but not better than the other options!

[@ayedrein]

Amazing work! Thank you for detailing the build for all the acts!!!! Going to try this one out on my next play through,

[@searching4god]

Tysm

[@Byneford]

Absolute legend for this video, incredibly well put together. Subbed bud 🙌

[@searching4god]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed, more to come :)

[@toneskatsu]

Thank you for the build. I just lost my HM run due to Philomeen not starting the conversation and just blowing up. What builds can you recommend for the rest of the party with this? Also, why Astarion?

[@icetrail180]

Happy bonus (+1 to hit/sv and heal) and possible ascension late game to deal more necrotic dmg

[@searching4god]

I'd be lying if I said Philomeen's barrel hasn't cost me a run as well, except I blew it up myself and underrated the blast radius, it really is a mini nuke... icetrail180 is exactly right - Happy is the best early game "ability/buff" in the game and does wonders for your accuracy, and an additional 1d10 Necrotic damage on EVERY weapon attack (when he is Ascended in Act III) is an incomparable damage increase compared to all the other races and companions. Karlach and Minthara are also great with their Soul Coins and Soul of Branding (respectively), but Vampire Ascendant Astarion is something else...

[@toneskatsu]

@@searching4godThank you for the reply! I will restart my HM run again. What builds for the companions would you recommend?

[@jakeparkinson8929]

another crazy pally build, 5/5/2 barbarian/abjuration wizard/pally: -Certain spells can be used as a reaction while raging. -Raging resets empty arcane ward stacks -Tigers bloodlust can be used to smite multiple enemies.

[@sandymitra3152]

Wouldn't say it's that crazy; don't you only get third level spell slots at max level? Besidebargain. T1 like a wizard to cast buffs and raging with a small handful of reactions, what actually makes it competitive with sorcadin/lockadin/bardadin?

[@hugohserrano]

Hi, thank you for the guide. Does this build rely on elixirs? I don’t enjoy that mechanic so I try to avoid it

[@theopinson3851]

“If you land Hold Monster…” my dude, it’s called Arcane Acuity.

[@mrbones123]

Please please make a throw barb guide formatted exactly like this i followed your sorlock and gloom videos with huge success in HM best bg3 build guides out there

[@Eoj-wi1qf]

the skyrim soundtrack was a nice touch.

[@haustek9341]

34:20 Also using the shapeshifter boon ring, that give's a 1d4 to all checks when transformed or shapeshifted

[@searching4god]

Good shout, absolutely. That ring is great in general on face characters

[@jimjasutis5046]

Really enjoyed the video. Did I miss the spot where you explained why Astarion was the right choice for the character?

[@searching4god]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it! I definitely should have mentioned it, I cut it out because I realized in post that I talked about it for an ungodly amount of time 😭 I reccomend Astarion because Happy (his bite passive) is the best early game "ability/buff" in the game and does wonders for your accuracy, and an additional 1d10 Necrotic damage on EVERY weapon attack (when he is Ascended in Act III) is an incomparable damage increase compared to all the other races and companions. Karlach and Minthara are also great with their Soul Coins and Soul of Branding (respectively), but Vampire Ascendant Astarion is something else...

[@NerdGlassGamingPA]

21:00 You forget the fact that you can CRIT with your Banishing Strike. The Banish part is unimportant 5d10 = 50 dmg*2 = 100 dmg and if they still survive with less than 50 hp they disappear ! Scaling for Smite stops at Lvl4 so you don't get anything extra from it in Lvl5

[@searching4god]

The point remains, it is less about what Banishing Smite can do and more about what it can't do - using magical secrets on dealing incrementally more damage as opposed to gaining utility is redundant, especially with how much damage you are dealing by that point. You are right about the scaling, I misspoke in the video! I meant to say that level 5th and 6th spell slots can and should be used as additional level 4 (max lvl) smites, which are otherwise limited per long rest. Thank you for watching both of my guides! Please consider subscribing

[@Silvamesta07]

You should totally play de Trials of Tav mod, it really tests the power and durability of your builds.

[@searching4god]

Dope idea, although the way you approach the Trail of Tav's is completely different being that the loot is randomly generated. Still might give it a go and see what I can cook.

[@axotical8682]

Great video.

[@Dremen]

Couple questions, just curious about a couple things: When going over the act 3 gear you have 18 dex. Where did thr extra 2 points come from? During the level guide it seemed to cap at 16. Where is the ac of 22 from? Bhaalist armor is 14. 4 from the 18 dex. And 1 each from cloak of protection and evasive shoes. That's only 20. Sorry just trying to figure out what I missed. Great build! Can't wait to try it. It's exactly what I was looking for.

[@searching4god]

Hey! Of course, always glad to help: - It's 18 because in this playthrough I had given Astarion the Hag's Hair (+1 Dexterity) to round his Dexterity to 18 from what was initially 17 at character creation - The AC breakdown is as follows: 14 Base (Bhaalist Armor) + 4 Dexterity Modifier + 1 Cloak of Protection + 1 Evasive Shoes + 1 Defense Fighting Style (Fighter) + 1 Orin's Off-Hand Dagger Thanks for watching

[@Dremen]

@@searching4god thanks so much for the reply!

[@insidealloy6226]

Awesome Video! I'm about to run this in my next playthrough, can I ask why we go 17 dex (when using the hags hair) and not 17 charisma?

[@searching4god]

Thank you! The increase to our Dexterity is both more valuable (initiative, Armor Class, Dexterity checks…) and more flexible if you ever choose to respec this character entirely (some classes need Charisma, all classes need Dex!) Charisma isn’t a bad choice considering this would be the face character, but we already have so many bonuses to our Charisma checks through proficiencies, enhance ability, jack of all trades (etc) that I don’t think there is much value in choosing Charisma. Additionally, most of our spells either don’t deal damage or scale with Charisma.

[@insidealloy6226]

@@searching4god so if we use the mirror on this character and the hags hair would both be used for dex?

[@searching4god]

Yes, that is what I'd recommend. Although I think you can get a bonus to both Charisma and Dexterity from the Mirror of Loss, I might be mistaken. If not, Dex takes precedence @@insidealloy6226

[@MrVad3r]

great guide. thanks.

[@MrFuggleGuggle]

>get all this baller gear for a huge epic final battle to finally beat Honour Mode >end up just 'invisibility potion running / flying' to the trunk of the brain before the final fight >gale decides to 'help' me win without fighting anything >none of the damage or theorycrafting actually matters, if you just remember to keep Gale around and don't show him any love or concern Great guide, but, there's certain realities about this game - and Act 3 - that make some of all this rather tedious. There's way too many 'optional' fights in Act 3 that don't really need to do, have almost no achievements tied to them (currently), and because you probably hit level 12 cap loooong before finishing even half the optional Act 3 content - it all feels so inconsequential. Only fight you 'need' to do is Orin to beat the game, even on Honour Mode difficulty, if you know what you're doing. And even then, she can be an easy 'toss' if you know I mean.

[@hansfranzwilli1958]

As a 'Do it all' type build what about the ‚Mask of soul Persuasion‘ for some higher Attack Rolls, A good boost to initiative and of course the Perception check +2?

[@KamilKraz]

Hey. Great video! What is your party comp that you running with a bardadin? You stay with Karlach - barb, wyll - warlock and Sh - priest?

[@searching4god]

Thank you! I usually try to build my party in a way where any 2 builds either a) do not fulfill the same role or b) do not compete for gear, so an example of a party comp I made around this build that I found success with is: Astarion/Tav/Minthara - Bardadin (face character, high charisma, 2 target/cleave damage, heavy armor, light weapons) Karlach - 9 Open Hand Monk / 3 Thief Rogue (single target damage, no armor/monk exclusive armor, no weapons) Gale/Wyll - 10 Evocation Wizard 10 / 2 Tempest Cleric (AoE lightning damage, light armor/robes, ability to learn powerful spells from scrolls, staves and shields) Shadowheart - 12 Light Cleric 12 Life Cleric (damage mitigation, party buffs (Aid, Heroes' Feast), crowd control, medium/heavy armor, Phalar Aluve and shields) As I mention in the video, you can also substitute any of these builds for an Archer (my go to is 5 Gloomstalker Ranger / 4 Assassin Rogue / 3 Champion Fighter) to have another high damage dealer to benefit from the piercing vulnerability granted by the Bhaalist Armor.

[@kamikazaye6855]

Can you use a one handed rapier for this build? The rapiers you get in act 3 are really nice and i just like the aesthetic of using one sword and dueling but if its not viable for higher difficulties then i understand 😁 thanks for this build guide!

[@mikeyp5722]

loved both this and the ranger build. what companions and classes did you use for the rest of the party?

[@searching4god]

Thanks for watching! The rest of my party was a Sorlock (planning to make a guide) and a Light Cleric. Usually I think "healer" type classes are bait but the fundamental principles in building team comps are: - As little competition for gear as possible (light armor, heavy armor, no armor, different weapons etc) - Some form of party buff and CC (guidance, Heroes Feast, Aid etc.)

[@mikeyp5722]

@@searching4god thanks for the reply. Loving both your builds for my third honor mode run as dark urge. Would love to see a sorclock build

[@devduttupadhye578]

Excellent build! Would the Deva mace be useful here? I know we miss out on the off hand attack, but we can then use a shield to bump up the ac and the 4d8 from the mace sounds good on a smite build.

[@searching4god]

Although it's very strong it is still weaker than the dual-wield daggers by quite a margin - since the mace deals bludgeoning damage it wouldn't benefit from the piercing vulnerability of the Bhaalist Armor and the off-hand attack is a smite as well as an attack (that we miss out on)

[@devduttupadhye578]

​​@@searching4godThanks for the response! I agree, after getting the armor and orins daggers it's not really a contest. I haven't reached orin yet, still enjoying the build with the mace. Any other suggestion besides the mace till I get the daggers would be much appreciated! Look forward to more build guides from you 😊

[@gnorizon]

Dumb question for you. I platinumed BG3 a while back, prior to the new patches and Honor Mode, and am thinking of jumping back in. I've seen a few videos with the background area you're in, looks like a fancy house. Is that some kind of specific location or camp setting?

[@searching4god]

Good stuff! Yeah it is a camp you can "buy" in Act III inside the Elfsong Tavern - it sets your camp to the second floor of the tavern for the rest of your playthrough when you get it

[@Thatoneguy-wf8ej]

So i got a question for the community, im bardadin and i just got the Knife of the Under mountain king... but i cant decide between it or the two perma flameblades im rocking that roll 10-25 per hit vs 10-15 is the reduction of crit by one worth it? At least till act 3 or is render + knife better in act 2?

[@d2w7]

Why not going 6lvls in Swordsbard, then 2 lvls in Paladin & after that the rest in the swordsbard? Why respecing? Whats the benefit of respecing? Whats the difference between 6B+2P+4B against 1P+6B+1P+4B? By the way, great background music. Deus Ex 4ever

[@redeemr]

you get heavy armor proficiency for starting as paladin which is useful before you get the bhaalist armor plus paladin probably has better starting proficiencies too

[@searching4god]

Sorry for the late reply! It is exactly as @redeemr mentioned, your starting class (lvl 1) influences your armor and skill proficiencies, so we respec to start Paladin for relevant saving throw and heavy armor proficiency!

[@user-jj5on3yn5e]

Infernal Iron ....for the flawed helldusk set .... I think he was thinking of infernal alloy

[@jameskelsea6048]

excellent video - I am level 5 and have not decided if I want to dual wield or use Spar's Spear of Evening and go GWM. Thoughts?

[@searching4god]

Dual wielding plays into our strengths better as taking GWM would negate the Bard fighting style(s) completely (as it does not synergize with Dueling or TWF) - dual wielding also weaponizes our bonus action and gives us another smite on top of our main hand flourishes, I would vouch for that!

[@jameskelsea6048]

@@searching4god thanks I had just seen a video with Shars spear giving advantage and extra damage on every attack and blinding enemies with farkness I think they used bonus actions for control spells with band of mystic scoundrel Yours has more pure smite potential vs control like hold person I guess

[@Cartujo_]

why astarion? XD serious answer; nice build btw

[@vidonatto]

Balladin!!

[@pur3xd]

I'm a complete noob to 5e and BG3, but I have played through D:OS2 a lot - just got 1 question. Would longswords ever be viable, or would it ruin some part of the build?

[@searching4god]

No worries, prior to Baldur's Gate I had never played 5e or D:OS2, so I was beyond noob haha By default you can only dual - wield light weapons (Short Swords, Daggers, Scimitars and Sickles), so unless you have the Dual Wielder feat you actually cannot use 2 longswords (and therefore cannot benefit from our Two Weapon Fighting Style). However, you can actually justify taking Dual - Wielder instead of Alert or Savage Attacker and then duel wield 2 Versatile weapons (Longswords). I don't as there are plenty of strong light weapons that synergize with what we are trying to accomplish with this build, BUT, there are just as many if not more longswords that have similarly great effects (Phalar Aluve comes to mind). It is perfectly reasonable to take Dual Wielder and dual wield longswords if that is what you want to do!

[@wesley77909]

If I don't use the elixir, will the building still be viable at the beginning of the game? I'm a bit of a newbie and I'm doing my first run, so I didn't want to do the elixir farming process mentioned in the video just for the sake of immersion on my first time playing Greetings from Brazil!

[@searching4god]

I completely understand not wanting to use elixirs, even for me after hundreds of hours it is still a super tedious process. The build is perfectly viable without them, if but only for a slight decrease to your accuracy - it does not change any of the core mechanics and can even allow you to take other elixirs you stumble across. Chama! :D

[@Willmtlk]

If I wasn’t going to farm elixirs since it’s my first play through and just kinda wanna play.. would you change stat distribution at the start or will it be fine still?

[@searching4god]

You'd be absolutely fine without changing anything - the elixirs are out of convenience rather than necessity, light weapons will scale with dexterity if it is higher than strength, so just go all in on Dex!

[@Se7enPRIDE]

Why Lord Yapperton, my Liege! Jk man, great video.

[@searching4god]

Thank you Se7enPRIDE, your grace! 😂 Thank you for watching till the end!!

[@bluejays8050]

Ah I was going to use the risky ring on my gloomstalker Tav, could this build do without it? 😅 Great video though 😊

[@searching4god]

Of course! It is probably even better than that the gloomstalker gets it as it helps negate the penalty from Sharpshooter. This build has really high accuracy regardless as it does not suffer form any attack roll penalties (like Sharpshooter or GWM)

[@sasukegre]

Something I don't understand. Should I use the Enhance Ability on "Strength" instead of "Dex" if I am using the Strength Elixir with my finesse weapon, or should I stick to "Dex"?

[@searching4god]

I think there is a slight misunderstanding, Enhance Ability pertains to ability checks of a chosen attribute and usually has very little to do with combat; so for example, if you enhance ability on "Charisma", you will roll all your Charisma checks (usually dialogue in the form of persuasion, deception etc.) with advantage. The same will go for all other attributes for all other checks - if you enhance ability "Strength" it will only apply to Strength checks, which, unless otherwise and explicitly stated, are usually limited to shoves and resisting being shoved, not very useful! In general I would recommend using enhance ability reactively - once you face or are about to face a check of a certain ability you need to pass (e.g. Wisdom for an Insight check as I mention in the video, Charisma for a Charisma check that is important etc.), use Enhance Ability accordingly!

[@andrewkennedy4206]

What party would you guys recommend playing with this build

[@pietro8748]

Quick question since im playing with friends and we long rest alot i cant really afford elixir. We are in act 2 atm so i was wondering will i be fine just going 18 dex and 8 str?

[@searching4god]

Yes by no means are strength elixirs a requirement, 18 Dexterity should still be consistent in terms of hit chance. There are others ways to increase your accuracy like the risky ring, weapon oils or the Gloves of the Automaton if you find that you are missing too often. Strength is otherwise a completely useless stat for the build, we only drink the elixirs because it brings our Strength higher than our Dexterity which forces our weapons to scale with our Str instead of Dex

[@rams321]

This act 3 gear... I mean, at that point you are going to finish the game with orin dead and Raphael as well, so only gortash is missing so what is the point of act 3 gear?

[@searching4god]

When I get to Act 3, the first thing I do, even before completing the quests in Rivington, is get the best in slot gear available to most of my party members. Depending on what you prioritize, the Act 3 gear could last you the entirety of Act 3 minus the bosses you killed to get them

[@rams321]

@@searching4god Hello! I am actually currently using the build in your guide and its awesome!. My comment was mostly nitpicking that at that point there isn't much else you can kill off with the type of gear they drop, there should be more content or a DLC to take advantage of this gear and builds.

[@eb9782]

great build! maybe you can help me out - i am having a bitch of a time landing these melee slashes. The build honestly still destroys at max level even without the flourishes, but would obviously like to use them to double up on attacks when possible. The problem: however I set my guy up - on top of enemies, a bit back, a bit left or right - I miss 100% of the time with the slash, even when I see the enemies both sitting clearly inside the slash arc. And it isn't just inaccuracy, these are full misses as in the game doesn't detect that I am even attacking the enemies. Obviously I am doing something wrong - how do you use the melee slashing flourish?? The ranged double tap is a no-brainer but I literally have never landed a single melee flourish, and can't find any basic video that shows how to just, you know, use the thing! Thanks in advance -

[@searching4god]

Thanks for the comment! As for the flourish issue, I can only imagine one reason that is not just a game bug: that you are potentially targeting inanimate objects (or friendlies) that are next to the enemies you are trying to flourish - I sometimes have issues hitting both enemies that are inside the flourish "zone" because there are objects (e.g., baskets, chests) or friendly characters that take precedence of the hit. It COULD also be that there are obstacles in the way? Perhaps a wall that "cuts off" the flourish? Other than that I would assume it to be an issue with the game, as it sounds like you are doing everything right!

[@quaffie]

havent really played paladin. how does breaking your oath affect your build?

[@searching4god]

Actually not a lot since we only have 2 levels in Paladin (and therefore, no subclass). I don't think breaking your oath affects your gameplay at all, as the only benefit we want from Paladin are smites anyway

[@Payatown]

Does Banishing function the same way as DnD? As in, if you banish a creature who is from a different plane of existence (fiends, fey, etc.), does it permanently remove them?

[@searching4god]

Unfortunately not, which is why it's such a bad control spell in BG3 - regardless of the enemy type, it only temporarily removes them from combat

[@sephacebedo]

What background is recommended?

[@edwardalyassin7887]

Is it not worth it to take 3 assassin instead of the last 3 bard levels? Feels like autocrit on every attack and an extra action/bonus action on entering combat would be pretty nuts even if you miss out on a few spell slots.

[@searching4god]

It is by no means a bad idea, however, surprising enemies is really inconsistent in this game, such that it is probably not worth sacrificing the spell slots and magical secrets you get at Bard 7 - 10 for a 3 dip into Assassin. Generally speaking, your crit range is so low that you don't need the guaranteed critical at the cost of other synergies, I would argue that critical hits are a great addition but never a necessity!

[@edwardalyassin7887]

Oh yeah, I kinda forgot that you stack crit chance in this build. But if you wanna have pretty consistent surprise use invis attack with shovel the cheeky quasit. That little boy basically won me the entire honor mode run because enemies can't talk to him, so he can't trigger the arresting dialogues. Only enemies that have Alert feat won't be surprised. I was able to even surprise general keths mininions and clean them up before doing shars temple, so later when i came back he was alone. Added benefit is if you botch something shovel will die and its not a big deal since the rest of your team will be off somewhere in stealth.@@searching4god

[@josebeltrant.7913]

Does this build act more like a solo dps or more like dps/support oriented?

[@searching4god]

Although Bard can usually be a LOT more utility/support oriented, the decisions I've made in this video lean mostly towards solo dps

[@zasuke3639]

Ur guide is so good should and can i use as main character

[@searching4god]

Thank you! Of course, I would even argue that this is the best build to use on your main character, the Bard exclusive dialogue is both hilarious and allows you to entirely bypass difficult Charisma checks

[@zasuke3639]

Can you also talk about why u have dex start and use str elixir rather than other people str start and dex glove

[@searching4god]

@@zasuke3639 Sure, the reasoning is twofold: 1. There are other gloves you will want to wear over the gloves of Dexterity, i.e., the flawed helldusk gloves, growling underdog etc that have relevant abilities you want to benefit from. In contrast, there are not that many elixirs that you want to use and that have a plentiful supply - so our elixir slot is less valuable than our glove slot 2. The strength elixirs bring our strength higher than we could bring our dexterity - since light weapons scale with whichever is higher, we want to force them to scale with the attribute we can scale highest. The hill giant elixir brings your strength to 21 whereas the gloves of dex bring your dex to 18, and later on in the game, the cloud giant elixir brings your strength to 27 whereas even if you ASI to 20 Dex and get full benefit from Mirror of Loss, you can only bring Dex to 22 As a side note you get the Gloves of Dex semi-late into Act I, and until then you would much rather have high Dex and low Str (better initiative, better AC, better Dex checks) as opposed to high Str and low Dex

[@zasuke3639]

you are amazing dude thanks for typing this long

[@user-pv2cf6qp6p]

Divine smite doesn’t scale up above lvl4 spell slots, so lvl5 slot is a waste

[@searching4god]

I should have definitely mentioned the level cap in the video, but the 5th and 6th level spell slots are essentially additional 4th level smites, which are otherwise limited to 3 per long rest. If that seems wasteful, you can always use them to upcast a magical secret that does scale past 4 (e.g. spirit guardians, fireball etc.) or take a 2 dip into fighter for action surge (as I did in my Sarevok solo video)

[@jurandspychow3766]

Is this stronger than the terminator bard build ?

[@christinehede7578]

I find it very annoying that basically you are forced to be partial illithid.

[@user-mu8dm4rk7g]

"There's a price to pay for everything you gain..."

[@searching4god]

I think in Early Access there was more merit to not becoming partial illithid and a tangible tradeoff for becoming one, but yep, as it stands there is really no reason not to 😅

[@MiniGaffer]

​@@searching4god the black veins, its all about the drip

[@Tcrror]

​@@MiniGafferThe black veins are pretty awful if you want to be a cutie, but with the added abilities that part Illithid gets? I'll take the veins any day, lol. FLYING WHENEVER I WANT? ARE YOU KIDDING?!?

[@Realmohg]

Ive done a few playthrough and played on tactician without doing that. Its possible, im not even very good at the game

[@RumAndCokeToGo]

how have you got the 1d4 lightning damage on all your weapons, I'm probably being blind but i dont see whats giving that.

[@RumAndCokeToGo]

Ah the draconic element nvm XD

[@searching4god]

@@RumAndCokeToGo remember to use a sorcerer to cast it with Twinned Spell to get it on both weapons, otherwise it only works on one :)

[@ironbar2009]

Can u make the control ranged build guide at some point as well? I refuse to play melee builds nowadays lol

[@ItsKovian]

Asterion Ex-Machina

[@searching4god]

Amen!

[@marcorossoni7425]

Tiefling or drow for this? Cant decidee

[@searching4god]

Either or, no discernable difference - pick whatever you'd like :)

[@alexanderzi2311]

Why in act 2 the dwarven splint mail is better than Admantine Splint armor? its maybe better by 1 AC but the Admantine have better stats

[@searching4god]

Almost entirely because it gives you +1 Constitution, but you are right that the Adamantine Critical Hit negation is still really nice

[@korra142]

what is the best companion builds to support this bardadin?

[@searching4god]

The other builds on my channel work well with it and don't compete too hard on gear, otherwise a Tempest Wizard and Open Hand Monk also pair perfectly with this build

[@toddparker514]

If you just use dex for your weapons and keep strength lower you don't need alert I recomend taking dex to 20 or 22 as with the cloak of displacement and high AC is awsome .

[@searching4god]

Absolutely - if you can bring your Dexterity to 18 in Act I (Hag's Hair), 20 in Act II (Ability Score Improvement), and 22 in Act III (Mirror of Loss), it should be more than enough to hit consistently and alleviate the necessity of strength elixirs

[@toddparker514]

Ya I don't bother with strength on most builds for combat anyways I do love a high carrying capacity ans jump though lol

[@jakeparkinson8929]

wrong, the bardbaradin is the best build. if you add 4 wildheart barbarian, you can smite 3 enemies at once with tigers bloodlust.

[@nickgosnell5178]

Lame you lose a ton of spell slots and probably can't smite while enraged since you can't cast spells. If you want to do a mass AOE smite use Jorgals Great sword. I've smited ten enemies in one attack using the gigantic cleave weapon action.

[@keithwin3449]

Don’t forget smites cap at level 4 spells higher spell slots are a waste on smites

[@searching4god]

Yep yep I misspoke in the video, but they aren't useless! They are essentially extra level 4 divine smites, which we want the most of

[@keithwin3449]

@@searching4god fair but I feel like those higher level spells or even up acting like hold person blindness or command are better

[@TheHoneyBadger911]

now i wanna play from act 1 again rather than finish my act 3

[@searching4god]

Maybe Act 3 is the friends we made along Act 1 & 2

[@Dark-konino]

Why would you play as Astarion, is he better than normal my character somehow ???

[@searching4god]

I explain it in my gloomstalker video: His happy buff is amazing for the early game (+1 to practically all rolls) and his ascension bonus is COMPLETELY insane when compared to other races (+1d10 to all attacks made with weapons)

[@gritz2983]

Where is the 1d10 necrotic weapon damage coming from?

[@searching4god]

My glorious king Astarion's ascension bonus =')

[@fractionofstuff]

lockadin is simply just better than bardadin on tactition mode and below for the 3 attacks no?

[@searching4god]

God I love that build but not necessarily: - Lockadin only gets access to a couple level 3 smites per long rest, spell slot progression favors the Bardadin (4th, 5th, 6th level spell slot smites) - Lockadins usually use 2H with GWM, which will mean slashing damage, which will not benefit from the piercing vulnerability of the Bhaalist armor - On the topic of 2H's, Bardadin can close the action economy (attack) gap with their bonus action off-hand attack (and smite) and "technically" with their slashing flourish multiple times a turn That being said the Lockadin is still super strong on Tactician>, the aura's are really nice and Balduran's Giantslayer is arguably better than any of the Bardadin weaps.

[@diskuslars7527]

Wondering you doesnt Mention the Phalar Aluve....Shriek is a extremely good Feature

[@searching4god]

Unfortunately Phalar Aluve is not a light weapon and cannot be dual wielded without the Dual Wielder feat, otherwise it is absolutely one of the best weapons in the game!

[@diskuslars7527]

@@searching4god you are Right...i missed that cause i Play the Bardadin as a Sword and Shield with Phalar and Guardian....completely Overpowered Build ..with Arcane Acuity and Mystic Scoundrel you Just CC everything and finishes even Raphael Turn 1 Like a Sandbag Nevertheless a really good Buildadvice Not Like many Others WHO only Show Lvl12 Gear which is nuts cause at this Point you have all Your Tools Act1 and 2 are way more important in Honourmode 👍

[@minakmm]

This build helped me win honour mode…….,….

[@searching4god]

The B in Baldur’s Gate stands for Bard

[@minakmm]

The D in BalDur’s gate stands for palaDin

[@Ireniicus]

What characters/classes did you play with them?

[@minakmm]

@@Ireniicus Straight Fighter with Lae'zel (specifically for any sort of Psychic damage buffs from Githyanki equipment, and carrying the resonance stone to make enemies vulnerable to psychic damage), Gloomstalker Assassin with Astarion (+1 Happy buff), and 8 Level TB Open Hand Monk + 4 Level fighter for Minthara (for Soul Branding) (+manifestation of mind usually turned on to work alongside the resonance stone that Lae’zel carries). An offensive, close combat party comp, all in all. There’s probably (definitely) better multiclassing options for a monk build but this one was effective enough for me!

[@patricktarver4573]

...but... but.. you can divine smite the banishing smite..

[@thiagomelo3930]

Sorcadin or bardadin honour mode? And why?

[@searching4god]

I actually finished my first honor mode with Sorcadin, but I still lean towards Bardadin: - Sorcadin uses slashing damage and GWM which do not benefit from the piercing vulnerability of the Bhaalist Armor - Bardadin has better spell slot progression and access to more and higher divine smites per long rest - Despite Sorcadin having Aura's, I would still argue that Bardadin is a better pick for group utility (Bardic inspiration, longstrider, magical secrets...) - Bard has some of the best dialogue in the game :) Really the only advantages of the Sorcadin are twinned haste and Aura's, even then haste is arguably worse than potions of speed as they require concentration and can make you lethargic.

[@ardaal]

As a d&d player i am finding it hard to imagine an paladin bard character. One is charismatic, not physical, plays music…the other always in plate, talks pompous and weird and usually have both hands occupied with a two hander or a shield…… i mean help me make this an actual dnd thing that could be played out.

[@searching4god]

You are Titus, a musician, an artist, a showman. Your music engraved in the halls of taverns far and wide - your ballads were fables of their own, people swore that your hands could sing. You body is flesh and blood but your sound immortal, imbued with applause; emboldened by fame... Alas, nothing lasts forever. A chorus of absolutists rain down on Baldur's Gate. They play a macabre tune, it only knows death, rot, and sin - how could they? These were your halls, your fans. You can not, will not, sit idly by as they vandalize your stage. You were due to deliver one last spectacle, you swore a divine oath (of vengeance) that this would be your magnum opus. This wasn't a band, this was the greatest solo in Baldur's Gate.

[@KaneA87]

You both use charisma or hit things . . . done

[@Kohle33]

College of Swords bard are well known to live double lives and using the cover of an entertainer to do other things such as do crime, carry out assassinations or bring justice to the wicked. I'm not making this up, it's in the description of the subclass, Xanathar manual.

[@mehrzadnoushiry8686]

its not comback diff in easy

[@MarkFin9423]

A barbadin does not honestly need "fly" and make their characters ugly ASF for a little boost to close the gap. They can easily fix this using Misty step and there are even items that come with Misty step if the player does not want to waste spell slots. Honestly only illithid powers "worth it" is the garunteed crit, and the anti magic stuff.

[@searching4god]

Although I agree that Illithid powers are by no means necessary, I wouldn't say that Misty Step is a "fix" for Fly as it costs a bonus action (and therefore both a melee attack and smite) - Looking illithid can be remedied with mods, I honestly don't even think it looks that bad other than the teeth. Psionic dominance is also insanely strong, but again ofc, not necessary

[@NamaeofLife]

Not me following step by step to just have to respec at lvl 7 =/

[@omgopet]

16:40 (+ gear selection) - The build is "correct" and I agree that this is the best build, but I believe you are misunderstanding why and how to play it. This should not be a smiter build, if you just want to smite things, you should go fighter or warlock (+ pala, obviously), you will do much more damage and have access to your auras, which is the best thing about paladin. This is a bard first and foremost, with the 2 pala levels being just something that gives you extra damage and proficiency. Therefore, you should typically not be spending your higher level spell slots on smites. The point of swords bard instead of lore bard or sorc is that you can stack acuity really efficiently through flourishes, after which you fire off your big control spell like upcasted hold person or confusion/hypno. After that, it mostly doesn't matter what you do, mop up with low level smites or let your party's TB char click on things. This is also the reason you go dex instead of str as your weapon stat. Str (or just max cha + elixirs) would be more efficient, but dex lets you switch to ranged attacks if you are out of position in the first round. With that in mind, your gear for act2 onward is wrong. The main thing you need as soon as you get to act2 is fire acuity hat + fire gloves (before act2 it's best to just play as a paladin or whatever). I'm also not a fan of savage attacker after your first respec. Your typical first round should be spd pot -> as many attacks as you can get off -> control spell on biggest threats. Hold person/monster is best because it gives you free crits, confusion or hypnotic pattern work great for mobs. Only then do you run up to things and smite them with lvl 1-2 slots because there is not much useful there. If you intend to rest after every fight, you can use high level smites, but that defeats the purpose of a bard. Your inspirations are expendable, your spell slots are not. At lvl 10 I would even respec back into pure bard to get counterspell and hunger earlier and because at that point I no longer need heavy armor prof.

[@searching4god]

I appreciate that you are telling me how I got my own build and choices "wrong" as if the builds and classes in the game are one dimensional. If you are playing the Arcane Acuity Bard dual crossbows are better and stack it faster. Aura's are not the best part of being a Paladin, for this build it is the action economy of smites applied with cleave. Fighter/Warlock + Pala lands you a whopping 2 level 2 spell slots per long rest. You spell slots are quite literally expendable. This build is not "wrong" because it doesn't do what another variation of a Bard can do. The notion that there are "correct" builds is wrong. I hope to one day have the confidence and conviction to be able to explain why people's builds are wrong in a cRPG. I look forward to your comprehensive and correct guide on the only way to play Bard! :)

[@user-mu8dm4rk7g]

I won't tolerate Dragonborn slander! 😠 They are the most beautiful looking race and they have cool dialogue options too!

[@searching4god]

My sincere apologies to the Dragonborn community 😭 I can concede that they have some of the best customization in the game!

[@user-mu8dm4rk7g]

@@searching4god apology... accepted 😌

[@GrailtorGaming-vc4mg]

Durge killing Quill is the best

[@mrmrmrj]

Your argument to delay Paladin makes no sense. Characters hit level 2 on the beach. You are delaying Bard 5 by only a few encounters.

[@searching4god]

You are delaying your martial extra attack by almost an entire Act. I'm not sure what your level on the beach, or Bard 5 specifically, have to do with anything - you get your extra attack at Bard lvl 6, you are likely to hit level 6 near the end of the first Act, and level 8+ near the end of the second Act. Assume you take 2 levels of Paladin first, you will unlock your martial extra attack nearing the beginning of Act III in exchange for Divine Smites early, as opposed to taking Bard first and unlocking it comfortably by the time you enter Act II and having multiple flourishes a turn by Act II.

[@Aequilix]

This is a common multiclassing mistake/misconception. You do not want to start multiclassing until you hit certain class capstones and respect them. Otherwise you’re going to have a bad time. There’s a reason a lot of build guides take a class straight to level 5 or 6 and will only respec or multiclass out around the 7-8 mark. Extra attack is literally just that good. Hitting somebody an extra time every round > ability to smite sooner.

[@odynzeyez6259]

How did you get gold dice

[@darkshamrock5763]

Beat the game on honor mode.

[@IMakeInternetToughGuysCry]

What weapon and armor do you recommend if not going the evil route for the Bhaal gear?

[@searching4god]

Probably the Armor of Persistence sold by Dammon to maximize your AC and defenses, and for weapons simply Orin's daggers!