THE ULTIMATE ARCHER BARD BUILD in Baldur's Gate 3

[@charlesbryson7443]

Also, bard extra attack is level 6, and I think titan string bow is in the zhentarum after turning over the chest.

[@italianspartacus]

THIS IS THE MAN HIMSELF!! Thanks for the correction bro! Totally forgot because I'm so used to it being at lvl 5. So we'd go 6 Bard > 4 Ranger > 2 Bard!

[@stephan4921]

@@italianspartacus Could also go with 6 bard / 3 ranger / 3 assassin. Missing out on 1 feat, but with graceful cloth and ethel you don't need the ASI to hit 20 dex and can just go for sharpshooter. With the advantage you can pretty consistently get, hitting stuff even with sharpshooter isn't that difficult.

[@iamkasilein]

@@stephan4921you would actually miss out on 2 feats as its 8 in bard and 4 in ranger

[@stephan4921]

@@iamkasilein Ah yes, my bad. Still, what other feat would be needed? Don't need alert for high initiative either and everything else is kind of meh.

[@maikbaumann1250]

​@@italianspartacus ye stephan's 6/3/3 is one if not *the* strongest archer build in the game. [edit] or should i say the real "ultimate archer build" for non honor mode you reach 20 with mirror and cloth. but 18 or even 16 is enough, to hit and deal dmg

[@BelphegorTheSloth]

I’ve been running a fun archer build: 1 war cleric/11 hunter ranger. The build revolves around radiating orbs and arcane synergy. Luminous armor and gloves, diadem of arcane synergy, and callous glow ring with Gontyr Mael bow. Volley as an area attack triggers guiding bolt, potentially on multiple enemies, creating radiating orbs and activating arcane synergy

[@stew675]

Nice video. A good build variant. For me personally, I'm running a 1 Sorc (White Draconic Bloodline) 1 War Priest, 10 Swords Bard. Sharpshooter and War Caster feats. This build is stupendously powerful. Full 12 levels of spell caster. Armour of Agythys, Shield Spell and Magic Missile, Command, and Sanctuary. Also gets the 10th level Magical Secrets for Counterspell and Hunger of Hadar. All weapons, Armour, and shields available. Has Constituion based save proficiency, and coupled with War Caster means it almost never gets concentration broken. With Dual Wielder Combat Style, can get great crit chance bonuses. With War Priest charges can pop off 3 ranged flourishes per round, or a spell and a ranged flourish, or 5 melee attacks, all with dex bonus. Can also self cast conversation boosts, and will hit 25AC without the shield spell. The closest thing to a true Gish that BG3 has to offer IMO.

[@scottbyers9258]

Drakethroat glaive cold imbument on the bow combined with arrow of many targets and the snowburst ring its a great CC combo. Leaving ice under everybody is just nuts!

[@jondrell1313]

That sir is very nasty! I approve and think I shall give this a try! Thanks!

[@magister343]

Note that the Actor trait's charisma boot is not capped at 20 like the boosts from an ability score improvement or other half-feats. If you take Actor before an ASI that ASI cannot bring you above 20, but if you are at 20 charisma when you take actor then Actor will bring you to 21 and the hag's hair can bring you to 22.

[@cole9799]

Interesting!

[@italianspartacus]

Great shout!! :D

[@HyeJinStarlight]

You can get the Titanstring in Act 1, from the Zhentarim hideout trader by Waukeen's Rest. You need to complete the quest to get the chest from the gnolls, but you can do this at lvl 3 fairly easy if you are (getting Flind to fight for you) or use enhanced jump and go in the back and steal the chest while they are fighting

[@Cdre_Satori]

If you let the guys bring the chest themselves, or dont open the chest, you get the heavy crossbow that casts bane on targets, on top of the bow.

[@HyeJinStarlight]

@@Cdre_Satori you can get the crossbow as well if they are dead, so I usually don't bother keeping them alive. Not sure if you open the chest, haven't tried it

[@antoniof1463]

Great build, I went the martial route. 6 Champion, 3 Bard, 3 Assasin. Got 20 dex and 20 cha from the 2 feats out of fighter, ethel and mirror. I use the flourishes to blink strike and a ton of arrows of many targets to wreak havoc. I also stacked Arcane Synergy and Titan String.

[@Bethgael]

This is very close to the build I tend to use for Astarion when I'm not playing a bard/ranger/thief myself. It is also good for his origin.

[@dustinwhite3800]

I also love grabbing the club of hill giant strength for the early game until the late game. You get to save up the attribute points and with a set str of 19 for a melee slot

[@Lzund]

I enjoyed, 6 valour Bard/ 5 Beast master ranger /1 warlock (mortal reminder). Unequip instrument so character whistles instead, valour bard buffs companion (I use wolf) with inspiration and spells. Wolf can knock stuff prone (you can even use hex to give enemies disadvantage on str rolls to help knock them prone). Not having sword bards flourish skills does hurt but honestly all the consumable arrows you can find are better and i always end up having more than needed.

[@gregoberski5897]

I DIDNT KNOW WHISTLE WAS AN OPTION FOR BARDS :O :O :O :O

[@Dion__G]

prone condition is a saving throw not a check. Hex gives disadvantage on checks not saving throws. The only scenario a str hex is helpful is giving disadvantage to an enemy trying to shove you.

[@Lzund]

@@Dion__G ah k ty

[@JayRay4924]

This is great timing, I'm working on a bard now and can't figure out which direction to take him with my current party comp and I think this will be perfect!

[@Dino9474]

That OF joke was so well done, I was completely caught off guard 😂 Well done

[@italianspartacus]

GOTCHA ADAM! HAHAHA

[@darenvalnys7718]

With a githyankhi soldier background and a carefull selection of skills, you can cover maybe 95% of the skills, with a bard / ranger combination, so you can be a heavy hitter AND the skill monkey for your party

[@Carblesnarky]

A lightfoot halfling sword bard 10/fighter 2 is another solid way to go. Rerolling 1s is really good. With the helmet of arcane acuity & band of the mystic scoundrel you are talking serious battlefield control. If you want a ranger archer than duergar gloomstalker ranger 5/ assassin rogue 4/ battlemaster fighter 3 is insane. Bonus if they are the Durge. One last endgame build is Hunter 11 for volley and toss in 1 level of war cleric. With the right gear setup and/or stealth that one ability is very overpowered.

[@ProbeAway]

As others said, you need bard 6 for extra attack! 😅 I’d suggest respeccing at 7 to take ranger at level 1. Otherwise your spell save DC for all items and scrolls will start to use WIS instead of CHA from that point. Also, if you’re using arcane acuity then DEX is probably a higher priority than CHA. Landing attacks will boost your spell save DC to crazy levels anyway! My fav Bard build is 2 fighter/10 bard. The gloomstalker abilities and an extra feat are nice, but having action surge, CON save proficiency and magical secrets (eg command, Counterspell) is too good to go past IMO. For weapons, I like the dead shot, the sentinel shield (for initiative) and Rhapsody. Having a +3 bonus to damage, attacks and spell save DC is godly. A dual crossbows bard/fighter/thief is also great. There are so many powerful options for swords bards!

[@italianspartacus]

Fixed in the pinned comment ;)

[@joerundell8197]

Really liked your video and the explanations that went with it. Think I’m gonna reclass into that. Also if you use the arrow of many targets you can get your spell save DC do insanely high that your spells almost never miss.

[@rrenaissauce]

I just want you to know that your TLDRs are so goated i click every vid of urs i see and like immediately no matter what. I dont even play bg3 lol

[@kamikaze82]

"Don't go asshappy." Sage advice.

[@Thoth728]

I personally went with bard 10 fighter 2, start with fighter for the longbow and shield proficiency, and archery fighting style for early game. Then respec at lvl 6 and get 6 levels into bard for extra attack. final build still starts fighter for the con proficiency. with fighter you get action surge, being able to shoot 8 times (2 attacks that hit 2 times twice) at the start of combat each short rest with slashing flourish. with 10 levels in bard you not only get hold monster at bard 9 but at bard 10 you get magical secrets allowing for your to pick up spells like counterspell, command, haste, or banishing smite. arrows of many target are godly with this build because they stack arcane acuity for every hit (max 4 hits = 8 stacks with one attack). the build also benefits from bloodlust elixirs, if you arent using strength elixirs, as it kills things extremely efficiently, and the extra action means another 2 shots (or 4 if you arent playing on honour mode). as for the gloves, any gloves that add extra damage are fine, but my personal favourite are the wonderous gloves for the extra ac and additional bardic inspiration (which comes back every short rest).

[@cpaoi88]

This is the way. Swords Bard 10/Fighter 2 with Band of the Mystic Scoundrel makes you an incredible archer that also drops crazy CC. It's incredibly powerful.

[@johnwalker1322]

I steamrolled my first honor run with this. My Tav was a Halfling dual-hand crossbow Swords Bard. 2 fighter, 10 Bard

[@Cdre_Satori]

I love watching these even though I play with mods that let me go to level 22 and I will be able to get 11 levels into both bard and ranger.

[@flamsephiroth]

Not sure if it’s been done before, but a bard/necromancer could be really cool. Lots of fun role playing potential too

[@joshmcgriff2598]

I want mods so bad. Can't wait for September to get here.

[@eatzombie7281]

This was my first character and it was pretty OP as a face character. Hard to play other classes when you get so many proficiencies with bard and dual hand crossbows lol

[@chuckchan4127]

Swords Bards got that Main Character energy.

[@drVarulv]

This is just my dislexia kicking in but i read that title as "BAD Archer" instead of bard and thought this is a unique way to build classes

[@scottbyers9258]

Lol I read "bad" archer too 😂😂😂

[@JasonBridgman-JAB]

I thought it was strange that on an "archer" build you focus more on spell casting (charisma) over the archery (dexterity). Especially since you are already relying on Arcane Acuity to boost the spell save. Guess that is why you kept missing in the combat footage.

[@ecbrown6151]

Like the 8/4 split did the as Bard/Wiz my last play through.

[@ElGarlando]

Keep these coming, love your class videos

[@italianspartacus]

Thank you garlnadooo!

[@Clanwalk3r]

Literally using this atm, its so busted with a crit build. I went ranger 5, bard 7 tho. Just wanted extra attack a level earlier

[@superdude9361]

Great video, I was just wondering what build you have for shadowheart? I can't find any of you build guides that multiclasses cleric with wiz. Great content tho man, quick to the point and makes roleplaying a more important aspect rather than most other build guides that are very minmaxxy

[@italianspartacus]

Oh shit have I don't done her build? It's super straightforward! 1 wizard/11 light cleric. You don't get anything from lvl 12 other than a feat, so I sacrificed that to cast any spell I want! :)

[@superdude9361]

@@italianspartacus ok sick, thanks man really appreciate it

[@CyberBeep_kenshi]

you need SIX bard for extra attack. dtow gives standard handcrossbows, more damage.

[@MindDiet101]

Otherwise known as the Barcher

[@Allergicfiredog]

Or barch which is also the clash of clans name for half barbarian half archer army which is the best for farming resources from other players -a nerd

[@Sarahsx72]

Or R-Chard

[@MindDiet101]

@@Allergicfiredog Ok I like that better Lol

[@MindDiet101]

@@Sarahsx72 Yes 😂

[@kzxkzxkzx]

aka Butcher

[@crimsondragon9439]

New build for astarion thanks!!

[@mephistophelesthesilentchi3446]

very nice build. i personally prefer 9 bard 3 ranger so i can make use of hold monster.

[@LemLems1]

Would there be any significant disadvantage to putting L1 in Ranger then going to Bard? I know it would mean waiting one more level for extra attack but it would mean that casting from scrolls would be done with Cha instead of Wis - I’m wondering if that would be more of an advantage over the course of a full playthrough

[@zgraca3jr]

Ah yes! Sir Archibald to the rescue!

[@scottrackley4457]

Pure is hard to beat when he can summon fucking everything edit: Lore that is. No need to ice skate uphill.

[@danwatson8245]

Hey your vids have helped me alot threw the beginning of this game.. i subbed heard you talking a couple vids back saying u need help...

[@italianspartacus]

Thank you dude really appreciate it!!

[@dustinwhite3800]

Yea just to echo some other people and to help the algorithm extra attack at 6 and now at the Zhentarium camp

[@assassin4449]

*Miss* *Miss* - didnt know, you played with shadowheart to showcast this build :D

[@seanw8643]

6bard 3gloom and 3thief gets super nutty with Dw hand cross bows

[@theDIVISON]

I just started BG3. I would like to play as an Ice Elf Assassin. But I not sure which class would allow me access to better ice spells

[@HandyHanderson]

Remove the instrument, and call it "The Wistling Arrow".

[@cole9799]

Im making one that uses the crit short sword and the strength club so i dont need to be stuck with Str elixir all the time.

[@kunaepidia]

Is it more important to max out Charisma to 17 instead of Dexterity? What should I consider if I want to prioritize Dexterity to 17 instead?

[@cpaoi88]

Great build! This one is a favorite of mine. Do you take any viewer submissions? I created a novel and powerful Barb build that got a lot of traction and testing on the BG3Builds subrddit that I think you might like.

[@NathanT_Performer]

Sword bars gets extra attack at 6th level

[@AtOhm-VOD]

heyo, just passing by, cause i have a question that i can't find the answer anywhere... it's about the knife of undermountain king. So, i'm trying to understand whether or not the "reroll damage die that scored 2 or less" thing works on anything made with ranged weapons... tried with a lot of things at the same time (soul's branding from minthara, hunter's mark, helldusk gloves, broodmother's revenge, strange conduit ring, drakethroat glaive etc)... but i can't tell if anything got rerolled, so could it be clarified?

[@italianspartacus]

It does not! The critical hit bonus DOES but not the other. If you're ever lost in something like this, check out this BG3 Wiki, NOT Fextralife because they'll tell you those interactions here! bg3.wiki/wiki/Knife_of_the_Undermountain_King

[@danmcnamara4640]

i'd argue actually subing in battle master fighter as opposed to ranger

[@marcorossoni7425]

I cant decide drow or tiefling for my bard , heelp ( i gonna multiclass him with rogue or paladin, let see later ahah)

[@kzxkzxkzx]

For a party face I will always go with "Friends" over every other option. I was a bit put off at first by the explanatory text that says that people who realize you're using it on them can become hostile, but once you've tried it yourself and understood exactly how it works, you don't want to do without it. Even on honor mode. Trust me.

[@pandoraeeris7860]

The Barcher.

[@jondrell1313]

I'm making a build, a slice and dice sort of build. Using rogue, going thief for the extra bonus action, adding in ranger gloom stalker as well but I'm going for specific weapons...there are 2 long swords in game that are finesse weapons and having the ability to use sneak attack and hitting for 1d8 on each hand is just brutal!!!! I'm also using all items that give electric, acid, thunder and fire damage on each hit as well so the numbers are flying like a rainbow of damage, it's so much fun.

[@alejandroflores7219]

Have you played Pathfinder WotR? i think you´re gonna like it.

[@italianspartacus]

I hate it hahahah it's not a straightforward system and the UX is garbage as far as trying to explain mechanics. It's what is making it so hard to play rogue trader for me. It just annoys me. Like I understand it, but it didn't need to be that hard to explain

[@alejandroflores7219]

@@italianspartacus Welp, you have a valid point there. I play it with a guide for the same reason. But the history and the roleplay is soo god.

[@italianspartacus]

Yeah I've definitely heard I just get so frustrated playing. Also the heavvvvvyyy text after playing this game which is fully voice acted. I'm spoiled now!

[@its_sonoska]

Can you use two hand cross bows with this build?

[@charlesbryson7443]

My 8bard/4 gloomstalker is destroying honor mode.

[@charlesbryson7443]

Sorry, it’s not yet 8/4. That’s just my plan. Just started gauntlet of shar at this point.

[@Kevinjoseph12344]

So one thing incorrect on this is sword bards don't get two attacks until level 6

[@italianspartacus]

pinned comment ;)

[@Elypsen]

why going so deep into bard when you get the extra attack earlier and better "archer" perks with ranger (archery / gloomstalker lvl 5 gives misty step on top of extra attack)? Not hating just wondering

[@devonsharkey414]

Don’t you think going 6-4-2 is a better level progression? You don’t get that extra attack until level six in sword bard.

[@italianspartacus]

Yup! Fixed that in a pinned comment unfortunately!

[@05kamora]

For the algy

[@babyfinesse_]

What is more fun this or sorcerer? 👀

[@stephan4921]

sorc imo, bard archer you end up only attacking 90% of the time until late game where you can bonus action cast stuff. It's fun too, mostly because it's so powerful, but sorc is way more diverse.

[@gutterromain9473]

20 cha better than 20 dex ?

[@ВладиславБулаев-л3э]

KZbin ALGORITHM! PUT THIS MAN'S VIDEOS IN PEOPLE'S RECOMMENDED - AND MY WATCHTIME IS YOURS!

[@sarchiaponeseriale4380]

W about ranger 7 Bard 5 or ranger 8 Bard 4?

[@migdaorzechowy6930]

With ranger 7 bard 5 you have only 2 feats, with ranger 8 bard 4 your bardic inspiration is weaker and you need long rest to have it again (not short) and you need it to do dmg

[@shellbell0071]

How do you think this Bard build compares to the 10/1/1 Bard/ Fighter/ Wizard?

[@euromanijak]

Why that 1 wizard level ? Only reason i can see it being there is mby for learning apells that dont need spell save dc and attack rolls, but might aswell go 2 fighter then for action surge, Im guessing you went more for spell casting focused bard?

[@shellbell0071]

​@euromanijak from what I was looking at, the main reason to take the one level in Wizard was for shield spell. But I haven't actually gotten to try the build yet, so I could be wrong. The build is mostly attacking at range with slashing florish then holding people in place with command/hold person/ etc

[@euromanijak]

@@shellbell0071 if its just for the shield spell you can also take one level sorcerer who like bard uses charisma for spell casting, so you can also take an offensive cantrip that will scale with your charisma for example

[@magister343]

@@euromanijak I tend to think every Full Caster (Bard, Sorcerer, Druid, or Cleric) should take a one level dip into Wizard because it allows them to learn any spell from a spell scroll. There are some nice 5th and 6th level wizard spells your bard can cast just as easily as any Wizard if you find a scroll. I'm using a mod to stick with the highest spellcasting modifier among the unit's classes, but if you aren't using such a mod then a Bard who dips into Wizard would probably want to dip into Sorcerer (or maybe Warlock) after that to bring the spellcasting modifier back to Charisma instead of intelligence.

[@euromanijak]

@@magister343 okay yeah modded thats okay then but vanilla its not worth if you plan to use spells that require INT for casting

[@AutumnleafMind]

Is this better than gloomstalker/rogue sneak assassin build? I’m struggling between the two

[@jrtomlin1805]

I am baffled making a sword bard as a caster. You should have a caster to be doing crowd control while you kill things with your bow.