Baldur's Gate 3 Bard Build Guide
September 21, 2024 11:29 am
Bards in
Baldur’s Gate 3 offer unique synergies that other classes lack. They are incredibly versatile, allowing you to build them as damage-dealing machines or solid support characters while your allies take the spotlight. Bards are masters of multiple domains, including music, magic, and combat. They are known for their ability to inspire allies, debilitate enemies, and play musical instruments. This unique playstyle makes them an interesting and distinctive choice in and out of combat. For a successful Baldur’s Gate 3 Bard build, focusing on their musical and magical abilities enhances their effectiveness in shaping the battlefield.
At the start of the game, Bards have access to two cantrips, two 2nd-level spell slots, and a special action called “Bardic Inspiration.” This action grants a 1d6 bonus to attack rolls, ability checks, and saving throws. Bards can handle lock-picking, stealing, and scouting, making them the best charisma-based characters for progressing through the story. Once fully developed, Bards excel in almost every skill except those requiring strength. They are also excellent healers and have access to the entire Arcane spell list.
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College of Lore: This subclass focuses on knowledge, wisdom, and versatility. Lore Bards are masters of information and storytelling, using their abilities to uncover secrets, manipulate minds, and shape the world around them. They gain additional proficiencies and cutting words, which can reduce an enemy’s attack roll, ability check, or damage roll.
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College of Valor: This subclass tells tales of heroism, immortalizing past heroes while inspiring future ones. Valor Bards gain proficiency with medium armor, shields, and martial weapons. They can also use their Bardic Inspiration to add to their allies’ attack rolls, damage rolls, or AC.
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College of Swords: This subclass turns the Bard into a well-trained, highly skilled warrior who uses both words and weapons for combat and entertainment. Swords Bards gain proficiency with medium armor and the scimitar. They can also use their Bardic Inspiration for defensive flourishes, enhancing their AC or dealing extra damage.
- Helmet: Ogre’s Helmet, which grants 17 Intelligence, allowing you to prepare four Wizard spells.
- Armor: Elegant Robes or Drow Leather Armor from the merchant in the Nursery map.
- Gloves: Archery Gloves, Star Gauntlets, and essential Thieving Gloves.
- Boots: Options include Swashbuckler’s Boots, Boots of Speed, and Shadow Walkers.
- Rings: Corrosive Ring, Sleight of Hand Ring, and optionally, the Mind Shield Ring. If you’re branded, consider the Absolute’s Ring for additional damage.
- Weapon: Life and Death, perfect in both aesthetics and effect.
- Shield: Luminous Shield or Guardian Shield, with the latter being highly recommended.
- Ranged Weapon: Two +1 Hand Crossbows, obtainable early from the Woodland merchant.
- Healing Word: Heals a creature within 18 meters as a bonus action.
- Cure Wounds: Touch a creature to heal it for 1d8.
- Tasha’s Hideous Laughter: Causes a creature to fall prone with uncontrollable laughter, incapacitating them for up to 10 turns.
- Thunderwave: Unleashes a wave of thunderous force, pushing enemies away and dealing damage.
- Faerie Fire: Outlines enemies in light, giving advantage to attack rolls against them.
- Dissonant Whispers: Deals psychic damage and forces the target to run away.
- Heat Metal: Causes metal objects to become red-hot, dealing damage to creatures in contact with them.
- Hypnotic Pattern: Creates a pattern of lights that charms and incapacitates creatures in the area.
- Support Role: Focus on spells that heal, buff allies, and debuff enemies. Use Bardic Inspiration to enhance your team’s performance in critical moments.
- Damage Dealer: Choose offensive spells like Thunderwave, Dissonant Whispers, and Heat Metal. Equip weapons that maximize your damage output.
- Crowd Control: Utilize spells like Tasha’s Hideous Laughter, Hypnotic Pattern, and Faerie Fire to control the battlefield and give your team the upper hand.
Bards are an incredibly versatile and rewarding
class to play in Baldur’s Gate 3. Whether you choose to focus on support, damage, or crowd control, Bards can adapt to various roles and significantly enhance your party’s effectiveness. Their unique blend of music, magic, and combat abilities makes them an indispensable asset in any adventuring group. By leveraging their diverse skill set and carefully selecting their equipment and spells, you can create a Bard.
