Summary
Players who want to dive deep into the world of Faerun inBaldur’s Gate 3can do so in the guise of their very own character. Thanks to the expanded nature ofDungeons & Dragonsmechanics, players can create various characters that cater to their preferences. However, fans who want to make the best choices when it comes toBaldur’s Gate 3character creationmay want to consider maximizing their opportunities early.
With the right approach,Baldur’s Gate 3players can create characters that could put even the edgiest and cheesiestD&D 5ebuild to shame - at least, in the context of the Larian Studios title. However, just how can players achieve an optimal character as soon as they start the game?
Updated on June 13, 2025 by Rhenn Taguiam:With Larian Studios teasing 12 new Subclasses about to be added toBaldur’s Gate 3, fans ofD&Dare probably excited to try even more builds across even more playthroughs. In that regard, fans and newcomers might want to remember some nifty tips and tricks they can rely on when building their player characters in their new runs. Among new tips to consider include worrying about final builds until later in the game, creating characters while taking into account how they change in the long term, and skipping first Classes that are often multiclass dips.
If It Cheeses In The Midgame, Use It In The Midgame
Procedure
Skip focusing on a pre-determined build until later in the game
Effect
Characters will inevitably get to Level 12 at some point in the game, it’s only a matter of how players build them
There are some instances where advice can seem very “automatic” but still necessary to be reiterated for the purposes of emphasis. Inthe case ofBaldur’s Gate 3gameplay, this takes the form of advising players not to worry too much about making the “perfect” character at the start of the game.
The key idea here is that, while it’s true that there are “recommended”Baldur’s Gate 3builds that can easily cheese certain moments of the game, it would still take hours of meticulous playing for players to reach those instances where builds shine. Builds will still likely make players switch Classes later on, rendering their character creation choices obsolete. If the full extent of the build can only be experienced at a certain point in the game, then there’s no reason to fixate on the “perfect” progression this early.
Even Plans Change On The Fly
Builds can require players to use hyper-specific point allocation and Spell choice that might not necessarily fit a player’s playstyle
Don’t stick to a build that doesn’t fit a playstyle, as no two playthroughs are exactly alike
The RNG ofBaldur’s Gate 3roll-playing means there’s no way two playthroughs will be exactly alike. Combine this with the idea that players might not always be comfortable with the playstyle of a recommended build, and they will be left with a half-hearted playthrough they might not necessarily enjoy.
With this potentiality in mind, players should take the opportunity in the character creator to just go wild with a starting build they want and only rerolling their stats when they’re ready to pursue a particular build. Given the hassle of changing equipment and re-toggling Spells and Actions into the hotbar, it’s not worth it risking a build that players won’t enjoy in the long-term when they can start with a character they like at the onset.
Skip The Fighter And The Bard
Skip choosing popular one-level or two-level dips in Multiclass Dips such as the Fighter or the Bard
Doing this will open players to the Fighter and Bard Classes later on. They can maximize their existing builds of other Classes while still potentially enjoying the Fighter and Bard should they have to take some of their Features
Given howDungeons & DragonsandBaldur’s Gate 3gameplay share a number of familiar Classes for players to choose from, its dynamic Multiclass system will always have “that one Class” that almost everyone dips into for their awesome Features. A popular example would be the Fighter to get their nifty Action Surge and their Proficiencies.
With this eventual “dipping” in mind, players are better off skipping the Fighter in character creation and instead opt for the “other” Class in their planned builds. That way, players can fully immerse themselves in the mechanics of the other Class and only dipping into Fighter for the extra juice. Remember, if Classes like the Fighter are more or less always picked as a Multiclass dip, then it means the Class is likely much easier to maneuver in the long run. In this case, the Class is better reserved for a Companion than a main player character.
Focus on stats with long-term effects
This ensures players only invest in Abilities and Skills that benefit them
Being an adaptation ofD&Dmechanics, gameplay inBaldur’s Gate 3also relies on Skill Checks to pull off special encounters with environmental elements. For instance, having low Perception (WIS) can make players miss important landmarks or even traps that another character can detect. These checks can only be more successful if their particular stats are high enough, but sometimes players can invest in many stat that they don’t end up as useful.
Unlike Skills that have a more “active” role in the game, Ability Scores can affect more internal properties of characters that players shouldn’t overlook.
Make a self-sustaining build with combat, defensive, and recovery options
Decisions might force characters to leave, ensuring players can accommodate the roles they leave behind
Choice is an important aspect ofBaldur’s Gate 3gameplay, especially when narrative decisions can force characters to leave the party permanently. Since situations as early as Act 1 can determine the fate of party members in the game, players can find themselves losing Companions through unexpected decisions. And for players who don’t want to undo these choices, these situations won’t be able to force players at a disadvantage with an independent build.
At its core, players who create a character for theirBaldur’s Gate 3experience should come under the assumption that the Companions won’t stay forever. This is especially the case when keeping some Companions within their Classes.Astarion won’t always be there to give powerful Sneak Attacks, while Wyll can’t always provide his powerful spells as assets. In this regard, players need to consider self-sufficiency when creating builds. Their character should not only have default melee and ranged attack options, but they should also have ways of navigating the battlefield or even some measure of casting for utility.
Make Sure Other Characters Complement Low Stats
A Dump Stat is the character’s lowest stat in the game. Choosing a Dump Stat that is commonly used in Checks and Saves can spell trouble for players
Try to keep a Dump Stat at +0 for the least risk
When buildingDungeons & Dragonscharacters, stat distribution will likely force players to have a Dump Stat. This is the Ability Score of a character with the lowest number, and therefore the lowest Modifier. Ideally, the Dump Stat is nowhere near the stat a character needs to fulfill their combat roles such as STR for a melee-based Fighter or INT for a spellcaster like the Wizard. However, unless one is a Spellcaster, it’s common for INT and WIS to be the “default” Dump Stat of characters.
While there’s certainly no problem in choosing these as Dump Stats, players need to pay careful attention when choosing both of them in the context ofBaldur’s Gate 3. Exploration will force the game to pullsurprise Checkson players, missing relevant information, and even traps via Perception (WIS) or even spotting clues in puzzles with Investigation (INT). Among the two, INT is the more practical Dump Stat, especially when the likes of Wyll (if he’s built like a Wizard) can be the go-to expert for puzzles. Despite the temptation to use WIS as a Dump Stat, it’s also a common Saving Throw.
Choose A New Class After Trying Out The Others
Build a Bard first before respeccing a character into another build
The Bard is both a unique non-Origin Class and specializes in utility, enabling players to take the spotlight while also supporting their Companions in combat
The coreBaldur’s Gate 3experiencecomes with a Character Creation suite boasting all 12 ofD&D’s main Classes. Among these Classes, seven are technically spread across the starting Companions (Barbarian, Cleric, Fighter, Rogue, Warlock, Wizard), while three more are among Companions to be met down the line (Druid, Paladin, Ranger). This essentially leaves three Classes (Bard, Monk, Sorcerer) to be used among Origins, and the Sorcerer is implied to be the canonical Class of the Dark Urge. Between the Bard and the Monk, however, a player may want to choose to start the game as a Bard.
Similar to the Rogue, the Bard is also a Skill juggler for having many Proficiencies. Moreover, their Bardic Inspiration is perhaps among the best utilities a party could have in the game with its overall boosts. Players who pick a Bard become the party’s Face, and their CHA specialty allows them to do so while performing Persuasion, Intimidation, and Deception Checks reliably. With the Bard, players can stay in the back row and observe the way their party members’ chosen Classes encourage them to act in combat. That way, players can find the playstyle that best suits them without risking experimentation - especially at initial campaigns where respeccing with Withers can get expensive.
Exploration Checks Can Spot Worthwhile Clues
Invest in INT and WIS for Investigation and Perception, with a bit of Nature and Arcana if possible
Many automatic checks in the game involve any of the above, which may help players spot traps and relevant clues
Players know they’ve unlocked a crucial part of a dungeon inBaldur’s Gate 3once the narrator begins speaking, and players can only ensure they haven’t missed any spots if they have their exploration Skills in order. When making a character, players should consider having Proficiencies in an observation-based Skill such as Investigation, Insight, Nature, Perception, and Survival.
Having Proficiency in any of these Skills can give players a fighting chance in securing spontaneous Skill Checks during exploration. This allows players to jump the gun on traps to disable them before they damage players. Moreover, these Skills are the only ways to help players spot hidden treasures that they can pick up with Shovels.
Raise CHA to proc more Persuasion and Intimidation Checks
High enough CHA can ensure players can get the most out of conversations
Conversations form a crucial part of a player’sBaldur’s Gate 3experience,especially with NPCswhose feelings towards the player may dictate whether they can be of assistance regarding specific quests or tasks. Since one wrong conversation can instigate an encounter, players can develop a high-CHA character to secure smooth-talking opportunities.
High-enough CHA should proc options such as Persuasion and Intimidation, especially if players have Skill Proficiencies on these actions. Having access to these options can help players have a fighting chance in pleasing NPCs for favorable outcomes, especially in quests.
Raise Certain Skills To Cheat One’s Way Out Of Sticky Situations
Deception (CHA) and Sleight of Hand (DEX) are Skills worth the attention
High-enough CHA and DEX can ensure players can con or even Pickpocket enemies efficiently
Considering the wealth of options players haveas early as Act 1, it’s easy forBaldur’s Gate 3to feel overwhelmed with things they can or can’t do with NPCs. Since merchants can be Pickpocketed alongside other NPCs, it’s not surprising if players thought of doing a bit of thievery with their characters.
to cover this option at the onset, a player’s DEX-reliant character should try getting Proficiency in Sleight of Hand early on. That way, players can Pickpocket their way out of lack of Gold in order to get any of the high-rarity items they want.
