Baldur s Gate 3: Every Druid Subclass Ranked

Updated on April 23, 2025, by Thomas Hawkins: With the release of Patch 8 for Baldur's Gate 3, each class has received a new subclass to use. In the case of the fighter, BG3 Roleplay Builds they can now choose the Arcane Archer subclass, gaining access to arcane arrows with a variety of powerful effects. This allows ranged fighters to apply status effects over a distance and access a wider range of damage types without needing specialized equipment. By pairing Arcane Archer with the game's existing assortment of specialty arrows, this subclass can be incredibly versatile. This guide has been updated to discuss the new subclass, multiclassing options that work well with it, and equipment that works especially well with this new subclass.

Putting all of that together, players will be gaining Lightning Charges constantly from casting spells and standing in electrified water, which won't hurt them because of the Sparkswall Ring. Those lightning charges will boost the character's AC by 1, add lightning damage to all their attacks (including spell attacks), and deal even more lightning damage when they max out by spending the whole stack. The Lifebringer adds temporary HP as long as the character has lightning charges, while the Real Sparky Sparkswall allows them to burn three charges to create a lightning aura that jolts nearby foes. Finally, the Blast Pendant uses up all available lightning charges to empower the next spell or cantrip used, adding extra lightning damage to it.

Indeed, the Fighter multiclass is one of the most common options for players to pick in Baldur's Gate 3 because it doesn't require much investment to see great returns. By putting just two levels into Fighter, players unlock Action Surge, which grants an additional Action for a turn at the cost of a Bonus Action.

At level 10, the Battle Master gains "Improved Combat Superiority," changing their Combat Superiority Die from 1d8 to 1d10. This improves the maximum amount of bonus damage they can deal when using a Combat Maneuver. Finally, a t level 11, the Battle Master gains two more Combat Maneuvers from the list.

At level six, the Druid gets "Primal Strike," treating their natural attacks as magical for the purpose of overcoming damage reduction while they are transformed. They gain Saber-Toothed Tiger as a Wildshape at level eight, which has the ability to shred through armor. At level ten, the druid gets access to four "Elemental Myrmidon" wildshapes, allowing them to take on elemental forms to modify their damage type and take advantage of environmental conditions. (Lighting Oil on Fire, Electrifying Water, etc.)

The Glowing Shield , found hidden away in the Goblin Camp, provides temporary HP the first time the wielder takes damage while below half health. This makes for an excellent early shield, but players should endeavor to replace it with something like the Adamantine Shield once they are able (this can be forged during Act 1 at the Adamantine Forge.) The Adamantine Shield provides immunity to critical hits and inflicts the Reeling status effect on enemies when they miss. To further strengthen this subclass' defense, players should collect the Luminous set to take advantage of Radiant Orbs. This set consists of the Luminous Armor, Luminous Gloves , Coruscation Ring , Callous Glow Ring , The Sacred Star (Mace), and the Fabricated Arbalest . The Armor of Devotion (sold by Roah Moonglow in Moonrise Towers during Act 2) is also useful as it allows the Paladin to regain an Oath Charge once per long rest, allowing you to use Sacred Weapon, Divine Rebuke, and Turn the Unholy more often.

In the case that you don't go with a Duergar and instead choose the Half Elf for the Mask of the Wild passive, choose the Charlatan background, which grants bonuses to Deception and Sleight of Hand, or the Guild Artisan background, which grants proficiency to Insight and Persuasion.

Gloomstalker Rangers are, like Rogues, masters of stealth combat with a unique set of abilities and sneaky ways to maneuver the battlefield – but it doesn't have access to Sneak Attack. By multiclasing into the Gloomstalker subclass as a Rogue, players are able to take advantage of Sneak Attack alongside the Gloomstalker's powerful stealth abilities.

After reaching level seven, Arcane Archers gain access to Curving Shot. This allows them to spend a Bonus action when they miss with any magical ranged attack to immediately make the same attack on the next closest target, once per turn. They also gain Magic Arrow, an ability that makes all of their ranged attacks magical for the purpose of overcoming Resistance. They also get three extra Arcane Arrows per rest and may select one more Arcane Shot. Finally, at tenth level, the Arcane Archer gets three extra Arcane Arrows per rest and learns one more Arcane Shot.

When looking for some endgame armor, you could consider the Helldusk Armor acquired from the House of Hope. Getting the full set means facing off with Raphael and his incredible boss music, so it's highly recommended. The Helldusk Armor makes you fire-resistant, immune to burns, inflicts burns on casters if you succeed in the saving throw against their spell, reduces all damage you take by 3, and allows you to fly. The Helldusk Boots can be found on the top floor of Wyrmrock Fortress, providing the wearer with fiery teleportation and immunity to being forcibly moved by enemy spells and actions. They also let you spend a reaction to change a failed saving throw into a success, helping you shrug off dangerous effects and trigger the Helldusk Armor's burn effect. Add in the Helldusk Helmet (Also found in the House of Hope) to gain immunity to critical hits, immunity to being blinded, and to deal extra fire damage against any target that is burning. Alternatively, Sarevok's Helmet could be an excellent choice, reducing the target number for landing a Critical Hit to facilitate even more damage. You can find Sarevok's Helmet by defeating Sarevok at the Murder Tribunal.