Choosing the best bard subclass in BG3 “Baldur’s Gate 3” is crucial. Each subclass offers unique abilities, spells, and skills that can dramatically change your playstyle. Whether you’re playing solo or supporting a party, the right subclass will enhance your strengths and cover your weaknesses.
In this blog, we’re diving deep into the best bard subclasses in BG3. We’ll explore why choosing the right subclass matters and how it can enhance your experience. Stick around, because you’re about to discover the hidden power of bards!
In this blog, we’ll look at the 7 most powerful bard subclasses in BG3. We’ll cover their features, the best scenarios for each, and how they can transform your gameplay. Get ready to dive into the world of bards and find the perfect subclass for your adventure!
Why Choosing the Right Bard Subclass Matters
Choosing the right bard subclass is more than just picking a title. It’s about enhancing your overall gameplay experience. Each subclass offers distinct abilities and spells that can complement your playstyle. Here’s why this choice is so important:
- Impact on Gameplay
- Subclass choice significantly influences your gameplay.
- The right subclass can turn your bard from a background supporter into a frontline hero.
- Some subclasses excel in solo play, while others are perfect for party support.
- Enhance Solo Play and Party Support
- For solo adventures, choose a subclass with high damage output and strong defensive abilities.
- For party play, select a subclass that offers excellent support skills like healing and buffs.
- Knowing your role helps you pick a subclass that makes you indispensable.
- Unique Abilities and Spells
- Each bard subclass in BG3 comes with unique abilities and spells.
- The College of Lore offers versatility and a wide range of skills.
- The College of Swords focuses on melee combat, ideal for close-up fighting.
- Unique features make your bard feel special and tailored to your playstyle.
- Choosing Based on Playstyle
- Consider your preferred combat style and role.
- Do you like casting spells from a distance or fighting on the front lines?
- Are you a solo player or a team supporter?
- Your answers will guide you to the right subclass.
- Tips for Beginners
- Start with a subclass that’s easy to understand and play.
- The College of Lore is great for beginners due to its versatility and range of skills.
- As you gain experience, explore more specialized subclasses.
Choosing the right bard subclass in BG3 can transform your game. With the right choice, your bard will be a powerful asset in any situation. So, dive in, experiment, and find the subclass that suits you best
The 7 Powerful Bard Subclasses in BG3
Many people think all bard subclasses are the same, just with different names. But each subclass in Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3) offers unique abilities and styles. Picking the right one can drastically change your game. Let’s dive into the seven powerful bard subclasses in BG3 and see what makes each one special.
07 College of Lore
The College of Lore is all about versatility. This subclass gives you access to a wide range of skills, making your bard adaptable to various situations.
Best for
- Roleplaying and versatility.
- Players who like having many options and skills.
Abilities
- Cutting Words: Use your wit to distract, confuse, and weaken enemies, reducing their attack rolls, ability checks, or damage rolls.
- Additional Magical Secrets: Learn spells from any class, providing incredible flexibility in your spellcasting.
- Bonus Proficiencies: Gain proficiency with three additional skills, making you even more versatile.
06 College of Valor
The College of Valor blends combat and support, making your bard both a warrior and a healer. This subclass focuses on inspiring bravery in your allies and defending them in battle.
Best for
- Balanced combat and support.
- Players who want to be in the thick of the action, providing both offense and defense.
Abilities
- Combat Inspiration: Boost your allies’ attack rolls, damage rolls, or Armor Class, enhancing their combat effectiveness.
- Warrior’s Proficiency: Gain proficiency with medium armor, shields, and martial weapons, making you more resilient in battle.
- Extra Attack: Attack twice instead of once when you take the Attack action, increasing your damage output.
05 College of Glamour
The College of Glamour focuses on enchantment and crowd control. Use your charm and grace to sway battles and control enemies.
Best for
- Crowd control and enchantment.
- Players who love manipulating the battlefield and influencing enemies.
Abilities
- Mantle of Inspiration: Grant temporary hit points to your allies and allow them to move without provoking opportunity attacks.
- Enthralling Performance: Perform for at least 1 minute to charm a number of creatures, making them adore you and follow your suggestions.
- Unbreakable Majesty: Gain an aura of majesty, making enemies less likely to attack you and imposing disadvantage on their rolls if they do.
04 College of Swords
The College of Swords is all about melee combat. It’s ideal for bards who like to fight up close and personal, dealing significant damage.
Best for
- High damage output and solo play.
- Players who want to engage in melee combat and deal substantial damage.
Abilities
- Blade Flourish: Enhance your melee attacks with various flourishes, adding damage and effects like increased speed or defensive boosts.
- Fighting Style: Choose a fighting style (Dueling or Two-Weapon Fighting) to improve your combat abilities.
- Extra Attack: Attack twice when you take the Attack action, similar to the College of Valor, but focused on melee combat.
03 College of Whispers
The College of Whispers is perfect for stealth and deception. Use dark magic to control and deceive your enemies, turning their secrets against them.
Best for
- Stealth and subterfuge.
- Players who prefer a sneaky, manipulative approach.
Abilities
- Psychic Blades: Turn your words into weapons, dealing psychic damage to enemies.
- Words of Terror: Use your words to instill fear in a creature, making them frightened of you.
- Shadow Lore: Implant thoughts into a creature’s mind, allowing you to control and manipulate them.
02 College of Spirits
The College of Spirits focuses on summoning and spiritual power. Connect with spirits to gain their wisdom and abilities, aiding you in battle.
Best for
- Summoning and spiritual power.
- Players who enjoy a mystical, otherworldly approach.
Abilities
- Tales from Beyond: Use a mystical object to call forth spirits that provide various benefits, such as healing, protection, or offensive power.
- Guiding Whispers: Gain the ability to cast the Guidance cantrip, offering a helpful boost to your allies’ skill checks.
- Spiritual Focus: Enhance your spellcasting with spiritual energy, increasing the effectiveness of your spells.
01 College of Creation
The College of Creation is all about creativity and utility. Use your imagination to create powerful effects and objects that aid you and your allies.
Best for
- Creativity and utility.
- Players who love unique and varied abilities.
Abilities
- Performance of Creation: Create non-magical items out of thin air, providing useful tools or resources as needed.
- Animating Performance: Bring objects to life, turning them into allies that can fight and assist you in battle.
- Mote of Potential: Infuse your Bardic Inspiration with extra power, adding additional effects like flight or extra damage.
Each of these bard subclasses in BG3 offers unique abilities that can drastically change your gameplay experience. Whether you prefer melee combat, spellcasting, or support roles, there’s a bard subclass that fits your style perfectly. So, explore these options and find the one that best enhances your adventures in BG3!
How to Choose the Best Bard Subclass for Your Playstyle
Choosing the best bard subclass in BG3 depends on your playstyle. Here’s how to decide which subclass is right for you.
Determine Your Role
- First, think about your role. Do you prefer solo play or supporting a party? For solo play, you need high damage output and strong defense. Subclasses like the College of Swords or the College of Whispers are perfect for solo adventurers. If you enjoy party support, look for subclasses that offer healing and buffs, like the College of Valor or the College of Glamour.
Consider Your Preferred Combat Style
- Next, consider your combat style. Do you like casting spells from a distance or engaging in melee combat? For ranged spellcasting, the College of Lore or the College of Spirits offers excellent options. If you prefer melee, the College of Swords provides powerful melee abilities and enhancements.
Think About Your Roleplaying Preferences
- Your roleplaying preferences also matter. If you love deception and stealth, the College of Whispers will fit your character. For those who enjoy a mystical and spiritual approach, the College of Spirits provides a unique flavor. Choose a subclass that matches your character’s personality and story.
Tips for Beginners
- If you’re new to BG3, start with an easy-to-understand subclass. The College of Lore is a great choice for beginners due to its versatility and wide range of skills. As you become more experienced, you can explore more specialized and complex subclasses like the College of Creation or the College of Whispers.
Choosing the right bard subclass is essential for maximizing your fun and effectiveness in BG3. By considering your playstyle, combat preferences, and roleplaying desires, you can find the perfect subclass that suits your adventures. Dive in, experiment, and enjoy the unique abilities each subclass has to offer!
Best Bard Subclass for Different Scenarios
Many players think one bard subclass can fit all scenarios in Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3). But each subclass shines in different situations. Choosing the best one depends on what you need for your adventure. Let’s explore the best bard subclasses for various scenarios in BG3.
01 Best Bard Subclass for Solo Play in BG3
When playing solo, you need a bard subclass that can handle enemies independently. The College of Swords is perfect for this. Its high damage output and defensive abilities make it ideal for solo play. You get powerful melee attacks and can parry incoming strikes, making you a formidable lone warrior.
02 Most Powerful Bard Subclass in BG3
If you’re looking for raw power, the College of Whispers stands out. This subclass combines stealth and high damage. Psychic Blades turn your words into deadly weapons, and Shadow Lore can frighten enemies into submission. It’s perfect for players who want a mix of power and deception.
03 Top Bard Subclasses for Party Support in BG3
Supporting a party requires a subclass with strong healing and buffing abilities. The College of Valor and the College of Glamour excel here. It boosts allies’ attacks and provides combat inspiration. The College of Glamour offers crowd control and temporary hit points, ensuring your party stays strong in tough battles.
04 Bard Subclass with the Best Spells in BG3
For the best spells, the College of Lore is unbeatable. It offers a wide range of magical abilities that provide both offensive and defensive options. Cutting Words can weaken enemies, while additional proficiencies in skills make you incredibly versatile. This subclass is ideal for players who love having many spell choices.
05 Bard Subclass with Highest Damage Output in BG3
If high damage output is your goal, the College of Swords is the way to go. Its melee combat focus and Blade Flourish ability enhance your attacks, making you a powerful damage dealer. This subclass is perfect for players who want to be at the front lines, dealing heavy hits to enemies.
06 Best Bard Subclass for Roleplaying in BG3
Roleplaying enthusiasts will love the College of Whispers. Its focus on stealth, deception, and dark magic fits perfectly with intricate character backstories. Using Psychic Blades and Shadow Lore, you can create a mysterious and powerful bard. This subclass adds depth to your roleplaying experience.
Bard Subclass Synergy with Other Classes
Some think bard subclasses can’t synergize well with other classes in BG3. But, the right combination can create a powerful and versatile character. Let’s look at how different bard subclasses synergize with other classes in BG3.
How Different Bard Subclasses Synergize with Other Classes
- College of Lore: Pairs well with spellcasting classes like Wizard or Sorcerer. The extra proficiencies and Cutting Words ability enhance your magical versatility.
- College of Valor: Combines effectively with Fighter or Paladin. The combat inspiration and proficiency with medium armor and shields complement these melee-focused classes.
- College of Glamour: Works great with Warlock or Druid. Its crowd control and support abilities can enhance these classes’ spellcasting and nature-based powers.
- College of Swords: Pairs perfectly with Rogue or Monk. The melee focus and Blade Flourish ability boost these classes’ combat effectiveness.
- College of Whispers: Complements classes like Rogue or Ranger. The stealth and Psychic Blades abilities enhance these classes’ sneaky and high-damage playstyles.
- College of Spirits: Synergizes well with Cleric or Druid. The spiritual focus and summoning abilities fit perfectly with these classes’ nature and healing themes.
- College of Creation: Matches with Artificer or Wizard. The creative and utility-focused abilities enhance these classes’ crafting and spellcasting capabilities.
Best Multiclass Combinations with Bard Subclasses
- College of Lore + Wizard: Access to a broad range of spells and skills, making you a versatile spellcaster.
- College of Valor + Fighter: A strong combination of combat skills and support abilities, ideal for frontline battles.
- College of Glamour + Warlock: Enhance your enchantment abilities and add powerful spells to your arsenal.
- College of Swords + Rogue: High damage output and stealth capabilities make you a deadly combatant.
- College of Whispers + Ranger: Perfect for stealthy, high-damage playstyles with added control over the battlefield.
- College of Spirits + Cleric: Combine spiritual summoning with powerful healing and support spells.
- College of Creation + Artificer: Focus on creativity and utility, making you a master of crafting and magical creation.
By understanding the synergies and multiclass combinations, you can create a bard that perfectly fits your desired playstyle. Experiment with different classes and find the combination that makes your bard an unstoppable force in BG3!
FAQs About Bard Subclasses in BG3
Many players have questions about bard subclasses in Baldur’s Gate 3. Let’s address some of the most common ones to help you better understand these versatile characters.
FAQS
01 What is the Best Bard Subclass for Beginners in BG3?
For beginners, the College of Lore is often recommended. Its versatility and wide range of skills make it easier to adapt to various situations. Plus, the extra skill proficiencies provide more options for new players.
02 Which Bard Subclass is the Most Versatile in BG3?
The College of Lore is considered the most versatile bard subclass. With access to additional skills and spells from any class, you can adapt to almost any scenario in the game.
03 Can You Switch Bard Subclasses in BG3?
Unfortunately, you cannot switch subclasses once you’ve chosen one. It’s essential to consider your playstyle and preferences before making your selection.
04 What is the Strongest Bard Subclass in BG3?
The strongest bard subclass depends on your playstyle and the situation. However, subclasses like the College of Swords and College of Whispers are known for their high damage output and versatility, respectively.
05 How Do Bard Subclasses Affect Gameplay in BG3?
Bard subclasses greatly impact your gameplay experience. Each subclass offers unique abilities, spells, and playstyles, allowing you to tailor your bard to your preferences and role within the party.
06 Are Multiclass Bards Viable in BG3?
Yes, multiclassing can be viable in BG3, depending on your build and preferences. Some combinations, like bard/rogue or bard/fighter, can enhance specific aspects of your character’s abilities and playstyle.
07 Can Bards Be Effective Damage Dealers in BG3?
Yes, bards can be effective damage dealers, especially with subclasses like the College of Swords or College of Whispers. With the right spells, equipment, and tactics, bards can hold their own in combat alongside other damage-focused classes.
08 How Important is Roleplaying for Bard Characters in BG3?
Roleplaying is essential for bard characters in BG3. Bards excel at social interactions, storytelling, and performance, making them ideal for immersive roleplaying experiences. Engaging with NPCs and embracing your character’s personality can enhance your enjoyment of the game.
09 Can Bards Solo Adventures in BG3?
While some bard subclasses are better suited for solo play than others, bards can indeed embark on solo adventures in BG3. Subclasses like the College of Swords or College of Whispers offer abilities that make solo play more manageable, but it ultimately depends on your skill level and the challenges you face in the game.
10 What Are Some Unique Roleplaying Opportunities with Bard Subclasses in BG3?
Each bard subclass offers unique roleplaying opportunities. For example, a College of Glamour bard can charm their way through social encounters, while a College of Spirits bard can commune with spirits and delve into mystical lore. Embracing your subclass’s theme can lead to memorable and immersive roleplaying experiences in BG3.
These FAQs cover some of the most common questions about bard subclasses in Baldur’s Gate 3. Understanding these aspects can help you make informed decisions when creating and playing your bard character in the game.