After waiting for literal months,Baldur’s Gate 3fans have swarmed back to the game for therelease of Patch 8, which added 12new subclasses, new evil endings, photo mode, and other content. It’s been highly-anticipated, so of course, the excitement surrounding the update is well-founded.
The main thing that many, including myself, were most excited about was the additional subclasses—a new way to play the game and a new way to tackle each encounter.
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Of all the subclasses, some are definitely stronger options, and others are taking more of a backseat to accommodate for roleplay or other quirks. There wasn’t a bad addition to the group, but it’s clear which subclasses are moresuited for Honour Moderather than a simple campaign with a friend.
The question then becomes, of all of Patch 8’s new subclasses, which one is the best?
12College of Glamour Bard
The Ultimate Buff
Bards, typically, are absolutely busted in Baldur’s Gate 3, with their insanelyhigh charisma being used to get out of just about any encounter. However, theCollege of Glamoursubclass takes a step back, focusing on being a pure buff instead.
With the College of Glamour, you are given aMantle of Inspiration, which grants temporary HP to your allies and Charms attackers. The temp HP and the number of allies you’re able to target increases as you level up.
Then, you may control the battlefield with how you can Command other creatures (Charmed attackers automatically fail) with theMantle of Majesty, which you obtain at Level 6.
It’s good for players who want to control the outside components that can make or break an encounter, especially with particularly aggressive enemies. It is the weakest subclass that Bard (or really any other class) has, as a full buff won’t work as strongly in single player.
Because of these shortcomings, this subclass is ideal for players who want to take a backseat in a multiplayer game, acting as a side character to your friend’s spotlight.
11Swarmkeeper Ranger
One of my biggest complaints about Rangers is that they’re the only class that can summon animal companions, even though in the tabletop, Druids have that ability as prominently as Wild Shape. With theSwarmkeepersubclass, these summons are a little bit different. In fact, you get an entire group of them.
Not only does the swarm that you summon do additional damage to creatures designated by Hunter’s Mark, but it has special attacks, can give you the ability to fly, and will even increase your Armour Class by the time you hit Level 11.
You can choose between aCloud of Jellyfish, aFlurry of Moths, or aLegion of Bees. Of course, this includes particular subclass spells that align well with a Drow. It’s a surprisingly fun addition, but doesn’t deliver anywhere near the damage the Hunter subclass hits with.
It’s a good class for those who want new creatures by their side, and for a campaign that isn’t on the Tactician Difficulty.
10Way of the Drunken Master Monk
Unarmed Hilarity Ensues
Monk is a very fun class for those who prefer playing as a heavy-hitter, andWay of the Drunken Masteris no exception to that. That said, it feels very similar to Way of the Open Hand, just with more drunk noises and swaying, so it’s a class that’s more ideal for roleplay.
You’re immune to any negative effects of beingDrunk, to the extent that it will help you regain half your Ki Points, Disengage easier, and even spread the alcoholism to others. Seriously, starting at Level 4, you can hit someone with your bare fists and there’s a chance it will get them Drunk.
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You’ll end up with the same kind of drunk luck as Captain Jack Sparrow, and you’d certainly feel like him with how you’re running around with two left legs. There’s not too much of a difference to the other subclasses, but it’s just fun enough to where people don’t really care.
Not to mention, the humour with this class makes it more than worth a playthrough.
9Arcane Archer Fighter
Make Lae’zel’s Arrows Devastating
Normally, when thinking of Fighters, they’re front and centre, doing all the damage in battle with a threatening melee weapon in hand. WithArcane Archer, however, you’re just as lethal from a distance as you are up close.
If you had fun with the Eldritch Knight, you’d have similar fun with Arcane Archer, as you’re givenArcane Shotsthat allow you to shoot magical ranged attacks for when you’re too far away for melee combat.
Plus, with Action Surge, you’re able to make more of these attacks without having to play as a Ranger. As you level up, you’ll obtain more Arcane Arrows and eventually be able to shoot another target as a bonus action.
This class is ideal if you want to basically be a One Man Army, complete with being your own Archer as well.
8Death Domain Cleric
What Shar Wishes She Had
Seeing theDeath DomainCleric only makes me wonder why Shadowheart is a Trickery Domain Cleric instead, as this is all right up Shar’s alley.
Right off the bat, your Necromancy cantrips can target additional creatures and will do additional Necrotic damage as you level up. Plus, you can use your Channel Divinity forTouch of Death, which adds extra Necrotic damage onto your melee attacks. Almost all your subclass spells are Necromancy spells.
The Death Domain is a surprisingly tactile class, despite its emphasis on necrotic magic, and it finally allows Shadowheart to actually hit her targets. It’s similar to what we see from the other Sharrans in the House of Grief, so it makes Shadowheart’s standard subclass all the more confusing.
Honestly, I have started getting Withers first in my playthroughs now, just so the first thing I can do with Shadowheart is change her subclass (or class outright), with Death Domain becoming her new main.
7Bladesinger Wizard
Squishy Can Fight?
Sending your wizard to fight sounds like the fastest way to get your whole party killed, but theBladesingerWizard actually makes them have a stake in the battle. With it, you’re able to castBladesong, which gives you a +Proficiency Bonus to your AC and Constitution saving throws, Advantage in Acrobatics, and increases your movement speed.
As you level up, you’re able to gain proficiency in more weapons and armour, also earning extra attacks and additional uses of the Bladesong. The next thing you know, Gale is suddenly a heavy-hitter.
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It’s perhaps the most surprising subclass addition to the game, as it makes the squishiest class a force to be reckoned with, which is difficult to do in early levels. I’m genuinely impressed with the damage output.
This is a good class for those who want a good balance of magic and combat, with more spell options than a Paladin. Magic should still be a priority, since you’re a wizard, but now you don’t have to cower behind cover when you roll Initiative.
6Swashbuckler Rogue
Unbelievably Busted
Rogues have consistently been busted due to the insane damage that Sneak Attack outputs, butSwashbucklertakes this to the next level. You can now trigger Sneak Attack without needing Advantage (you just can’t have Disadvantage). With the scaling bonus to your Initiative, it’s all the best traits of the Assassin subclass, but with so much more.
This isn’t even including theDirty Tricksthat you’re able to do:Flick o’ the Wrist, which disarms enemies,Sand Toss, which blinds them, andVicious Mockery. You’re literally fighting dirty, which Rogues obviously thrive on.
Not to mention, removing the primary barrier for Sneak Attack changes the entire course of the game, making you (or Astarion) absurdly powerful with each strike, especially if you attack from the shadows. It’s become the most busted subclass in the most already busted class, and it’s insane.
This is also exactly what makes it so much fun.
5Shadow Magic Sorcerer
A Dark, Unique Method of Spellcasting
As a Sorcerer main, I was genuinely surprised with theShadow Magicsubclass that Patch 8 added in. It’s surprisingly powerful, relying on darkness as the fount of that power.
Right off the bat, when you have 0 Hit Points, you regain 1 instead of being downed, which is something that’s normally exclusive to Half-Orcs and certain types of martial classes. Plus, you’re able to see in your own darkness without any penalty.
Of course, everyone enjoys this subclass for theHound of Ill Omen, a dog that you’re able to summon that will fight alongside you for only three Sorcery Points. It’s permanent, too, even after a long rest. The only way to get rid of this dog is to dismiss them or for them to fall in battle, and even then, if you have the resources, you can summon another.
It’s an edgy Sorcerer, but in a good way. I like to combine this subclass with my Tav that I modded to be a vampire, making the spellcasting seem more vampiric overall in theme.
4Circle of Stars Druid
The Strongest Druid Subclass
Druids aren’t confined to the nature that can only be found on the Material Plane – sometimes, that nature magic is derived from the night itself. With theCircle of the StarsDruid, your power is written among the constellations.
With yourStarry Form, you can use your Wild Shape to take on new forms rather than turning into an animal. You have a choice betweenChalice, which assists in healing,Dragon, which assists in your Concentration, andArcher, which is self-explanatory.
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Plus, you’re given aStar Map, which allows you to cast Guilding Bolt without a spell slot, and you’ll get more of those Maps as you level up. Combine this withCosmic Omens(which increases or decreases rolls, checks, and Saving Throws), and suddenly this is a Druid that would eat the Emerald Grove for lunch.
It’s probably the most powerful subclass for Druid now, and it’s absolutely dazzling.
3Oath of the Crown Paladin
The Textbook Paladin
When most people think of a Paladin, they think of theOath of the Crown– which is why I was surprised to see that it wasn’t in the game until this patch. Thankfully, its inclusion didn’t disappoint one bit.
This is a Paladin that is equal parts a weapon and a buff, allowing you to take an ally’s damage as a reaction (called Divine Allegiance), compel all enemies around you to target only you, andTurn the Tide(heal all non-enemy creatures nearby) in battle.
Plus, with the Oath Spells that always come prepared (which includes one of my favourites, Spirit Guardians), you end up taking on the role of a paladin in its truest form—being the hero on the front line that everyone needs.
Just remember to actually uphold your tenants, because you can break your oath surprisingly easily.
