Forgot password
Enter the email address you used when you joined and we'll send you instructions to reset your password.
If you used Apple or Google to create your account, this process will create a password for your existing account.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Reset password instructions sent. If you have an account with us, you will receive an email within a few minutes.
Something went wrong. Try again or contact support if the problem persists.
Screenshot by Pro Game Guides

Baldur’s Gate 3 Best Starting Classes – BG3 Best Beginner Classes

Where to begin.

While players of previous Larian titles such as Divinity: Original Sin will be on somewhat familiar ground with Baldur’s Gate 3, the inclusion of the Dungeons & Dragons ruleset changes things up considerably. The sheer amount of choice can be truly daunting if you’re unfamiliar with the game or even more so if you’re new to tactical RPGs. For this reason, I’ve put together this selection of the best beginner classes if you’re new to BG3.

Recommended Videos

BG3 best starting classes

I’ve made a list of what I think are the best beginner classes in Baldur’s Gate 3 below. However, it is important to remember that BG3 is technically a squad-based game. This means that while you do create a single character at the start, you’ll soon be joined by companions who will join you in battle (although you can choose to try to go solo). As you can switch between these other characters, and you’ll operate them in battles, you will actually get to play a number of different classes in the game

Tanking Starter Class - Fighter 

Screenshot by Pro Game Guides
  • Suggested race: Half-Orc (extra damage on crits, plus you survive the first time you’re Downed).

Fighters are incredibly durable, can wield a multitude of weapons, and can battle both up close and at range. This means you’ll be able to get used to melee combat quickly without having to worry too much about getting taken down, as you have both good health and armor. Plus, you get a handy self-heal that will get you out of a tight scrape.

RelatedBaldur’s Gate 3 Lae’zel Build Guide – Best Stats and Subclass

Tough Healer Starter Class - Cleric 

Screenshot by Pro Game Guides
  • Suggested race: Half-Elf (some useful extra proficiencies, plus advantage vs charm and sleep attacks).

Clerics also get to wear plenty of armor and have a solid array of weaponry available to them, both ranged and melee. However, it’s best to build towards one or another with your stats (Dexterity for ranged, Strength for melee), as you’ll need plenty of points in Wisdom for your spells. Clerics are healers at heart but have some pretty massive damage spells too.

Casting Starter Class - Warlock

Screenshot by Pro Game Guides
  • Suggested race: Gnome (You get an advantage on Charisma, Wisdom, and intelligence rolls. You’ll definitely max Int, and Charisma will work for you too).

There are lots of options if you want to play an attack-minded magician, but for me, the warlock is the most newbie-friendly. You’ll need to keep your enemies at arm’s length and will want to make some melee-ready friends as soon as possible. But as long as you have the protection, you can have some serious fun from the backlines, being able to cast hard and often to devastating effect.

We have loads more on Baldur's Gate 3 here at Pro Game Guides, including BG3 Sorcerer vs Wizard – All Differences & Similarities and Baldur’s Gate 3 Shadowheart Build Guide – Best Stats and Spells.


Pro Game Guides is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
We have upgraded our commenting platform! Existing comments will be imported over the next few weeks.
Author
Image of Chris Marling
Chris Marling
Chris Marling is a writer and editor with more than 20 years of experience across newspapers, magazines, and websites. Based in the UK, he has written professionally on everything from tech to tearooms. But his real passion is gaming, going right back to the Atari 2600 - and especially RPGs and MMOs. He cut his teeth on games such as The Realm and Anarchy Online. But 20 years on still gets excited about exploring each new world. When not online, you'll find him gaming analog-style around the table. Chris has had five of his own board games published, including Pioneer Days and Armageddon.