Some of the most fun I have in Baldur's Gate 3 is with a Swords Bard Fighter multiclassed character. A Swords Bard Fighter is capable of having very high AC, high damage output, and spells that can heal or have very effective buff or debuff effects, and here is how you can create a Swords Bard Fighter in Baldur's Gate 3.
The Bard class is commonly a support role with spells to buff allies and debuff enemies while playing great tunes. However, the Bard is one of the most versatile classes in Baldur's Gate 3 and can fit many roles.
BG3 - Swords Bard Fighter Best Stats
A Bard Fighter multiclass needs high Charisma for spell attacks and conversations but also needs high Dexterity and Constitution. The Swords Bard Fighter can use attacks and can act as a front-liner with high Dexterity for attack rolls and Initiative, while a high Consitution will help with health and Concentration Checks.
STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
8 | 16 | 14 | 8 | 10 | 17 |
Swords Bard Fighter Level Guide in BG3
To get the most out of the Swords Bard Fighter build, you will want to start off as a Fighter. You will get Heavy Armor proficiency, but you will miss out on a couple of skills due to not starting as a Bard, but you will still have plenty of skills leveling up. At Level 2, you can dip into Bard for the Bardic Inspiration and then take a second level of Figher next for the Action Surge.
Related: Eldritch Knight Build Guide BG3
Once you reach Level 3 of Bard, you will be able to choose the College of Swords, which will unlock the Flourish abilities, which are very useful for the build. You can then keep leveling up in Bard to unlock new spells and, at Level 6, an extra attack. Since you will have high AC potential with Heavy Armor and a shield, you can equip a finesse weapon and have plenty of options for combat.
Level | Features |
Fighter Level 1 | Fighting Style (Defense) Second Wind |
Fighter Level 2 | Action Surge |
Bard Level 1 | Bardic Inspiration |
Bard Level 2 | Song of Rest Jack of All Trades |
Bard Level 3 | Choose Subclass (College of Swords) Expertise in 2 Skills |
Bard Level 4 | Feat (Ability Score Increase: +2 Charisma) |
Bard Level 5 | Improved Bardic Inspiration Font of Inspiration |
Bard Level 6 | Countercharm Extra Attack |
Bard Level 7 | Bard Spells |
Bard Level 8 | Feat (Actor) |
Bard Level 9 | Bard Spells |
Bard Level 10 | Improved Bardic Inspiration Expertise in 2 Skills Magical Secrets |
Best Spells for a Swords Bard Fighter in BG3
Bards have access to plenty of helpful spells, some of which will be very helpful when using a Bard focused on attacks. Here are the best spells for Swords Bard Fighters:
Level | Spells |
Cantrips | Friends, Mage Hand, Vicious Mockery, Light |
1 | Dissonant Whispers, Tasha's Hideous Laughter, Fairie Fire, Healing Word |
2 | Cloud of Daggers, Heat Metal, Hold Person, Invisibility |
3 | Bestow Curse, Fear, Hypnotic Pattern |
4 | Dimension Door, Polymorph |
5 | Dominate Person, Planar Binding |
Many of the spells you will want will debuff enemies or control movement, so you will be able to attack with advantages against many enemies you cast spells on. Early on, Dissonant Whispers and Hideous Laughter can be used to keep enemies from moving, while Fairie Fire is a great AOE spell to gain Advantage on enemies and prevent invisibility. Experiment with different spells to see what works best for your playstyle.
Best items for a Swords Bard Fighter in BG3
Swords Bard Fighters benefit greatly from Heavy Armor proficiency and the Flourish ability, which is extremely powerful with Ranged Attacks. Here are the best items to grab for your Swords Bard Fighter in BG3:
- Knife of the Undermountain King: Found in Act 1 at the Gith Creche. This weapon can Crit on 19, reroll 1s and 2s on damage die, and has Advantage on obscured targets.
- Darkfire Shortbow: Found in Act 2, sold by Dammon at Last Light Inn. The Darkfire Shortbow is a +2 ranged weapon that gives the user resistance to Cold and Fire damage, and grants a use of Haste.
- Boots of Brilliance: Found in Act 1 in Grymforge, looted from the Mimics. The Boots of Brilliance allow the wearer to restore Bardic Inspiration charges with an action, which can be great early on in the game.
- Flawed Helldusk Armor: Found in Act 2 by giving material to Dammon at Last Light Inn.
The Flawed Helldusk Armor is another great Heavy Armor that can deal fire damage when the wearer is hit, making it very handy in melee combat.
How to play a Swords Bard Fighter in BG3
Swords Bard Fighters are highly versatile and capable of dealing lots of damage, buffing allies, and can have high AC. The biggest advantage to playing a Swords Bard Fighter is the number of attacks you can use in a turn. By level 3 Bard and Level 2 Fighter, you can attack up to four times using Action Surge and Ranged Slashing Flourish. The Ranged Slashing Flourish can attack two enemies or hit the same enemy twice, making it a very powerful ability.
Swords Bard Fighters not only can dish out a large number of attacks, but they can also buff or heal allies or themselves with Bonus Actions like Healing Word, Bardic Inspiration, or Second Wind. With Heavy Armor Proficiency, you should be able to get your AC pretty high, so you will be able to stay in the fight.
Using a combination of attacks, abilities, and spells makes the Swords Bard Fighter a very unique and powerful character. You can have all the important skills needed in Baldur's Gate 3 in one character, making it a great choice for your build.
For more on Baldur's Gate 3, check out Baldur’s Gate 3 Finesse Weapons Guide here on Pro Game Guides.
Published: Jan 23, 2024 11:28 am