Eldritch Knight BG3 build guide

Updated: December 5, 2023
This build is current to the patch #5.

I always like to have magic at my disposal, regardless of the build class I go for in Baldur's Gate 3. Eldritch Knight is a Fighter sub-class that provides me with just that, so I compiled this build guide to help you create this interesting hybrid class.

Best Eldritch Knight Build in Baldur's Gate 3

Eldrich Knight is a perfect build if you intend to supplement melee combat with magic in Baldur's Gate 3. You only have access to level 1 spells in this build, but self-buffing with low-level spells is more effective than you might think. As with the Necrolock build, we will be relying heavily on the Warped Headband of Intellect to provide us with the much-needed Intelligence of 17 while we allocate the rest of our points to other Abilities.

Related: BG3 Wizard Build Guide – Best Stats and Subclass

Best Stats and Race for Eldritch Knight in BG3

When choosing your Eldritch Knight's race and background in BG3, it's best to go for the one that provides you with Athletics because you will mainly be investing in the Strength Skill. With that in mind, I went for an Acolyte, but you can go for the Noble or Sage if you like.

As for the race, select either a High Elf or Gold Dwarf. You will get Darkvision either way, but I slightly prefer the latter due to Dwarven Resilience and poison damage protection.

Thanks to the Warped Headband of Intellect, I got to invest all my points into Strength or Dexterity and Constitution without wasting them on Intelligence. My ability spread looked like this:

• Strength: 17
• Dexterity: 10
• Constitution: 17
• Intelligence: 8
• Wisdom: 12
• Charisma: 11

Best Fighting Style for Eldritch Knight in Baldur's Gate 3

The best Fighting Style for Eldritch Knight in BG3 is Duelling, using a combination of a single-handed weapon and shield; it will provide you with sufficient protection while boosting your Weapon Attacks for +2.

Alternatively, Great Weapon Fighting is the path to follow if you opt for using two-handed weapons. With this, you trade off protection in exchange for a re-roll on a Damage Roll when you score a Critical Failure.

Best Eldritch Knight Features, Feats, & Spells - BG3

Related: Best Illithid Powers in BG3 – All Illithid Powers, Ranked

Best Items and Gear for Eldritch Knight in Baldur's Gate 3

When it comes to choosing Gear for Eldritch Knight in BG3, your weapon selection will depend on either the single-handed or a double-handed weapon preference. I decided to play it safer, opting for a sword and a shield, but you can go for the Everburn Blade by using the Command spell on Commander Zhalk right at the start of the game, granting you the best starting two-handed weapon possible.

Item number one on your Eldritch Knight shopping list should be Warped Headband of Intellect, which you can obtain pretty early by defeating the Ogre Mage in the Blighted Village (X:9, Y: 369). Aside from that, you will also need these two items:

• Psychic Spark: adds another projectile when you cast a Magic Missile spell.
•  Boots of Striding: grants you extra movement speed whenever you cast a spell that requires Concentration.

Looking for more guides to help you on your Baldur's Gate 3 adventures? Look no further, you're in the right place! Check out Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3) Halsin Build Guide and BG3: Best Feats for Shadowheart in Baldur’s Gate 3 here on Pro Game Guides!