Learn about the best subclasses, armories, skills, and spells for the Bard class in Baldur’s Gate 3.
In Baldur’s Gate 3, the Bard is a versatile and charismatic character that can do significant damage and provide morale boosts to their teammates. They are also effective persuaders due to their emphasis on charm. To enhance their Charisma, you need to choose the best parameters and invest in stats and skills related to acrobatics, lying, intimidation, or persuasion that can enhance their abilities in negotiations and confrontations.
And in this build guide, we will talk about being the most charismatic Bard with a high stat in Dexterity that will be able to stand against any foe. We will also talk about the abilities in detail on where you can think of spending your AP more. Without further ado, let’s right jump into it.
Best Bard Build in Baldur’s Gate 3
Bard’s characters excel in various domains, including music, magic, and physical conflict. They can work alongside powerful characters but has to be well-versed in cantrips and spells for their role. They are renowned for their motivation and musical instrument playing, making them unique and enjoyable. However, during combat, their abilities suffer, making them less effective than other classes.
Best Ability Points Assignment for Bard
- Strength: 8
- Dexterity: 14
- Constitution: 13
- Intelligence: 12
- Wisdom: 10
- Charisma: 18
Charisma is the most important Ability for Bards that will increase spell power. Allocating 16 points during Character Creation and 18 afterwards is recommended. Focusing on Dexterity and Constitution, investing points in Strength, Wisdom, or Intelligence may improve resilience furthermore. However, these abilities don’t significantly affect Spells but may affect Skill Checks and the ability to carry heavy loads.
Best Bard Race
You need to focus on a race that increases Charisma. The Wood Half-Elf is the best choice for the Bard Class’s starting Race. To increase Charisma, invest a point in Dexterity and Constitution, which are crucial for increasing the Bard’s Armor Class. A higher Constitution boosts Bard’s chances of success on Constitution Saving Throws.
The College of Valor subclass provides Armor Proficiency. The Wood Half-Darkvision enhances the Bard’s line of sight, allowing faster movement and greater stealth. The Human Race is second-best for the Bard Class, earning an effective +1 to all abilities. The Lolth-Sworn, also known as Seldarine Drow, offers +1 Charisma and +2 Dexterity in low-light situations, as well as Superior Darkvision.
Best Bard Equipment
For long-range attacks, equip a One-Handed Weapon and Shield with a good Dexterity Score. The Steelforged Sword, found in the Blighted Village, is a suitable choice for this weapon, providing 5-10 Piercing Damage and Flourish. Wearing Lae’Zel’s Githyanki Half Plate increases your AC to 19, boosting your weapon’s stats. The Golden Chest contains the Cap of Curing, which heals teammates for a small amount of Health. The Absolute’s Talisman from the Shattered Sanctum can recover some health when inflicting damage.
Best Bard Spells
- Level 1: Bardic Inspiration, Vicious Mockery, Dissonant Whispers, Faerie Fire
- Level 2: Cloud of Daggers, Shatter/Less Restoration
- Level 3: Cutting Words
- Level 5: Font of Inspiration, Glyph of Warding, Fear
Best Bard Features
At Lvl 4, you can choose a Feat to enhance your Bard build further in Baldur’s Gate 3. I would suggest choosing Ability Improvement, which grants 2 more ability points. Spend these points in Charisma, increasing your score to 19, depending on your chosen Race. Boosting Charisma improves Spellcasting and helps you outsmart tougher enemies in higher-level areas of the map.
UPDATE: PATCH #01 (25.08.23)
Astarion and the Zhentarim have improved the game, enhancing story flow, dialogue, and UI menus. Players can interact with Astarion and the Moonrise Towers, and the Zhentarim at Goblin Camp are more tolerant. The Digital Deluxe DLC has been updated, improving visuals, character models, and gameplay.
