View source for Baldur s Gate 3: Best Warlock Class Build

<br>View Directory  Baldur's Gate 3 Guide Hub <br><br><br>In Baldur's Gate 3 , the Warlock class is widely considered to be the easiest caster to learn and play , but that doesn't mean it's not powerful. Warlocks don't have as many spell slots as other spellcasters, but they make up for that with an incredibly powerful Cantrip and access to some of the game's best control spells. <br><br><br>The best Warlock builds in BG3 take advantage of these class strengths. Typically, Baldur's Gate 3 builds are based on a subclass, which takes the form of a Patron for Warlocks . The Great Old One brings useful spells and lots of class flavor, making it the prime choice for players looking to get started on the right foot with the Warlock class. <br><br><br>Updated April 6, 2025 by Erik Petrovich : Patch 8 for [https://baldursgate3fans.com/ Baldur's Gate 3 news] Gate 3 is right around the corner, and though lots of the new subclasses seem like a lot of fun to play, the base game still offers some very powerful options for the best Warlock build in BG3. The Great Old One Warlock is still the best Warlock build in BG3 – but that could change with the release of Patch 8. Until then, stick with this Great Old One Warlock guide to learn the best Warlock build tips, what makes the Great Old One such a powerful subclass for the Warlock, and other information that will help you min-max your Warlock character. This Warlock build guide has been updated to add in-game flavor descriptions of the class and subclass, as well as a new small section with the best consumables for the Warlock, including both potions and elixirs, in the Equipment section. <br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>| <br><br><br><br><br><br>"Bound by a pact to an all-powerful patron, warlocks trade their loyalty for supernatural abilities and unique magic." <br><br><br><br><br><br><br>Warlocks are spellcasters whose power is derived from an external power, usually a Patron Devil or other powerful, enigmatic being. The class has access to a number of powerful spells, mostly themed around control and the powers beyond comprehension, as well as the unique Eldritch Blast cantrip that is the basis of the majority of Warlocks' damage output. <br><br><br>It's this cantrip that is almost solely responsible for the Warlock being such a popular multiclass option for other classes. <br><br><br>Though Warlocks only have a few spell slots for the majority of the game, these slots uniquely refresh with either a Short or Long Rest. It doesn't mean BG3 Warlock builds can be totally carefree when it comes to slinging spells in combat, but it does keep Warlocks going longer than classes that fully rely on their Spell Slots, no matter how many are available. <br><br><br>Though Warlocks might not have the versatility of the Wizard, nor the metamagics of the Sorcerer, they do have access to unique otherworldly powers that are the envy of the other spellcaster classes. <br><br><br>When you first start creating your Warlock Build, BG3 offers a selection of basic Class Proficiencies, and a choice of three Warlock Skill Proficiencies. <br><br><br>In addition to Armor, Weapon, and Saving Throw proficiencies that vary for each class, the pool of Skills you can choose from are different for each class. These cannot be changed once you get past character creation without resetting your build. <br><br><br><br><br><br>There are a total of three BG3 Patrons (subclasses) Warlock players can try out, each of which focuses on different aspects of the class, and offers a selection of unique skills, proficiencies, and other features. As you level up in one of these BG3 Warlock subclasses, you will gain more abilities that are unique to your subclass choice. <br><br><br>Your choice of Warlock subclass can be changed by speaking with Withers, but you will start at Level 1 and have to make your BG3 Warlock build from scratch. <br><br><br>Though this chart displays information for all subclasses, if you want to make best Warlock build BG3 has to offer, you should go for the Great Old One. <br><br><br><br><br><br>The max level in Baldur's Gate 3 is Level 12, and most of the time, each level you gain will grant something new for your Warlock build. On character creation you gain the basics for the Warlock class, then steadily gain Feat Choices, new spells and abilities, subclass features, and increase your Proficiency Bonus. <br><br><br>This chart displays everything you can expect to get at each Level-Up as a Warlock in your Baldur's Gate 3 journey. <br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>| <br><br><br><br><br><br>| <br><br><br><br>"Warlocks bound to Eldritch beings in the Far Realms work toward inscrutable goals, gaining strange powers over entropy and the mind." <br><br><br><br><br><br><br>The Great Old One Warlock is one of the best Warlock builds because of its access to powerful, battle-turning control spells that complement the class spell list. By binding oneself to a pact with the Great Old One, Warlocks gain the Mortal Reminder passive, which makes enemies Frightened on crits. <br><br><br>At Level 1, The Great Old One gives Warlocks access to Tasha's Hideous Laughter or Dissonant Whispers , and then at Level 3, they can use Detect Thoughts and Phantasmal Force. Playing as a Great Old One Warlock means committing nearly entirely to being a spellcaster, so only engage in combat from a distance. <br><br><br>The Great Old One eeks ahead of The Fiend because of its more battle-influential spells . Compared to The Archfey, many differences between the two patrons are mostly aesthetic as they both can control combat very well. <br><br><br>In addition to everything you unlock while leveling as a Warlock, your Subclass also determines what you unlock at certain levels. As a Warlock, you can select a subclass at Level 1, in the character creation menu. <br><br><br>For the purposes of this guide to the BG3 best Warlock build, choose the Great Old One when prompted to choose a Subclass. <br><br><br><br><br><br>The Githyanki are a powerful race option for a number of classes thanks to its powerful racial spells granted at levels one, three, and five, as well as the Astral Knowledge ability. Astral Knowledge grants the Warlock proficiency in one ability's related skills, which pairs extremely well with the Warlock's innately high Charisma. <br><br><br>With this Githyanki racial ability, which recharges once every long rest, Warlocks have little trouble getting the results they want out of dialogue dice rolls. <br><br><br>The Githyanki give Warlocks an improved Mage Hand from level 1, the ability to improve party member's Jump distance at Level 3, and the Misty Step skill at Level 5 – three extremely useful abilities. Githyanki also give Warlocks armor proficiencies the class wouldn't normally have access to, namely light and medium armor, to further improve their defensive capabilities. <br><br><br>It's really an all-in-one race that's hard to pass up in favor of another, weaker option. <br><br><br>The Sage background grants proficiency for Arcana and History checks , and will typically trigger Inspiration when the Warlock engages in the magical elements of the world (like getting to Lorroakan's tower), or figuring out the historical significance of places in the world. <br><br><br>This tends to complement a Warlock's own RP choices during dialogues, but they are both Intelligence checks, an Ability Score that Warlocks don't generally put a lot of points into. This can hinder their effectiveness, but on the other hand, having Advantage on these rolls can be much handier than a simple bonus. <br><br><br>However, if you are more prone to engaging in dialogues in BG3 , the Guild Artisan background might be a better fit . This background grants proficiency in Insight and Persuasion, and tends to trigger inspiration when making items, repairing areas in the world, or identifying and engaging with artifacts. <br><br><br>Both backgrounds are a good fit for Warlocks, but of the two, the Sage background may be easier to earn Inspiration with. <br><br><br>Warlocks get to choose two skills from a list of seven, but depending on which background you choose, some may not be available. This is because those skills are already given proficiency by the Background. <br><br><br>Going with a Sage takes Arcana and History out of the options, leaving five left, while being a Guild Artisan leaves six choices, as Insight will already be covered. <br><br><br>Either way, be sure to have Deception and Insight first and foremost. Deception is great for dialogues, and Insight is incredibly useful for determining NPC truthfulness. If Insight is already covered, then replace it with Arcana, History, or Investigation, depending on what you want your Warlock to be good at. <br><br><br>At Level 2, all Warlocks get to choose two Eldritch Invocations, unique abilities that can grant passive or active skills. At Level 2, only a few Eldritch Invocations are available to choose from, but as Warlocks level up more powerful options become available. <br><br><br>Even from this starting point, though, Warlocks can pick up two incredibly powerful passives: Agonizing Blast, and Repelling Blast , both of which empower the Warlock's iconic cantrip Eldritch Blast. <br><br><br>Eldritch Blast is the Warlock's bread and butter , and Agonizing Blast outright increases the damage of Eldritch Blast by the Warlock's Charisma modifier. This affects each hit, so at later levels when Warlocks get two or three Eldritch Blast beams with each cast, it becomes a seriously powerful spell. <br><br><br>Repelling Blast, on the other hand, doesn't improve the damage of Eldritch Blast. Instead, it gives it the ability to push targets by 4.5m in the opposite direction they are hit. Be sure to position the Warlock correctly so that enemies hit can be reliably pushed off of ledges and into chasms practically for free. <br><br><br><br><br>Alert Effects : You gain +5 to Initiative and can't be Surprised <br><br><br><br><br>War Caster Effects : Grants two new passive abilities, War Caster: Concentration and War Caster: Opportunity Spell <br><br><br><br><br>Concentration is a passive that grants Advantage on Concentration Saving Throws <br><br><br><br><br>Opportunity Spell lets you cast Shocking Grasp on enemies that move away from melee range instead of attacking them normally <br><br><br><br><br><br><br>Spell Sniper Effects : The number needed to roll a Critical Hit for Spells is reduced by 1 (so, instead of hitting a 20, you need a 19 or a 20). <br><br><br>Additionally, learn one Cantrip from a select list of level 1 Cantrips. <br><br><br><br><br>To create the best BG3 Warlock build, we recommend putting the majority of points into your Charisma, followed by Constitution and Dexterity. <br><br><br>The primary stat for most Great Old One Warlock spells and abilities in BG3 is Charisma, but Constitution and Dexterity should follow closely behind for survivability and secondary combat bonuses. <br><br><br>Wisdom, Strength, and Intelligence are not essential for the Great Old One Warlock build. <br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>In Baldur's Gate 3 , some classes don't have many choices to make while leveling thanks to the lack of spells, like the Rogue or Monk. Warlocks are not like other spellcasters in BG3 because they have limited spell slots that refresh every short rest instead of long one, and are mostly reliant on Cantrips which can be empowered with Eldritch Invocations. <br><br><br><br><br>In Act 1 , which typically brings players up to around Level 5 , you will be able to choose your Warlock Subclass (Great Old One), pick up your first set of three Cantrips (don't forget Eldritch Blast), learn a few basic Warlock spells, and pick up your first two Eldritch Invocations. <br><br><br><br><br>In Act 2 , which typically brings players up to around Level 9 , Warlocks will unlock another two Eldritch Invocations and mid-tier Warlock spells. <br><br><br><br><br>In Act 3 , which brings players up to Level 12 and beyond, you will be able to pick up another Cantrip, another Eldritch Invocation, and the best Warlock spells to use in between Eldritch Blasts. <br><br><br><br><br>Warlocks have something to do every time they level up, but limited spell slots makes it important to make the right selections. This table displays recommended BG3 Warlock build choices for every level that synergize well with the BG3 Great Old One Warlock build, including a number of powerful CC and debuffing offensive spells, Eldritch Invocations that empower you or grant new abilities, and Feats that will help your effectiveness as a ranged spellcaster. <br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>The best Warlock companions in BG3 are Shadowheart as the healer of the party, Karlach as the melee tank, and Astarion as a melee damage-dealer and out-of-combat Lockpicker. <br><br><br>Though you can change the class and specialization of any of your companions, these three come with strong pre-determined class and spec combos to balance out your Warlock party composition. <br><br><br><br><br>Shadowheart : A Trickery Cleric, Shadowheart serves as a good companion for hybrid damage and support, which complements the Great Old One Warlock playstyle well. <br><br><br><br><br>Karlach : Best suited for the Berserker subclass, Karlach is capable of dealing some of the most consistent, highest-hitting melee attacks on her own, and with two supports you won't be at a loss for HP or dispels <br><br><br><br><br>Astarion : Best suited for the Thief subclass, Astarion lets you access hidden, locked areas more easily and is capable of setting up complex combat strategies without attracting attention with Stealth <br><br><br><br><br>If you are dead set on including a character in your party, simply talk to Withers to respec them to one of the optimal Warlock companion classes listed above. This way, you won't miss out on that character's questline, and you won't have to suffer from an improperly balanced party. <br><br><br><br><br><br>This section covers the best equipment for Great Old One Warlocks in BG3 across all three Acts. Some pieces from early Acts may still be powerful in later ones, though, and will remain equipped through several Acts. <br><br><br><br><br>Items with bolded names are new options for the build in each Act, and may replace older pieces of equipment. <br><br><br><br><br>Items with unbolded names must be acquired in earlier Acts, but are strong enough that they don't need to be replaced in Acts 2 or 3. <br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>In Baldur's Gate 3 , Warlock builds can be enhanced further with the use of specific consumables. Certain potions, like the Ellixir of Battlemage's Power, will grant combat-oriented bonuses for this best Warlock build, while others, like the Potion of Arcane Cultivation, will make it easier to cast more spells more often by restoring Spell Slots. <br><br><br>If you spot any of these useful Warlock consumables as world loot or enemy loot, in trader inventories, or otherwise, be sure to pick them up and store them in a bag for later use. <br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>The Warlock, being a Charisma-based caster , tends to do very well when it comes to rolling dice in conversations and crowd controlling enemies. Though speccing into Bard doesn't necessarily improve the Warlock's damage output, by putting just one point into this class, a Warlock can provide even more utility to the party through the Song of Rest and Bardic Inspiration abilities. <br><br><br>Two levels grants the Jack of All Trades feature, which grants the player Expertise in two additional skills – perfect for dialogue checks. <br><br><br>Song of Rest gives an extra short rest, which gives the Warlock another way to refresh their limited spell slots, while Bardic Inspiration can be used for some useful support skills. Multiclassing as a Bard and a Warlock makes CC a key part of the character's spell list, so plan to stand back and set up plays for allies rather than getting involved in the fighting first-hand. <br><br><br>By putting three levels into the Sorcerer class as a Warlock, players unlock the powerful Metamagic system and two charges, which can greatly improve the class' ability to deal damage with Eldritch Blast . <br><br><br>Metamagic lets Warlocks use Quickened Spell and Twinned Spell to great effect, adding additional Eldritch Blast casts or damage, and opening up the potential for a Warlock to double-cast spells like Haste. <br><br><br>Additionally, both classes rely on Charisma, and can both take advantage of a player's high CHA stat without forcing them to invest in others. Three levels in Sorcerer lets players choose a Sorcerer subclass. <br><br><br>In this case, the best option is the Draconic Bloodline , because it adds HP and increases Unarmored AC to 13. Many multiclass options grant additional armor proficiencies, but not the Sorcerer. <br>