Highlights
- Party composition is crucial in Baldur's Gate 3 due to the game's adherence to D&D 5e rules, as the wrong choices can lead to tough fights.
- The flexible class system allows for interesting and optimized party builds, with various setups like Classic Baldur's Gate, Back to Basics, Hunter's Mark, and more.
- Players should experiment with different party compositions to find their preferred playstyle, whether it's focusing on damage, healing, tanking, or magic, to create the perfect team for their playthrough.
Party composition remains essential in Baldur's Gate 3, especially since it follows standard Dungeons & Dragons 5e rules. This means that a slip-up can cause entire party wipes. Moreover, the impractical choice of party members might make BG3's D&D 5e-based experience a bit underwhelming for some players.
Thankfully, BG3 and its Early Access experience allowed players to have a glimpse of what encounters might feel like with various party compositions. The flexible Class system in BG3 can pave the way for some interesting, optimized, and even overpowered party builds. Here are some party setups players might want to try out in their playthrough:
Updated on August 3, 2023, by Megan Smith: Baldur's Gate 3 officially releases to players on PC on August 3rd, 2023. Leading up to this highly anticipated release, many of the companions and their classes have been introduced to the player. Part of the fun in this role-playing game is putting together a team that will easily deal with any problem they face through the power of their spells and might. Having the perfect team composition can lead to some entertaining fights while also allowing the player to explore different classes in their playthrough to explore the different Baldur's Gate 3 builds. Therefore, these are by far the most unique Baldur's Gate 3 party compositions a player should try.
15 Classic Baldur's Gate (Ranger, Druid, Wizard, Fighter)
Players that have enjoyed any of the past Baldur's Gate titles will love this party setup as it requires the aid of two fan favorites from the old games. In BG3, the player can recruit both the Ranger Minsc and the Druid Jaheira to their team. Both of them are capable fighters that are sure to feel familiar to those that have enjoyed the franchise for a long time while also creating a great team composition for future acts.
The player will be required to be the main tank of the group and therefore will need to choose a class such as Fighter to have a chance of surviving on the battlefield. Meanwhile, Gale can aid the team from afar through his mix of damage and support spells.
14 Back To Basics (Fighter, Cleric, Rogue, Wizard)
It's never wrong to rely on the basics. As with most RPG setups, a party composed of a tank, a pair of melees, and magical DPS, as well as a healer, won't go wrong – and the same works with BG3. Instead of Shadowheart, players should opt for a Light Domain Cleric to gain access to decent healing Spells as well as buffs. Meanwhile, Lae'zel (Battle Master) can dominate the battlefield by controlling the flow of melee combat.
Meanwhile, Astarion (Thief) easily boasts high DPS, especially with Sneak Attacks. Lastly, Gale (Wizard) can fit into multiple builds, especially given the Wizard's flexible arsenal of Spells. Gale can set up battles by creating surfaces or punish enemy groups with AOE.
13 Hunter's Mark (Ranger, Cleric, Rogue, Wizard)
Players who want to maximize damage over any distance might want to pair Astarion (Thief) 's devastating Sneak Attacks and overall DPS with a versatile Ranger. That way, the Ranger can complement Astarion's melee damage with their own long-ranged DPS specialization. Additionally, a Ranger with an alternate pair of dual-wielded weapons can easily switch to melee should the need arise.
Moreover, Gale (Conjuration) can ensure that allies won't get hurt with his AOE Spells, leaving players with more room to play around with mobility. Lastly, Shadowheart (Trickery Domain) remains reliable with her range of healing and support Spells.
12 The Bodyguard (Melee, Cleric, Warlock, Wizard)
Players might try their hand in a party largely devoted to long-ranged tactics, with a bodyguard to protect them. Essentially, Lae'zel as a Fighter with the Battle Master as a versatile Subclass works best to tank for such a party, especially when buffed by a Light Domain Cleric. That way, the Battle Master can demolish most enemies before even getting to the party.
A Warlock and Wizard tandem can pepper through enemy forces with their mix of single-target and AOE Spells. The quick-fire nature of the Warlock and the meticulous versatile Spells of the Wizard work well to achieve this type of play.
11 Heavy Hitters (Barbarian, Fighter, Monk, Cleric)
Looking for unfiltered rage and destruction, players should focus on a party with the main goal of hitting hard and worrying about actual tactics later. That being said, BG3 party composition is still incredibly important as even while using a Barbarian with the Berserker subclass, this unrelenting frenzy still needs support from ranged spellcasters as well as healers like the cleric.
Essentially, the party can be split into two teams, with Lae'zel focusing on one enemy with the player as a Monk supporting them. Meanwhile, Karlach, who's a Barbarian, does the same with similar support from Shadowheart. A lot of the focus will be put on the Barbarian that needs to get hit, and therefore the Fighter is there to pick off any stragglers that attempt to harm the rest of the group.
10 Team Patrons (Cleric, Fighter, Druid, Warlock)
As Shadowheart is a Trickery Domain Cleric some believe she doesn't do her job well. Thankfully, a main character centered around the Cleric (Light Domain) build may help a party shine. The Light Domain equips Clerics with a decent range of buffing and healing Spells, as well as damaging Spells. Having this Cleric with a longbow can make for a Spellcaster that can dish out damage and support from a distance.
For added damage players could then recruit Halsin (Circle of the Moon) to be the main target for enemies. While transformed into a bear, Halsin gains a lot of defense while also hitting hard. This works well with Lae'Zel (Battle Master) dealing further up-close damage and Wyll (The Fiend) as the ranged DPS controller for the perfect BG3 party composition.
9 Holy Warriors (Paladin, Wizard, Cleric, Cleric/Paladin)
In contrast to the BG3 team composition of Team Patrons, the Holy Warriors have a heavy focus on the power of light to make a difference and defeat the forces of evil. Players will be relying on a Paladin to protect them from the majority of opponents in Baldur's Gate 3, with Minthara being a perfect option. However, while this may be a holy team, players will have to do some unlawful things to recruit Minthara, and therefore it may be easier for the player themselves to take on the role of Cleric.
Unlike other teams, this party setup has the chance of receiving two Clerics, as players will also require the aid of Shadowheart. What makes this group so great is how they are all likely to defend themselves, minus Gale (Wizard) who will require defending while he deals a great amount of DPS damage.
8 The Adventurers (Charisma, Damage, Healing, Skills)
Adventurers on a quest to obtain an ancient artifact might find themselves facing a ton of challenges. In fact, they may not be as "equipped" as others might be. Players who want a classic adventuring setup may want to lean away from Classes and instead focus on archetypes that can make combat and roleplay easier.
Players should always dedicate a character for Charisma and Charisma-based Checks in order to excel in most dialogue options. Moreover, they should have a character with the most Proficiencies in Skills to navigate most environments. In terms of battle, the party should have a dedicated DPS and Healer in order to ensure their survival.
7 Traveling Circus (Fighter, Bard, Warlock, Wizard)
The idea of the traveling circus is the fantastical and the extraordinary, all of which are great describing words for classes that can cast spells. The bard's role is to inspire the party to try their best through a well-placed tune that can improve Lae'zels rolls during combat, especially as she will be expected to tank many of the hits available.
Players may wish to give their Fighter a hand with this by taking the College of Valour subclass that makes the Bard proficient in medium armor, allowing them to stand closer in battle. Wizards and Warlocks will give aid from a distance through either AOE damage or overpowered Eldritch Blast.
6 The Powerhouse (Fighter, Cleric, Rogue, Rogue)
Players call hacks whenever they see Rogues, as other players easily make OP builds with them. Interestingly, BG3 allows the same flexibility with Rogues. Pairing Astarion (Rogue) with another Rogue easily racks up melee DPS, especially when piling up Surprise Attacks, Sneak Attacks, and sheer mobility.
Likewise, the sheer stats and features that Rogues have allow them to make evasive tank builds, where they "tank" damage by actually avoiding most attacks. This party works well with Lae'zel (Fighter) as a traditional tank to distract enemies. Lastly, Shadowheart (Trickery Domain) can ensure the party survives.
5 The Pet Lovers (Druid, Ranger, Warlock, Wizard)
Who doesn't love pets? A great alternative to a simple Ranger would be a Ranger Beast Master, especially since the Giant Spider Companion easily gives the party a tank. As Larian has recently announced that Halsin will become a permanent party member for the group after Act 1, Halsin can instead become the tank of the group through his use of the Wild Shape ability
In turn, this party can have its other members focus on various useful Spell strategies. For instance, Wyll (Warlock) can focus on single-target damage, while Gale (Wizard) focuses on obliterating enemies via AOE. Later into the game players will discover the possibility of recruiting Minsc, a ranger from the past Baldur's Gate titles, until then a player may decide to use Lae'Zel or instead use co-op.
4 All Ranged (Fighter, Ranger, Warlock, Wizard)
Players fighting dangerous enemies and powerful bosses might want to keep their distance as much as possible. Thankfully, they want to try a ranged-focused build to pull this off. Essentially, their Lae'zel (Fighter) should specialize in the Archery Fighting Style to gain a ranged bonus. This Fighter, paired with a Ranger (Hunter), brings in the most ranged physical damage in-game.
Wyll (The Fiend) and Gale (Wizard) will likely excel switching up the battlefield with surfaces and other ranged effects. However, players should note that this build does lack a Healer, so they better stock up with their healing Spells, healing Scrolls, and healing potions.
3 Nature's Blessing (Druid, Barbarian, Ranger, Monk)
As the name suggests Nature's Blessing takes all the party members and classes that have a nature theme to them and puts them together to make a group of adventurers that hope to protect the forest and the people in it. Naturally, this means recruiting a Druid like Halsin that will become the team's magic-wielding tank. Minsc can then be recruited again to become the ranged DPS of the group, although his subclass isn't known, he'll likely be a Beast Master.
Players will take on the role of the Monk, a class that only was added during the full release of the game, where players could take the subclass of the Way of the Four Elements to keep the nature theme. Karlach's subclass is yet to be known, though a Barbarian is an ideal pick for this composition with a nature-oriented feel that is sure to leave foes blundering.
2 All Magic (Spellcaster, Cleric, Warlock, Wizard)
Players who want a dash of magic into their build might want to focus on an all-Spellcaster Party. Essentially, this build focuses on dishing out as much magic as possible to eliminate opponents as soon as possible. In this regard, a magic-oriented tank such as Lae'zel (Eldritch Knight) might help in this regard.
Wyll (Warlock), Gale (Wizard), and Shadowheart (Tempest Domain) already have interesting utility, damage, and healing Spells that synergize well in a Spellcaster-focused build. However, players need to ensure that their original character must be able to back up the party on the tanking end or at least have enough Cantrips, especially since they will want to preserve their Spell Slots.
1 All Melee (Melee, Cleric, Fighter, Rogue)
Players who want a more direct approach to combat might appreciate a straightforward all-melee build. Essentially, companions such as Lae'zel (Battle Master) and Astarion (Thief) work best in melee, thanks to the Fighter's high AC and the Rogue's insanely-high damage output. Additionally, Shadowheart (Trickery Domain) not only offers decent buffs, but she can hold out her own with Cleric weapons and armor.
The player character should probably be melee-centric as well. Aside from a second Fighter or Rogue, a Ranger might become a decent choice. Aside from their decent melee combat DPS, alternating between a melee build and a DPS build can ensure safety in times of emergencies.
Baldur's Gate 3 is available on PC on August 3rd and PlayStation 5 on September 6th.