Fighter | Baldurs Gate 3 Wiki

Fighter
Subclasses
Battle Master Eldritch Knight Champion Arcane Archer
Fighter Initial Features
Strength Saving Throw Proficiency Constitution Saving Throw Proficiency Light Armour Proficiency Medium Armour Proficiency Heavy Armour Proficiency Shield Proficiency Simple Weapon Proficiency Martial Weapon Proficiency Fighting Style Second Wind Choose 2 Skill Proficiencies

Fighter is a Class in Baldur's Gate 3 (BG3). Fighters' primary ability is Strength, their saving throw proficiencies are Strength & Constitution, and they have a Hit Dice of 1d10. They have proficiency with Simple weapons, Martial Weapons, Light Armour, Medium Armour, Heavy Armour, and Shields

The Fighter is a great Class for a Tank build. Having the ability to wear all kinds of Armour and Shields can greatly improve the survivability of a Fighter and make for an ideal choice for 1-on-1 combat. The Fighter class is considered as one of the most versatile and reliable classes as it is a straightforward martial class, but the subclasses can offer a great variety that can shape them into specialized party members from ranged combatants, battlefield controllers, or even a martial fighter with a bit of magic.

Fighters have mastered the art of combat, wielding weapons with unmatched skill and wearing armour like a second skin.

Baldur's Gate 3 Fighter Table of Contents

1. Baldur's Gate 3 Fighter Class Features
2. Baldur's Gate 3 Fighter Class Progression
3. Baldur's Gate 3 Fighter Subclass Features
4. Baldur's Gate 3 Best Fighter Builds
5. Baldur's Gate 3 All Fighter Spells

Baldur's Gate 3 Full Fighter Guide

BG3 Fighter Class Features

HIT POINTS

• Hit Points at 1st Level: 10 + your Constitution modifier.
• Hit Points at Higher Levels: 6 + your Constitution modifier.

PROFICIENCIES

• Armor: Light Armour, Medium Armour, Heavy Armour, and Shield
• Weapons: Simple Weapons, Martial Weapon
• Saving Throws: Strength and Constitution
• Skills: Choose any 2 - Acrobatics, Animal Handling, Athletics, History, Insight, Intimidation, Perception or Survival

EQUIPMENT

• Scale Mail, Leather Boots
• Longsword
• Health Potion x2, Scroll of Revivify

UNIQUE CLASS FEATURE

• Fighting Style:
  • Archery: You gain a +2 bonus to Ranged Weapon attack rolls.
  • Defence: You gain a +1 bonus to Armour Class while wearing Armour.
  • Duelling: When you are wielding a melee weapon that is not Two-Handed or Versatile in one hand, and no weapon in the other hand, you gain a +2 bonus to damage rolls with that weapon, increasing your chance to do heavy damage.
  • Great Weapon Fighting: When you roll a 1 or 2 on a damage die for an attack with a Two-Handed melee weapon, that die is rerolled once.
  • Protection: When you have a Shield, impose Disadvantage on an enemy who attacks one of your allies when you are within 1.5 m / 5 ft. You must be able to see the enemy.
  • Two-Weapon Fighting: When you make an offhand attack, you can add your Ability Modifier to the damage of the attack.
• Action Surge: Immediately gain an extra Action to use this turn. Recharges on a Short Rest.
• Improved Extra Attack: You can make two additional attacks (instead of one) after using the Attack action.

BG3 Fighter Class Progression

• Level 1
  • Choose a Fighting Style (Archery, Defence, Duelling, Great Weapon Fighting, Protection or Two-Weapon Fighting) (Class Feature)
  • Second Wind (Class Action)
• Level 2
  • Action Surge (Class Action)
• Level 3
  • Fighter Subclass (Battle Master, Eldritch Knight, Champion or Arcane Archer)
• Level 4
  • Feat - Choose one from the Feats list
• Level 5
  • Extra Attack (Class Feature)
• Level 6
  • Feat - Choose one from the Feats list
• Level 7
  • Subclass Feature
• Level 8
  • Feat - Choose one from the Feats list
• Level 9
  • Indomitable (Class Feature)
• Level 10
  • Subclass Feature
• Level 11
  • Improved Extra Attack  (Class Feature)
• Level 12
  • Feat - Choose one from the Feats list

BG3 Fighter Subclasses Features

Best Fighter Builds for Baldur's Gate 3

The Battle Master

The Battle Master is usually the most recommended subclass for players who want to truly lean into the fighter's melee combat playstyle that doesn't need to multi-class. The Battle Master is consistent and scales really well from level 3 all the way to level 12 and doesn't require spell management or special itemization. The subclass really leans into the fighter's strengths as an aggressive member of the party who not only takes to the front lines to take down enemies but also becomes a powerful tactician who can control enemies on the battlefield and protect allies, as well as deal devastating burst damage using their Superiority Dice. Combined with the Fighter's naturally powerful core features like Action Surge, Extra Attack, and Improved Extra Attack, the Battle Master subclass really transforms a normal Fighter into one of the strongest martial characters in the game.

When making a Battle Master Fighter, or any Fighter really, it's important to prioritize Strength as it will be their primary ability score, which will ensure their attacks land as hard as possible. The next ability to put points into is Constitution, since Fighters will spend most of their time within melee combat against enemies, and they need to be able to tank hits and stay in the fight. Dexterity is something that players should also think about putting some points into, as it will give a bonus to their Armor Class that helps with survivability. 

Fighting Style

At level 1, players will get to choose the Fighter's Fighting Style. The Great Weapon Fighting is the best option for Battle Masters to optimize the consistency of their damage. Great Weapon Fighting ensures that 1s and 2s on damage rolls are rerolled when making an attack with a two-handed melee weapon to make sure they deal substantial damage every hit against enemies. This allows the Fighter to deal significant damage every turn without feeling like an attack was wasted with low damage. In combination with the Fighter's features like Action Surge, this Fighting Style will provide them with a consistent stream of damage every encounter, even in early game.

Battle Master Manoeuvres

At level 3, Fighters get their Manoeuvres, which are the defining feature of the subclass that really boosts their kit into being more than just a normal fighter. These manoeuvres are what make the Battle Master a formidable asset on the battlefield. Players get more manoeuvres as they level up, but get two to start with. Precision Attack is a good choice early on, as it will spend the Superiority Dice and help take a missed attack into successful hits. Another good choice is Trip Attack. Trip Attack allows the Fighter to deal an additional 1d8 damage on a successful hit and then forces the target to make a Strength Saving Throw or be knocked prone, which then grants the fighter with Advantage on subsequent attacks.

Feats

For Feats, players should first raise the Fighter's Strength Score up to 20, which will be possible earlier than other classes since they get an extra Feat at level 6. Once their Strength score is maxed out, players can take Great Weapon Master or Savage Attacker. Savage Attacker allows the Fighter to roll their damage die twice when making a melee attack and use the higher result. This boosts the Fighter's damage output greatly with the rerolled damage die.

Great Weapon Master, on the other hand, lets the player make an extra attack as a Bonus Action after either landing a Critical Hit against a target or killing an enemy with a two-handed weapon. With Great Weapon Fighting, the Battle Master is set up to wield a two-handed weapon to maximize their damage output, so this feat will help the Fighter continue to cut down enemies one after another. Great Weapon Master also has the option to deal an additional 10 damage in exchange for taking a -5 penalty to the actual attack roll, but it can be turned off, so it's not something players need to always opt in for.

The Eldritch Knight

For players who want to stick with the Fighter class but still have a bit of magic without having to multi-class, the Eldritch Knight is the subclass to go with. Unlike Battle Master, which focuses on manoeuvres, the Eldritch Knight uses magic to bolster its martial abilities. Though it doesn't act like a traditional spellcaster, the subclass uses magic to improve the fighter's mobility, survivability, and combat prowess. The Eldritch Knight is a fighter who can take the front lines with armor while still buffing their armour class with spells like Shield or Mirror Image.

Just like other fighters, making an Eldritch Knight requires players to prioritize Strength since it will be the primary ability score for the character's attacks. Constitution should follow next, as it will increase their Hit Point pool and also give their Concentration checks a boost to maintain certain spells. Lastly, players should also put some points into Intelligence after the other two abilities as it will be where spell attack modifiers will be based on. 

Fighting Style

At level one, fighter get to pick a Fighting Style, for Eldritch Knights, Great Weapon Fighting is considered ot be a great option as the spells cast by the fighter will moreso deal with buffs instead of actual attack spell, Great Weapon Fighting will give the fighter a reliable way to have a consistent stream of substantial damage by rerolling 1s and 2s on damage rolls with two-handed weapon attacks.  

Weapon Bond

At level 3, Eldritch Knights gain Weapon Bond, a class action that allows players to ritually bind a weapon in their main hand, making the weapon unable to be disarmed or knocked out of the fighter's hand. This also works with Thrown Weapons. Bound thrown weapons automatically return to the fighter's hand after being thrown, giving them a nice way to also fight from range if need be, without worrying about losing their weapons.

War Magic

At level 7, Eldritch Knights get War Magic, which allows the fighter to make a weapon attack after casting a cantrip. With the addition of Booming Blade, a cantrip which already has an attack with the action itself, War Magic essentially gives the Eldritch Knight an extra attack with their weapon immediately after casting it

Spellcasting

The Eldritch Knight uses magic to bolster their martial capabilities. Spells that improve their survivability, mobility, and damage potential are what players should be looking into. Misty Step, for example. allows the player to teleport to an unoccupied space within 18m. This helps the fighter reposition during combat to then strike down their next target. Shield and Mirror Image are spells that help deter attacks from hitting them. Magic Missile is a good 1st-level spell to take. It won't replace the damage that the fighter's weapon attacks will deal, its a great option as it never misses and it's a great option to finish off enemies with low health. Hold Person is also a great spell that works well for those who bumped their Intelligence scores. It will render the target unable to move, act, or react and any melee attacks are Critical Hits. In combination with the level 10 subclass feature Eldritch Strike, which makes enemies much more prone to failing their saving Throw against the spell, it allows the fighter to deal high damage against their targets.

Feats

Boosting the Fighter's damage output is the main point for taking feats. Early on, take the option for Ability Score Improvements and raise the fighter's Strength score up to 20. Once their Strength score is maxed out, which will happen by level 6 since fighters get an extra feat at that level, take Savage Attacker to make sure that every attack has the highest damage possible whenever they hit.

BG3 Fighter Tips & Builds

• NEW SUBCLASS, Arcane Archer, will be added in Patch 8.
• The Fighter is one of the classes that retained its base features.
• The Know Your Enemy feature is originally from DnD 5E, however, this will not be applied in Baldur's Gate 3.
• Fighters gain Action Surge at level 2, allowing them to take an extra action. Remember to short rest often to regain this ability, and consider using it for crucial attacks.
  • An efficient use of Action Surge is to use it on a turn where all of the Fighter's attacks will receive some form of bonus, maximizing the gains in damage granted from an additional action. An example of such a bonus can be when an ally has an enemy affected by Hold Person or Hold Monster, rendering all hits from 3 meters away critical hits automatically. 
• Choosing the Dueling fighting style complements a one-handed weapon and shield, providing bonus damage and allowing you to tank effectively.
• When choosing a Subclass:
  • Battle Master offers dynamic combat options with maneuvers, making it a great choice for beginners who want more strategic choices in battles. Battle Master can particularly reward effective synergy between the Fighter and other party members through maneuvers that allow allies reposition themselves, focus enemy aggression onto the Fighter and off of potentially frailer allies, grant allies temporary Hit Points, and more.
  • Eldritch Knight in Baldur's Gate 3 is the only way to acquire spellcasting as a Fighter without Multiclassing. These spells can be used to damage and debuff enemies, buff companions, or create other effects, which can be combined tactically with the martial prowess of the Fighter class to offer a variety of approaches to combat encounters.
  • Champion focuses on straightforward bonuses such as reducing the threshold needed to score a Critical Hit on an attack, improving the Fighter's proficiencies in physical checks, and allowing the Fighter to chose a second fighting style.
• A Fighter build with Lae'zel was shared in one of the comments below:
  • With the Fighter Class, choose the Dual Wielding Specialisation and the Dual Wield Feat.
  • Choose the Battle Master as the Subclass and choose Riposte and any of the Manoeuvres you prefer.
  • With the forge, you can create Heavy Armor, and equip both Heavy Armor and the Grymskull Helm you get from the golem at the Adamantine Forge.

All Fighter Spells in Baldur's Gate 3

You can search by Name, Level, School and Casting Time. Just type into the search box what you are looking for.

Quick Search of All Spells 

Name	Level	School	Casting time	Description
Acid Splash	Cantrip	Conjuration	Action	1~6 Damage 1d6 Acid Throw a bubble of acid that damage each creature it hits.  18m DEX Save  INT
Bone Chill	Cantrip	Necromancer	Action	1~8 Damage  1d8 Necrotic Prevent the target from healing until your next turn. An undead target receives Disadvantage on Attack Rolls.  1 turn   18m  INT
Fire Bolt	Cantrip	Evocation	Action	1~10 Damage 1d10 Fire Hurl a mote of fire. 18m  INT
Poison Spray	Cantrip	Conjuration	Action	1~12 Damage  1d12 Poison Project a puff of noxious gas. 3m CON Save  INT
Ray of Frost	Cantrip	Evocation	Action	1~8 Damage 1d8 Cold Reduce the target's Movement Speed by 3m.  1 turn 18m   INT
Shocking Grasp	Cantrip	Evocation	Action	1~8 Damage 1d8 Lightning The target cannot use reactions. This spell has Advantage on creatures with metal armour. 1 turn Melee   INT
Blade Ward	Cantrip	Abjuration	Action	Take only half the damage from Bludgeoning, Piercing, and Slashing attacks.  2 Turns  INT
Friends	Cantrip	Enchantment	Action	Gain Advantage on Charisma Checks against a non-hostile creature. Once the spell ends, the creature knows it was Charmed and might accuse the spellcaster. 10 Turns  9m Concentration  INT
Dancing Lights	Cantrip	Evocation	Action	Illuminate a 9m radius. 10 Turns 18m Concentration  INT
Light	Cantrip	Evocation	Action	Infuse an object with an aura of light.  Until Long Rest  Melee  DEX Save  INT
Mage Hand	Cantrip	Conjuration	Action	Create a spectral hand that can manipulate and interact with objects. 10 Turns 18m  INT
Minor Illusion	Cantrip	Illusion	Action	Create an illusion that compels nearby creatures to investigate 10 turns  18m  INT
True Strike	Cantrip	Divination	Action	Gain Advantage on your next Attack Roll.  2 turns 18m Concentration  INT
Charm Person	Level 1	Enchantment	Action  Level 1 Spell Slot	Charm a humanoid to prevent it from attacking you. You gain Advantage on Charisma Checks in dialogue and prevent it from attacking. Enemies have Advantage on Saving Throws against being Charmed.  When the spell ends, the target might accuse you of Charming them. 10 Turns 18m WIS Save  INT
Burning Hands	Level 1	Evocation	Action  Level 1 Spell Slot	3~18 Damage 3d6Fire Each flammable target is hit with 3∼18 Fire damage. On Save: Targets still take half damage. 5M DEX Save INT
Chromatic Orb	Level 1	Evocation	Action  Level 1 Spell Slot	3~24 Damage  3d8 Thunder Hurl a sphere that deals 3-24 Thunder damage and possibly creates a surface on impact. Alternatively, choose a different type of damage.  18m  INT
Colour Spray	Level 1	Illusion	Action  Level 1 Spell Slot	Blind creatures up to a combined 33 hit points. 1 Turn  5m  INT
Disguise Self	Level 1	Illusion	Action  Level 1 Spell Slot	Magically change all aspects of your appearance.  INT
Enhance Leap	Level 1	Transmutation	Action  Level 1 Spell Slot	Triple a creature's jumping distance. 10 Turns Melee  INT
Expeditious Retreat	Level 1	Transmutation	Action  Level 1 Spell Slot	Gain Dash immediately and as a bonus action on each of your turns until this spell ends. Until Long Rest Concentration  INT
False Life	Level 1	Necromancy	Action  Level 1 Spell Slot	Gain 7 temporary hit points. Until Long Rest  INT
Feather Fall	Level 1	Transmutation	Bonus Action  Level 1 Spell Slot	You and nearby allies Immunity to Falling damage. 10 Turns  9m  INT
Find Familiar	Level 1	Conjuration	Action  Level 1 Spell Slot	Summon a familiar, a fey spirit that takes an animal form of your choosing.  18m  INT
Fog Cloud	Level 1	Conjuration	Action  Level 1 Spell Slot	The cloud Blinds and Heavily Obscures creatures within it. 10 Turns 5m18m Concentration  INT
Grease	Level 1	Conjuration	Action  Level 1 Spell Slot	Cover the ground in grease, slowing creatures within and possibly making them fall Prone. 10 Turns 4m 18m DEX Save   INT
Ice Knife	Level 1	Conjuration	Action  Level 1 Spell Slot	1d10 Piercing  +2d6 Cold Throw a shard of ice that deals 1∼10 Piercing damage. It explodes and deals 2∼12 Cold damage to anyone nearby. It leaves an ice surface. 2 turns On Miss: The shard of ice still explodes. 2m 18mDEX Save  INT
Longstrider	Level 1	Transmutation	Action  Level 1 Spell Slot	Increase a creature‘s movement speed by 3m. Until Long Rest Melee  INT
Mage Armour	Level 1	Abjuration	Action  Level 1 Spell Slot	Protect a target from attacks: increase its Armour Class to 13 + its Dexterity modifier. Until Long Rest Melee  INT
Magic Missile	Level 1	Evocation	Action  Level 1 Spell Slot	3d4+3 Force Shoot 3 magical darts, each dealing 2∼5 Force damage. They always hit their target. Range: 18m  INT
Protection from Evil and Good	Level 1	Abjuration	Action  Level 1 Spell Slot	Protect an ally against the attacks and powers of aberrations, celestials, elementals, fey, fiends, and undead. Until Long Rest Melee  Concentration  INT
Ray of Sickness	Level 1	Necromancy	Action  Level 1 Spell Slot	2d8Poison Possibly Poisons the target. 2 Turns 18m CON Save  INT
Shield	Level 1	Abjuration	Action  Level 1 Spell Slot	When you are about to be hit by an enemy, increase your Armour Class by 5. You take no damage from Magic Missile. Until Long Rest  INT
Sleep	Level 1	Enchantment	Action  Level 1 Spell Slot	Put creatures into a magical slumber. Select targets up to a combined 24 hit points. 2 Turns 18m  INT
Tasha's Hideous Laughter	Level 1	Enchantment	Action  Level 1 Spell Slot	Leave a creature Prone with laughter, without the ability to get up. 10 turns  18mWIS Save Concentration  INT
Thunderwave	Level 1	Evocation	Action  Level 1 Spell Slot	2d8 Thunder Release a wave of thunderous force that pushes away all creatures and objects.  On Save: Targets still take half damage. 5mCON Save  INT
Witch Bolt	Level 1	Evocation	Action  Level 1 Spell Slot	1d12 Lightning Link yourself to a target with a bolt of lightning. Deal an additional 1∼12 Lightning Damage each turn by activating it. 10 Turns 18mConcentration  INT
Arcane Lock	Level 2	Abjuration	Action  Level 2 Spell Slot	Close a door or container with a magical lock. It can no longer be lockpicked or opened with Knock. 10 turns Melee
Blindness	Level 2	Necromancy	Action  Level 2 Spell Slot	Limit a foe's sight range. It is easier to hit, and the creature will miss more often. 10 Turns 18m CON Save
Blur	Level 2	Illusion	Action  Level 2 Spell Slot	Attackers have Disadvantage on Attacks Rolls against you. 10 Turns Concentration
Cloud of Daggers	Level 2	Conjuration	Action  Level 2 Spell Slot	4~16 Damage 4d4 Slashing Conjure a cloud of spinning daggers that attack anyone inside. 10 Turns 18m   Concentration
Crown of Madness	Level 2	Enchantment	Action  Level 2 Spell Slot	Instil madness in a humanoid enemy, making them attack the creature closest to them (other than you), even if it's allied. 3 Turns 18m WIS Save Concentration
Darkness	Level 2	Evocation	Action  Level 2 Spell Slot	Create a dark shroud that Heavily Obscures and Blinds creatures within.  Creatures cannot make ranged attacks into or out of it. 10 Turns  5m 18m  Concentration
Darkvision	Level 2	Transmutation	Action  Level 2 Spell Slot	Grant a creature the ability to see in the dark out to a range of 12m. Until Long Rest Melee
Detect Thoughts	Level 2	Divination	Action  Level 2 Spell Slot	Focus your mind to read the thoughts of certain creatures while talking to them. Until Long Rest Concentration
Enlarge/Reduce	Level 2	Transmutation	Action  Level 2 Spell Slot	Make a creature larger or smaller to affect their weapon damage and Strength. 9m CON Save Concentration
Flaming Sphere	Level 2	Conjuration	Action  Level 2 Spell Slot	2d6Fire Summon a flaming sphere that damages nearby enemies and objects. You can move the sphere. It emits a bright light. 10 turns On Save: Targets still take half damage. 18m  DEX Save Concentration
Gust of Wind	Level 2	Evocation	Action  Level 2 Spell Slot	Summon a strong wind that clears all sounds and pushes creatures back 5m, forcing them Off Balance. 1 turn 12m  STR Save
Hold Person	Level 2	Enchantment	Action  Level 2 Spell Slot	Hold a humanoid enemy still. They can't move, act or react. Attacks from within 3m are always Critical Hits. 10 turns Range: 18mWIS Save Concentration
Invisibility	Level 2	Illusion	Action  Level 2 Spell Slot	Touch a creature to turn it Invisible. Attacks against it have Disadvantage. It attacks with Advantage. 10 turns Melee Concentration
Knock	Level 2	Transmutation	Action  Level 2 Spell Slot	Unlock an object that is held shut by a mundane lock. 18m
Magic Weapon	Level 2	Transmutation	Action  Level 2 Spell Slot	Infuse a weapon with arcane energy. The weapon becomes magical, receiving a +1 bonus to Attack and Damage Rolls. Until Long Rest Melee Concentration
Melf's Acid Arrow	Level 2	Evocation	Action  Level 2 Spell Slot	4d4Acid + 2d4 Acid (Delayed) Shoot a green arrow that covers the target and the ground with acid. Deals 4-16 Acid damage immediately and 2-8 Acid damage at the end of the target's turn. 1turn On Miss: Target still takes half the initial damage
Mirror Image	Level 2	Illusion	Action  Level 2 Spell Slot	Create 3 illusory duplicates of yourself that distract attackers. Each duplicate increases your Armour Class by 3. Whenever you successfully evade an attack, one of the duplicates disappears. 10 turns Range: 18m
Misty Step	Level 2	Conjuration	Bonus Action Level 2 Spell Slot	Surrounded by silver mist, you teleport to an unoccupied space you can see. Range: 18m
Phantasmal Force	Level 2	Illusion	Action  Level 2 Spell Slot	Deal damage to a creature each turn. The type of damage changes to the last type the creature suffered. 10 turns 18m INT Save Concentration
Ray of Enfeeblement	Level 2	Necromancy	Action  Level 2 Spell Slot	Weaken a foe: they deal half damage with weapon attacks using Strength. 18m  Concentration
Scorching Ray	Level 2	Evocation	Action  Level 2 Spell Slot	6d6 Fire Hur1 3 rays of fire. Each ray deals 2∼12 Fire damage.  18m
See Invisibility	Level 2	Divination	Action  Level 2 Spell Slot	Become able to see invisible creatures, and possibly reveal them to others. Until Long Rest 9mDEX Save
Shatter	Level 2	Evocation	Action  Level 2 Spell Slot	Damages all nearby creatures and objects. Creatures made of inorganic material such as stone have Disadvantage on their Saving Throw. On Save: Targets still take half damage. 18m CON Save
Web	Level 2	Conjuration	Action  Level 2 Spell Slot	Cover an area in thick, flammable webbing that slows creatures within and possibly Enwebs them. 18m DEX Save Concentration