One of the greatest joys in a CRPG like Baldur's Gate 3 is tinkering with your build, experimenting with different level-up options and turning your characters into highly-optimised fighting machines with specialized, unique roles. Add the ability to multiclass to the mix, and you have access to entirely new worlds of optimization and experimentation.
Baldur's Gate 3: How To Get The Owlbear Cub
If you plan on filling up your BG3 camp with as many creatures as you can find, then you definitely don't want to miss this Owlbear Cub!
Multiclassing is a staple of Dungeons & Dragons, allowing you to mix and match the features of multiple classes. Some combinations are classics, such as the famed Sorcadin (that's a Paladin with some Sorcerer powers, by the way), while some potential combinations are a bit more... out there.
Updated January 13, 2024: Need more help multiclassing? We've included a video version of this guide to help you juggle multiple classes at once and added some details on how the process works with more than two classes.
What Is Multiclassing?
Multiclassing is baked right into Baldur's Gate 3's level-up system. As soon as you have enough experience to boost up to the next level, you can opt to multiclass. There are some things you should keep in mind when doing this:
- Multiclassing will not automatically grant you the proficiencies normally granted by your new class.
- Your starting HP is based on the class you spend your first level on, so it's a good idea to pick the class with the higher hit-die as your first level unless your second class has the proficiencies you require for your build.
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Each class levels up separately.
- In the image above, for example, the character is a Level 3 Monk and Level 1 Cleric. This means that despite having enough experience for four levels, he only has the powers and abilities of a Level 3 Monk and a Level 1 Cleric.
Generally speaking, multiclass builds trade raw power in a single class for the versatility of multiple classes. This can lead to them being more versatile or well-rounded, but they often won't be able to perform a single class's role as efficiently as one that didn't multiclass.
This is most impactful when it comes to spellcasters, who will fall behind in their spell progression when they multiclass.
How To Multiclass
Actually multiclassing is a very simple process in Baldur's Gate 3. When you click the level-up button, you'll be brought to the level-up screen. On the page that gives you an overview of your level-up, there will be a button in the top-right that, when you hover over it, will be labelled 'Add Class'.
Clicking the Add Class button will bring you to a new menu filled with every class in the game. Select one to gain a level in that class.
Once you've got more than one class on a character, the level-up screen will then present you with all classes you have a level in, allowing you to quickly click between them to check what you'd gain for taking a level in either. This screen also has the Add Class button, allowing you to create a character with three or even more classes.
Unlike in the tabletop version of Dungeons & Dragons, there are no stat requirements for multiclassing in Baldur's Gate 3. Any character can use any class combination, no matter how ineffective they would be.
It is technically possible to create a character with a single level in every single class in the game, provided they take a new class with each level up to 12. There's even an achievement for doing this, but does leave you with a terribly unoptimised character.
Baldur’s Gate 3: Every Playable Class
With Baldur's Gate 3 two years into Early Access, let's take a look at the classes you choose.