Without following a proper Baldur's Gate 3 class tier list, you might get dozens of hours into the game before realising your chosen path just isn't up to snuff. Baldur's Gate 3 is a giant game that allows you to design a character from the ground up. Playing under the Dungeons & Dragons 5e ruleset, you experience a world teeming with danger and new opportunities around every corner.
With 11 races, their applicable subraces, and 12 classes all set for launch, there's a lot of data to comb through to make a properly educated and orchestrated choice at the start of the game. So read on to figure out which race and class combinations make the most sense, and which you may want to steer clear of if you're looking for only the best of the best.
For more on the game, check out our Baldur's Gate 3 race tier list, alongside our picks of the game's best builds for each class. We've also got some tips on how to level up fast in Baldur's Gate 3.
Baldur’s Gate 3 class tier list
| Tier | Class |
|---|---|
| S | Bard, Cleric |
| A | Monk, Paladin, Sorcerer, Wizard |
| B | Barbarian, Fighter, Ranger, Rogue |
| C | Druid |
Keep in mind that this guide could change quite quickly after the game's full launch in early August 2023. Having been in early access for a number of years, some classes will receive drastic changes based on player feedback, with more options being added for the first time.
In any case, you can find our current class tier list above. We'll be starting with S-Tier (the best) and working down to C-Tier (the worst). The class name will come first, followed by its subclasses.
For a more specific breakdown of each class's disciplines and how they rank, check out the list below.
S-Tier
- Bard - Lore, Valor, Swords
- Cleric - Knowledge, Life, Light, Nature, Tempest, Trickery, War
A-Tier
- Monk - Open Hand, Shadow, Four Elements
- Paladin - Ancients, Devotion, Vengeance, Oathbreaker
- Sorcerer - Wild Magic, Draconic Bloodline, Storm Sorcery
- Wizard - Abjuration, Conjuration, Divination, Enchantment, Evocation, Necromancy, Illusion, Transmutation
- Warlock - Archfey, The Fiend, The Great One
B-Tier
- Barbarian - Berserker, Wildheart, Wild Magic
- Fighter - Battle Master, Eldritch Knight, Champion
- Ranger - Hunter, Beast Master, Gloom Stalker
- Rogue - Arcane Trickster, Assassin, Thief
C-Tier
- Druid - Land, Moon, Spores
The one class with the most potential to change is the Monk. Developers at Larian Studios have boasted that the Monk is the best class in Baldur's Gate 3, but we haven't had the time to properly verify their thoughts. Until then, we'll have to run with the thought that it could ascend to S-Tier at launch.
click to enlarge
+ 3What is the best melee class in Baldur’s Gate 3?
Melee combat is how a plethora of players like to build out their characters in ARPGs. It's an efficient way to deal damage to enemies with some real force. Classes that specialize in melee combat are usually beginner-friendly, focusing on raw brawn to get by, with survival being an afterthought for anyone but more experienced players.
If we were to pick the best overall melee class in Baldur's Gate 3, it would have to be the Fighter. While the Fighter class isn't too strong compared to other classes, it has the best melee proficiencies and some decent armour to start out with. Fighters also come well-equipped with a high Strength and Constitution stat right off the bat.
We suggest opting for a Battlemaster Fighter, as this subclass offers the most beneficial build for someone who wants to specialise in melee combat and deal tons of damage.
click to enlarge + 3What is the best ranged class in Baldur’s Gate 3?
The obvious answer here is Ranger. The Ranger is somewhat lacking in the raw damage department, but you can easily get around by equipping the right weapons. Most will opt for dual-wield crossbows to get the most damage out of the Ranger, but other ranged weapons will do the job as well.
If you wanted to step out from using strictly the Ranger, you could go for something like the Warlock or Wizard. While they might specialise in other types of skills, you can build them to be proficient at range. The Ranger just offers plenty of damage with little need to sweat the technical details.
What is the strongest class in Baldur’s Gate 3?
What we believe to be the strongest overall class in Baldur's Gate 3, the class that is proficient in both melee and ranged combat and has very few weaknesses. has to be the Cleric.
- Read more: What is the max level in Baldur's Gate 3?
You can build the Cleric in a variety of different ways, making it extremely versatile. Not only can the class deal a ton of damage, but you gain access to healing properties very early on. This makes the Cleric somewhat of a boring class to use, as you won't face as much of a challenge compared to other classes. However, as of right now, no class is stronger overall. It can tackle almost any challenge out there without much trouble.
click to enlarge + 3What is the best damage class in Baldur’s Gate 3?
While most classes in Baldur's Gate 3 can be kitted out to feature high-damage attacks, we believe the Paladin to be the most consistent high-damage class. Even new players with little to no experience can find ways to decimate enemies every turn while using the Paladin.
Some other honourable mentions would be the Thief Rogue, Berserker Barbarian, the "Sorclock", and a Battlemaster Fighter. It's also worth noting that the Monk is said to possess incredibly strong builds, so we could see that class take over the Paladin in this spot.
For more on Larian's biggest project since Divinity: Original Sin 2, check out our guides on Baldur's Gate 3 local co-op, is you can play Baldur's Gate 3 solo, and how the Baldur's Gate 3 Momentum system works.
For more articles like this, take a look at our Guides and Baldur's Gate page.