We evaluate the new subclasses’ tier list from best to worst in Baldur’s Gate 3 Patch 8 based on their damage, survivability, and utility.
In Baldur’s Gate 3 Patch 8, Larian Studios has released 12 new classes, one for each class. These subclasses add unique features like actions, passives, or spells. In this guide, we evaluate the 12 new subclasses, giving pros and cons of each, and what makes them better or worse than others.
Specifically, what makes a subclass strong is it’s features and their unique to the overall class and build potential. InPatch 8, the addition of Shadow Blade, Booming Blade, and other spells and cantrips allows spellcasting builds to play as melee damage dealers. Therefore, expect a lot of changes regarding how spellcasters can, and should play for optimal damage and overall power. Below, we rank each new subclass with links to full builds and examples of how or who should play them.
Note: this guide has been updated and will continue to be after playing each class, subclass in all three Acts. Check back as the rankings may fluctuate with more testing!
Baldur’s Gate 3 Patch 8 Subclass Tier List
The Baldur’s Gate 3 Class tier list is ranked from best to worst:
What is The Best Subclass in Patch 8 for Baldur’s Gate 3?
The Hexblade Warlock is the best new subclass in Patch 8 for BG3 because of the new spell Shadow Blade, its multiclass potential, and power throughout all the Acts of BG3. The Shadow Magic Sorcerer and the Hexblade Warlock play very similarly, however, the Hexblade can bind martial weapons and stack Charisma. Thus, it gives it the advantage of using either Shadow Magic spell or martial weapons for damage, along with a much faster start and better multiclass potential. Our third-ranked build is the Path of the Giant Barbarian, which uses the popular throw build, and Giant’s Rage doubles throw damage. These three subclasses are incredibly fun and versatile and are some of the best overall in BG3.
Here is a tier list of all the new Patch 8 Baldur’s Gate subclasses, Ranked best to worst:
12 College of Glamour Bard (D- Tier)
TheCollege of Glamour Bardunlocks features relating to charmed. At level 3, you can imbue to allies with HP and if a melee attack hits them, they can become charmed. At level six, you gain essentially the command spell and further increase HP and allies you can target. However, these bonuses are incredibly weak compared to the Bard’s othersubclasses.College of Swordhas powerful melee or range attacks,College of Lorefurther increases your spellbook andCollege of Valouris balanced for spellcasting and weapon attacks.
The best way to play the College of Glamour Bard is multiclassing it with a Sorcerer 6/6 split. The Sorcerer further expands the spellbook and allows the user to obtain Shadow Blade. Then, the Bard can use a powerful summoned shortsword with the resonance stone for big damage. However, the Bard is still one of the weakest classes to do this, and the Warlock, Wizard, and Sorcerer far outperform this playstyle.
We rank the College of Glamour Bard as the worst overall new subclass in Patch 8 because the features are dreadfully underwhelming. However, the class is still powerful; just use a different subclass and you will be much happier. Also consider at least one level with Hexblade Warlock, which will help with proficiencies and raw power with one level of investment.
College of Glamour Bard Features
11 Circle of the Stars Druid (D Tier)
TheCircle of the Stars Druidavoids usingWild Shapeand instead gains Starry Form powers. This allows the player to gain effects like luminous arrow, increased healing, or dragons breath. The strength of the Circle of Stars subclass is it’s powerful in Act 1 due to Guiding Bolt, and your Circle of Starsspells. This allows you to cast Guiding Bolt for free, and fire off Luminous Arrow. Using theLuminous Armourset obtained in Act 1, you quickly start to debuff enemies, playing a hybrid spellcaster avoiding Wild Shape. But the power fades beyond Act 2 where othersubclasseslike theCircle of the Moonshine.
The best way to play the Circle of the Stars Druid is by utilizing Starry Form Archer, using your bonus action for Luminous Arrow and your action for Guiding Bolt. Combine Luminous Armor andLuminous Glovesto unleash a radiant shockwave, dealing extra damage. Additionally, cast Light on yourself to maximize theCoruscation Ringand Callous Glow Ring combo, which inflicts Radiant Orb on illuminated targets.
However, the issue with this specific setup and build is, that it’s outclassed by theClericwho can do the same thing, but better with Spirit Guardians. Moreover, Tavern Brawler feat now works on Honour Mode, allowing the Circle of the Moon Wild Shape build to excel on the highest difficulty. Thus, we rank the Circle of the Stars Druid 9th overall, and average D tier subclass in best of BG3 Patch 8.
Circle of the Stars Druid Features
10 Oath of the Crown Paladin (C- Tier)
TheOath of the Crown Paladinis ideal for players who want to tank in Baldur’s Gate 3. At level 3 you gain the ability to taunt enemies around you with the Champion Challenge subclass feature. This compels enemies to attack you or face a disadvantage attacking others. Additionally, the Paladin retains all the damage from Divine Smite and Strength stacking, making it a formidable defensive subclass. As you progress, you gain more tank and defensive-related spells, along with more ways to heal allies creating a hybrid healer tank spellcaster.
The best way to play the Oath of the Crown Paladin is to focus on a powerful tanking setup early in Act 1. Equip theAmulet of Restoration,The Whispering Promise,Hellrider’s Pride, andBoots of Aid and Comfortfor maximum survivability and support. The Amulet of Restoration grants Mass Healing Word, a bonus action spell that heals allies within 18 meters. Each healedcharactergains the Bless spell, Resistance cantrip, and extra health, providing incredible utility while maintaining the Paladin’s strong damage output.
We rank the Oath of Crown Paladin as C- Tier because thesubclassesis niche-focused on support, lower damage, and weak mobility. TheVengeanceand Oathbreaker subclasses have more damage and spell options for offensive-minded builds and are suitable at higher difficulties. Therefore, the nichetanksubclass features holds it back from ranking higher on our Best Patch 8 Subclass Tier List in Baldur’s Gate 3.
Oath of the Crown Paladin Features
9 Swashbuckler Rogue (C Tier)
TheSwashbuckler Rogueis another underwhelmingsubclasswith two features unlocked at level 3: Fancy Footwork and Rakish Audacity. Fancy Footwork prevents opportunity attacks against you when you make a melee attack against that target. Rakish Audacity allows you to automatically trigger Sneak Attack when you are within 1.5 meters. This bonus sounds great but forces you into a melee build playstyle, which can be difficult when survivability is low. At level 4, the Swashbuckler unlocks Dirty Tricks, similar subclass actions as theBattlemaster Fighter: Disarm, Blind, Cantrip. Consider theRogue Thiefsubclass gains an extra bonus action EVERY turn, these subclass features are lackluster and thus rank C tier on our patch 8 tier list for BG3.
The best way to play the Swashbuckler Rogue is with a multiclass setup and melee martial damage. Players want to use theHigh Elfrace to gain Longbow, Longsword proficiency, and Booming Blade Cantrip. This cantrip can be used once every action, adding thunder damage to every attack. Then multiclass to a Fighter at level 5 to gain four feats, extra attack, and two-weapon fighting. In Act 3, combineCrimson Mischief,Bloodthirst, andBhaalist Armourto double-piercing damage.
While the melee martial Swashbuckler is thebest buildpossible, it lacks the spellcasting of Arcane Trickster and the bonus action of the Thief. Moreover, it doesn’t outperform other melee damage dealers on this list. However, it makes a great Role-Play (RP) character and fans of pirate fantasy will enjoy this option. Thus, we rank it number 9 overall, on Baldur’s Gate 3 Patch 8 subclass tier list.
Swashbuckler Rogue Features
8 Arcane Archer Fighter (B Tier)
TheArcane Archer Fighteris a ranged-based subclass that gains access toArcane Arrowsstarting at level three. Also at level three is proficiency in arcana and nature as well as one cantrip. The Arcane Shot feature allows the player to select a specific type of arrow to debuff, hit multiple targets, stun, or cause blindness. As you progress in thesubclass, you gain access to more arrows, which is a big issue because with Improved Extra Attack, the Fighter can make 3 attacks per action. Thus, you run out of these Arcane Shots quickly and need a short or long rest. While the arrows are helpful, they model game Arrows you can gain from looting or purchasing from vendors and are somewhat redundant.
The best way to play the Arcane Archer Fighter is to focus on increasing your Actions per turn with Elixir of Blood Lust, Potion of Speed, and Action Surge. This combination grants four actions, each allowing three attacks. Utilize Arcane Arrows with each attack and aim to eliminate at least one target per turn to trigger Elixir of Blood Lust. Additionally, mix in elemental arrows and multi-target shots with Arcane Arrows to unleash AoE damage, apply debuffs, knock back enemies, or control the battlefield.
We rank the Arcane Archer at 8 on our BG3 Patch 8 Tier List primarily because the arrows run out quickly, and are similar to current arrows in the game. Moreover, the Fighter playing in melee range with two-handed weapons has more raw power. With the addition of the Booming Blade Cantrip,Eldritch KnightFighters are more powerful than over, making it a better alternative to Arcane Archer.
Arcane Archer Features
7 Way of the Drunken Master Monk (B Tier)
TheWay of the Drunken Master Monkuses the drunk status effect to regain Ki Points and attacks enemies, causing them to be drunk. When drunk, enemies have a disadvantage on dexterity checks. Like other Monk builds, the Way of the Drunken Master has multiple attacks with extra attack (action) and bonus action attacks. Therefore, you have many ways to attack in melee, crowd controlling, bursting, and doing massive raw damage. The issue with this subclass is it’s more RP-focused, while still strong, lacks the raw power of theWay of the Open Hand Monkor the spell casting of Way of the Four Shadows.
The best way to play the Drunken Master Monk is to maximize your Ki usage, mobility, and unarmed strike damage. Use Ki attacks like Drunken Technique and Intoxicating Strike to stun enemies and inflict the Drunk status. Always save 1.5 meters of movement and one Ki point at the end of your turn for reaction strikes or to recover quickly if knocked prone. To enhance damage output, take the Tavern Brawler feat to double your unarmed strike damage. Then, multiclass three levels into Rogue for Fast Hands, granting an extra bonus action per turn.
Monks are overall a strong class with unarmed attack, high survivability, but are susceptible to stuns and immobilization. We rank the Way of the Drunken Master as 7th overall and B Tier on our list because it doesn’t outperform Way of the Open Hand in damage or survivability. Moreover, it focused on drunk status effect, which is fun, and unique but not the most dominant of the allsubclassesin BG3.
Way of the Drunken Master Monk Features
6 Death Domain Cleric (B+ Tier)
TheDeath Domain Clericfocused on Necrotic damage, cantrips, and melee attacks to trigger extra damage. With Marital weapon proficiency, the Death Domain Cleric excels at meleecombatwith two-handed weapons, similar to Barbarians and Fighters. At level one, you gain the ability to target two creatures with a Cantrip. This is helpful using eitherBooming Bladeor Toll of the Death (both new cantrips inPatch 8). Moreover, you gain many additional Necromancy spells that are always prepared allowing you to play melee and spellcasting in one build.
The best way to play the Death Domain Cleric is by maximizing melee damage through your Channel Divinity ability and the Toll of Death necrotic cantrip. Wielding a two-handed weapon andmulticlassinginto Fighter for an extra attack allows you to unleash devastating bursts of necrotic damage. Always cast Spirit Guardians, choosing necrotic damage, before engaging in combat. Use your bonus action to summon a Spiritual Weapon, providing additional pressure and a useful distraction.
With massive AOE damage, melee martial weapons, and powerful spells, it’s hard to put the Death Domain Cleric at B+ Tier on our list. However, the other new subclasses have more raw power, utility, or uniqueness. The major drawback to the Death Domain Cleric is that enemies are immune to Necrotic damage. Resistance can be bypassed, however, immunity will completely tank most of your damage. Thus, we ranked it 6 on our Best Patch 8 Subclass Tier List in Baldur’s Gate 3.
Death Domain Cleric Features
5 Swarmkeeper Ranger (B+ Tier)
TheSwarmkeeper Rangerallows you to add special effects creatures marked by Hunter’s Mark with Prey’s Scent subclass feature. You can deal extra piercing damage, teleport away, lighting damage, psychic damage, and even blind targets! The subclass also features a bonus action ability to fly away, giving you incredible mobility. Moreover, the Ranger is a strong class regardless of subclass with weapon and armour proficiencies, spellcasting, and arrows that trigger extra effects.
The best way to play the Swarmkeeper Ranger is by pairing the Flurry of Moths attack’s Psychic damage with theResonance Stonefrom Act 2. This stone doubles Psychic damage and works perfectly with theStrange Conduit Ring, making your Hunter’s Mark incredibly strong.
With the Gloom Stalker Ranger adding so many bonus, the Swarmkeeper falls behind in terms of overall power. Moreover, you don’t gain anything that can outperform in terms of spellcasting, or utility and with the same multiclass setup, most players are incentivized to use theGloom Stalker. However, this subclass is powerful due to its bonuses, thus we rank it 5 in B+ tier on our Best Patch 8 Subclass List in Baldur’s Gate 3.
Swarmkeeper Ranger Features
4 Bladesinging Wizard (A Tier)
TheBladesinging Wizardsubclass incentivizes players to use melee attacks with Bladesong, additional proficiencies, and extra attack. Therefore, you may viably build towards one hand and shield with multiple attacks per action and either high dexterity or strength to do massive damage. Meanwhile, you retain all the spellcasting ability that makes the Wizard powerful and useful while exploring.
The best way to play the Bladesinging Wizard is multiclassing with a Paladin and Fighter to gain Divine Smite and Action Surge. This allows you to do melee damage and trigger Divine Smite with massive spell slots. Moreover, in Act 3, you can use Piercing damage likeNyrulnaandBhaalist Armourcombo in a two-handed playstyle. Thus, making the Wizard a formidable melee build with spell-casting potential. Also, the new Bladesinging ability gives you the ability to heal by consuming all of your Bladesong stacks, giving you even more utility and survival!
In terms of damage potential, the Bladesinging Wizard could be the best overall subclass for the class. However, the overall best for Patch 8 still belongs to Charisma-based spellcasters due to their innate ability to multiclass with the Paladin and now Hexblade Warlock. But, this new subclass for the Wizard is a game-changer and will be interesting to see melee damage-dealing front-line Wizards in patch 8!
Bladesinging Wizard Features
3 Path of the Giant Barbarian (A+ Tier)
ThePath of the Giant Barbarianstands out for its enhanced damage with thrown weapons and items, making it a unique build. It also features a built-in mechanic to return thrown items to you, while adding elemental damage to them. This makes it the ultimatethrow build, offering greater range and damage than a typical Barbariansubclass. Thanks to its high damage, range, and survivability, this build is capable of soloing Honor Mode. The main drawbacks are the lack of spellcasting, limited movement, and vulnerability to magic. However, with improved range, increased damage, and bonus action utility, the Giant Barbarian is one of the best builds and subclasses in BG3.
The best way to play the Giant Barbarian is by using the Nyrulna Trident,Bhaalist Armour, andRing of Flinging. Nyrulna Trident is considered piercing damage and receives double damage from Bhaalist Armour when in melee range. With this subclass’s rage active, you double the damage of thrown objects. You then want to pick up the feat Tavern Brawler, which doubles your thrown weapon strength modifier to attack rolls. With high strength, you throw the trident or any piercing damage at a target in your aura of murders, and do incredible damage, making it absurdly strong.
With the previous Barbarian subclasses, you could solo Honour Mode using the throw build described above. Now, you can do it easier with the Giant subclass. Therefore, we rank it as the third-best, S tier on our Best Patch 8 Subclass List in Baldur’s Gate 3. The major downside is the lack of spellcasting and the build is completely gear-dependent. If those two things weren’t true, Giant would be the best overall or move higher on this list.
Giant Barbarian Features
2 Shadow Magic Sorcerer (S Tier)
What sets theShadow Magic Sorcererapart is its combination of melee attacks and spellcasting into a single build. After Patch 8 in BG3, two new abilities—Booming Blade and Shadow Blade—were introduced, allowing a spellcaster to make melee attacks that scale off Strength. As a result, this build stacks both Strength and Charisma while utilizing multiclassing to maximize its effectiveness. Moreover, you get an Eyes of Darkness spell, which allows you to avoid being blinding, casting a cloud that prevents you from being hit, but allows the use of the Shadow Blade with Resonance Stone Combo.
The best way to play the Shadow Magic Sorcerer is by using the Shadow Blade level 2 spell and Booming Blade. With Shadow Blade, you may attack based on your strength ability score, which can be improved to 27 via Cloud Giant Elixir. Moreover, you can pick up the resonance stone in Act 2 and double psychic damage. Then, multiclass into Paladin to gain Divine Smite and Extra Attack. Now, use your spell slots for divine smites while attacking with your Shadow Blade. Lastly, upcast Shadow Blade to further increase the damage.
The biggest downside to the Shadow Magic Sorc and why it’s now ranked second is the slow start. The Hexblade plays very similarly but starts MUCH stronger at level 1. Moreover, the Hexblade gains proficiencies right away without multiclass and it can use martial weapons or Shadow Blade, giving it the edge in the number one spot. We highly recommend playing the Shadow Sorcerer, ranked S Tier number two on our Baldur’s Gate 3 Patch 8 Subclass Tier List!
Shadow Magic Sorcerer Features
1 Hexblade Warlock (S+ Tier)
TheHexblade buildstands out for its ability to bind a weapon, gain additional proficiencies such as medium armor, and function as a true melee spellcaster. Its key advantages include high damage output, simplicity, and versatility, excelling in both melee combat and spellcasting. With the addition of the Shadow Blade spell, the Warlock can use a Strength or Charisma-based melee build. Additionally, the Bind Hexed Weapon subclass feature allows you to use Charisma instead of Strength or Dexterity for weapon attacks. This enables you to focus solely on Charisma, maximizing both your spellcasting and melee effectiveness.
To play the Hexblade effectively, use your bonus action to summon Shadow Blade and your action for melee attacks. Enhance your Psychic damage by equipping theStrange Conduit RingandResonance Stone, significantly boosting your Shadow Blade’s effectiveness. After summoning your blade, apply Hexblade’s Curse to your target for additional damage. Prioritize increasing your Charisma to maximize both your spellcasting and melee attack power. And, the Hexblade can use Bind Hexblade to use greatswords or any marital weapons and scale the damage with Charisma, not strength or dexerity!
After playing the Hexblade more, it’s clear the advantages and utility with its multiclassing and it’s quick start gives it the edge as an overall better subclass. The Sorc may have more damage once optimally built, but not throughout all acts or as a one to two level dip. Therefore, we rank the Hexblade build as S+ Tier on our Best Patch 8 Subclass List in Baldur’s Gate 3.
Hexblade Warlock Features
FAQs about Patch 8 Subclasses in Baldur’s Gate 3
How do I unlock these new subclasses in Patch 8?
New subclasses are unlocked at specific levels based on the class. All classes can access their subclass by level 3.
Can I multiclass with the new subclasses?
Yes, the best multiclass options are the Hexblade Warlock, Shadow Magic Sorcerer with Vengeance Paladin or Monk Drunken Master with Rogue Thief.
What is the best subclass introduced in Patch 8 for solo play?
The Hexblade Warlock because it starts strong at level one, has massive damage with Shadow Blade, and it’s a great multiclass class.
What are the recommended builds for the new subclasses in BG3 Patch 8?
Below are the recommended builds for the 12 new subclasses in Patch 8 of BG3:
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