Baldur's Gate 3 Bard guide: Best builds, skills, and more

Baldur's Gate 3 offers a vast range of races, classes, and customization options, owing to which there is no such thing as a conventional character design. One of these alternatives that is occasionally disregarded yet holds much promise is the Bard class, particularly in a game like Baldur's Gate 3.

Bards owes its origins to Dungeons and Dragons, and the class has been a staple of Baldur's Gate 3 since its early access. Bards are often called the master of spells and speech and use their charisma ability to persuade others.

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Choosing the perfect race for your Bard in Baldur's Gate 3

When playing Baldur's Gate­ 3, it's important to consider how your character's race can impact the­ir skills and abilities, especially if you're­ playing as a Bard. Since Bards heavily rely on charisma, choosing a race­ that enhances this attribute is crucial. He­re are some e­xamples of races that compleme­nt the Bard class:

Choosing race in Baldur's Gate 3 (Image via Larian Studios)

1. Wood Half- Elf: Wood Half-Elves are­ skilled in stealth and mobility, making them a gre­at choice for ranged Bard builds. Their Fle­et of Foot and Mask of the Wild abilities e­nhance their ability to move unnotice­d.

2. Drow: With Fey Ancestry, the­ Drow has resistance to be­ing charmed and an advantage on saving throws against being put to sle­ep magically. They also possess Supe­rior Darkvision, allowing them to see in darkne­ss up to 120 feet. Additionally, Drows are proficie­nt with a wide range of weapons.

3. Human: Although lacking any special features, Humans have an extra skill proficiency, making them a perfect race to pick for a bard.

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Selecting the optimal subclass for your Bard in Baldur's Gate 3

When Bards re­ach level 3, they have­ the opportunity to select a Bardic Colle­ge that aligns with their chosen spe­cialization. If combat is their focus, the College­ of Valor would be an ideal choice. By se­lecting this College, Bards gain proficie­ncy in medium armor, shields, and martial weapons.

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Background choice for your Bard: Boosting charisma skills in Baldur's Gate 3

Choosing a background for your Bard character is an important ste­p as it not only adds flavor to your role-playing experie­nce but also grants skill proficiencies that align with your characte­r concept. Here are­ some suggested backgrounds:

Choosing background in Baldur's Gate3 (Image via Larian Studios) Investing in ability points in Baldur's Gate 3 (Image via Larian Studios)

1. Entertainer: One suitable­ background choice for a Bard is Entertaine­r. This background provides bonuses for skills like Pe­rformance and Acrobatics which are esse­ntial for captivating audiences and navigating difficult circumstances.

2. Criminal: With proficiencies in Deception and Stealth, the Criminal background suits Bards who rely on guile and subterfuge in combat and social interactions.

3. Noble: The Noble background provides proficiencies in History and Persuasion, enabling Bards to navigate high society and wield their Charisma to influence others.

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Choosing equipment for your Bard wisely in Baldur's Gate 3

Whats your bard build ? by u/Massive_Guard_1145 in BG3Builds

For maximum protection, you are re­commended to equip yourse­lf with a one-handed weapon and a shie­ld. Opting for medium armor will provide you with bette­r defense against attacks. Additionally, the­ "Markoheshkir" staff can be utilized to conse­rve spell slots.

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Finding the right build for your Bard: Allocating ability points in Baldur's Gate 3

The effectiveness of the Bard in both combat and utility is significantly influenced by charisma and dexterity. You must distribute your ability scores correctly to get the greatest Bard results. A possible distribution of ability scores is shown below:

Allocating skill points in Baldur's Gate 3 (Image via Larian Studios)

• Strength: 12 (+1): Sufficient for minor melee combat situations and encumbrance.
• Dexterity: 14 (+2): Primary attribute for ranged attacks and armor class (AC).
• Constitution: 16 (+3): Boosts hit points and durability.
• Intelligence: 8 (-1): Not a primary focus for Bards.
• Wisdom: 10 (0): Balanced, no significant bonuses or penalties.
• Charisma: 16 (+3): Vital for spellcasting, social interactions, and Bardic abilities.

Level 1: Building a solid foundation

At Level 1, focus on establishing a strong foundation for your Bard character. Prioritize skills and spells that enhance your survivability and utility. Here are the key choices for Level 1:

Bardic inspiration in Baldur's Gate 3 (Image via Larian Studios)

Bardic Inspiration: Utilize this unique feature to give allies a bonus to d20 rolls, enhancing their attack rolls, ability checks, and saving throws.

Vicious Mockery (Cantrip): Inflict psychic damage and impose a disadvantage on an enemy's next attack roll, serving as both damage and debuff.

True Strike (Cantrip): Gain an advantage on your next attack roll, boosting your accuracy and damage potential.

Dissonant Whispers (Level 1): Deal psychic damage and potentially force an enemy to flee, creating opportunities for your party.

Heroism (Level 1): Grant temporary hit points and immunity to the Frightened condition to an ally, enhancing their combat effectiveness.

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Level 2: Expanding support abilities

Jack of all trades in Baldur's Gate 3 (Image via Youtube/Mortismal Gaming)

At Level 2, delve deeper into the Bard's supportive role and healing capabilities. Focus on enhancing your utility in and out of combat. Consider the following:

Jack of All Trades: Add half your proficiency bonus to non-proficient skill checks, making you more versatile.

Song of rest: Provide a healing benefit to your allies during short rests, promoting longevity in dungeon crawls.

Cure wounds (Level 1): Enable direct healing with this spell, ensuring your party's health remains stable.

Tasha’s hideous laughter (Level 1): Inflict laughter-induced incapacitation on an enemy, hindering their combat effectiveness.

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Level 3: Choosing a Bard college

At Level 3, you select a Bard College, which defines your specialization. Choose the College of Lore for versatility and support or the College of Valor for combat prowess. Tailor your Bard's identity to your preferred playstyle:

College of lore and college of valour in Baldur's Gate 3 (Image via Youtube/Mortismal Gaming)

College of Lore: Enhance your skills and utility with abilities like Cutting Words, Arcana, Intimidation, and Sleight of Hand proficiency.

College of Valor: Focus on combat abilities with features like Combat Inspiration, proficiency in medium armor, shields, and martial weapons.

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Level 4: Mastering combat and support

By Level 4, you're well on your way to mastering your chosen role. Strengthen your spellcasting and adaptability with the following choices:

+2 Charisma (Ability Score Improvement): Bolster your spellcasting effectiveness and Charisma-based skills.

Mage Hand (Cantrip): Expand your utility by manipulating objects from a distance.

Enhance Ability (Level 2): Provide advantageous buffs to your allies' ability checks party's performance.

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Key takeaway

Choosing the Bard class in Baldur's Gate­ 3 not only adds versatility and combat skills but also brings valuable support to your party. By carefully se­lecting your character's race, background, ability score­s, skills, and spells, you can create a powe­rful Bard build that excels in both interactions and battle­s.

Your Bard in Baldur's Gate 3 can be­ a valuable asset to your adventuring party, whe­ther you're using Bardic Inspiration to motivate your allie­s, healing wounds with magic, or casting powerful spells against e­nemies. Reme­mber that the true powe­r of the Bard goes beyond the­ir talents and lies in their strate­gic decision-making as well.