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Players of classic CRPGs know the sheer intensity of the storylines in theBaldur’s Gateseries, makingBaldur’s Gate 3a much-awaited sequel for fans of narrative-focused games. This time around, players of theBaldur’s Gatetitle get stuck in the middle of an ongoing mind-flayer invasion of Faerun, with only their chosen Class and skillset as a means to fight this seemingly insurmountable threat.
Players who want to pull off the characteristic Bard fromDungeons & Dragonsmight want to tailor theirBaldur’s Gate 3Bard to achieve maximum performance and look into possible optimization options for their character. However, just how could players pull off the perfect Bard?
Updated on July 26, 2025 by Rhenn Taguiam:WithDungeons & Dragonsabout to release an updated version of theirPlayer’s Handbookthis September 2024, fans of the acclaimed TTRPG might be excited to check out just what changes the roleplaying game will bring to their favorite Classes - especially the Bard, whose utility shines not just in the TTRPG but even in adaptations such as the award-winningBaldur’s Gate 3. As the game is the closestD&D 5ehas got to an accurate video game adaptation, fans can at least get theirD&Dfix from the hit game while waiting for the updated rulebooks. In the case of the Bard,Baldur’s Gate 3players might soon realize that Multiclassing into other Classes can give them a much-needed boost in their overall combat performance. Among suggested Multiclasses include a dip into a Martial Specialist, hyper-optimizing an initially unoptimized Ranger, and traditional Charisma-based Spellcasting.
Bard Class Overview
Baldur’s Gateplayers who aren’t familiar with its original sourcebookDungeons & Dragons 5emight not be entirely sure what to expect from the Bard Class. Considered one of the starting Classes inD&D 5e, theBardserves as a staple character build for players looking for a decent mix between a utility and combat character. Although usually joked around as a promiscuous archetype due to their incredibly-high Charisma, here are other reasons why a Bard may be a player’s go-to Class:
The Race: Guarantee Spellcasting
As with most builds that focus on creating ideal Classes, the best Races are often the ones that maximize the boosts players can give to a particular Ability Score. Being a Charisma-heavy Class, the Bard needs to pack a lot ofCharismato ensure they can cast their most formidable Spells successfully. Thankfully, certain Racesavailable to parties in theBaldur’s Gatetitlecan help players maximize their Bard’s performance in the thick of battle:
The Background: Emphasize On Charisma
While the Bard inBaldur’s Gate 3specializes in both Dexterity and Charisma, it still follows its originalDungeons & Dragoncounterpart that emphasizesCharismafor its combat advantage. Most especially, they need Charisma to be able to impress or intimidate their way past foes, which are Skills that these Backgrounds transform into proficiencies:
The Ability Array: Life Takes Second Priority
As with other RPGs similar toDungeons & Dragons, it makes sense forBaldur’s Gate 3players to want to prioritize an Ability Array that focuses on the Bard’s greatest strengths: that being Charisma and Dexterity. With the above considerations taken into account, here is an ideal setup for an Ability Array that maximizes the Bard’s performance in the early game:
Bard Colleges
Unlike otherClasses inDungeons & Dragons,the Bard ofBaldur’s Gate 3cannot pick a subclass or an archetype until Level 3. This time called aBard Collegepractically “cements” the Bard’s specialization throughout the game. Depending on the player’s choice of role, the Bard may be tailored to become a healer via the College of Lore, a combat expert via the College of Valor, or a fighting specialist via the College of Swords. Here are things to take note of:
College Of Lore: Outside Battle Matters Too
Bards who choose theCollege of Lorevalue knowledge and truth more than anything else and spend the rest of their days collecting wisdom and lore wherever they see it. They don’t care much about combat but rather relish in the pursuit of information. Support builds can rely on the College of Lore Bard for outside-combat maneuverability, especially with their additional Proficiencies. Here are other things to take note of:
College Of Valor: Cementing Offense
Players who want their Bard to capitalize on theircombat potential inBaldur’s Gate 3may want to choose theCollege of Valor. This College trains their Bards to keep an eye out on heroes around them, ensuring they stay alive to tell their tales - meaning they have to train to become the heroes they idolize. Players should choose the College of Valor if they want to perform better in combat, particularly at close range. Here are things to note:
College Of Swords: Optimizing Strategy
Serving as more or less the performance-inclined version of the Battle Master, theCollege of Swordsserves as the Bard Archetype specializing in heavy-hitting combat strategies. This College encourages Bards to explore newarmaments like Versatile Weaponsto expand their combat strategies. They get a slate of more versatile attack styles that can enhance their role in a fight, of which the following should be noted:
Level 1-4: Establishing Playstyle
Players whocreate their Bard for the first timemight find the Class a bit rough around the edges. Compared to other Classes in the game, the Bard doesn’t offer much in terms of overall damage and utility, although they do make great early-game Face Characters.
Levels 1 to 4 are the time players need to establish the kind of playstyle their Bards want to use, especially when it comes to using them in combat in relation to their party members. In this level bracket, players should consider the following combat options:
Gear, Weapons To Take Note
Level 5-8: Midgame Adaptability
At this stage in a Bard’s progressas aD&DClassinBaldur’s Gate 3gameplay, players are advised to experiment with their character’s potential to accommodate multiple roles. Based on their current playstyle, is their Bard suitable as a sub-DPS, a sub-support, or a sub-tank?
This choice will dictate the kind of Spells and Feats more applicable to them, especially since the Bard’s roster of new options in this cap improves their overall supporting capacity. Reaching this point in their playthrough should have players consider the following combat options:
Level 9-12: Endgame Cheesing
Players who reach this point in their Bard’s career have likely stuck with a straight Bard build or accessed certain levels of Multiclass to expand theircombat versatility inBaldur’s Gate 3. At this point in time, players can make further progress with their Bard to make them the ultimate Skill experts or specialize further in their intended combat roles. These combat options make the Bard more powerful in the endgame:
Multiclass Options
Being one of themost versatile Classes inDungeons & Dragons, it makes sense for players enjoying theirBaldur’s Gate 3playthroughs to want to try expanding their initial Bard setups. In situations where a Bard needs to pack more combat or utility options, Multiclassing them seems an ideal route to maximize their efficiency. In this regard, ideal Multiclass options include:
Fighter Optimization
Dipping into Fighter is always an ideal move for any Class, especially the Bard whose slate of utility abilities could use combat enhancements by this Multiclass. Thanks to the Fighter’s more aggressive kit, a Bard can get into any position without worrying about survivability. Here are things to take note of when proceeding with aFighterMulticlass as a Bard:
The Classic Ranger
It’s unsurprising for Bard builds to capitalize on Dexterity due to their Spellcasting nature. With Dexterity being the pinnacle of flexibility, Bards can enjoy long-ranged bows and Versatile weapons. However, this penchant for dextrous movement can lead to aRangerMulticlass, giving the Bard expanded combat opportunities via spells or weapon options. Considerations for this combo include:
Other Charisma Classes
Bards boasting high Charisma make them ideal for Multiclassing intoother Charisma-based Classes. Thankfully, this stat benefit also plays into the flavor of Bards being traveling performers, as their misadventures could lead them to start their Multiclass routes. Approaches to the Bard may depend on the Class chosen, but some examples include:
