Daria "Foxdari" Sedelnikova If you're new to turn-based RPGs, a Fighter is a great choice to dive into the genre. This class starts with plenty of health and damage by default, and its combat mechanics aren't overloaded with spells that can confuse inexperienced players. In this guide, we've explained Fighter subclasses in detail, looked at the best races for the build, and compared the character's strengths and weaknesses.
Fighter class overview
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When it comes to Fighter in Baldur’s Gate 3, they're often seen as DPS-tanks. This thinking makes sense because of their base stats and leveling perks, allowing them to take heavy hits and deal serious damage in return.
One standout move is the Second Wind ability, which lets you heal yourself in the heat of battle. Action Surge is another exclusive skill for Fighter, giving you an extra action per turn. Imagine how your playstyle can change with these abilities!
Fighter thrive on tactics, with all their skills and traits geared towards it. You can charge head-on or focus on dealing damage in clever ways like using the environment, traps, and extra tools.
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However, Fighter is one of the more demanding classes. To make a great Fighter, you need to prioritize skills like strength, dexterity, and endurance, sacrificing points in social and story abilities. This means you'll miss out on some social and narrative scenes.
If you're not heavily into the story and want to enjoy turn-based combat in BG3, a Fighter is the perfect pick. You won't spend 20 minutes pondering which spell to use. Fighter gameplay is simple and effective on the battlefield.
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Fighter class playstyle
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Fighters are true sword masters; they can turn any item into a weapon, even giant salami sticks. Did you know that in Baldur's Gate 3, you can actually wield two salami sticks and engage in a playful battle? Just choose the right opponent, or a strong enemy might turn the fun brawl into your last stand.
Fighters are the foundation of all RPGs. They dedicate their entire lives to mastering the art of combat and use their skills to defend the justice and honor of their kings.
The key attributes to level up for a Fighter are strength and dexterity. When selecting skills, consider proficiency with two-handed weapons since they deliver the most damage. This happens because the strength modifier adds a bonus to the roll, and Fighter should have plenty of those points!
If you're not keen on playing as a two-handed Fighter, you can look into the roles of an archer or a defender. The first suits fans of ranged battles, while the latter is for tanking. If you prefer a one-handed style, check out the "Duel" ability.
Fighter class features
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Main stats: Strength, Dexterity, Constitution.
Boosting your Strength and Dexterity stats improves your damage accuracy and melee attack strength. It also helps with aiming when using bows and crossbows. On the other hand, Constitution boosts your maximum health and Constitution saving throws.
Saving throws: Strength, Constitution.
Skills with proficiency: Acrobatics, Animal Handling, Athletics, History, Insight, Intimidation, Perception, Survival.
Weapons: Simple and martial.
Health calculation formula: 10 + Constitution modifier + number of hit dice (1d10 or 6) for each level.
Fighters have lots of unique abilities that make them versatile and easy to play. For example, Second Wind allows you to regain health during combat. Action Surge grants you an extra action on your turn. The Fighting Style feature lets you choose new combat styles like Protection or Great Weapon Fighting. Similarly, the Martial Archetype ability allows you to select one of several combat archetypes.
Despite its simplicity, Fighters aren't any less exciting than mages or paladins. In fact, it's fun to max out this character and experiment with different builds.
Fighter class progression
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Level 1
Right from the start, you get the power to heal yourself.
- Second Wind.
- Fighting Style. Pick one of six combat styles: Archery, Defense, Dueling, Great Weapon Fighting, Protection, or Two-Weapon Fighting. We've already given recommendations on this in our guide.
Level 2
- Action Surge — you get an extra action, and this ability refreshes after a short rest.
Level 3
At this level, the enhancements depend on your chosen subclass.
- Fighter Subclass: Battle Master gets close combat boosts. Eldritch Knight gains spell slots and Weapon Bond. Champion gets a boost for critical hits.
Level 4
- Feat: Choose one improvement for your character.
- Subclass Features: Only for Eldritch Knight.
Level 5
- Extra Attack: Allows the Fighter to make two attacks in one turn.
Level 6
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- Feat: Choose one improvement for your character.
Level 7
This is all about picking your subclass.
- Subclass Features: Battle Master gets stronger in close combat again. Eldritch Knight gains spell slots at levels 1 and 2 and a passive ability called War Magic. Champion has two passive dexterity abilities: Remarkable Athlete: Jump and Remarkable Athlete: Proficiency.
Level 8
- Feat: Choose one improvement for your character.
Level 9
- Indomitable: Allows the Fighter to redo a saving throw.
Level 10
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Subclass Features: Battle Master gains the passive skill Improved Combat Superiority, which increases maneuverability and allows you to choose 2 maneuvers from a list. Eldritch Knight learns a new spell and passively disrupts enemies' saving throws with Eldritch Strike. Champion selects a fighting style.
Level 11
- Improved Extra Attack: Allows the Fighter to make three attacks in one turn.
Level 12
- Feat: Choose one improvement for your character.
We hope our guide helps you better understand the Fighter class progression in Baldur's Gate 3. Happy gaming!
BG3 Fighter subclasses
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Battle Master
Battle Master is a Fighter subclass that's all about tanking. They use combat maneuvers and brute force to dominate in battles. You can play the Battle Master as a DPS (damage per second) or a tank. For instance, this subclass can use the Precision Attack ability to boost attack accuracy or Riposte to deal extra damage.
Moreover, the Battle Master can employ tactical maneuvers to weaken enemies or assist allies. Disarming Attack lets you disarm your foe, while Commander’s Strike allows your ally to make an additional attack.
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Overall, the Battle Master is a class for those who love tactical gameplay and want substantial control in combat. If you want to call the shots in battle and overpower your foes, then the Battle Master is an excellent choice!
Champion
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Champion is a Fighter subclass that excels in pure physical power. It aims to immobilize enemies with powerful strikes. This subclass focuses on critical hits, significantly increasing their frequency and damage.
Champion is the foundation, the essence of a Fighter. It enhances the core Fighter abilities and makes them better. It's not a bad choice if you want to become a critical hit beast, making everyone scatter when they see you coming.
Eldritch Khight
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Eldritch Knight is a subclass that lets you use magic. It's a kind of hybrid between a mage and a Fighter. But don't imagine it as an easy ride, where you pick this subclass and become a superpowered Fighter-mage. The reality is a bit less rosy.
You can only cast spells from the wizard class, and there are some limitations, with a focus on Evocation and Abjuration spells. Nevertheless, the Eldritch Knight combines Fighter and magic without the need for multiclassing. It's a genuinely fascinating subclass because we often think of Fighters and magic as incompatible concepts.
Nonetheless, the Eldritch Knight blends Fighter and mage without the need for multiclassing. It's a truly remarkable subclass because we're more accustomed to thinking that Fighters and magic are incompatible concepts.
Baldur’s Gate 3 Fighter build
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Building the perfect Fighter in Baldur's Gate 3 is like solving a puzzle. But don't worry, we're here to help you create a formidable warrior!
In role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3, there's always room for your individual preferences. However, when you want to be not only a pleasant companion but also an effective fighter, you may need to seek out guides and create a combat-ready character. It all begins with character creation, the choice of class, race, and background. So, here are some recommendations for filling in these aspects.
Tne best races:
- Half-Orc.
The perfect choice for a Fighter with the Champion subclass is a great one. Their "Savage Attacker" ability allows you to roll an additional damage die on a critical hit, effectively tripling your damage output. The "Indomitable" feature also allows you to remain at 1 HP, even if you receive a potentially lethal blow, which can significantly extend your lifespan in battle. This combination makes for a formidable and resilient Fighter.
- Wood Elf.
An elf or half-elf with a subrace from the forest moves quickly and wields various types of bows and swords.
You can also choose from these races:
- Githyanki;
- Gold Dwarf;
- Shield Dwarf.
Your main goal is to maximize damage while maintaining maximum toughness. So, prioritize strength and endurance.
The best subclass: Battle Master.
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In the world of BG3, just like in real life, tactics are crucial. The Battle Master subclass gives your fighter exceptional tactical strength, making them unmatched. The Battle Master relies on using maneuvers – special techniques of their class. These let you control the battle, gain advantages for yourself and your team, and debuff enemies.
Tactical superiority as a Battle Master means you'll always be one step ahead of your foes. You'll be able to predict their actions, block their attacks, and create optimal conditions for victory.
Skills: Acrobatics and Insight.
Background: Soldier.
Conclusion
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If you want to become a true master of combat, control the course of battle, and intimidate your enemies, then the Fighter Battle Master is your ideal choice. If you want to dabble in magic without multiclassing, confidently go for the Eldritch Knight. For fans of classic gameplay and critical hits, we recommend the Champion for half-orcs.
Go forth to victory and glory. We wish you a successful gaming experience, and may your sword always be sharp, and your shield sturdy!
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