As it continues to improve with each new update well over a year past its launch,Baldur’s Gate 3is set to introduce a slew of new gameplay updates. Among the addition of new subclasses for every main class in the upcoming Patch 8, the highly requested Bladersinger Wizard has garnered the most anticipation leading up to its inclusion. This is largely due to the fact that the bounds ofBaldur’s Gate 3’s flexible build structure are poised to introduce what could be one of the most dominant class combinations in the entire game.
A subclass characterized by its unique ability to bring a melee edge to the typically ranged and distant approach of the Wizard, the Bladesinger has been a notoriously effective option in the hands of the right players since itsintroduction in tabletopDungeons and Dragons. When it comes to how it seems primed to function within the more specific systems ofBG3, adding Paladin levels into the equation could elevate it to the status of practically being broken.
Patch 8 is Set to Bring a Wizard Subclass Unlike Any Other to Baldur’s Gate 3
The Bladesinger Blurs the Lines Between Martial and Magic Classes
By casting spells such as its signature Bladesong, the most nuanced take on theWizard inDungeons and Dragonsis able to hold its own in martial combat in a way that can outcompete the likes of Fighter in some instances. Now that Bladesong is seemingly confirmed to not even cost any actions and incorporate the player’s INT Proficiency Bonus inBG3, the core of the Bladesinger’s combat style can be more of a foundation to add onto than in previous incarnations.
Achieving Daunting AC Scores Early On
Despite its emphasis on dealing damage, the Bladesinger is also known for being able to fortify itself through the likes of the Mage Armor spell and achieving a high Dexterity. With the itemization possible using gear such asBaldur’s Gate 3’s Gloves of Dexterity, it’s possible to achieve a synergy between INT and DEX which can make a character a proper tank as early as the end of Act 1.
Multiclassing with Paladin Has the Potential to Achieve an Unprecedented Degree of Offense and Defense Alike
The Unity of Booming Blade and Divine Smite
Now that the Cantrip Booming Blade is confirmed to be arriving alongsidePatch 8’s new subclasses inBaldur’s Gate 3, there’s an implicit synergy with other spells that affect regular attacks. By picking up levels of Paladin as well, a character can gain access to the possibly massive Radiant damage of Divine Smite and the Thunder damage of Booming Blade within the same turn. When this is used by a character with access to features like Extra Attack, or is buffed by an effect such as Haste, staggering damage numbering in the hundreds can be consistently landed toward the later stages of progression.
Stacking Intelligence and Charisma Modifiers Could Be Unparalleled
The freedom provided by powerful magic items and various specificAbility Score increases found inBaldur’s Gate 3further allows for a multiclass to achieve substantial INT and CHA alike, meaning that both modifiers are able to factor into a character. This can make it possible to reach maximum scores for both stats by the end of Act 2, a build which can become nearly impenetrable if it balances a high AC with Bladesong and the likes of Aura of Protection under these conditions. This leads to a nearly absurd setup on paper, especially because these calculations preceding the full official release of the Bladesinger indicate that even more optimization could lie in the future ahead.
