Welcome to the best Bardlock Build for BG3 (Bard Warlock Multiclass Build). The “Bardlock” is one of the most powerful multiclass combinations in the game.

By combining the unmatched utility and crowd control of a Lore Bard with the raw, scaling damage of a Warlock’s bg3 eldritch blast iconEldritch Blast, you create a character with unmatched power.

Table of Contents:

BG3 Bard & Warlock Multiclass Build Strengths & Weaknesses:

BARDLOCK PROS

  • BEST CANTRIP IN THE GAME
  • “ELDRITCH MACHINE GUN” META
  • GOOD AT CROWD CONTROL & DEBUFFS
  • CAN HEAL & BUFF ALLIES
  • EXTRA DIALOGUE OPTIONS
  • VERSATILE

BARDLOCK CONS

  • NOT VERY TANKY
  • NO SIXTH LEVEL SPELLS

Bard & Warlock Multiclass Build Overview

For our Bardlock Build, we are combining the Warlock class with the College of Lore Bard. Warlock provides access to the bg3 eldritch blast iconEldritch Blast cantrip, adding strong offensive potential that a Lore Bard alone lacks.

In contrast, Bard brings additional proficiencies and superior crowd-control options that Warlock does not offer otherwise. These classes work well together because they both favour Charisma as their most important ability.

BG3 Multiclass Explainer:

  • How it works: New classes can be added as you level up. They are added on a level-by-level basis.
  • Example: If you are a level 6 Bard and decide to add 1 Warlock level, you will only get the features of Warlock level 1.
  • Example 2: If you want the features of a level 6 Bard and Warlock, you need to be max level and add 6 levels of each class.

Pro Tip: It’s usually best to choose subclasses that work together easily. For example, the Bard and Warlock go well together because they both use Charisma as their spellcasting attribute.

This means that we have to be sure that the payoff of adding new classes to your build is worth it, because every level of a secondary class reduces the highest level we can reach with our primary class.

In this Bard and Warlock Multiclass Build, we’ll be combining the following classes:

Bard

  • This will be our primary class, and we’re using the College of Lore subclass.
  • It gives you a wide range of Skill Proficiencies and lots of good spells.
  • The weakness of the Bard is that many of their Spells require Concentration, and they don’t have good Cantrips to deal consistent damage without using spells.

Warlock

  • Our secondary class is Warlock. The Fiend is the recommended subclass, but it’s not essential.
  • We’ll only use two Warlock levels so that we don’t miss out on the high-level Bard features and spells.
  • Two Warlock Levels are enough to use the Warlock’s bg3 eldritch blast iconEldritch Blast, bg3 eldritch blast iconEldritch Invocation and bg3 hex iconHex combo to gain a very powerful Cantrip, thus solving the Bard’s aforementioned weakness.

Here is a quick overview of which class we pick when, this is important!

Bardlock Leveling Progress Overview

  • Level 1: Bard 1
  • Level 2: Warlock 1
  • Level 3: Warlock 2
  • Level 4: Bard 2
  • Level 5: Bard 3
  • Level 6: Bard 4
  • Level 7: Bard 5
  • Level 8: Bard 6
  • Level 9: Bard 7
  • Level 10: Bard 8
  • Level 11: Bard 9
  • Level 12: Bard 10

Bardlock Character Creation (Level 1)

BG3 Bardlock Multiclass Build

In this section, we will guide you through the best starting choices for creating your BG3 Bard Warlock Multiclass Build.

Starting Class (Bard)

We’ll start off by choosing the Bard class. The Warlock elements of the build will be added later on during levels 2 and 3.

The Bard starts the game with the following features, which we’ll build on over the course of this guide:

Core Bard Features

Item Proficiency

bg3 hand crossbows icon Hand Crossbows, bg3 rapiers icon Rapiers, bg3 longswords icon Longswords, bg3 shortswords icon Shortswords, bg3 light armour icon Light Armour (in addition to any Proficiencies that come from your chosen race).

Skill Proficiencies

Choose 3 Skill Proficiencies. Unlike other classes, your choice is not restricted – you can pick any Skills in the game!

Musical Instrument Proficiency

You can play music. In character creation, you can choose which instrument you want to start with.

bg3 bardic inspiration icon Bardic Inspiration

Inspire an ally, adding 1d6 to their next Attack Roll, Ability Check or Saving throw.

Bardic Inspiration Charges – You start with 3 charges, which are replenished on Long Rests.

Bard Magic

You can choose four spells and two cantrips from the Bard Spell List. You’ll get more later.

Best Race

While this build will work fine with any race in the game, there are a few choices that stand out above the rest and can be chosen if you want to optimize the build as much as possible.

Here are the five best race choices for the Bardlock Build:

Race Strengths Info
wood elf icon bg3

Wood Elf
  • Proficiency in Stealth and Perception
  • Extra Weapon Proficiencies:
    • Shortswords
    • Longswords
    • Shortbows
    • Longbows
  • Fey Ancestry
    • Advantage against Charmed
    • Immune to Magical Sleep
  • Darkvision
  • Fleet of Foot – 1.5 metres of extra Movement Speed
 The Wood Elf enjoys a 1.5 metre bonus to their Movement Speed, which is already a big deal that can provide you with a lot of value.

Your extra Skill and Weapon Proficiencies are very handy, and immunity to magical Sleep is particularly useful in the early-game, when enemy spellcasters love to spam the Sleep spell.

Wood Half-Elf provides some of the same benefits.
duergar icon bg3

Duergar

 With their wider choice of armour and weapon proficiencies, and resistances to poison, charm, and paralysis, Duergar are one of the strongest races in BG3.

The only downside of Duergar is their small stature – this reduces their base Movement Speed to 7.5 metres per turn (most races get 9 metres).
lolth drow icon bg3

Drow, Any

 The Drow have many similar bonuses to the Wood Elves, but with even better Darkvision and innate access to Faerie Fire, an excellent debuff spell.

They lack the extra Movement Speed of Wood Elves, however.

Dragonborn, Any
  • Draconic Ancestry – Depending on which Dragonborn variant you choose, you’ll gain:
    • Resistance to an elemental damage type
    • A special AoE elemental breath attack
 Dragonborns don’t excel in any regard, but their elemental resistance and breath attack are quite useful.

If you want to choose a Dragonborn type that will give you resistance to the most enemy attacks possible, choose one of the Fire or Poison variants.

Human
  • Can wear Light Armour and Shields
  • Extra Weapon Proficiencies:
    • Spears
    • Pikes
    • Halberds
    • Glaives
  • Human Versatility
    • One unrestricted Skill choice
    • Increases Carrying Capacity by 25%
 Humans get an extra Skill choice, allowing your Bardlock to be even more of a jack-of-all trades.

Wood Elf

wood elf icon bg3

The Wood Elf enjoys a 1.5 metre bonus to their Movement Speed, which is already a big deal that can provide you with a lot of value.

Your extra Skill and Weapon Proficiencies are very handy, and immunity to magical Sleep is particularly useful in the early-game, when enemy spellcasters love to spam the Sleep spell.

Wood Half-Elf provides some of the same benefits.

  • Proficiency in Stealth and Perception
  • Extra Weapon Proficiencies:
    • Shortswords
    • Longswords
    • Shortbows
    • Longbows
  • Fey Ancestry
    • Advantage against Charmed
    • Immune to Magical Sleep
  • Darkvision
  • Fleet of Foot – 1.5 metres of extra Movement Speed

Duergar

duergar icon bg3

With their wider choice of armour and weapon proficiencies, and resistances to poison, charm, and paralysis, Duergar are one of the strongest races in BG3.

The only downside of Duergar is their small stature – this reduces their base Movement Speed to 7.5 metres per turn (most races get 9 metres).

Drow, Any

lolth drow icon bg3

The Drow have many similar bonuses to the Wood Elves, but with even better Darkvision and innate access to Faerie Fire, an excellent debuff spell.

They lack the extra Movement Speed of Wood Elves, however.

Dragonborn, Any

Dragonborns don’t excel in any regard, but their elemental resistance and breath attack are quite useful.

If you want to choose a Dragonborn type that will give you resistance to the most enemy attacks possible, choose one of the Fire or Poison variants.

  • Draconic Ancestry – Depending on which Dragonborn variant you choose, you’ll gain:
    • Resistance to an elemental damage type
    • A special AoE elemental breath attack

Human

Humans get an extra Skill choice, allowing your Bardlock to be even more of a jack-of-all trades.

  • Can wear Light Armour and Shields
  • Extra Weapon Proficiencies:
    • Spears
    • Pikes
    • Halberds
    • Glaives
  • Human Versatility
    • One unrestricted Skill choice
    • Increases Carrying Capacity by 25%

Background & Skills

For your Bard/Warlock Multiclass Background, we recommend choosing Entertainer. Not only does this feel like a good fit for a Bard from a backstory perspective, it also works really well with this build.

The Entertainer background gives us the following Skill Proficiencies:

Entertainer Background

Acrobatics

This is a Dexterity-based Skill that gives you resistance to enemy Shove actions.

Performance

A Charisma-based Skill that will sometimes appear as a Dialogue option, allowing you to sway some NPCs to do what you want, or simply impress them.

Choose any Skills that are based on Charisma or Dexterity. We went with bg3 deception icon Deception, bg3 intimidation icon Intimidation and bg3 persuasion icon Persuasion, which will give you an easier time in most dialogue rolls.

Ability Points

BG3 Bardlock Build Character Creation

For both the Bard and the Warlock class, the most important ability is Charisma, which is used to determine the effectiveness of our spellcasting. We will be focusing on this ability above all others.

Other important abilities are Dexterity, which boosts our Armour Class, and Constitution, which increases our Hitpoints and improves our Concentration Checks.

Strength – 10 Points

  • Improves jump distance and carry weight.
  • Low priority for this build.

Dexterity – 16 Points

  • Boosts Armour Class (AC) and Initiative.
  • Helps you act sooner in combat.

Constitution – 14 Points

  • Increases Max HP.
  • Vital for Concentration Checks to keep spells active.

Intelligence – 8 Points

  • Not relevant for our build.

Wisdom – 10 Points

  • Used in some Saving Throws.
  • Low priority.

Charisma – 16 Points

  • Primary stat.
  • Boosts our Cantrips, Spells and dialogue checks.

Ability Points Why it matters
Strength 10 Mostly for jump distance and carry weight. Low priority for this build.
Dexterity 16 Important: Gives you a higher Armour Class and improves initiative.
Constitution 14 Important: Increases HP and helps Concentration checks for spells.
Intelligence 8 Not relevant for our build.
Wisdom 10 Helps with some Saving Throws. Low importance for this build.
Charisma 16 Our primary stat. Boosts Cantrips, Spells and dialogue checks.

Important Tips:

  • The “Even Number” Rule: In Baldur’s Gate 3, only even numbers (12, 14, 16) increase your ability modifier. This means an 11 is functionally the same as a 10, so we aim for even numbers to maximize efficiency.
  • Concentration is Key: Many important Bard and Warlock spells (like bg3 hex icon Hex or Call Lightning) require Concentration. A high Constitution ensures you don’t lose your spell just because you took a hit.

Spells

To start with, you’ll need to select four first-level Spells for your character to learn. We recommend going with the following options for our Bardlock Build:

Spell Selection

Healing Word

  • Consumes a Bonus Action rather than a regular one.
  • Allows you to heal and attack or cast another spell on the same turn.
  • It can also be used at long-range rather than being melee-only.

Pro Tip: The maximum healing roll on this spell is a little lower than Cure Wounds; Healing Word is still preferable thanks to its much greater versatility.

Thunderwave

  • A powerful linear AoE (Area of Effect) that deals damage and knocks enemies back.
  • Great at knocking enemies backwards or off cliffs.

 Dissonant Whispers

  • Deals Psychic Damage and also afflicts them with Frightened (unless they perform a Wisdom Saving Throw).
  • Targets remain Frightened for two turns.
  • This is a great spell for locking down annoying or dangerous enemies.

Pro Tip: Frightened enemies have a Disadvantage on ability checks and attack rolls, and cannot willingly move closer to the source of their fear (the caster).

Tasha’s Hideous Laughter

  • Another great spell for locking down enemies.
  • This causes the enemy to be overcome with fits of laughter, making them fall prone and unable to get up.
  • The caster can maintain this effect for up to 10 turns, as long as they can maintain Concentration.
  • Also, the target will try to shake off the effect at the end of their turn, and every time they take damage.

Cantrips

In addition to the Spells, you’ll need to choose two Cantrips. These are less powerful spells that do not consume a Spell Slot when cast, meaning you can generally cast them every turn if you want to, with no limitations.

We recommend choosing the following Cantrips for your Bardlock build:

New Cantrips

Vicious Mockery

  • This deals a small amount of Psychic Damage to the enemy targeted.
  • Also gives them a Disadvantage on their next Attack Roll.
  • This is a handy debuff spell that can be used to lessen the danger of troublesome enemies.

Light

  • This is a basic spell that lets you infuse an object or ally with light.
  • It’s useful for navigating and fighting in dark places.

Pro Tip: This spell doesn’t need Concentration, so it won’t mess with our other Concentration Spells, which is why we chose this instead of other more powerful light cantrips.

BG3 Bard Warlock Multiclass Build Leveling Guide (2-12)

Now, we are going to look at how to level up your Bardlock Build for Baldur’s Gate 3.

Early-Game Leveling (2-4)

In this section, we’ll cover the first four levels.

Level 2

BG3 Bardlock How to add Warlock Class

For this level, we will already add the Warlock class to the build. The image above shows where you need to click to add a new class. The preferred subclass is The Fiend, which will give you THP whenever you kill an enemy. But you can choose any Warlock subclass here, and the build will still work just fine.

Adding the Warlock to our build gives us the following benefits:

Warlock Spell Slot(s)

These are a special type of Spell Slot that are replenished on both Short and Long Rests. They automatically upcast spells to the highest possible level (not relevant yet but will be helpful later on).

You can choose 2 Warlock Cantrips to unlock. It is imperative to choose bg3 eldritch blast icon Eldritch Blast, as this will be a vital part of this build:

New Cantrips

bg3 eldritch blast icon Eldritch Blast (Essential!)

  • Deals 1d10 bg3 force icon Force Damage to the target at long range.
  • This can be spammed every turn, and is much stronger than the Bard Cantrips.
  • Later on, we’ll be able to massively upgrade this Cantrip, making it OP on its own.

The second Cantrip is unimportant, you can choose any of the remaining options.

You can unlock two Warlock Spells, which will be cast using your new Warlock Spell Slot:

New Spells

bg3 hex icon Hex (Essential!)

  • Place a Hex on an enemy, causing them to take additional bg3 necrotic icon Necrotic Damage when you hit them.
  • This makes for an excellent combo with bg3 eldritch blast icon Eldritch Blast.
  • This gets stronger later, when we can spam Eldritch Blast more often.

Pro Tip: When the Hexed enemy dies, you can recast the spell on a new enemy for free, as long as you maintain Concentration on the spell.

bg3 command icon Command

  • A good control spell that allows you to force enemies to perform detrimental actions.
  • Such as passing their turn, running away, dropping their weapon or falling to the ground.
  • Later on, it can be upcast to target several enemies at once.

You can now spam bg3 eldritch blast icon Eldritch Blast, which allows you to deal reliable damage from range without spending Spell Slots.

Save your Bard Spell Slots for important situations, for example when you need to stun enemies, knock them back with Thunderwave or heal an ally with Healing Word.

To get the best out of the build, remember to combo bg3 eldritch blast icon Eldritch Blast with your new bg3 hex icon Hex spell.

Level 3

BG3 Bardlock Build Invocations

We will add another Warlock Level to the build here, allowing us to quickly rack up a lot of extra power from bg3 eldritch blast icon Eldritch Blast.

Taking two Warlock levels so early gives you a strong, reliable tool to fight with in the early-game, and one that scales up very nicely over the course of your playthrough.

You’ll need to choose two Eldritch Invocations. These are special abilities that let you further customise your Bardlock build.

We strongly recommend choosing the following two options:

 Agonising Blast

  • Adds your Charisma Modifier to the damage of your Eldritch Blast, considerably improving its damage.

 Repelling Blast

  • Your Eldritch Blast will now push enemies back 4.5 metres.
  • This helps to keep enemies at a long distance from your party.
  • It can knock them off ledges or cliffs, causing fall damage.

Level 4

BG3 Bardlock Leveling Bard

We will now return to our base Bard class and begin improving that. Make sure to click on the Bard symbol (shown in the image above) so you don’t keep adding Warlock levels by mistake.

Adding the second level of the Bard class gives you the following benefits:

New Bard Features

Jack of All Trades

  • Automatically add half of your Proficiency Bonus to Ability Checks that you’re not Proficient in.

Song of Rest

  • This is essentially an extra Short Rest that can be used to heal and revitalise your party.

You can choose another First Level Bard Spell to unlock. Our recommendation:

New Bard Spell

Faerie Fire

  • An AoE debuff that makes enemies much easier to hit and illuminates them.
  • It prevents enemies from hiding or turning invisible.
  • A very strong debuff, but enemies can roll a Saving Throw to resist it, so it’s not always reliable.

Mid-Game Leveling (5-8)

In this section, we’ll cover the mid-game. During these levels, the Bard Warlock Multiclass Build will become much more powerful, accessing a wider array of spells.

Level 5

We will now unlock the next level of the Bard class.

You’ll need to choose your Bard subclass. We recommend choosing the College of Lore, which will play into our spellcasting playstyle as much as possible.

Here are the full list of choices for this level:

Bard Subclass – College of Lore

  • Gain Proficiency with 3 additional skills. Prioritize Charisma and Dexterity Skills for the best results.
  • bg3 cutting words icon Cutting Words – Use your Bardic Inspiration Charges to debuff an enemy.

New Bard Features

Gain Expertise with 2 Skills you are Proficient in.

  • This doubles your Proficiency Bonus.
  • Choose skills that you use frequently, like Persuasion and Sleight of Hand.

You can now access second-level Bard spells.

New Bard Spell

Cloud of Daggers

  • Create a small AOE, dealing Slashing Damage to those within.
  • Works very well in chokepoints and crowded areas.

Level 6

Once again, we’ll add another Bard level.

This gives the following new features:

Choose a Feat – Feats are bonuses for your character that give them a special passive or just increase an Ability Score.

  • I recommend choosing Ability Improvement and putting both of the points into Charisma.
  • This will make your spells and cantrips more potent, and boost your Charisma-based skills like bg3 persuasion icon Persuasion and bg3 performance icon Performance.

New Bard Cantrip– We already got the best options, so choose whatever you like from the remaining list.

You can unlock another spell from the Bard list. We recommend:

New Bard Spell

bg3 heat metal icon Heat Metal

  • Deal bg3 fire icon Fire Damage and heat up an enemy’s metal weapon or armour.
  • The weapon is prioritised – armour is only heated if there is no metal weapon.
  • The target must roll a Constitution Saving Throw.
  • If they succeed, they are forced to drop the weapon.
  • If they fail, they get bg3 disadvantage icon Disadvantage on Attack Rolls and Ability Checks for this turn.
  • If you maintain Concentration, you can recast the spell every turn for up to 10 turns.

Pro Tip: The Heat Metal spell is very good because even if the enemy rolls a Saving Throw, they still take full damage and get Disadvantage on their attacks and ability checks, a severe debuff.

Level 7

Add another Bard Level, taking you to Bard Level 5 and Warlock Level 2.

At this level, you get a bunch of upgrades to your Bard class features:

New Bard Features

bg3 bardic inspiration icon Bardic Inspiration

  • You now have four charges instead of three.

bg3 bardic inspiration icon Improved Bardic Inspiration

  • Your Bardic Inspiration Dice are now 1d8 instead of 1d6.

Font of Inspiration

  • You will now regain Bardic Inspiration charges on both Short and Long Rests.

You can now access Third Level Bard Spells, and can choose one more spell to unlock. We recommend:

New Bard Spell

Glyph of Warding

  • An AoE spell that uses a chosen element to deal up to 40 damage per enemy, or puts enemies in the area to sleep.

Level 8

We’re adding another Bard Level to the Bardlock build at Level 8.

This will give you the following new features:

New Bard Features

Countercharm

  • You and any allies within 9 metres have Advantage on Saving Throws against being Charmed or Frightened.

You also get to select a new Bard spell.

New Bard Spell

bg3 fear icon Fear

  • Forces targets in range to drop their weapon and run away for 2 turns, unless they succeed a Wisdom Save.
  • This effect is stronger than Frighten, which debuffs an enemy’s attacks but doesn’t force them to flee.

Learn two non-Bard spells (up to third level) from the Magical Secrets list. We recommend the following options:

Magical Secrets

Call Lightning

  • Summon lightning to strike all targets in range for 3-30 Lightning damage, with a successful save resulting in half damage.
  • While concentrating, you can re-cast the lightning each turn as an  Action without expending a spell slot.
  • The spell can be Upcast for increased AoE damage, becoming very efficient if the caster’s Concentration is maintained.

Haste

  • Target yourself or an ally to grant the  Hastened condition.
  • The creature gains +2 AC,  Advantage on Dexterity Saving Throws
  • It also gains doubled Movement Speed, and an additional Action per turn.
  • When the condition ends, the creature becomes bg3 lethargic icon Lethargic.

Call Lightning is one of the best spells in BG3, and one of the main reasons we went with the College of Lore subclass. If you manage to maintain Concentration for a few turns, you can get insanely good value from one Spell Slot.

Late-Game Leveling (9-12)

As we move into the final few levels for the Bard and Warlock Multiclass Build, you’ll continue to gain new spells and features that ramp up your character’s power.

Level 9

We’re adding another Bard Level, taking the total up to Bard Level 7, Warlock Level 2. You’ll unlock the following benefits.

Choose one more spell from the Bard List. You can now access fourth-level spells. We recommend:

New Bard Spell

Dimension Door

  • Teleport yourself and one adjacent ally to a visible location within 18 metres.
  • Great for moving two characters to an advantageous position, or rescuing someone who is in trouble.

Level 10

As usual, we’ll be increasing the Bard Level again. Choose another spell from the Bard List. Our recommendation is:

New Bard Spell

freedom of movement icon bg3 Freedom of Movement

  • Snap an ally out of any stun.
  • Difficult Terrain can’t slow them down, and they can’t be magically Paralysed or Restrained.

Pro Tip: This spell can save a party member from death, and gives you an option to deal with situations where your best damage dealer gets stunned. The downside of the spell is that you have to stand next to the target to use it.

Another option is Confusion, which causes enemies in the area to behave erratically, run around aimlessly, attack their allies or just skip their turn. We didn’t choose this because it seems too similar to the Fear spell, but keep it in mind.

You can choose another Feat to boost your character. There are two options to choose from for this Bardlock Build:

New Feat

  • Ability Improvement: Charisma – Brings your Charisma score up to 20, giving another boost to your spells, cantrips and Charisma Skills.
  • War Caster – Gain bg3 Advantage icon Advantage on Concentration Saving Throws. This is a good choice because the Bardlock has a lot of Concentration magic. You can also use Shocking Grasp as an opportunity attack.

Level 11

Once again, add another Bard level, bringing the total to Bard Level 9, Warlock Level 2.

You now have access to fifth level magic, and can choose another spell. We recommend:

New Bard Spell

bg3 hold monster icon Hold Monster

  • You can completely paralyze a target.
  • Melee attacks against them are guaranteed Critical Hits.
  • Works great in combination with a strong melee damage dealer like our Berserker Barbarian Build.

We don’t get much at this level, but the final level will give you quite a lot of new goodies.

Level 12

BG3 Bardlock Max Level

You have reached the maximum level for your BG3 Bard & Warlock Multiclass Build.

We will add another Bard Level, granting the following features:

New Bard Features

Expertise

  • Choose another 2 Skills and gain Expertise in them, doubling your Proficiency Bonus.

bg3 improved bardic inspiration icon Improved Bardic Inspiration

  • Your Bardic Inspiration Dice are upgraded to 1d10.

You can choose one more spell from the Bard spell list. We recommend:

New Bard Spell

Mass Cure Wounds

  • Allows you to heal your entire party, which is very useful in a pinch.

You can learn another two Magical Secrets spells, this time up to fifth level:

Magical Secrets

Cone of Cold

  • Make a flurry of frost, crisp air, and condensed snow crystals erupt from your hands.
  • Deals 8-64 Cold Damage up to a distance of 9 metres.
  • On save: Targets still take half damage.

bg3 conjure elemental icon Conjure Elemental

  • Choose from an Air, Earth, Fire or Water Elemental.

Pro Tip: They are decent in combat and will distract enemies, causing some of them to focus on attacking your summoned elemental instead of your party members.

BG3 Bardlock Build Equipment

BG3 Bardlock Build

Now, let us take a look at some of the equipment choices you can make for your BG3 Bard & Warlock Multiclass Build.

Don’t worry if you miss out on some of the items. Just enjoy your playthrough and try to view this as a wishlist rather than a precise blueprint. The names of the most essential, build-defining items are written in Bold Italic.

Early Game Equipment

This is the early-game gear setup that you can use for your Bard/Warlock Multiclass Build. You don’t need to get all the items, but the build will perform better if you find some of them. You can find these items in Act 1 or early Act 2. Essential items are written in Bold Italic.

Slot Icon Item Effects Location
Head cap of curing Cap of Curing
  • Whenever you inspire an ally using your Bardic Inspiration, they also regain 1d6 Hit Points
 Inside the Druid Grove in a Gilded Chest near Alfira
Cloak cloak of protection Icon BG3 Cloak of Protection
  • +1 to Armour Class and Saving Throws
 Purchased from Quartermaster Talli in Last Light Inn
Chest blazer of benevolence Icon BG3 Blazer of Benevolence Complete the Rescue Volo quest
Gloves daredevil gloves icon BG3 Daredevil Gloves
  • Make spell Attack Rolls as melee Attack Rolls when in melee range of enemies
 Sold by Ajaknir Jeera in the Githyanki Creche
Boots disintegrating night walkers Icon BG3 Disintegrating Night Walkers
  • Cast Misty Step for free every Short Rest
  • Immune to Enweb, Entangle and Ensnare
  • Can’t slip on Grease or Ice
 Looted from True Soul Nere in Underdark – Grymforge
Necklace Any N/A
Ring 1 ring of protection Icon BG3 Ring of Protection
  • +1 to Armour Class and Saving Throws
 Steal the Sacred Idol in Druid Grove (quest)
Ring 2 the whispering promise Icon BG3 Whispering Promise
  • Creatures you heal become Blessed, giving a 1d4 bonus to Attack Rolls and Saving Throws for 2 turns
  • If you have another character in your party who uses healing magic more than your Bardlock, give this item to them instead.
 Buy from Grat the Trader inside the Goblin Camp
Main Weapon Gold Wyrmling Staff Icon BG3 Gold Wyrmling Staff
  • The melee weapon isn’t important because we’re mainly trying to stay at range and deal damage with Cantrips – primarily Eldritch Blast.
  • You can use another weapon you’re Proficient with if you prefer.
 Buy from Roah Moonglow in Shattered Sanctum
Second Weapon Any
  • You can equip any Ranged Weapon that you have Profiency with
  • We’ll usually use Cantrips, so won’t get much use out of this weapon
 N/A

Head: cap of curing Cap of Curing

Cloak: cloak of protection Icon BG3 Cloak of Protection

Chest: blazer of benevolence Icon BG3 Blazer of Benevolence

Hands: daredevil gloves icon BG3Daredevil Gloves

  • Make spell Attack Rolls as melee Attack Rolls when in melee range of enemies
  • Sold by Ajaknir Jeera in the Githyanki Creche

Feet: disintegrating night walkers Icon BG3Disintegrating Night Walkers

  • Cast Misty Step for free every Short Rest
  • Immune to Enweb, Entangle and Ensnare
  • Can’t slip on Grease or Ice
  • Looted from True Soul Nere in Underdark – Grymforge

Ring 1: ring of protection Icon BG3 Ring of Protection

  • +1 to Armour Class and Saving Throws
  • Steal the Sacred Idol in Druid Grove (quest)

Ring 2: the whispering promise Icon BG3 Whispering Promise

  • Creatures you heal become Blessed, giving a 1d4 bonus to Attack Rolls and Saving Throws for 2 turns
  • If you have another character in your party who uses healing magic more than your Bardlock, give this item to them instead.
  • Buy from Grat the Trader inside the Goblin Camp

Primary Weapon: Gold Wyrmling Staff Icon BG3 Gold Wyrmling Staff

  • The melee weapon isn’t important because we’re mainly trying to stay at range and deal damage with Cantrips – primarily Eldritch Blast.
  • You can use another weapon you’re Proficient with if you prefer.
  • Buy from Roah Moonglow in Shattered Sanctum

A this stage of the game, there isn’t yet much equipment available that synergizes with this build. So for the meantime we are just opting for items that are generally useful to have, such as the Ring of Protection and Disintegrating Nightwalkers.

The only essential items here are the daredevil gloves icon BG3Daredevil Gloves that allow you to use bg3 eldritch blast iconEldritch Blast in melee range without penalties, and the disintegrating night walkers Icon BG3Disintegrating Night Walkers that greatly improve your mobility and protect you from a range of slowing and immobilizing effects.

We haven’t included anything for the Necklace and Secondary Weapon slots here because there’s nothing that really fits, so just use whatever you have spare.

Endgame Equipment

The endgame gear for the Bardlock can be obtained either in late Act 2 or Act 3 of Baldur’s Gate 3. If you manage to complete all the items below, you will be an unstoppable force of power. The potent robe Icon BG3 Potent Robe is by far the most important item here. Essential items are written in Bold Italic.

Slot Icon Item Effects Location
Head mask of soul perception icon bg3 Mask of Soul Perception
  • +2 to Attack Rolls, Initiative Rolls and Perception Checks
  • Can cast  Detect Thoughts
 Looted from a locked gilded chest in Helsik’s Room
Cloak cloak of the weave Icon BG3 Cloak of the Weave
  • +1 bonus to Spell Save DC and Spell Attack Rolls
  • Absorb Elemental Damage once per short rest, reducing the incoming damage by 50% and infusing 1d6 of the element on your next attack.
 Sold by Helsik at the Devil’s Fee once you unlock her “special stock”.
Chest potent robe Icon BG3 Potent Robe
  • +1 to Armour Class
  • Adds your Charisma Modifier as extra damage to Cantrips
  • This gives us 5 extra damage per hit of Eldritch Blast
 Awarded by Alfira in Last Light Inn for Rescuing the Tieflings. You must ensure that Alfira survives to this point in the game to get the reward.
Gloves quickspell gloves icon bg3 Quickspell Gloves
  • Cast a Cantrip with a Bonus Action instead of an Action
  • Once per Short Rest
 Sold by either Rolan or Lorroakan’s Projection in Sorcerous Sundries.
Boots disintegrating night walkers Icon BG3 Disintegrating Night Walkers
  • Cast Misty Step for free every Short Rest
  • Immune to Enweb, Entangle and Ensnare
  • Can’t slip on Grease or Ice
 Looted from True Soul Nere in Underdark – Grymforge
Necklace amulet of greater health Icon BG3 Amulet of Greater Health
  • Sets your Constitution to 23
  •  Advantage on Constitution Saving Throws
 Found on a display in the House of Hope
Ring 1 ring of protection Icon BG3 Ring of Protection
  • +1 to Armour Class and Saving Throws
 Steal the Sacred Idol in Druid Grove (quest)
Ring 2 killer's sweetheart Icon BG3 Killer’s Sweetheart
  • When you kill a creature, your next Attack Roll is a guaranteed Critical Hit.
  • Can trigger once per Long Rest.
 In the Self-Same Trial in Gauntlet of Shar.
Main Weapon markoheshir Icon BG3 Markoheshkir
  • Once per Long Rest, use Arcane Battery to cast a spell for free
  • +1 to Spell Attack Rolls and Spell Save DC
  • Cast  Kereska’s Favour once per Short Rest, for powerful elemental buffs to your Warlock
 Inside Sorcerous Sundries – See below for more details
Second Weapon Darkfire Shortbow Icon BG3 Darkfire Shortbow
  • Gives Fire & Cold Resistance
  • Access to the Haste Spell
  • We don’t use this bow for ranged attacks, we have Cantrips for that. We’re only using it for the two bonuses mentioned above.
 Buy or steal from Dammon in Last Light Inn.

Head: mask of soul perception icon bg3 Mask of Soul Perception

  • +2 to Attack Rolls, Initiative Rolls and Perception Checks
  • Can cast  Detect Thoughts
  • Looted from a locked gilded chest in Helsik’s Room

Cloak: cloak of the weave Icon BG3 Cloak of the Weave

  • +1 bonus to Spell Save DC and Spell Attack Rolls
  • Absorb Elemental Damage once per short rest, reducing the incoming damage by 50% and infusing 1d6 of the element on your next attack.
  • Sold by Helsik at the Devil’s Fee once you unlock her “special stock”.

Chest: potent robe Icon BG3 Potent Robe

  • +1 to Armour Class
  • Adds your Charisma Modifier as extra damage to Cantrips
  • This gives us 4-5 extra damage per hit of bg3 eldritch blast iconEldritch Blast, depending which second Feat you chose.
  • Awarded by Alfira in Last Light Inn for Rescuing the Tieflings. You must ensure that Alfira survives to this point in the game to get the reward.

Hands: quickspell gloves icon bg3 Quickspell Gloves

  • Cast a Cantrip with a Bonus Action instead of an Action
  • Once per Short Rest
  • Sold by either Rolan or Lorroakan’s Projection in Sorcerous Sundries.

Feet: disintegrating night walkers Icon BG3 Disintegrating Night Walkers

  • Cast Misty Step for free every Short Rest
  • Immune to Enweb, Entangle and Ensnare
  • Can’t slip on Grease or Ice
  • Looted from True Soul Nere in Underdark – Grymforge

Necklace: amulet of greater health Icon BG3 Amulet of Greater Health

Ring 1: ring of protection Icon BG3 Ring of Protection

  • +1 to Armour Class and Saving Throws
  • Steal the Sacred Idol in Druid Grove (quest)

Ring 2: killer's sweetheart Icon BG3 Killer’s Sweetheart

  • When you kill a creature, your next Attack Roll is a guaranteed Critical Hit.
  • Can trigger once per Long Rest.
  • In the Self-Same Trial in Gauntlet of Shar.

Primary Weapon: markoheshir Icon BG3 Markoheshkir

  • Once per Long Rest, use Arcane Battery to cast a spell for free
  • +1 to Spell Attack Rolls and Spell Save DC
  • Cast  Kereska’s Favour once per Short Rest, for powerful elemental buffs to your Bardlock
  • Inside Sorcerous Sundries

Secondary Weapon: Darkfire Shortbow Icon BG3 Darkfire Shortbow

  • Gives Fire & Cold Resistance
  • Access to the Haste Spell (we already have this spell, but this allows you to cast it once for free)
  • We don’t use this bow for ranged attacks, we have Eldritch Blast for that. We’re only using it for the two bonuses mentioned above.
  • Buy or steal from Dammon in Last Light Inn.

Here is a summary of how these items work together to boost this Bardlock Build for Baldur’s Gate 3:

Attacking Items:

  • mask of soul perception icon bg3 Mask of Soul Perception – Boosts your Attack Rolls by 2, making Eldritch Blast more accurate.
  • cloak of the weave Icon BG3 Cloak of the Weave – Gives another +1 bonus to Spell Attack Rolls. Also increases the number required for a Saving Throw against your spells by 1.
  • potent robe Icon BG3 Potent Robe – Deals 4 or 5 extra damage for every bolt in the Eldritch Blast cantrip. At Level 10, you get three bolts so this is 12-15 extra damage per turn, a huge boost for one item.
  • killer's sweetheart Icon BG3 Killer’s Sweetheart – Guarantees one Critical Hit per Long Rest. This is honestly an unimportant item and you can replace it if you find something you like more. The issue is that there aren’t many good Rings for this build.
  • markoheshir Icon BG3 Markoheshkir– Gives another +1 bonus to Spell Attack Rolls and Spell Save Difficulty Class.

Defensive Items:

  • amulet of greater health Icon BG3 Amulet of Greater Health – Boosts your Constitution, giving you lots of extra HP. Once you’re wearing this, you can optimize your build even more by respeccing and removing all the points you originally put into Constitution. Put them into Dexterity or Charisma for the best results.
  • ring of protection Icon BG3 Ring of Protection – A mild but useful buff to your Armour and Saving Throws.
  • Darkfire Shortbow Icon BG3 Darkfire Shortbow – Gives you Resistance to Fire and Cold Damage. You’ll take half damage from these attack types.

Mobility & Utility:

  • quickspell gloves icon bg3 Quickspell Gloves – You can cast Eldritch Blast with a Bonus Action once per Long Rest. You can then spend your Action on either another cast of Eldritch Blast or a spell. This is not super important but it’s a nice item to have.
  • disintegrating night walkers Icon BG3 Disintegrating Night Walkers – You can use Misty Step to teleport and you get immunity to a lot of effects that hinder your mobility.

Bardlock Build Extra Info

Here is some extra information that will help you to get the most out of this Bard & Warlock Multiclass Build in Baldur’s Gate 3.

How to Play this Bardlock Build

Early-Game Basics

We only need two Warlock levels for this multiclass build, and we opted to add them very early in the game because you get quick access to the bg3 eldritch blast iconEldritch Blast & bg3 hex iconHex combo, further buffed by the Agonizing blast icon bg3 (1)Agonising Blast and Repelling Blast icon bg3Repelling Blast Invocations.

From Level 2 and above, you can cast bg3 hex iconHex on an opponent and then keep hitting them with bg3 eldritch blast iconEldritch Blast to deal consistent damage. If you maintain Concentration, you can recast bg3 hex iconHex on a new target later on, without spending another Spell Slot.

This simple combo will be your bread and butter for most encounters. The Bard class gives you a wider range of spells than what the Warlock alone would have, including buff spells, debuffs for enemies, healing magic and some good AoE spells. Keep in mind that lots of Bard spells require Concentration, so you can’t use them at the same time as bg3 hex iconHex.

Finally, note the differences between regular Spell Slots and Warlock Spell Slots:

  • Normal Spell Slots are only replenished on Long Rests. They are divided into different levels, which determine the spell’s potency. You can upcast many spells in the game – for example upcasting Glyph of Wardning to level 4 will increase its damage.
  • Warlock Spell Slots are replenished on both Short and Long Rest, but you can only hold two of them. They are not split into levels. Spells cast with a Warlock slot are automatically upcast to the highest possible level.

Maximising the Build for Mid-Late Game

Our Bardlock Build for BG3 is mainly centred around the bg3 eldritch blast iconEldritch Blast Cantrip. We are aiming to buff this Cantrip as much as possible, since it can be used every turn and can deal up to 78 points of non-crit damage with perfect damage rolls, assuming you’ve Hexed the target, your character is Level 10+ and you managed to obtain all items recommended in the guide.

The damage range would be 36-78 if all three blasts hit the target, or 12-26 on each individual blast:

bg3 eldritch blast iconEldritch Blast Damage Range

  • 3d10 base bg3 force icon Force Damage (level 10+)
  • 15 bonus damage from your Charisma Modifier thanks to Agonizing Blast
    • Another 15 from potent robe Icon BG3 Potent Robe, which repeats the same effect
  • 1d6 extra bg3 necrotic icon Necrotic Damage from each beam, thanks to bg3 hex iconHex.

This amount of damage from only a Cantrip, in combination with a level 1 debuff spell, makes this Bard & Warlock build a late-game powerhouse.

On top of this, you get some helpful features from the Bard class, including a range of strong spells like Call Lightning, Haste and bg3 fear icon Fear. You get to master a huge amount of Skills which will open up a wealth of extra options.

Bardlock Build Illithid Powers (optional)

BG3 Illithid Powers Skill tree

Illithid Powers are unlocked later in BG3 when you learn more about Mind Flayers and Tadpoles. By eating Jars of Mind Flayer Parasites you gain one point. This is another optional skill tree that you can get access to if you want. Here are some of the best Illithid Powers for the BG3 Bardlock Build:

 Concentrated Blast

  • Allows you to deal extra damage to a target when you are Concentrating on a spell, potentially also healing if the target is Concentrating too.
  • Ideally, you will spend a lot of time concentrating on either Hex or an AoE like Hunger of Hadar, so you should be able to get good use from this.

 Cull the Weak

  • When you reduce a creature’s hit points below a certain threshold, this power instantly kills it and deals 1-4 Psychic Damage to nearby enemies.
  • This is particularly effective when engaging groups of weaker foes, enabling you to thin their numbers rapidly.

 Fly

  • This can be used to reach hard to get to places or change positions in combat.
  • Use this to keep your Bardlock safe from enemy attacks, so your Concentration won’t get disrupted as easily.

 Black Hole

  • This power creates an area-based effect that pulls in and slows targets.
  • It’s particularly useful for crowd control, allowing you to cluster enemies together for area-of-effect attacks or to isolate them from vulnerable allies.

Pro Tip: Try getting the Haste buff from a Potion of Speed or the Haste spell (lets you perform 2 Actions on one turn), then casting Black Hole and then Hunger of Hadar to cause a world of pain for a group of enemies.

 Psionic Backlash

  • This is a top-tier reaction from the Illithid Powers skill tree in BG3.
  • This allows you to deal psychic damage when a nearby enemy casts a spell.
  • This is especially useful if the target is casting a Concentration Spell.
  • The damage from Psionic Backlash can immediately break their Concentration, ending the spell’s effects.

Bardlock Build FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions related to the BG3 Lore Bard & Warlock Multiclass Build. Most of these questions have already been answered in the guide itself.

FAQ: What’s the best race for a Bard Warlock Multiclass Build?

While any race will work just fine for this build, the best options are:

  • Wood Elf – Very high mobility, resistance to effects like magical sleep and Charm, innate Darkvision. The extra Movement Speed is an underrated bonus that allows you to outrun foes.
  • Duergar – Gives you innate Superior Darkvision. Allows you to wear Medium Armour. Gives you Resistance to Poison Damage and Advantage against the Poisoned, Charmed and Paralysed effects. This wide range of bonuses makes the Duergar very tough.
  • Drow – Similar bonuses to the Wood Elf, but doesn’t have the extra Movement Speed. However, you do get Superior Darkvision and can debuff enemies with Faerie Fire.

For more info about the best races, see the Best Race section above.

FAQ: What roles can the Bardlock fill in my party?

The most natural role of the Bardlock is that of a “support damage dealer”. They’re very good at chipping away at enemy health bars with their Eldritch Blast and Hex combo. But when needed, they can use their Bard spells for a range of other purposes; their spells are particularly good at AoE damage, buffing allies and debuffing or stunning enemies.

The Bardlock can also act as a healer in an emergency, but you should not use them as your party’s dedicated healer because it’d be a waste of their potential, and other builds like the Life Domain Cleric do a much better job.

While they can fight in melee in a pinch, you should not try to use the Bardlock as a tank. They are not durable enough for that, and they will be much more effective staying at a distance from enemies and causing havoc with their cantrips and spells.

FAQ: What Abilities are most important for the Bardlock?

  • Charisma is the most important ability for your Bardlock build, because it determines the efficacy of your spells and cantrips and will also boost many of your Skills, such as Persuasion, Performance and Intimidation. Put 16 points in Charisma at the start and increase it later in the game.
  • Dexterity is also very important. It boosts your Armour Class and Initiative, allowing you to move earlier in the turn. Put 16 points in this.
  • Constitution should always be at least 14 for any build in Baldur’s Gate 3, and this one is no different. This gives you a neccessary baseline of HP, and helps you to resist a wide range of hostile effects with Constitution Saving Throws. It also helps you to keep Concentration on spells when you take damage.

FAQ: Which Bard and Warlock subclasses should I use?

  • For the Bard, I strongly recommend the College of Lore subclass for this build. It will give you 3 extra Skill Proficiencies, but more importantly allows you to unlock four non-Bard spells throughout your playthrough, giving you a wider array of options for dealing damage.
  • For the Warlock, I prefer The Fiend because it gives you some Temporary HP when you kill an enemy. But since we only take a couple of Warlock levels, we don’t reach the higher level effects of the Warlock subclasses and the impact of your subclass choice is quite small.

Related Guides for Baldur’s Gate 3