BG3 Bardlock Build – Bard Warlock Multiclass Build

BARDLOCK PROS

BARDLOCK CONS

BG3 Multiclass Explainer:

• New classes can be added when levelling up. They are added on a level-by-level basis.
• For 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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 is enough to use the Warlock’s Eldritch Blast, Eldritch Invocation and Hex combo to gain a very powerful Cantrip, thus solving the Bard’s aforementioned weakness.

• Item Proficiency with Hand Crossbows, Rapiers, Longswords, Shortswords, Light Armour (in addition to any Proficiencies that come from your chosen race)
• 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.
•  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.

• 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.

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  Hex or Call Lightning) require Concentration. A high Constitution ensures you don’t lose your spell just because you took a hit.

Healing Word – This is a basic healing spell that consumes a Bonus Action rather than a regular one, allowing 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. 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 – When you cast Thunderwave, your character casts a large linear AOE that knocks back anyone and anything in its path, damaging them too for good measure. Not only is this a decent AOE damage spell, it’s also very practical in combat, allowing you to create space or to knock enemies off ledges or cliffs for extra falling damage. Just be careful not to hit your friends, as the AOE is quite wide.

 Dissonant Whispers – This deals some Psychic Damage to the targeted enemy, and also makes them Frightened (unless they perform a Wisdom Saving Throw). Frightened enemies have a Disadvantage on ability checks and attack rolls, and cannot willingly move closer to the source of their fear (the caster). Targets remain Frightened for two turns. This is a great spell for locking down annoying or dangerous enemies.

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.

Vicious Mockery – This deals a small amount of Psychic Damage to the enemy targeted, and 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, and 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.

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).

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

• Eldritch Blast (Essential!) – Deals 1d10 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.

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

•  Hex (Essential!) – Place a Hex on an enemy, causing them to take additional Necrotic Damage when you hit them. This makes for an excellent combo with Eldritch Blast. 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.
•  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’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, helping to keep enemies at a long distance from your party, and potentially knocking them off ledges or cliffs for fall damage.

New Bard Features

• Jack of All Trades – From now on, you 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.

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

• Faerie Fire – An AoE debuff that makes enemies much easier to hit and illuminates them, preventing them 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.

Bard Subclass – College of Lore

• Gain Proficiency with 3 additional skills. Prioritize Charisma and Dexterity Skills for the best results.
•  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.

New Bard Spell. You can now access second level Bard spells.

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

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 Persuasion and Performance.

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

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

•  Heat Metal – Deal 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 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.

New Bard Features

•  Bardic Inspiration – You now have four charges instead of three.
•  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.

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

• 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.

New Bard Features

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

New Bard Spell – Our recommendation is:

•  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.

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

• 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, doubled Movement Speed, and an additional Action per turn. When the condition ends, the creature becomes  Lethargic.

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

• 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.

New Bard Spell – Choose another spell from the Bard List. Our recommendation is:

•  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. 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.

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

• Ability Improvement: Charisma – Brings your Charisma score up to 20, giving another boost to your spells, cantrips and Charisma Skills.
• War Caster – Gain 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.

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

•  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.

New Bard Features

• Expertise – Choose another 2 Skills and gain Expertise in them, doubling your Proficiency Bonus
•  Improved Bardic Inspiration – Your Bardic Inspiration Dice are upgraded to 1d10

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

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

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

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

Head: 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

• +1 to Armour Class and Saving Throws
• Purchased from Quartermaster Talli in Last Light Inn

Chest:  Blazer of Benevolence

• You gain 4 Temporary Hit Points when you inspire an ally using Bardic Inspiration
• Complete the Rescue Volo quest

Hands: Daredevil 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

• 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

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

Ring 2:  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

• 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

Head: 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

• +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

• +1 to Armour Class
• Adds your Charisma Modifier as extra damage to Cantrips
• This gives us 4-5 extra damage per hit of Eldritch 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

• 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

• 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

• Sets your Constitution to 23
•  Advantage on Constitution Saving Throws
• Found on a display in the House of Hope

Ring 1: Ring of Protection

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

Ring 2: 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: 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

• 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.

Attacking Items:

• Mask of Soul Perception – Boosts your Attack Rolls by 2, making Eldritch Blast more accurate .
• 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 – 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 – 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.
• Markoheshkir– Gives another +1 bonus to Spell Attack Rolls and Spell Save Difficulty Class.

Defensive Items:

• 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 – A mild but useful buff to your Armour and Saving Throws.
• Darkfire Shortbow – Gives you Resistance to Fire and Cold Damage. You’ll take half damage from these attack types.

Mobility & Utility:

• 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 – You can use Misty Step to teleport and you get immunity to a lot of effects that hinder your mobility.

• 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.

• 3d10 base Force Damage (level 10+)
• 15 bonus damage from your Charisma Modifier thanks to Agonizing Blast
  • Another 15 from Potent Robe, which repeats the same effect
• 1d6 extra Necrotic Damage from each beam, thanks to Hex

 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. 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.