For those seeking the ultimate challenge in Baldur’s Gate 3, the relentless clutches of Honor Mode beckon. In this unforgiving realm, every decision carries the weight of a potential setback, and the smallest misstep can spell catastrophic consequences. Embarking on this perilous journey requires a carefully crafted build, one that seamlessly blends resilience, versatility, and devastating power. Prepare yourself for an in-depth exploration of the ultimate Honor Mode build, designed to conquer every obstacle that lies in your path.
A cornerstone of this indomitable build is the Githyanki race, a formidable warrior people with innate prowess in martial combat. Their racial bonuses, including proficiency in longswords and heavy armor, provide a solid foundation for a formidable frontline presence. Furthermore, their Githyanki Psionics ability grants access to powerful psionic abilities, such as the mind blast, capable of disrupting enemy spellcasters and weakening their defenses.
The fighter class synergizes perfectly with the Githyanki’s combat capabilities, offering a wealth of options to adapt to any situation. The Battle Master subclass, in particular, shines in Honor Mode. Its versatile maneuvers, such as Precision Attack and Riposte, empower you to exploit enemy weaknesses and turn the tide of battle in your favor. Combined with the fighter’s indomitable martial prowess, this build becomes a force to be reckoned with, capable of cleaving through enemy ranks with unmatched efficiency.
The Perfect Paladin: Tanking and Healing Mastery
Build Overview
The Paladin is a versatile class that excels in both protecting allies and dealing damage to enemies. In Honor Mode, where every encounter is a test of skill and strategy, the Paladin’s abilities shine through. This build focuses on maximizing the Paladin’s tanking and healing capabilities, making them an invaluable asset to any party.
Tanking
The Paladin’s primary role in Honor Mode is to absorb damage and protect allies. To enhance their tankiness, this build invests heavily in the Defense Fighting Style and the Heavy Armor Master feat. The Defense Fighting Style grants a +1 bonus to AC, while Heavy Armor Master reduces the damage taken from non-magical weapons by 3. These bonuses significantly increase the Paladin’s survivability in melee combat.
In addition to AC, this build also focuses on mitigating damage through spellcasting. The Paladin’s Lay on Hands ability allows them to heal themselves and others, while Bless and Shield of Faith enhance AC. By utilizing these spells effectively, the Paladin can keep themselves and their allies in the fight for longer.
The Arcane Trickster: Stealth, Spells, and Damage
Stealth
Arcane Tricksters excel at stealth, making them ideal for scouting, infiltration, and surprise attacks. Their Cunning Action feature grants them the ability to Dash, Disengage, or Hide as a bonus action, allowing them to move quickly and evade detection. Combined with their proficiency in Dexterity saving throws, they can effectively avoid traps and ambushes.
Spells
Arcane Tricksters have access to a wide range of spells, including utility, damage, and control options. Some notable spells include:
- Mage Hand: Creates an invisible hand that can manipulate objects from a distance, ideal for unlocking doors or disarming traps.
- Charm Person: Influences a target’s mind, making them more amenable to interacting with the caster.
- Burning Hands: Unleashes a cone of fire, dealing damage to multiple enemies in a single action.
Additionally, Arcane Tricksters can learn spells from the wizard spell list, further broadening their spellcasting capabilities.
Damage
While Arcane Tricksters are not primarily damage dealers, they can contribute to combat with their sneak attack ability. When they attack an unaware or incapacitated enemy, they deal additional damage based on their level. This damage can quickly stack up, especially when combined with spells like Shadow Blade or Green-Flame Blade.
| Level |
Sneak Attack Damage |
| 1 |
2d6 |
| 5 |
3d6 |
| 11 |
4d6 |
The Hexblade Warlock: Darkness and Damage Over Time
The Hexblade Warlock is a potent damage dealer who can also control the battlefield with darkness. Their Eldritch Blast cantrip is exceptionally effective, especially combined with the Hexblade’s Curse to add extra damage and reduce the target’s AC.
Additionally, the Warlock’s access to spells like Darkness and Fear makes them a formidable controller, able to blind and frighten their foes while they unleash their Eldritch Blast from the shadows.
Damage Over Time
The Hexblade Warlock has several ways to deal damage over time, making them potent against beefy enemies. Their Eldritch Blast can be combined with the Agonizing Blast invocation to add extra damage on each hit. Additionally, the Hex spell reduces the target’s AC, making it easier to hit with subsequent Eldritch Blasts.
Warlocks also have access to spells like Scorching Ray and Fireball, which can inflict significant damage in a single round. By combining their Eldritch Blast with these damage-over-time abilities, the Hexblade Warlock can effectively shred through enemy defenses.
| Spell |
Effect |
| Eldritch Blast |
1d10 force damage with 2 attacks, scales with Warlock level |
| Agonizing Blast (Invocation) |
+3 damage to each Eldritch Blast attack |
| Hex |
1d6 necrotic damage on attack, -2 to target’s AC |
| Scorching Ray |
3d6 fire damage in a single round |
The Berserker Barbarian: Unstoppable Force
The Berserker subclass for Barbarians is the epitome of raw, unbridled power. Its Frenzy feature grants the Barbarian additional damage while in combat, as well as temporary hit points. This makes the Berserker an ideal choice for players who want to deal maximum damage while soaking up some hits.
Frenzy: Uncontrollable Rage
The Berserker’s defining feature is Frenzy. When activated, Frenzy grants the Barbarian an additional 4 damage to all attacks, as well as 2 temporary hit points per level. This feature can be used twice per long rest, making it a powerful tool for short, intense encounters.
Frenzy Details
|
Frenzy |
| Damage Bonus |
+4 |
| Temporary Hit Points |
2 per level |
| Uses per Long Rest |
2 |
It’s important to note that Frenzy also comes with some drawbacks. While active, the Barbarian cannot cast spells or concentrate on spells. Additionally, after Frenzy ends, the Barbarian suffers from exhaustion, reducing their speed by 10 feet until they complete a long rest.
The Shadow Monk: Stealth, Control, and Burst Damage
Stealth
As a Shadow Monk, you are a master of stealth. You gain proficiency in Stealth, and you can cast Pass Without Trace to give your party an advantage on Stealth checks. This makes it easy to sneak past enemies or get the drop on them for a surprise attack.
Control
In addition to its stealth abilities, the Shadow Monk is also a master manipulator of darkness. You gain access to spells like Darkness, which can be used to obscure your allies or create a path of escape. You can also cast Stunning Strike to paralyze an enemy, giving your party a chance to attack without resistance.
Burst Damage
With your Flurry of blows ability, you can attack multiple times in a single turn. This makes you a formidable damage dealer, especially when paired with your monk’s martial arts bonus damage. You can also use your Ki points to fuel your Shadow Arts, which grant you access to special attacks like Shadow Step and Shadow Strike.
Stunning Strike
Stunning Strike is one of the Shadow Monk’s most powerful abilities. It allows you to make a melee attack against an enemy and automatically immobilize them if they fail a Constitution saving throw. This can be extremely useful for incapacitating key enemy targets or setting up for a devastating follow-up attack.
Ki Points
As a Shadow Monk, you have access to a pool of Ki points that you can use to fuel your Shadow Arts. These abilities can grant you a variety of benefits, including increased movement speed, damage resistance, and the ability to teleport. Managing your Ki points effectively is essential to maximizing your Shadow Monk’s potential in combat.
| Ki Points | Ki Ability |
|—|—|
| 1 | Flurry of Blows |
| 1 | Patient Defense |
| 1 | Step of the Wind |
| 1 | Shadow Arts |
| 2 | Stunning Strike |
| 3 | Shadow Step |
| 4 | Shadow Strike |
The Celestial Sorcerer: Healing and Radiant Power
Subrace: High Elf
The High Elf’s racial trait, Cantrip, grants an additional cantrip, which can be used to pick up the versatile utility cantrip, Firebolt. Their other racial trait, Fey Ancestry, provides proficiency in the Perception skill and advantage on saving throws against being charmed. Both of these traits complement the Celestial Sorcerer’s spellcasting abilities.
Background: Hermit
The Hermit background provides proficiency in the Medicine skill, which can be used to assist with healing during combat. It also grants proficiency in the Religion skill, which is useful for interacting with clerics and other religious figures throughout the game.
Stats
| Stat |
Score |
| Strength |
10 |
| Dexterity |
12 |
| Constitution |
14 |
| Intelligence |
8 |
| Wisdom |
10 |
| Charisma |
16 |
Skill Proficiencies
Choose two of the following skills:
- Arcana
- History
- Insight
- Nature
- Religion
Cantrips
Spells
Cantrips
1st Level
- Bless
- Cure Wounds
- Healing Word
- Magic Missile
2nd Level
- Aid
- Burning Hands
- Scorching Ray
Defining the Lunar Ranger
The Lunar Ranger is a specialized build in Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3) that combines the proficiency of Archery, the mystical powers of Nature Magic, and the keen senses of Tracking. This versatile build empowers players with a formidable combination of ranged combat, spellcasting, and utility.
Archery: Precision and Range
As an Archer, the Lunar Ranger wields a bow with exceptional precision and range. They excel in ranged combat, dealing substantial damage to enemies from a safe distance. Proficiency in Archery grants bonuses to attack rolls and damage output, making each shot a potential threat.
Nature Magic: Harmony with the Wild
The Lunar Ranger’s connection to nature grants them access to Nature Magic. These spells allow the Ranger to heal, buff allies, control the battlefield, and even summon companions. By harnessing the primal forces of nature, the Lunar Ranger becomes a formidable force on the battlefield.
Tracking: Uncovering the Hidden
Tracking skills empower the Lunar Ranger with the ability to scout the environment and uncover hidden paths, secrets, and threats. Keen observation, stealth, and survival instincts make the Ranger an invaluable asset in exploration and reconnaissance.
Synergy: A Balanced Approach
The Lunar Ranger’s strength lies in the synergy between its core components. Archery provides reliable ranged damage, Nature Magic offers versatile support and control, while Tracking enhances survivability and scouting potential. This balanced approach makes the Lunar Ranger a well-rounded character capable of adapting to various combat scenarios.
Attribute Allocation: Dexterity and Wisdom
To optimize the Lunar Ranger’s performance, prioritize allocating attribute points to Dexterity and Wisdom. Dexterity enhances ranged accuracy and damage, while Wisdom boosts spellcasting effectiveness and Tracking abilities.
Equipment: Ranged Proficiency and Nature Affinity
Seek equipment that enhances ranged proficiency and grants bonuses to Nature Magic. These items include enchanted bows, quivers with magical arrows, and items that attune the Ranger with the forces of nature.
| Attribute |
Recommended Allocation |
| Dexterity |
High (Primary) |
| Wisdom |
High (Secondary) |
The Storm Herald Barbarian: Elemental Fury and Control
Elemental Manifestation
At 3rd level, the Storm Herald Barbarian gains the ability to manifest one of three elemental powers: Desert, Sea, or Tundra. Each option grants unique benefits and abilities.
Rage
The Storm Herald Barbarian’s rage enters a primal form. During rage, the Barbarian gains resistance to elemental damage corresponding to their chosen manifestation.
Storm Aura and Storm’s Fury
At 6th level, the Storm Herald Barbarian gains the Storm Aura and Storm’s Fury abilities. Storm Aura grants an aura of elemental energy, while Storm’s Fury allows the Barbarian to release a burst of elemental damage.
Elemental Mastery
At 10th level, the Storm Herald Barbarian gains Elemental Mastery, enhancing their elemental powers. Desert manifestations gain fire and lightning immunities, while Sea manifestations gain cold and lightning immunities, and Tundra manifestations gain cold and fire immunities.
Resistant to All Elemental Damage
At 14th level, the Storm Herald Barbarian becomes resistant to all elemental damage, making them incredibly durable against elemental attacks.
Water Walking and Water Breathing
Sea-manifested Storm Herald Barbarians gain the ability to walk on water and breathe underwater, granting them versatility in aquatic environments.
Ice Walk and Frost Resistance
Tundra-manifested Storm Herald Barbarians gain the ability to walk on ice without slipping and gain resistance to cold damage, providing advantages in icy terrains.
Desert Walker and Resistance to Fire and Poison
Desert-manifested Storm Herald Barbarians gain the ability to walk through deserts without becoming fatigued and gain resistance to fire and poison damage, rendering them well-suited for arid environments.
| Manifestation |
Immunities Granted |
| Desert |
Fire, Lightning |
| Sea |
Cold, Lightning |
| Tundra |
Cold, Fire |
The College of Spirits Bard: Inspiration and Summoning
Inspiration and Summoning
The College of Spirits bard is a powerful support class that can inspire their allies and summon spirits to aid them in battle. They are a versatile class that can adapt to any situation, making them a valuable asset to any party.
Bardic Inspiration
The College of Spirits bard’s most iconic ability is their Bardic Inspiration. This ability allows them to grant their allies a bonus to their attack rolls, saving throws, or ability checks. Bardic Inspiration is a powerful tool that can help your allies succeed in difficult situations.
Spirit Guardians
The College of Spirits bard can also summon spirit guardians to aid them in battle. These guardians are powerful allies that can deal damage to enemies and protect your allies. Spirit guardians are a great way to turn the tide of battle in your favor.
Other Abilities
In addition to their Bardic Inspiration and Spirit Guardians, the College of Spirits bard also has a number of other abilities that make them a versatile and powerful class. These abilities include:
- Healing Word: A healing spell that can restore hit points to allies.
- Faerie Fire: A spell that grants allies advantage on attack rolls against enemies.
- Dispel Magic: A spell that can dispel magical effects from enemies or allies.
| Level |
Additional Spirit Guardians |
| 6 |
1 |
| 14 |
2 |
Multiclassing
The College of Spirits bard can be a great choice for multiclassing. The bard’s spellcasting abilities and support abilities make them a good fit for a variety of classes. Some popular multiclass options for the College of Spirits bard include:
- Cleric: The cleric’s healing and support abilities can complement the bard’s own abilities well.
- Druid: The druid’s spellcasting abilities and wild shape ability can make them a versatile and powerful partner for the bard.
- Sorcerer: The sorcerer’s powerful spells and metamagic abilities can give the bard a boost in combat.
The Circle of the Moon Druid: Shapeshifting and Wild Magic
Shapeshifting
The Circle of the Moon Druid is the master of shapeshifting, able to transform into any beast they desire. This ability is incredibly versatile, allowing them to adapt to any situation. They can soar through the skies as an owl, sneak through shadows as a panther, or charge into battle as a bear.
Wild Magic
In addition to their shapeshifting abilities, Moon Druids also have access to a unique form of wild magic. This magic is unpredictable and powerful, capable of both harming and healing. Druids must be careful when using their wild magic, as it can easily spiral out of control.
Key Features
The following are some of the key features of the Circle of the Moon Druid:
- Shapeshifting: Druids can transform into any beast they desire, gaining all of its abilities and physical characteristics.
- Wild Magic: Druids have access to a unique form of wild magic that can be both beneficial and harmful.
- Elemental Magic: Druids can cast spells that manipulate the forces of nature, such as fire, water, and earth.
- Healing Abilities: Druids can use their healing abilities to restore health and cure diseases.
- High Constitution: Druids have a high Constitution score, making them more resistant to physical damage.
Honor Mode Considerations
In Honor Mode, the Circle of the Moon Druid is a powerful and versatile class. Their shapeshifting abilities allow them to adapt to any situation, and their wild magic can turn the tide of battle. However, Druids must be careful when using their wild magic, as it can easily get out of control.
Tips for Playing a Moon Druid in Honor Mode
Here are some tips for playing a Moon Druid in Honor Mode:
- Use your shapeshifting abilities wisely. Transform into the beast that is best suited for the situation you’re in.
- Be careful when using your wild magic. It can be powerful, but it can also be dangerous.
- Focus on your healing abilities. Druids are excellent healers, and they can keep their party alive in tough fights.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment. The Circle of the Moon Druid is a versatile class, and there are many different ways to play it.
BG3 Best Honor Mode Build
The best build for Honor Mode in Baldur’s Gate 3 is one that maximizes survivability and versatility. This means focusing on classes and subclasses that have high hit points, damage mitigation, and crowd control abilities.
Some of the best classes for Honor Mode include the Fighter, Paladin, and Cleric. The Fighter has the highest hit dice and proficiency in all martial weapons, making it a great choice for dealing damage and soaking up hits. The Paladin has similar survivability, but it also has access to powerful spells that can buff the party and debuff enemies. The Cleric is the best healer in the game, and it can also cast powerful spells that can control the battlefield.
In terms of subclasses, the Battle Master Fighter is a great choice for Honor Mode. It has access to a variety of combat maneuvers that can help it control the battlefield and deal extra damage. The Oath of Devotion Paladin is another good option, as it provides powerful defensive buffs to the party. The Life Domain Cleric is the best healing subclass in the game, and it can also cast spells that can revive fallen allies.
People Also Ask About BG3 Best Honor Mode Build
What is the best race for Honor Mode?
The best race for Honor Mode is the Half-Elf. They have a +2 bonus to Charisma, which is a key ability score for many of the best Honor Mode classes. They also have the Fey Ancestry trait, which gives them advantage on saving throws against being charmed.
What are the best feats for Honor Mode?
The best feats for Honor Mode are those that improve survivability and versatility. Some good options include the Tough feat, which increases your hit points by 2, and the Resilient feat, which gives you proficiency in a saving throw of your choice.
What are the best weapons and armor for Honor Mode?
The best weapons and armor for Honor Mode are those that provide the most protection and damage. Some good options include the Plate Armor, which provides the highest AC in the game, and the Greatsword, which deals the most damage of any one-handed weapon.
