Baldur's Gate 3: Best Bard Multiclass Build

The Bard class has access to a wide range of features in Baldur’s Gate 3, making it a great choice for multiclassing. In particular, it combines well with the three other Charisma-based spellcasting classes: the Sorcerer, Warlock, and Paladin. Of these three, it’s the Paladin that can offer the Bard the most power and synergy in Baldur’s Gate 3, either in a 2/10 or 6/6 combination.

This combination, known as the Bardadin (a portmanteau of Bard and Paladin) is one of the most interesting multiclass builds in Baldur’s Gate 3. This is because it’s not just about being powerful in combat, but also comes with useful support abilities and skills that can help the party both in and out of battle.

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Best Bard Multiclass Build: The Bardadin Levels 1-8

Players looking to build a fun and powerful Bardadin in Baldur’s Gate 3 should start as a Paladin for Levels 1 and 2. This will give them access to Heavy Armor Proficiency right from the start of the game, as well as the Divine Smite feature. Divine Smite allows the Bardadin to convert spell slots into extra radiant damage when they land a melee weapon attack. This ability will benefit hugely from the extra spell slots that the Bard provides as a full spellcaster.

Level 1: Paladin
- Full Weapon and Armor Proficiency
- Divine Sense
- Lay on Hands
- Oath Subclass
Level 2: Paladin
- Fighting Style
- Spellcasting
- Divine Smite

This build focuses heavily on Strength, Charisma, and Constitution, with Strength being the highest priority. This means it can be played with any of Baldur’s Gate 3‘s playable races. Players should also feel free to pick their skills and their Paladin Oath as they wish. While the restrictions of their chosen Oath will have big repercussions for a player’s roleplaying, it won’t make a huge difference to how their Bardadin plays.

After their initial two levels in Paladin, players should take six levels in Bard. This will be enough to pick up the College of Swords subclass, Skill Expertise, Song of Rest, a Feat, Bardic Inspiration, Extra Attack, as well as plenty of Spell Slots. This combination of features and abilities makes for a character that is tough enough to survive on the front lines, can support their party, deals incredible burst damage, and has a wide variety of skills and spells to use outside of combat.

Level 3: Bard
- Bardic Inspiration
- Bonus Skill
- Full spellcasting
Level 4: Bard
- Song of Rest
- Jack of All Trades
Level 5: Bard
- College of Swords Subclass for Flourishes and Extra Attack
- Expertise
Level 6: Bard
Level 7: Bard
- Improved Bardic Inspiration
- Font of Inspiration
Level 8: Bard
- Countercharm
- Extra Attack

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The Bardadin Levels 9-12

After unlocking their full synergy at level 8, Bardadin players can continue to build their characters in two very different ways.

First Option: Spellcasting Focus

Players who want to focus on spellcasting and plentiful Divine Smites should continue with the Bard all the way to max level, gaining more Expertise, higher level Spells, and Magical Secrets along the way. This combination will create a hybrid of martial expert and spellcaster as strong as any Eldritch Knight, or any type of Fighter/caster multiclass.

Level 9: Bard
Level 10: Bard
- +2 Strength or another Feat
Level 11: Bard
Level 12: Bard
- Improved Bardic Inspiration
- Expertise
- Magical Secrets

Second Option: Martial Focus

However, players who would rather focus on the frontline strength and passive support of the Paladin class can instead continue as a Paladin from levels 9-12. This will give them access to more Oath Abilities and the powerful Aura of Protection, which grants the Paladin and all nearby allies a boost to their Saving Throws. Unfortunately, the Extra Attack feature doesn’t stack, so 6/6 Bardadins will remain limited to two attacks despite picking up the feature twice. Despite this, the combination of the Paladin’s staying power with the Bard’s high skills and versatile abilities should be more than enough to conquer everything that Baldur’s Gate 3 has to offer.

Level 9: Paladin
- Divine Health
- Channel Oath Ability
Level 10: Paladin
- Extra Lay on Hands Charges
Level 11: Paladin
Level 12: Paladin