The Warlock is one of the most front-loaded classes in Baldur’s Gate 3, receiving many of its best features within levels 1-5. While this makes it a great option to dip into when multiclassing, it can make building a strong Warlock-primary multiclass a little more challenging. However, there are a few Baldur’s Gate 3 classes that can synergize with a high-level Warlock build, combining features to create a whole greater than the sum of its parts.
One of these classes is the Barbarian, which offers several features that combine well with a melee-focused Pact of the Blade Warlock. While the Barbarian normally doesn’t pair well with spellcasting classes due to being unable to cast or concentrate on spells while Raging, the Warlock’s limited spell slots mean that players will likely only cast one spell per combat anyway. This means that this Pact Rager build can open a battle with a powerful spell, then Rage and charge into melee combat to mop up.
Baldur’s Gate 3: 10 Starting Character Builds For Beginners
Having a plan for how to level up party members is important in Baldur’s Gate 3. Here are some great starting builds for players to consider.
Pact Rager Warlock: Levels 1-6
Players who want to build a Pact Rager in Baldur’s Gate 3 should start as a Barbarian at Level 1 for proficiency in Medium Armor and Constitution Saving Throws. Any race can work with this build, but the Half-Orc is a particularly good choice due to the Savage Attacks feature.
When it comes to Ability Scores, players will want to aim for high Charisma, followed by at least 14 Dexterity and Constitution. Respeccing with Withers is cheap enough in Baldur’s Gate 3 that it’s actually best to start with a high Strength or Dexterity score to serve as the main attack stat, and then respec to focus on Charisma at Level 4.
At level 2, players will get to choose their Warlock Patron, with both the Fiend and the Great Old One being good choices. The Fiend comes with a stronger spell list for this build, but the Dark One’s Blessing feature can cause problems with Armor of Agathys. Meanwhile, the Great Old One has a more reliable feature in Mortal Reminder but also comes with more concentration spells.
- Level 1: Barbarian
- Level 2: Warlock
- Warlock Subclass: The Fiend or Great Old One
- Subclass Feature
- Level 3: Warlock
- Eldritch Invocations: Agonizing Blast, Beguiling Influence, Devil’s Sight, Fiendish Vigor, or Repelling Blast
- Level 4: Warlock
- Pact Boon: Pact of the Blade
- Respec for max Charisma
- Level 5: Warlock
- Feat: +2 Charisma or Great Weapon Master
- Level 6: Warlock
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Baldur’s Gate 3: Best Items To Get In Act 1
Baldur’s Gate 3 is long and dense, and players should pick up these items during Act 1 to get started on the right foot.
Pact Rager Warlock: Levels 7-12
After reaching level 6, players will have unlocked 3rd level spell slots for their Warlock, and will be ready to switch back to Barbarian for the next few levels. At this point, players can either choose to remain as a Barbarian until they reach Level 5 in that class, or return to Warlock after reaching Barbarian 3. The first option is superior in all difficulties except Honor, as the Barbarian’s Extra Attack stacks with the Deepened Pact of the Blade, allowing three attacks per turn. However, in Honor mode, these features don’t stack. Thus, it’s a better idea for players to leave Barbarian at 3 in order to reach Warlock 9.
Whichever option they choose, players will also get to pick up a Barbarian subclass along the way. Any of the subclasses can work with the Pact Rager, though Wild Heart and Berserker are the strongest options. A Bear Wild Heart can work particularly well with a Pact Rager who focuses on the Armor of Agathys spell, while a Berserker gives the character something to do with their bonus action.
Option 1: Level 3 Barbarian
This route, recommended for Honor mode, will take the player all the way to Warlock 9/Barbarian 3. This will grant them access to 5th level spell slots, the highest level that Warlocks can achieve in Baldur’s Gate 3. It will also grant them access to the 9th level Eldritch Invocations, including Minions of Chaos and Otherworldly Leap.
- Level 7: Barbarian
- Reckless Attack
- Danger Sense
- Level 8: Barbarian
- Barbarian Subclass: Any
- Subclass Feature
- Level 9: Warlock
- Level 10: Warlock
- Eldritch Invocation: Book of Ancient Secrets or any from the previous list
- Level 11: Warlock
- Level 12: Warlock
- Eldritch Invocation: Minions of Chaos or Otherworldly Leap
Option 2: Level 5 Barbarian
This route, recommended for lower difficulties, takes advantage of the synergy between Deepened Pact of the Blade and Extra Attack. These two features each grant an extra attack per turn, allowing the Pact Rager to make as many attacks in a single turn as a top level Fighter.
- Level 7: Barbarian
- Reckless Attack
- Danger Sense
- Level 8: Barbarian
- Barbarian Subclass: Any
- Subclass Feature
- Level 9: Barbarian
- Level 10: Barbarian
- Extra Attack
- Fast Movement
- Level 11: Warlock
- Level 12: Warlock
- Eldritch Invocation: Book of Ancient Secrets or any from the previous list
