Baldur's Gate 3: Bard - best build Baldurs Gate 3 guide, walkthrough

Bard is one of the most flexible classes available in BG3. On this guide page, you will learn how to build a Bard class to get the best supporting character.

Last update: 27 November 2023

Bards are heroes inspired by art with numerous talents. Depending on the selected abilities, they can be used both as a support class and as warriors on the front line. On this page, we will present you tips that will help you create your dream Bard.

• Character creation wizard
• Class progression
• Ilithild Powers
• Party members - their skills and spells
• Equipment and bonuses from it
• Consumables

Character creation wizard

Many of the races available in Baldur's Gate 3 will work well with Bard, but for this guide, we recommend one of the following:

1. Tiefling - all subraces offer natural knowledge of a particular spell, which will diversify the Bard's broad repertoire of abilities.
2. Wood Elf - speed bonus and Stealth proficiency will help you maneuver on and off the battlefield.
3. Human - proficiency in the use of various weapons and additional proficiency will complete the image of a multi-talented Bard.

When choosing the Background, pay attention to Entertainer. Proficiency in Acrobatics and Performance will be perfectly complemented by high Charisma and Dexterity statistics related to the Bard class.

Class progression

1. At level one, you will gain access to the most important class ability - Bardic Inspiration. Allies will gain a bonus to their next Attack throw, Skill Check, or Saving Throw. The number of uses of Bardic Inspiration is equal to your Charisma modifier and renews after a long rest. When choosing spells at the beginning, especially pay attention to Vicious Mockery, Heroism, Healing Word, and Tasha's Hideous Laughter.
2. The second level unlocks the Song of Rest, whose effect is similar to the short rest. Jack of All Trades will cause the Bard to receive half his Proficiency bonus on ability checks in which they are not proficient. Use this feature in case of check for which you lack the appropriate "specialists" in your team.
3. At level three, choose the Bard subclass, the so-called College. In this guide, we will focus on the College of Lore. This specialization will allow you to choose 3 new Proficiencies and unlock the Cutting Words action. It works like "negative Bardic inspiration", imposing debuffs on nearby opponents. The feature available to all subclasses, Expertise doubles the Proficiency bonus during the selected Ability check, making the Bard a true renaissance man. When choosing level 2 spells, we especially recommend: Heat Metal, Calm Emotion, Enhance Ability, and Shatter.
4. The fourth level provides a Feat. We recommend choosing Charisma improvement to reach the maximum level of 20 points as quickly as possible.
5. At level five, your Bardic Inspiration bonus will increase (from 1d6 to 1d8), and you will also gain access to Font of Inspiration. This passive ability will restore your Bardic Inspiration charges after a short rest . When choosing level 3 spells, pay attention to Glyph of Warding, Speak with Dead, Stinking Cloud, and Bestow Curse.
6. Level six will unlock Countercharm - a special ability that will give nearby allies an advantage to Saving Throws against Charm and Frighten. College of Lore bard will also gain access to 2 spells from the Magical Secrets category. In this case, we recommend Fireball, Counterspell, Haste, Lightning Bolt, or Mass Healing Word.
7. At the seventh level, choose the level 4 spells. We especially recommend Dimension Door and Polymorph.
8. At this level you once again pick a Feat. You can choose one increasing Charisma (Ability Improvements, Actor, Performer) to reach 20 points, providing the maximum modifier from this feature. An alternative could be the War Caster, who will help you maintain concentration while casting spells.
9. The ninth level unlocks the level 5 spells. Consider choosing Mass Cure Wounds or Hold Monster.
10. At this level, your Bardic Inspiration modifier will be increased once again (from 1d8 to 1d10), you will choose another 2 skills with a bonus from Expertise, and you will also choose another 2 spells from the Magical Secrets category.
11. Level eleven is access to the last sixth level of spells. Of the two available options, we prefer the Eyebite spell.
12. It is also the last chance to pick Feat. Pay attention to the previously mentioned War Cater, Spell Sniper, or Lucky.

Ilithild Powers

If you decide to use the power of Mind Raiders, invest in the abilities: Shield of Thralls, Charm, and Stage Fright. Powers granting buffa for allies and debuffs for enemies can turn the tide of many skirmishes.

Party members - their skills and spells

By taking on the role of a supporting Bard and using your abilities efficiently, you will be able to unleash the full potential of your allies. However, when composing your party, you must take care of the first front line, which will protect your hero from danger. A Warrior, Paladin, heavy-armed Cleric, or Barbarian will certainly be effective in close combat with the help of your buffs.

Song of Rest ability will be particularly helpful for all classes which key actions renews after a short rest, for example for a Warrior or Warlock.

If you decide to build a more combat-oriented Bard (e.g. by choosing the College of Swords subclass), ensure that you have adequate support from a Cleric or a Wizard specializing in enchantment and defensive spells.

Equipment and bonuses from it

In the early stages of the game, you will gain access to two items with particular statistics ideal for the Bard class. Cap of Curing will provide healing to your allies while casting Inspiration. Blazer of Benevolence will also buff companions adding some HP temporarily. The headgear can be found next to Alfira in the Druid Grove. You will receive the armor after rescuing Volo from the Goblin Camp.

In the later stages of the game, you should focus on items that increase your stamina and/ or enhance your magical abilities. It is worth mentioning the Birthright - a hat that adds 2 to Charisma, and the armor Potent Robe, thanks to which you will receive a handful of bonuses scaling with the Charisma modifier.

Consumables

Here are some useful elixirs and potions that every Bard should keep in their inventory:

1. Elixir of Vigilance - provides a +5 bonus to Initiative, thanks to which your allies will receive support during combat faster.
2. All kinds of healing potions - will quickly allow you to regenerate lost HP.
3. Potion of Flying - a mobility boost that will allow you to take a strategic position on the battlefield.
4. Elixir of Heroism - gives +10 temporary HP and grants the Bless status. It will help you prepare for an encounter with the enemy.