Games
Baldur's Gate 3: Best Warlock Class Build
In Baldur’s Gate 3, the Warlock class is widely considered to be the easiest caster to learn and play, but that doesn’t mean it’s not powerful. Warlocks don’t have as many spell slots as other spellcasters, but they make up for that with an incredibly powerful Cantrip and access to some of the game’s best control spells.
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All Baldur’s Gate 3 Warlock Subclasses, Ranked
Table of Contents
The Warlock Class of Baldur’s Gate 3 makes deals with creatures of tremendous power in exchange for their magical ability, here’s how.
The best Warlock builds in BG3 take advantage of these class strengths. Typically, Baldur’s Gate 3 builds are based on a subclass, which takes the form of a Patron for Warlocks. The Great Old One brings useful spells and lots of class flavor, making it the prime choice for players looking to get started on the right foot with the Warlock class.
Updated January 1, 2025 by Erik Petrovich: As we enter 2025, Baldur’s Gate 3 has not left the conversation and continues to be one of the most celebrated (and highly played) RPGs ever made. But if you aren’t familiar with Dungeons and Dragons or the turn-based CRPG approach to gameplay, it can be hard to understand exactly what goes into making the best BG3 Warlock build – and why. Knowing what to do to make a BG3 Warlock build is great, but knowing why each choice you make while leveling is important for the best BG3 Warlock build will help you develop game knowledge and understand the class at its foundation. This guide to the best Warlock build BG3 players can make has been updated to provide clearer descriptions and explanations of all BG3 Warlock build systems and mechanics, as well as to include a new walkthrough for the level up choices you will have to make while leveling this BG3 Great Old One Warlock build.
Warlock Class Introduction & Overview
The Baldur’s Gate 3 Warlock Class, Explained
Warlock Playstyle & Signature Abilities
“Bound by a pact to an all-powerful patron, warlocks trade their loyalty for supernatural abilities and unique magic.”
Warlocks are spellcasters whose power is derived from an external power, usually a Patron Devil or other powerful, enigmatic being. The class has access to a number of powerful spells, mostly themed around control and the powers beyond comprehension, as well as the unique Eldritch Blast cantrip that is the basis of the majority of Warlocks’ damage output.
It’s this cantrip that is almost solely responsible for the Warlock being such a popular multiclass option for other classes.
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Though Warlocks only have a few spell slots for the majority of the game, these slots uniquely refresh with either a Short or Long Rest. It doesn’t mean BG3 Warlock builds can be totally carefree when it comes to slinging spells in combat, but it does keep Warlocks going longer than classes that fully rely on their Spell Slots, no matter how many are available.
Though Warlocks might not have the versatility of the Wizard, nor the metamagics of the Sorcerer, they do have access to unique otherworldly powers that are the envy of the other spellcaster classes.
Base Warlock Class Proficiencies: Armor, Weapons, Saving Throws, & Skill Choices
When you first start creating your Warlock Build, BG3 offers a selection of basic Class Proficiencies, and a choice of three Warlock Skill Proficiencies.
In addition to Armor, Weapon, and Saving Throw proficiencies that vary for each class, the pool of Skills you can choose from are different for each class. These cannot be changed once you get past character creation without resetting your build.
|
Proficiency Type |
Proficiencies Granted/Choices Offered |
|---|---|
|
Warlock Armor Proficiencies |
|
|
Warlock Weapon Proficiencies |
|
|
Warlock Saving Throws |
|
|
Warlock Skill Proficiency Choices |
|
All Warlock Subclasses
There are a total of three BG3 Patrons (subclasses) Warlock players can try out, each of which focuses on different aspects of the class, and offers a selection of unique skills, proficiencies, and other features. As you level up in one of these BG3 Warlock subclasses, you will gain more abilities that are unique to your subclass choice.
Your choice of Warlock subclass can be changed by speaking with Withers, but you will start at Level 1 and have to make your BG3 Warlock build from scratch.
Though this chart displays information for all subclasses, if you want to make best Warlock build BG3 has to offer, you should go for the Great Old One.
|
Subclass Name |
Base Spec Features |
Special Spec Proficiencies |
Base Spells & Abilities |
|---|---|---|---|
|
The Archfey |
|
N / A |
|
|
The Fiend |
|
N / A |
|
|
The Great Old One |
|
N / A |
|
Warlock Class Features – Level By Level
The max level in Baldur’s Gate 3 is Level 12, and most of the time, each level you gain will grant something new for your Warlock build. On character creation you gain the basics for the Warlock class, then steadily gain Feat Choices, new spells and abilities, subclass features, and increase your Proficiency Bonus.
This chart displays everything you can expect to get at each Level-Up as a Warlock in your Baldur’s Gate 3 journey.
|
Class Feature |
Proficiency Bonus |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Warlock Lvl 1 |
|
+2 |
|
Warlock Lvl 2 |
|
+2 |
|
Warlock Lvl 3 |
+2 |
|
|
Warlock Lvl 4 |
+2 |
|
|
Warlock Lvl 5 |
|
+3 |
|
Warlock Lvl 6 |
+3 |
|
|
Warlock Lvl 7 |
|
+3 |
|
Warlock Lvl 8 |
+3 |
|
|
Warlock Lvl 9 |
|
+4 |
|
Warlock Lvl 10 |
+4 |
|
|
Warlock Lvl 11 |
|
+4 |
|
Warlock Lvl 12 |
|
+4 |
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Warlock Spell Slots & Known Spells – Level By Level
|
Cantrips Known |
Total Spell Slots |
Known Spells |
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Warlock Lvl 1 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
|
Warlock Lvl 2 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
|
Warlock Lvl 3 |
2 |
2 |
4 |
|
Warlock Lvl 4 |
3 |
2 |
5 |
|
Warlock Lvl 5 |
3 |
2 |
6 |
|
Warlock Lvl 6 |
3 |
2 |
7 |
|
Warlock Lvl 7 |
3 |
2 |
8 |
|
Warlock Lvl 8 |
3 |
2 |
9 |
|
Warlock Lvl 9 |
3 |
2 |
10 |
|
Warlock Lvl 10 |
4 |
2 |
11 |
|
Warlock Lvl 11 |
4 |
3 |
12 |
|
Warlock Lvl 12 |
4 |
3 |
13 |
BG3 Warlock Subclass Choice – Great Old One
Overview Of BG3 Warlock Great Old One Subclass
What Makes The Great Old One the Best BG3 Warlock Subclass?
“Warlocks bound to Eldritch beings in the Far Realms work toward inscrutable goals, gaining strange powers over entropy and the mind.”
The Great Old One Warlock is one of the best Warlock builds because of its access to powerful, battle-turning control spells that complement the class spell list. By binding oneself to a pact with the Great Old One, Warlocks gain the Mortal Reminder passive, which makes enemies Frightened on crits.
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At Level 1, The Great Old One gives Warlocks access to Tasha’s Hideous Laughter or Dissonant Whispers, and then at Level 3, they can use Detect Thoughts and Phantasmal Force. Playing as a Great Old One Warlock means committing nearly entirely to being a spellcaster, so only engage in combat from a distance.
The Great Old One eeks ahead of The Fiend because of its more battle-influential spells. Compared to The Archfey, many differences between the two patrons are mostly aesthetic as they both can control combat very well.
Great Old One Subclass Features – Level By Level
In addition to everything you unlock while leveling as a Warlock, your Subclass also determines what you unlock at certain levels. As a Warlock, you can select a subclass at Level 1, in the character creation menu.
For the purposes of this guide to the BG3 best Warlock build, choose the Great Old One when prompted to choose a Subclass.
|
Great Old One Warlock Lvl 1 |
|
|---|---|
|
Great Old One Warlock Lvl 6 |
|
|
Great Old One Warlock Lvl 10 |
|
Best BG3 Warlock Build Character Creation Choices
BG3 Warlock Build Race, Background, Proficiency, Feats, & Stat Choices
Best BG3 Warlock Race: Githyanki
The Githyanki are a powerful race option for a number of classes thanks to its powerful racial spells granted at levels one, three, and five, as well as the Astral Knowledge ability. Astral Knowledge grants the Warlock proficiency in one ability’s related skills, which pairs extremely well with the Warlock’s innately high Charisma.
With this Githyanki racial ability, which recharges once every long rest, Warlocks have little trouble getting the results they want out of dialogue dice rolls.
The Githyanki give Warlocks an improved Mage Hand from level 1, the ability to improve party member’s Jump distance at Level 3, and the Misty Step skill at Level 5 – three extremely useful abilities. Githyanki also give Warlocks armor proficiencies the class wouldn’t normally have access to, namely light and medium armor, to further improve their defensive capabilities.
It’s really an all-in-one race that’s hard to pass up in favor of another, weaker option.
5:00
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Best Warlock Backgrounds in BG3: Sage or Guild Artisan
The Sage background grants proficiency for Arcana and History checks, and will typically trigger Inspiration when the Warlock engages in the magical elements of the world (like getting to Lorroakan’s tower), or figuring out the historical significance of places in the world.
This tends to complement a Warlock’s own RP choices during dialogues, but they are both Intelligence checks, an Ability Score that Warlocks don’t generally put a lot of points into. This can hinder their effectiveness, but on the other hand, having Advantage on these rolls can be much handier than a simple bonus.
However, if you are more prone to engaging in dialogues in BG3, the Guild Artisan background might be a better fit. This background grants proficiency in Insight and Persuasion, and tends to trigger inspiration when making items, repairing areas in the world, or identifying and engaging with artifacts.
Both backgrounds are a good fit for Warlocks, but of the two, the Sage background may be easier to earn Inspiration with.
Best BG3 Warlock Skill Proficiency Choices: Deception and Insight
Warlocks get to choose two skills from a list of seven, but depending on which background you choose, some may not be available. This is because those skills are already given proficiency by the Background.
Going with a Sage takes Arcana and History out of the options, leaving five left, while being a Guild Artisan leaves six choices, as Insight will already be covered.
Either way, be sure to have Deception and Insight first and foremost. Deception is great for dialogues, and Insight is incredibly useful for determining NPC truthfulness. If Insight is already covered, then replace it with Arcana, History, or Investigation, depending on what you want your Warlock to be good at.
Best BG3 Eldritch Invocations: Agonizing Blast & Repelling Blast
At Level 2, all Warlocks get to choose two Eldritch Invocations, unique abilities that can grant passive or active skills. At Level 2, only a few Eldritch Invocations are available to choose from, but as Warlocks level up more powerful options become available.
Even from this starting point, though, Warlocks can pick up two incredibly powerful passives: Agonizing Blast, and Repelling Blast, both of which empower the Warlock’s iconic cantrip Eldritch Blast.
3:25
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Eldritch Blast is the Warlock’s bread and butter, and Agonizing Blast outright increases the damage of Eldritch Blast by the Warlock’s Charisma modifier. This affects each hit, so at later levels when Warlocks get two or three Eldritch Blast beams with each cast, it becomes a seriously powerful spell.
Repelling Blast, on the other hand, doesn’t improve the damage of Eldritch Blast. Instead, it gives it the ability to push targets by 4.5m in the opposite direction they are hit. Be sure to position the Warlock correctly so that enemies hit can be reliably pushed off of ledges and into chasms practically for free.
Best BG3 Warlock Feats: Alert, War Caster, and Spell Sniper
- Alert Effects: You gain +5 to Initiative and can’t be Surprised
-
War Caster Effects: Grants two new passive abilities, War Caster: Concentration and War Caster: Opportunity Spell
- Concentration is a passive that grants Advantage on Concentration Saving Throws
- Opportunity Spell lets you cast Shocking Grasp on enemies that move away from melee range instead of attacking them normally
-
Spell Sniper Effects: The number needed to roll a Critical Hit for Spells is reduced by 1 (so, instead of hitting a 20, you need a 19 or a 20).
- Additionally, learn one Cantrip from a select list of level 1 Cantrips.
Best Warlock Ability Scores & Stat Distribution
To create the best BG3 Warlock build, we recommend putting the majority of points into your Charisma, followed by Constitution and Dexterity.
The primary stat for most Great Old One Warlock spells and abilities in BG3 is Charisma, but Constitution and Dexterity should follow closely behind for survivability and secondary combat bonuses.
Wisdom, Strength, and Intelligence are not essential for the Great Old One Warlock build.
|
STR |
DEX |
CON |
INT |
WIS |
CHA |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Base |
10 |
16 |
14 |
8 |
10 |
16 |
|
Modifier |
0 |
+3 |
+2 |
-1 |
0 |
+3 |
Best BG3 Warlock Leveling Choices
Best Warlock Spells, Feats, & Other Choices At Every Level
In Baldur’s Gate 3, some classes don’t have many choices to make while leveling thanks to the lack of spells, like the Rogue or Monk. Warlocks are not like other spellcasters in BG3 because they have limited spell slots that refresh every short rest instead of long one, and are mostly reliant on Cantrips which can be empowered with Eldritch Invocations.
- In Act 1, which typically brings players up to around Level 5, you will be able to choose your Warlock Subclass (Great Old One), pick up your first set of three Cantrips (don’t forget Eldritch Blast), learn a few basic Warlock spells, and pick up your first two Eldritch Invocations.
- In Act 2, which typically brings players up to around Level 9, Warlocks will unlock another two Eldritch Invocations and mid-tier Warlock spells.
- In Act 3, which brings players up to Level 12 and beyond, you will be able to pick up another Cantrip, another Eldritch Invocation, and the best Warlock spells to use in between Eldritch Blasts.
Warlocks have something to do every time they level up, but limited spell slots makes it important to make the right selections. This table displays recommended BG3 Warlock build choices for every level that synergize well with the BG3 Great Old One Warlock build, including a number of powerful CC and debuffing offensive spells, Eldritch Invocations that empower you or grant new abilities, and Feats that will help your effectiveness as a ranged spellcaster.
|
Class Level |
Choices & Recommendations |
|---|---|
|
Level 1 |
|
|
Level 2 |
|
|
Level 3 |
|
|
Level 4 |
|
|
Level 5 |
|
|
Level 6 |
|
|
Level 7 |
|
|
Level 8 |
|
|
Level 9 |
|
|
Level 10 |
|
|
Level 11 |
|
|
Level 12 |
|
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Best Warlock Build Companions & Party Composition
Best Companions For Great Old One Warlock Builds
|
Companion |
Class/Specialization |
Role In Party |
Unique Attributes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Shadowheart |
Cleric |
Support |
Difficult to CC (Charm & Sleep), hybrid Damage and Support spells |
|
Karlach |
Barbarian |
Melee damage |
Buffed Rage & access to Soul Coin damage buffs |
|
Astarion |
Rogue |
Melee Damage/Utility |
Lockpicking is incredibly useful outside of Combat, and Sneak Attacks can be deadly |
The best Warlock companions in BG3 are Shadowheart as the healer of the party, Karlach as the melee tank, and Astarion as a melee damage-dealer and out-of-combat Lockpicker.
Though you can change the class and specialization of any of your companions, these three come with strong pre-determined class and spec combos to balance out your Warlock party composition.
- Shadowheart: A Trickery Cleric, Shadowheart serves as a good companion for hybrid damage and support, which mirrors (and complements) the Circle of the Moon Druid playstyle well.
- Karlach: Best suited for the Berserker subclass, Karlach is capable of dealing some of the most consistent, highest-hitting melee attacks on her own, and with two supports you won’t be at a loss for HP or dispels
- Astarion: Best suited for the Thief subclass, Astarion lets you access hidden, locked areas more easily and is capable of setting up complex combat strategies without attracting attention with Stealth
If you are dead set on including a character in your party, simply talk to Withers to respec them to one of the optimal Warlock companion classes listed above. This way, you won’t miss out on that character’s questline, and you won’t have to suffer from an improperly balanced party.
Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Warlock Build Equipment
Get The Best BG3 Warlock Gear In All Three Acts
This section covers the best equipment for Great Old One Warlocks in BG3 across all three Acts. Some pieces from early Acts may still be powerful in later ones, though, and will remain equipped through several Acts.
- Items with bolded names are new options for the build in each Act, and may replace older pieces of equipment.
- Items with unbolded names must be acquired in earlier Acts, but are strong enough that they don’t need to be replaced in Acts 2 or 3.
Best Great Old One Warlock Items & Equipment: Act 1
|
Name |
Effect |
Location |
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Head |
|
Sold by Omeluum, after completing his brief questline |
|
|
Cloak |
Deathstalker Mantle |
|
Only available to Dark Urge origin characters, after Alfira joins the camp |
|
Chest |
|
Looted from the secret vault of the Druid Grove |
|
|
Gloves |
|
Looted in the hidden cellar of the Blighted Village |
|
|
Boots |
|
Purchased from Thulla in the Myconid Colony of the Underdark |
|
|
Neck |
|
Purchased from Omeluum in the Myconid Colony |
|
|
Ring 1 |
|
Steal the Druid Idol in the Emerald Grove for Mol |
|
|
Ring 2 |
|
Drops from guards just outside Creche Y’llek in Rosymorn Monastery |
|
|
Main Weapon |
|
Reward for “Rescue The Grand Duke” in Waukeen’s Rest |
|
|
Offhand |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
The Shadespell Circlet
Robe Of Summer
Bracers of Defence
Boots Of Speed
Pearl of Power Amulet
Ring of Protection
Ring of Arcane Synergy
The Spellsparkler
Best Great Old One Warlock Items & Equipment: Act 2
|
Name |
Effect |
Location |
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Head |
|
Sold by Lann Tarv in Moonrise Towers |
|
|
Cloak |
Cloak of Protection |
|
Purchased from Quartermaster Talli in the Last Light Inn |
|
Chest |
|
Finish the Rescue The Tieflings quest without losing anyone throughout Act 1 or 2 |
|
|
Gloves |
|
Looted in the hidden cellar of the Blighted Village (Act 1) |
|
|
Boots |
|
Purchased from Thulla in the Myconid Colony of the Underdark (Act 1) |
|
|
Neck |
|
Drops from The Warden of Moonrise Towers |
|
|
Ring 1 |
Ring of Mental Inhibition |
|
Found in a chest in the House in Deep Shadows |
|
Ring 2 |
|
Found on the ground after the Self-Same Trial in the Gauntlet of Shar |
|
|
Main Weapon |
|
Reward for “Rescue The Grand Duke” in Waukeen’s Rest (Act 1) |
|
|
Offhand |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Fistbreaker Helm
Potent Robe
Spellcrux Amulet
Killer’s Sweetheart
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Best Great Old One Warlock Items & Equipment: Act 3
|
Name |
Effect |
Location |
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Head |
Purchased from the projection of Lorroakan in Sorcerous Sundries |
||
|
Cloak |
Cloak of Displacement |
|
Purchased from Entharl Danthelon in Wyrm’s Crossing |
|
Chest |
|
Finish the Rescue The Tieflings quest without losing anyone (Act 1 and 2) |
|
|
Gloves |
|
Purchased from front desk projection at Sorcerous Sundries in the Lower City |
|
|
Boots |
|
Purchased from Thulla in the Myconid Colony of the Underdark (Act 1) |
|
|
Neck |
|
Drops from The Warden of Moonrise Towers (Act 2) |
|
|
Ring 1 |
Ring of Mental Inhibition |
|
Found in a chest in the House in Deep Shadows (Act 2) |
|
Ring 2 |
|
Found on the ground after the Self-Same Trial in the Gauntlet of Shar (Act 2) |
|
|
Main Weapon |
|
Reach the lower level of Ramazith’s Tower – where players meet Lorroakan – and interact with the “Below” symbol |
|
|
Offhand |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Birthright
Quickspell Gloves
Markoheshkir
Best BG3 Warlock Multiclass Choices
Maximize Your BG3 Warlock Build With Complimentary Warlock Multiclass Options
Players can choose to Multiclass beginning at Level 2. Look for the “Add Class” button on the top right of the level up overview menu – this will open up a new menu where players can choose one of any other class in Baldur’s Gate 3 when selected.
Bard Multiclass – Warlock 10/Bard 2
The Warlock, being a Charisma-based caster, tends to do very well when it comes to rolling dice in conversations and crowd controlling enemies. Though speccing into Bard doesn’t necessarily improve the Warlock’s damage output, by putting just one point into this class, a Warlock can provide even more utility to the party through the Song of Rest and Bardic Inspiration abilities.
Two levels grants the Jack of All Trades feature, which grants the player Expertise in two additional skills – perfect for dialogue checks.
Song of Rest gives an extra short rest, which gives the Warlock another way to refresh their limited spell slots, while Bardic Inspiration can be used for some useful support skills. Multiclassing as a Bard and a Warlock makes CC a key part of the character’s spell list, so plan to stand back and set up plays for allies rather than getting involved in the fighting first-hand.
Make sure this character is the party’s “main” character to take advantage of its strong dialogue skills.
Sorcerer Multiclass – Warlock 9/Sorcerer 3
By putting three levels into the Sorcerer class as a Warlock, players unlock the powerful Metamagic system and two charges, which can greatly improve the class’ ability to deal damage with Eldritch Blast.
Metamagic lets Warlocks use Quickened Spell and Twinned Spell to great effect, adding additional Eldritch Blast casts or damage, and opening up the potential for a Warlock to double-cast spells like Haste.
Additionally, both classes rely on Charisma, and can both take advantage of a player’s high CHA stat without forcing them to invest in others. Three levels in Sorcerer lets players choose a Sorcerer subclass.
In this case, the best option is the Draconic Bloodline, because it adds HP and increases Unarmored AC to 13. Many multiclass options grant additional armor proficiencies, but not the Sorcerer.
Baldur’s Gate 3
- Released
-
August 3, 2023
- ESRB
-
M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence
- Franchise
-
Baldur’s Gate
- How Long To Beat
-
100+ Hours
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