Baldurs Gate 3: Warlock - best build Baldurs Gate 3 guide, walkthrough

Warlocks are magic users who draw power from their powerful patron. On this guide page, we will advise you on how to guide your Sorcerer in Baldur's Gate 3.

Last update: 28 November 2023

Warlocks are another class focusing on ranged combat using magical spells. These students of dark arts base their power on a special pact that they make with one of three all-powerful patrons. On this page of our guide, you can find tips and build ideas that will help when attempting to play as a Warlock.

• Character creation wizard
• Class progression
• Ilithild Powers
• Allies, their skills and spells
• Equipment and bonuses from it
• Consumables

Character creation wizard

When choosing a race for your Warlock, we recommend checking out Tieflings and Drows. Both of these races are characterized by their innate magic potential which manifests in the form of learning an extra Cantrip or spell. This option will surely bring some variety to your magic arsenal, especially in the beginning of the adventure.

Class progression

1. Warlocks choose a subclass at level 1. By choosing The Fiend, you'll receive access to Dark One's Blessing class feature. With it, when you bring enemy HP to 0, you'll receive temporary health points. This feature thus promotes an aggressive style of gameplay based on finishing off opponents. When choosing initial spells, make sure to learn the Eldritch Blast Cantrip. This is the most powerful offensive Cantrip available in the game, increasing your combat potential immensely. Besides Eldritch Blast, consider choosing the following spells: True Strike, Bone Chill, Armour of Agathys, Hex, and Witch Bolt.
2. At level 2, you'll have to choose 2 Eldritch Invocations, which are a unique class feature of Warlocks. We especially recommend Agonizing Blast, Repelling Blast, and Armour of Shadows.
3. After reaching level 3, you'll stand before the choice of 1 of 3 available Pact Boons. Although all of them offer useful bonuses, we recommend choosing between Pact of the Chain and Pact of the Blade. When it comes to choosing level 2 spells, we recommend Scorching Ray, Cloud of Daggers, and MIsty Step.
4. On level 4, you'll have to decide on your first Feat. Same as with other spellcasting classes, a good choice may be Ability Improvements spent on Charisma. A better Charisma modifier will make your spells more powerful, and positively affect the bonus damage from Agonizing Blast.
5. On level 5, you can choose the next Eldritch Invocation. It may be a good idea to choose the other ones mentioned earlier, or Sign of Ill Omen if you're looking to unlock an additional spell. From level 5 spells, consider Fireball, Counterspell, or Hunger of Hadar.
6. Level 6 means a new subclass feature. Dark One's Own Luck allows adding 1d10 to any Ability Check. This skill can be used once per short rest.
7. At level 7, you can choose another Eldritch Invocation. We recommend Book of Ancient Secrets which unlocks spells such as Ray of Sickness, Chromatic Orb, and Silence. These spells can be cast once per long rest and don't use a spell slot. When it comes to level 4 spells, consider Wall of Fire and Banishment.
8. Level 8 means choosing another Feat. Once again, you can choose Ability Improvements (Charisma), or go on a different path and go for War Caster or Lucky.
9. Among the Eldritch Invocations available on level 9, we recommend Minions of Chaos. This skill can conjure elementals fighting on your side. When it comes to level 5 spells, we recommend Flame Strike and Cone of Cold.
10. Level 10 means access to another class feature - Fiendish Resilience. With it, after each short rest, you will be able to determine the type of damage to which you will become Resistant. To get the most out of the ability, strategically plan your breaks and choose resistances based the type of enemies you will soon have to fight.
11. At level 11, you learn Mystic Arcanum, which is a level 6 spell that you can cast without spending a spell slot. When it comes to the choice of spell, we recommend choosing Circle of Death or Eyebite.
12. Level 12 means choosing the final Eldritch Invocation. We recommend Lifedrinker, which will add Necrotic damage to your every melee attack, or one of the Invocations unlocking an additional spell. You'll also get to choose a final Feat - consider the aforementioned War Caster or Moderately Armoured which will allow you to wear medium armor.

Ilithild Powers

If you decide to utilize Ilithild Powers, consider Shield of Thralls, Charm, and Cull the Weak as your choices. These will increase the battle potential of your Warlock, and unlock new tactical options.

Party members - their skills and spells

Despite his undeniable potential, a finishing Warlock won't last long in battle without help. Make sure your team has a supporting character such as a Cleric, Druid, or Bard. The last choice may be especially useful. His Song of Rest skill will allow you to quickly regenerate most of Warlock class skills.

If the battle transforms into a melee onslaught, it would be good to have someone to watch your back. Paladin or Fighter will work great as tanks that distract and mitigate damage that may have been directed at your Warlock.

Equipment and bonuses from it

At the end of Act 1, in Myconid Colony in Underdark you can find Cinder Shoes, a footwear that gives Heat whenever you burn an enemy, and this item will be perfect for the fire-oriented repertoire of Fiend Warlock.

In later stages of the game, focus on getting items that increase magical power and defensive potential of the hero. Similarly to Bard or Sorcerer, consider getting Potent Robe that gives a choice of bonuses scaling with Charisma. If you prefer something with more protection and are proficient in medium armor, a good choice will definitely be Adamantine Scale Mail (you can forge it).

Consumables

Here are some useful potions and elixirs which every Warlock should keep handy:

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.