BG3 New Subclasses Explained & Ranked â Full Guide (2025)
With the release of new subclasses in BG3 Patch 8, players are diving back into FaerÃŧn with renewed excitement and entirely fresh builds. Each subclass brings something unique, from eerie shadow sorcery to powerful psionic assassins, reshaping the gameâs tactical landscape in meaningful ways.
In a game already known for its boundless build diversity and player agency, Larian Studios has upped the ante in 2025 with a fresh batch of subclasses for every class in Baldur's Gate 3. If you've been looking for a reason to roll a new characterâor overhaul your current oneâthis new wave of options is everything your inner tactician could hope for.
Weâve broken down all twelve new subclasses, analyzed how they reshape class dynamics, and ranked them based on utility, synergy, and sheer fun factor. Whether you're a seasoned dungeon diver or someone who just wants to vibe with a fresh aesthetic, this guide has you covered.
The Ranking Criteria
Each subclass was evaluated on:
Combat Impact : How well it performs in fights, solo or party-based.
Roleplay Flexibility : Does it add to storytelling potential?
Synergy : How it pairs with common party builds or items.
Accessibility : Is it beginner-friendly or more nuanced?
Letâs get into the meat of it.
S-Tier: Subclasses That Change the Game
These arenât just upgradesâthey redefine how their classes play.
College of Glamour (Bard)
Command the battlefield with your mere presence. This Bard subclass brings potent crowd control and healing through Mantle of Inspiration and Enthralling Performance. Perfect for players who like a theatrical support style with charisma to spare.
Pros : Mass healing, charm control, elevated RP flavor.
Cons : Relies heavily on positioning.
Circle of Stars (Druid)
A subclass that trades shapeshifting for cosmic damage and healing. Using a starry form, you launch radiant spells and control the field like a divine sniper.
Pros : Ranged damage + support. Unique visual effects.
Cons : Not for those who love animal forms.
Arcane Archer (Fighter)
Finally, a way to make martial ranged builds feel magical. Arcane shots inflict debuffs, status effects, and battlefield manipulation. Their attacks deal piercing damage laced with elemental effects.
Pros : Great synergy with high DEX builds.
Cons : Limited arcane shot uses per rest.
A-Tier: Subclasses With High Versatility
They donât break the meta, but they breathe new life into their base classes.
Oath of Glory (Paladin)
This subclass focuses on self-buffing and party support through empowering auras. Great for leading the charge and sustaining team morale.
Pros : High survivability and team utility.
Cons : Slightly less damage than other oaths.
Soulknife (Rogue)
Channel psionic energy into psychic blades and stealth manipulation. Excellent for assassination and infiltration with style.
Pros : Bonus action versatility, powerful scaling.
Cons : Requires solid DEX and WIS investment.
Bladesinging (Wizard)
A hybrid subclass that blends melee with spellcasting. Enables swift movement, enhanced AC, and combat mobility. Their Fancy Footwork-style approach allows for dodging in and out of melee without provoking attacks.
Pros : Super mobile and tanky for a Wizard.
Cons : Low HP pool can be risky up close.
Shadow Magic Sorcerer
The sorcerer shadow magic subclass lets you harness the power of darkness to control the battlefield. With features like Shadow Walk for teleportation, Hound of Ill Omen for disrupting casters, and Strength of the Grave to cheat death, this subclass thrives on staying just out of reach.
Pros : Superior darkvision, thematic depth, survival toolkit.
Cons : Requires micromanagement and smart saving throws.
B-Tier: Solid, But Situational Picks
These subclasses shine in the right hands or party setups but have more niche appeal.
Twilight Domain (Cleric)
Offers one of the best defensive auras and a solid darkvision buff. Great for supporting parties in dungeons and nighttime encounters.
Pros : Strong defensive support.
Cons : Can feel redundant with other Cleric builds.
Beast Master (Ranger) â Reworked
The 2025 update gives Beast Masters smarter, more responsive pets. You can now issue commands without eating up your own actions. The companion AI now knows when to retreat or chase, making it feel far less like dead weight.
Pros : Companion is now a real asset.
Cons : Still weaker damage than Gloom Stalker or Ranger Swarmkeeper.
Way of Mercy (Monk)
Leans into healing and status effects via flurry attacks. Ideal for hybrid tank-support roles.
Pros : Crowd control + group healing.
Cons : Demands quick thinking and positioning.
Hexblade Warlock
The warlock hexblade subclass brings martial edge to the spell-slinger role. With access to magical weapons , cursed targets, and boosted saving throws , itâs perfect for players who want to mix swordplay and spells.
Pros : Can deal necrotic damage, scales well with CHA.
Cons : Competes with Eldritch Blast in playstyle.
C-Tier: Creative but Clunky
They offer flair, but need finesse or patch tuning to feel great.
Undead Patron (Warlock)
Flavorful but reliant on short rests. Can shine in specific campaigns, especially horror-themed.
Pros : Strong RP value, unique spells.
Cons : Limited long-term scaling.
Cavalier (Fighter)
Frontline specialist with great opportunity attacks. However, lacks the raw flexibility of other Fighter subclasses.
Pros : Solid tanking, battlefield control.
Cons : Falls flat in mobility or magic-heavy fights.
Table: Subclass Comparison Overview
| Subclass | Class | Tier | Role | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| College of Glamour | Bard | S | Support/CC | Charm, AoE healing |
| Circle of Stars | Druid | S | Ranged Support/DPS | Radiant damage, healing form |
| Arcane Archer | Fighter | S | Ranged Debuff DPS | Arcane-infused arrows, piercing damage |
| Oath of Glory | Paladin | A | Frontline Support | Empowering auras |
| Soulknife | Rogue | A | Stealth DPS | Psychic blades, bonus actions |
| Bladesinging | Wizard | A | Spellblade | High mobility, fancy footwork |
| Shadow Magic Sorcerer | Sorcerer | A | Utility/DPS Hybrid | Shadow walk, hound of ill omen |
| Twilight Domain | Cleric | B | Defensive Support | Night-focused auras |
| Beast Master (Rework) | Ranger | B | DPS/Support Hybrid | Upgraded companion system |
| Way of Mercy | Monk | B | Melee Support | Healing flurries |
| Hexblade Warlock | Warlock | B | Melee Spellcaster | Cursed weapons, necrotic damage |
| Undead Patron | Warlock | C | Thematic DPS | Fear-based, high burst |
| Cavalier | Fighter | C | Tank | Reactive control, limited range |
Final Thoughts
Patch 8 doesnât just introduce new subclassesâit pushes the boundaries of what Baldurâs Gate 3 can be. With the addition of photo mode, visual upgrades to subclass abilities, and refined animations for spellcasting, every build now feels more tactile and cinematic. Whether you're finessing a shadowy Sorcerer or laying down hexes as a Warlock Hexblade, the game offers room for nuanced expression.
As the meta continues to evolve, these subclasses are worth experimenting withâespecially if you're chasing style, synergy, or sheer surprise value.
Roll initiative, cast something wild, and let your subclass do the storytelling.Â