The Baldur’s Gate 3 Fighter class offers solid options in the melee and ranged arenas, but is definitely one of the most dominant melee classes in the entire game. This guide will tell you everything you need to know before you start. , and you can check out our Best Fighter Build Guide if you want to optimize towards the ridiculous.
Baldur’s Gate 3 – Fighter Class Guide Overview
Fighters are versatile damage dealers, well-versed in all sorts of armor and weapon types, including plenty of different skill types to really make those weapons sing. They can deal damage, distract enemies, dash into battle with giant two-handed, dual-wield weapons, or attack with ranged projectile weapons, and are best in the business at landing multiple attacks each turn.
Our Baldur’s Gate 3 Fighter class guide provides an overview of its strengths. We also take note of the ideal options when creating the character. Once you’re done with our overview, be sure to also check out the Best Fighter Build Guide page.
Hunter Class Summary
Fighters have the ability to gain a second wind, allowing them to heal themselves as a bonus action.
Fighter Class Skills
Fighters begin by mastering Simple Weapons, Martial Weapons, Light Armor, Medium Armor, Heavy Armor, and Shields. Whatever other skills you get will be determined by your race or subrace, or the feats you achieve as you level up.
Hunter subclasses

Baldur’s Gate 3 Fighter subclasses are not available during character creation, so keep them in mind when you reach level 3.
battle master
This is my main recommendation. He uses the superiority dice to gain a lot of flexibility in combat (much like the sorcerer’s points). If the enemies miss you, you can use a point to retaliate in free reaction. You can also make punches more painful, take extra turns, etc. It’s awesome, and that’s why it’s the subject of my best fighter build.
occult knight
If you want to be a spellcaster, this is one of the best options. The Eldritch Knight becomes part melee monster and part spellcasting disaster. This is what you do if you want to be a fighter/magician without multi-ranking.
Champion
The champion doesn’t really sing right now, so it’s hard to recommend him over the other two subclasses. While it makes the base Fighter kit more effective, it doesn’t add anything with a “wow” factor. They have better critical hits, so a half-orc champion is the way to go if you’re going to, and you can enjoy better jumps, which will give you more flexibility on the battlefield, but Battlemaster does more with it. its subclass for basically all the same flavor.
Choice of character creation

Best race and subrace
In RPGs like Baldur’s Gate 3, you should go with whatever speaks to you at the time, and any race and subrace is viable throughout the game. But optimization starts at character creation, so I’ll also cover more optimal choices, so you know what to choose for your race, subrace, and all that.
Half-Orc is recommended for fighters of the Champion subclass, as their Savage Attacks perk means you’ll get triple critical hit dice, instead of just double it. The Relentless perk they get also means you’ll stay at 1 HP even if you’re knocked down, which means you’re more durable and can stay in the fight longer.
You can also choose Elf, or Half-Elf with Wood Elf subrace is probably an even better choice, with increased movement and their proficiency with multiple types of bows and swords, though if that’s not your thing and whether you want a free cantrip, you can go with the High Elf subrace, or even Githyanki for a quick start on mastering Greatsword.
For Fighting Style, there are many choices that are good, depending on what you want. I highly recommend going for Great Weapon Fighting, but you can go for Protection, Two-Weapon Fighting, or Archery if you prefer those playstyles.
Best background
If you’re creating a fighter as your main character, I recommend Guild Artisan for help with insight and persuasion checks, but soldier is great if you don’t mind bullying people, because the bonus to athleticism will help a lot with bonus actions in combat.
Better abilities
The standard layout isn’t bad, though you can take a few Wisdom points and add them to Dexterity or Constitution, to help with save throws, armor class, and general resilience.
- STR: 17
- DEX: 13
- CON: 15
- IN: 10
- WIS: 12
- CHA: 8
Baldur’s Gate 3 is full of activities and mysteries. You will undoubtedly be part of an adventure that can take countless hours. For more tips, you can visit our BG3 guides hub.
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