The Warlock is out to corrupt and annihilate your enemies in Baldur’s Gate 3. Here’s our Warlock class guide to help you out.

Note: For more information, check out our Baldur’s Gate 3 guides and features hub as well as our character creation guide. Likewise, please be reminded that this guide is intended for the game’s Early Access stage. Some information and mechanics might change in due course.

 

Baldur’s Gate 3: Warlock class and spells guide

The Warlock class in Baldur’s Gate 3 seeks to rip out the souls of your foes and cast them into the fiery depths. Here are its features regardless of subclass:

  • Warlock Spell Slots: Spell slots that recharge after a short rest; spell slots are always at the highest available level.
  • Saving Throw Proficiency: Wisdom, Charisma
  • Armor Proficiency: Light
  • Simple Weapon Proficiency

Note: Each time the Rogue class levels up, it gains HP based on its Constitution stat plus a d8 (8-sided) dice roll.

Subclasses: The Fiend vs. The Old One

Oddly enough, there’s only one particular distinction between these two subclasses. It’s that choosing The Fiend subclass nets you the Dark One’s Blessing — when you kill a creature (reduce it to zero HP), you’re given HP based on your level plus the Charisma modifier. Yep, you heal a bit whenever you kill someone.

If you pick The Old One subclass, however, there’s nothing different, at least from the character creation panel. You just don’t gain the free heal-on-kill boost.

Cantrips

The Warlock subclass in Baldur’s Gate 3 has seven cantrips available. You’re allowed to pick two during character creation:

Note: I’m partial when it comes to Chill Touch and Eldritch Blast (the latter is an amazing cantrip).

Spells

The Warlock subclass in Baldur’s Gate 3 has 10 spells available. You’re allowed to pick two during character creation:

Note: My ideal pick here is Hex. For the second spell, it’s up to you whether you want to go with Burning Hands, Witch Bolt, or Arms of Hadar. Hex is just too good to pass up due to the extra damage and debuff.

Warlock skills and abilities/attributes

Certain skills here will be active depending on your character’s background. In general, however, you should see the following for the Warlock class (you can pick up to two):

  • Arcana – The knowledge of magic; interacting with enchanted items or powerful spells.
  • Deception – Manipulating truth and misleading others.
  • History – Everything you know about Faerûn’s past, allowing you to recognize notable names and unusual items.
  • Intimidation – Threaten others using speech; force others to do your will.
  • Investigation – Extracting information from objects or people.
  • Nature – Expertise when it comes to flora, fauna, and the primal rhythms of the world around you.
  • Religion – Knowledge of deities, domains, clergy, and holy rites.

Regarding your abilities/attribute choices, CHA should be your primary stat allocation. This stat is what’s used for the Warlock class’ spellcasting ability in Baldur’s Gate 3. You can follow this up with a bit of both CON and DEX.

Baldur’s Gate 3 is available via Steam’s Early Access program. For more information, check out our guides and features hub.