While a large part of Baldur’s Gate 3’s landmark success can be attributed to its accurate adaptation of Dungeons and Dragons into the video game format, there are several inevitable areas of compromise that have ended up differing. In a system reliant on programmed sequences and finite assets, the emergent storytelling of theater-of-the-mind gameplay at the tabletop is mostly lost in favor of polished visual presentation. These changes that separate Baldur’s Gate 3 from DnD don’t have a significant impact on most playstyles, but those who choose the Warlock class are settling for less in terms of their patron relationships.
Differences can be found between how several Feats or Class Features are handled in Baldur's Gate 3’s interpretation of the 5e ruleset, but an impressive suite of options still shares a similar level of variety and depth with most tables. Paladins are held to their oath, Clerics can make reference to their god in conversation, but Warlocks stick out in particular for receiving the short end of the stick when it comes to the depiction of their lore. Wyll is playable for those who wish to get the true experience, but this is typically a far more open-ended dynamic which the digital medium might always have trouble with.
Related
How Baldur's Gate 3 Streamlines a Problematic DnD Feature
Many of Dungeons and Dragons' systems are faithfully adapted within Baldur's Gate 3, but one key mechanic has been tweaked for the better.
DnD’s Warlock Class Fantasy is Tough to Translate
Patrons Can Be Compelling Characters in Campaigns
For those creating a new character, the choice of a Warlock’s patron in BG3 doesn’t ever extend beyond an associated subclass and its respective offerings. In the source material, these powerful entities form a connection with the player who draws from their power, with the potential to be a key NPC under a skilled Dungeon Master. The Great Old One or Archfey would be more than just subclasses in this context, but full-on parts of the story with their own goals and ideals.
Modular Narratives Can Only Go Far in the Digital Format
It's arguable that Baldur’s Gate 3 pushes niche optional content and player choice to the limit within the confines of a recent video game release, and it contains systems resembling what Warlock patrons could have been as a result. The Oathbreaker Knight can appear to alter the course of a Paladin’s progression at any point if certain conditions are met, evoking the back-and-forth that Warlocks can often endure in their journeys. Larian Studios may have ultimately chosen to focus its resources on the arc of Wyll in favor of a general Warlock path, a choice which arguably panned out more favorably.
The Challenges of Warlocks as Player-Made Protagonists in Baldur's Gate 3
The Triumph of Mizora and Wyll’s Scripted Narrative Can't Be Easily Replicated
Even if Warlocks were given the same treatment as Paladins, accounting for their different patrons in cinematics could have proven too complicated. Players are, however, able to experience a preset scenario that has been specifically crafted around the Origin character Wyll and his patron Mizora. By making him into a pre-existing character, Larian has managed to execute a convincing Warlock narrative in full within these limited bounds. Given Wyll’s presence as a companion otherwise, playing as a custom character Warlock can make the class’ overall lackluster lore even more obvious by comparison.
Even if they were never planned to be fully voiced and animated in the same way as Mizora, the selection of Patrons available to Warlocks in BG3 hardly manifests in any meaningful way during a playthrough whatsoever. Considering the depth with which these interactions can have, this could be an indicator of just how difficult it is to adapt the Warlock-Patron relationship outside of the tabletop. Only time will tell what mod support will bring, but Warlock players in Baldur’s Gate 3 are better off as Wyll if they’re looking to actually communicate with their patron.
Baldur's Gate 3
Baldur's Gate 3 is a Dungeons and Dragons inspired RPG developed and published by Larian Studios. Featuring both a single player and cooperative element, players create their character by selecting a starting class, take on quests, level up, and engage in turn-based combat using the D&D 5th edition rule set.
- Franchise
- Baldur's Gate
- Platform(s)
- PC , Stadia , macOS , PS5 , Xbox Series X
- Released
- August 3, 2023
- Developer(s)
- Larian Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Larian Studios
- Genre(s)
- RPG
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence
- How Long To Beat
- 30 Hours
- Metascore
- 96
- Split Screen Orientation
- Vertical Only
- Number of Players
- 1-4
- PS Plus Availability
- N/A
- Local Co-Op Support
- 1-2 Players
- Games
- Baldur's Gate 3
- Dungeons and Dragons
Your changes have been saved
Email Is sent
Please verify your email address.
You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.
Manage Your List
Follow
Followed
Follow with Notifications
Follow
Unfollow
We hope you like the items we recommend and discuss! Game Rant has affiliate and sponsored partnerships, so we receive a share of the revenue from some of your purchases. This won’t affect the price you pay and helps us offer the best product recommendations.
FAQs
The best Warlock Subclass is The Fiend. The Fiend grants the Dark One's Blessing passive at Level 1, which, upon killing an enemy, grants temporary hit points equal to your Charisma modifier and your level. At Level 6, you'll earn Dark One's Own Luck for a 1d10 to an Ability Check once per Short Rest.
What is the best background for a Warlock in bg3? ›
Recommended Backgrounds
Charlatan is the Best Background for the Best Warlock the Fiend Build in Baldur's Gate 3 because you gain proficiency in Deception and Sleight of Hand. Deception scales from Charisma while Deception scales from Dexterity, both of which we suggest a 16 ability score.
What's the best race for Warlock BG3? ›
Best Races for Warlocks in Baldur's Gate 3
That said, two races come with bonuses that stand out: the Tiefling or Half-Elf. And for the Half-Elf, the Drow or Wood subrace is the best race for Warlocks.
What is the strongest Warlock subclass? ›
Dawnblade is arguably the best subclass in all of Destiny 2 right now. What truly makes Dawnblade tick is the selection of Aspects available. Each option is as strong as the next, and Solar Warlocks are completely spoiled for choice, as each option is entirely viable.
What is the most op class in Baldur's Gate 3? ›
The Paladin is the strongest class and subclass in Baldur's Gate 3 due to its damage output, survivability, and versatility. The Paladins can access various weapons and armour types, allowing for diverse playstyles. Combining Extra Attack with Divine Smite results in exceptional raw damage potential.
Should I let Astarion bite me? ›
Should you Let Astarion Bite You? Letting Astarion bite you is an easy way to get approval with him. The simple answer is yes, as the only downside is gaining the Bloodless debuff, while Astarion gains the Happy buff and his approval rating of you increases.
What is the best weapon for a warlock in Baldur's Gate 3? ›
The best weapons for the Warlock class in Baldur's Gate 3 are the Markoheshkir quarterstaff, Bloodthirst dagger, and Duellist's Prerogative Rapier. The Markoheshkir quarterstaff is a perfect fit for a spellcasting Warlock who wants to converse spell slots using the Arcane Battery feature.
Which pact is the best for Warlock BG3? ›
The very best Warlock pact is none other than the Pact Of The Blade. The player will always find powerful weapons as they explore, and binding them to their Warlock is an underrated ability.
What is the most powerful race in BG3? ›
The GIthyanki could be argued as the most interesting and powerful race due to skill, proficiency, mobility, and proficiencies. Uniquely, you gain access to light, medium, and greatswords. This means that with any build, you can use a two-handed greatsword stacking strength regardless of the class.
Should I destroy the brain in BG3? ›
Since the talking brain can be used to aid you, you should help the talking brain unless you don't want to for roleplay purposes. Either way, you can continue the story by receiving the quest from someone else if you don't help the brain and receive the quest there.
The best race and subrace for the warlock in Baldur's Gate 3 is the Mephistopheles Tiefling. The Mephistopheles Tiefling offers a few advantages over the other races to eke it out as our top pick, which we've listed below. Hellish Resistance – Your blood protects you from flame, abyssal or otherwise.
What is the best subclass for Warlock bg3? ›
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.
Should Warlock wear armor in bg3? ›
Warlocks already get access to light armor without having to sacrifice any of their spell casting potential, which is nice. But with the Moderately Armored feat, they will be able to utilize medium armor. This provides a huge boost to the Warlocks defense with the higher armor class.
What is the best armor for a Warlock in Baldur's Gate 3? ›
Best Armour & Clothing for Warlock Class in Baldur's Gate 3. The best clothing and armour items for the Warlock class in Baldur's Gate 3 are Potent Robe, Bhaalist Armour, and Elegant Studded Leather. Potent Robe deals additional damage based on your Charisma modifier for Cantrips like Eldritch Blast.
Which Warlock pact is best in BG3? ›
The very best Warlock pact is none other than the Pact Of The Blade. The player will always find powerful weapons as they explore, and binding them to their Warlock is an underrated ability.
Is Great Old One Warlock good in BG3? ›
In fact, warlocks of the Great Old Ones make some of the best Eldritch Blasters around, inflicting both incredible damage and mortal fear on their unfortunate targets.
What is the best multiclass for Warlock Baldur's Gate 3? ›
The best class for the Warlock to multiclass into is the Sorcerer because you can get additional Metamagic, Draconic Resistance, Elemental Affinity, and more spells that scale with Charisma.
What is the best staff for a Warlock in BG3? ›
The best weapons for the Warlock class in Baldur's Gate 3 are the Markoheshkir quarterstaff, Bloodthirst dagger, and Duellist's Prerogative Rapier. The Markoheshkir quarterstaff is a perfect fit for a spellcasting Warlock who wants to converse spell slots using the Arcane Battery feature.
