Baldur’s Gate 3 Bard Class Guide

The Bard class in Baldur’s Gate 3 is known for its combat prowess, spellcasting ability, and support skills.

• Role: Support, Spellcaster, and combatant.
• Primary Abilities: Charisma, Dexterity.
• Hit Die: d8 per Bard level.
• Armor Proficiency: Light armor, Medium armor.
• Weapon Proficiency: Simple weapons, hand crossbows, longswords, rapiers, shortswords.
• Tool Proficiency: Three musical instruments of your choice.
• Saving Throws: Dexterity, Charisma.

Bard Class Overview

Bardic Inspiration: Starting at 1st level, you can inspire others through stirring words or music. As a bonus action, a creature within 60 feet that can hear you gains an Inspiration Die (1d6) that can be used on attack rolls, saving throws, or ability checks.

Spellcasting: Bards use Charisma for their spellcasting ability. They have a broad spell list that includes healing, support, and damage-dealing spells.

Jack of All Trades: Starting at 2nd level, you can add half your proficiency bonus, rounded down, to any ability check you make that doesn’t already include your proficiency bonus.

Song of Rest: Beginning at 2nd level, you can use soothing music or oration to help revitalize your wounded allies during a short rest. Each ally gains an extra 1d6 hit points.

Bard College: At 3rd level, you choose a Bard College that shapes your abilities and playstyle. Colleges include:

• College of Lore: Focuses on knowledge and additional magical secrets.
• College of Valor: Enhances combat abilities and provides inspiration in battle.

Expertise: At 3rd level, choose two skills you’re proficient in. Your proficiency bonus is doubled for any ability check you make that uses either of the chosen proficiencies.

Magical Secrets: At 10th level, you can choose spells from any class.

Bard Subclasses (Bard Colleges)

College of Lore

Focuses on knowledge and versatility in spellcasting.

• Cutting Words: At 3rd level, you can use your wit to distract, confuse, and otherwise sap the confidence and competence of others. You can use your reaction to subtract your Bardic Inspiration die from a creature’s attack roll, ability check, or damage roll.
• Additional Magical Secrets: At 6th level, you gain access to two spells from any class.

College of Valor

Focuses on enhancing combat skills and inspiring allies.

• Combat Inspiration: At 3rd level, you can inspire others in battle. A creature that has a Bardic Inspiration die from you can roll that die and add the number rolled to a weapon damage roll or use their reaction to add it to their AC against an attack.
• Extra Attack: Starting at 6th level, you can attack twice, instead of once, whenever you take the Attack action on your turn.

Bard Spell List and Recommendations

Best Bard Subclasses For Beginners In Baldur’s Gate 3

For beginners, the two Bard subclasses in Baldur’s Gate 3, College of Lore and College of Valor, each offer unique benefits.

College of Lore

College of Lore is ideal for beginners who want to explore a spellcasting-focused Bard. This subclass relies on knowledge, additional spells, and debuffing enemies.

• Cutting Words: At 3rd level, you can use your reaction to subtract your Bardic Inspiration die from an enemy’s attack roll, ability check, or damage roll. This feature is highly useful for controlling the battlefield and protecting your allies.
• Additional Magical Secrets: At 6th level, you gain access to two spells from any class, allowing you to pick powerful spells that complement your playstyle and fill any gaps in your party’s capabilities.

College of Valor

College of Valor is perfect for beginners who want a Bard that excels in combat while still providing support.

• Combat Inspiration: At 3rd level, your Bardic Inspiration can also be used to add to a creature’s damage roll or AC, making it more versatile in combat situations.
• Extra Attack: Starting at 6th level, you can attack twice whenever you take the Attack action, significantly boosting your damage output.