In Baldur’s Gate 3, Fighters offer unmatched flexibility and power across a range of weapons and armour. Their subclasses define their combat style and tactical options. Choosing the right one depends on your preferred role: battlefield control, consistent damage, or burst-heavy offence. This guide ranks the Fighter subclasses based on effectiveness, versatility, and synergy with the game’s systems.
3. Champion
Overview:
The Champion is the most straightforward subclass, focused entirely on enhancing your physical capabilities. It improves critical hit chances and athletic prowess, with no need to manage complex mechanics.
Key Features:
- Improved Critical makes it easier to land devastating hits
- Remarkable Athlete adds bonuses to non-proficient physical checks
- Survivor (at Level 18) grants passive healing every round
Pros:
- Extremely easy to use, ideal for new players
- Consistent performance without reliance on rest mechanics
- Works well with multiclass builds like Rogue or Barbarian
Cons:
- Lacks tactical depth or unique tools
- Damage output and utility fall behind the other subclasses by mid to late game
- Misses out on active features like crowd control or mobility tools
Best Used As:
A durable frontliner for players who want a classic weapon-and-armour bruiser without much micro-management.
2. Eldritch Knight
Overview:
The Eldritch Knight mixes martial prowess with arcane utility. While its spellcasting is limited, the subclass opens the door to powerful combinations, including defensive buffs, crowd control, and ranged options.
Key Features:
- Gains access to Wizard spells from the Abjuration and Evocation schools
- Weapon Bond ensures you’re never disarmed
- War Magic improves action economy by allowing a cantrip and weapon attack in the same turn
Pros:
- Defensive spells like Shield and Mirror Image increase survivability
- Magic Missile, Fog Cloud, and Misty Step provide options melee Fighters normally lack
- Spell slots scale with Fighter level, so you can focus entirely on strength and Constitution
Cons:
- Limited spell selection compared to full casters
- Spell save DC is based on Intelligence, which most Fighters neglect
- Managing spells adds complexity without always offering big returns
Best Used As:
A tactical warrior who uses spells to supplement combat, disrupt enemies, and survive in tougher encounters.
1. Battle Master
Overview:
The Battle Master is the strongest Fighter subclass in Baldur’s Gate 3 due to its versatility, control, and burst potential. Superiority Dice fuel a range of powerful manoeuvres that can shape the battlefield, protect allies, or cripple enemies.
Key Features:
- Manoeuvres like Trip Attack, Disarming Attack, and Menacing Attack offer powerful control
- Precision Attack and Riposte boost both accuracy and reactivity
- Superiority Dice scale with level and reset on a short rest
Pros:
- Exceptional versatility in and out of combat
- Synergises well with high Strength and Attack of Opportunity builds
- Works with both melee and ranged weapons
Cons:
- Requires thoughtful planning and positioning
- Limited dice pool until higher levels
- Some manoeuvres are far stronger than others, leading to suboptimal choices if selected blindly
Best Used As:
A tactical commander or duelist who can adapt each turn to the needs of the party. Excellent with polearms, bows, or greatswords, depending on build.
Verdict
Battle Master holds the top spot due to its unmatched flexibility and impact in both solo and group play. Eldritch Knight brings something different and creative to the table, offering magical utility without sacrificing martial prowess. Champion, while easy to use, simply cannot compete with the options and impact the others provide.
If you enjoy high-impact choices every turn, go Battle Master. If you want to experiment with hybrid builds, Eldritch Knight delivers. Champion suits those after a traditional, no-fuss fighter, but in a game as deep as Baldur’s Gate 3, you’ll get more from the other two.
