The Bard class is commonly a support role with spells to buff allies and debuff enemies while playing great tunes. However, the Bard is one of the most versatile classes in Baldur's Gate 3 and can fit many roles. Some of the most fun I have in Baldur's Gate 3 is with a Swords Bard Fighter multiclassed character. A Swords Bard Fighter is capable of having very high AC, high damage output, and spells that can heal or have very effective buff or debuff effects. Here is how you can create a Swords Bard Fighter in Baldur's Gate 3.
BG3 - Swords Bard Fighter Best Stats
A Bard Fighter multiclass needs high Charisma for spell attacks and conversations but also needs high Dexterity and Constitution. The Swords Bard Fighter can use attacks and can act as a front-liner with high Dexterity for attack rolls and Initiative, while a high Consitution will help with health and Concentration Checks.
- Strength: 8
- Dexterity: 16
- Constitution: 14
- Intelligence: 8
- Wisdom: 10
- Charisma: 17
Swords Bard Fighter Level Guide in BG3
To get the most out of the Swords Bard Fighter build, you will want to start off as a Fighter. You will get Heavy Armor proficiency, but you will miss out on a couple of skills due to not starting as a Bard, but you will still have plenty of skills leveling up. At Level 2, you can dip into Bard for the Bardic Inspiration and then take a second level of Figher next for the Action Surge.
Related: Eldritch Knight Build Guide BG3
Once you reach Level 3 of Bard, you will be able to choose the College of Swords, which will unlock the Flourish abilities, which are very useful for the build. You can then keep leveling up in Bard to unlock new spells and, at Level 6, an extra attack. Since you will have high AC potential with Heavy Armor and a shield, you can equip a finesse weapon and have plenty of options for combat.
Best Spells for a Swords Bard Fighter in BG3
Bards have access to plenty of helpful spells, some of which will be very helpful when using a Bard focused on attacks. Here are the best spells for Swords Bard Fighters:
Level | Spells |
Cantrips | Friends, Mage Hand, Vicious Mockery, Light |
1 | Dissonant Whispers, Tasha's Hideous Laughter, Fairie Fire, Healing Word |
2 | Cloud of Daggers, Heat Metal, Hold Person, Invisibility |
3 | Bestow Curse, Fear, Hypnotic Pattern |
4 | Dimension Door, Polymorph |
5 | Dominate Person, Planar Binding |
Many of the spells you will want will debuff enemies or control movement, so you will be able to attack with advantages against many enemies you cast spells on. Early on, Dissonant Whispers and Hideous Laughter can be used to keep enemies from moving, while Fairie Fire is a great AOE spell to gain Advantage on enemies and prevent invisibility. Experiment with different spells to see what works best for your playstyle.
For more on Baldur's Gate 3, check out Baldur’s Gate 3 Finesse Weapons Guide here on Pro Game Guides.