The guide focuses on the best cleric in Baldur’s Gate 3, the Light Domain subclass, and includes all components to build a powerful character.
This build page has been updated for thePatch 8 versionof Baldur’s Gate 3.
Everything About the Cleric Class in Baldur’s Gate 3
The Cleric is a versatile class that can heal, deal with damage, or crowd control. While many think of Cleric’s as pure healers, the Light Cleric is a powerful spellcaster damage dealer. They excel at radiant area damage and have great utility for your party. This build selects the Light Cleric and optimizes the build for radiant AOE damage vs. a healer. We suggestLife Clericfor those looking to heal.
The Cleric class, in general, has various weapon and armor proficiency, giving you many options in builds. Moreover, you gain shield profienceny to equip a mace or a quarterstaff with a shield and increase survivability immediately. The downside of the Cleric is the weak mobility and bonus action utility. The Cleric can’t use their bonus action for many things outside of a few spells. Additionally, it’s harder for the Cleric to gain extra actions or cast two spells in one turn. With many concentration spells, a Cleric spellcaster will have to make sure only to cast one or forgo the previous spell’s effect.
However, players who want an offensive spellcaster that can heal or provide support on demand will love the Light Cleric build.
Light Domain Cleric Build Changes in Patch 8 for BG3
The biggest changes to the Cleric comes from new cantrip Booming Blade. This is helpful for a melee build, though theCleric Death Domainuses it best. The Cleric playstyle of healer, tank, or radiant damage dealer remains largely unchanged. There were some additional buffs to monsters that makes Tactician Mode and Honour Mode more difficulty, so keep this in mind when you are planning your builds.
If you are looking to maintain survivability without sacrificing offensive capabilities, the Light Domain offers a compelling alternative when multiclassed with Fighter. Its emphasis on radiant damage and crowd control, along with strong defensive spells, makes it a versatile choice for players seeking a more balanced approach in tougher encounters. We’ll include an alternative build below that outlines how to create a more tank-like build for the Cleric.
Cleric Features & Mechanics
The following list are key features andclassmechanics of the Light Cleric in Baldur’s Gate 3:
All Subclasses Explained – Recommended Subclass
TheLight Domainsubclass has a good balance of damage and healing with a focus on damage. It is the favorite choice of many players. Dealing damage equal toSorcerersorWiazrdsearly on in the game is hard because of the lack of versatile area of effects spells. However, the more levels you get on your Light Domain Cleric the more powerful you’ll feel. This class is extremely powerful and one of the best in mid to late-game combat. Whatever subclass you choose, the next steps will be similar, and the build slightly changes, so we suggest the Light Domain for the best results.
Here are all Cleric class subclasses:
Baldur’s Gate 3 Light Cleric Features & Progression
The Light Cleric subclass unlocks the following features and spells:
Character Creation for Cleric Build Guide
Race Choice for Baldur’s Gate 3 Cleric Light Domain Build
The bestracechoice for Light Domain Cleric Build in Baldur’s Gate 3 isAsmodeus Tieflingbecause you get a Hellish Rebuke, fire resistance, dark vision, and an extra Darkness spell. This helps with returning damage to attackers with Hellish Rebuke. The second choice isHigh Elfbecause you have extraCantrip,Fey Ancestry, and Darkvision.
When choosing a race for your Cleric, consider the racial traits that improve your ability score main stat. Each of these races offers unique advantages that can enhance your combat prowess, survivability, or utility. Additionally, consider the roleplaying opportunities and character concepts that resonate with you when using the Baldur’s Gate 3 Cleric Build Guide.
The Cleric’s racial choice will not influence ability score, but everyone should get a +2 and +1 to spend regardless. This frees your race choice up to not completely hinder yourself based on ability score, but race features. Each of these races offers unique advantages that can enhance your combat prowess, survivability, or utility.
Recommended Backgrounds For Light Domain Cleric
Folk Herois the BestBackgroundfor a Light Cleric in Baldur’s Gate 3 because it gives two Wisdom-based skills that help in non-combat situations. But if you want to make the most out of the build, Clerics should choose at least a few of the following proficiencies: Animal Handling, Perception, Insight, Medicine, and Survival. Those proficiencies buff your Wisdom which is your primary statistic. You can also invest a little more into a Dexterity bonus to increase survivability. It all depends on your first playstyle choice.
In our guide, we recommended using the Folk Hero background for the Baldur’s Gate 3 Cleric build. Additional choices are:
This affects only a roleplaying aspect of the game, so pick whatever suits your character. For example, you can access a special hidden dialogue option with Shadowheart if you pick Selune as the god you worship.
Recommended Skills for Light Domain Cleric
ReligionandInsightare the bestskillsfor the Cleric Light Domain Build because they are useful when encountering scenarios in the open world or through dialogue. In Baldur’s Gate 3, skills represent the abilities and proficiencies of your character that allow them to perform various actions and interact with the game world. Skills are associated with specific attributes and are used to determine the success or effectiveness of certain actions or abilities. They can be edited during character creation or with companions, during respec or reroll screen.
Here are the skills for the Light Domain Cleric in Baldur’s Gate 3:
Abilities Distribution for Baldur’s Gate 3 Cleric Light Domain Build
Below is the bestability scoreto unlock the full potential of the best Light Domain Cleric Build in Baldur’s Gate 3:
The most important ability score for the Light Domain Cleric is 16 Wisdom followed by 16 Constitution and 14 Dexterity. Wisdom influences your spells power and percentage to land while Constitution increases health and helps with concentration saving throws. Dexterity is also important and 14 gives us +2 to AC while wearing medium armor. The 16, 16, 14 setup is optimal for this Domain Light build.
During character creation, the game will automatically distribute your abilities in the character creation abilities tab. You will need to reprioritize the stats for the chart for the Baldur’s Gate 3 Cleric Build Guide Guide. Simply use the plus-minus in the character creator and ensure you have the suggested race, or the numbers will be off.
You can increase your ability score via a quest in Act 1, Act 2, and Act 3. verify to check out ourPermanent bonus guideon how you can boost your ability score through quests.
Best Companions for Light Domain Cleric Build
For the Light Cleric Build, we do not recommend another upfront damage dealer as both you and either Lae’zel orKarlachwill fulfill that role. The premise of the build is to have one to two melee fights with a heavy damage dealer, your Cleric providing support. Having range casters and damage dealers will help with crowd control, area damage, and burst at range.
It’s important to note that party composition and synergy play a significant role in determining the effectiveness of yourcompanions. Consider the strengths and weaknesses of each companion and how they align with your main character’s abilities and playstyle when playing this Baldur’s Gate 3 Cleric Build Guide.
Cleric Spell Slots
Here is a list of the Clerics’ Spell Slots as they progress:
Spells, Prepared Spells, and Cantrips
Here are the important Spellcasting mechanics we will be using in the Cleric Light Domain Build:
Cleric Illithid Powers
Illithid Powersis a skill tree, unlocked later in the game when you learn more about theMind Flayersand Tadpoles, with some very strong powers. If you decide to advance into it, you can collect jars of Mind Flayer Parasite Specimens, and consume them to gain one point.
Here are the best Illithid Powers for the Cleric Build:
Light Cleric Level Progression
Alternative Light Cleric Build
The best alternative to the typical DPS Light Clerc build is a “tank” setup that also multiclasses into Fighter. This alternate build focuses on debuffing enemies with Radiating Orb viaLuminous Armour. You can obtain this gear in Act 1 and use it throughout the game while maintaining decent damage with Spirit Guardians. Although this build can be more complex to master, we recommend it if you struggle with survival in tough fights.
At Level One follow our character creation steps above to pick all correct background, race, skills, and ability score distributions focusing onWisdom and Constitution. You want to use medium armour with Quarterstaff and Shield. The Cleric picks their subclass at level 1, which will unlock a massive amount of cantrip, subclass spells, and prepared spells. Your subclass selection will grant always prepared spells. So, if you see some on your quick bar or spellbook that you didn’t select, they come from the Light subclass. The Light subclass emphasizes spell damage dealing rather than support and healing. Thus, we will lean into those benefits and you should see those selections.
Light Subclass Unlocks
Read More –Top 10 builds for Baldur’s Gate 3
Recommended Cantrips
Prepare Spells
The gameplay at this level is using Guiding Bolt for damage. you may also use Shield of Faith or Blessed as a buff that requires concentration but not both. Inflict Wounds hits very hard all, and rely on Sacred Flame cantrip when out of spell slots. You can select Firebolt cantrip with the Elf race as well.
Light Cleric Gameplay & Priorities
During the early phase of BG3, your Light Cleric should equip a Quarterstaff and Shield as soon as possible. The Cleric lacks inherited mobility, but this can be remedied later in Act 1 with theAmulet of Misty StepandHaste Helm. Moreover, look to acquire the Elixir of Bloodlust and Potion of Speed. These two consumables can combine giving you extra actions and, thus extra damage.
Your overall priority with the Light Cleric build is the following:
Following these steps ensures a strong foundation, especially if you plan on playingsoloor onHonour Modedifficulty.
Level 1 Light Cleric Spells: Cure Wounds, Inflict Wounds, Guiding Bolt, and Shield of Faith.
Read More –Baldur’s Gate 3 Shadow Magic Sorcerer Build
You’ll receive an extra spell slot, so you’ll be able to cast an extra spell before requiring a long rest. Also, at level 2, you can prepare 5 spells, and you get the Channel Divinity charges. The gameplay stays the same for the most part, adding Radiance of the Dawn, which gives you a damage boost. Turn Undead can be handy in specific fights. The Command spell is great for crowd control, use it to drop opponents’ weapons or put them in prone status effect.
Subclass Unlocks:
Prepare New Spells:
Use Turn Undead in fights where it’s just Undead. This won’t be used much, but during Undead Fights, you can do a massive amount of damage, and crowd control a huge group.
Level 2 Light Cleric Spells: Guiding Bolt, Inflict Wounds, Shield of Faith, Cure Wounds, Command
Similarly, you’ll get an additional spell slot, and some spells will be available as level 2 spells. Higher-level spells deal more damage, and their effects last longer. So take advantage of it as soon as you get access to those at level 3.
Prepare New Spell:
Use Spiritual Weapon on turn one with a bonus action, then either Bless or Guiding Bolt with your action. Bless is more a group utility spell but is still powerful as a damage dealer.
Level 3 Light Cleric Spells: Guiding Bolt, Inflict Wounds, Shield of Faith, Cure Wounds, Command, Spiritual Weapon
At level four, the Cleric gets one cantrip, one more prepared spell, and a feat or ability improvement. We suggest you increase your ability score Wisdom by 2, because you will now hit 18 and be able to prepare an extra spell. Gameplay at this level doesn’t change much, expect more damage and healing with a higher ability score.
RecommendedFeat:
Prepare New Cantrip:
Consider Hold Person as a good option if you don’t use Blessed Frequently. This is because both require concentration. At these early levels, the Light Cleric seems to lack luster because lack of area damage spells. That will improve drastically next level!
Level 4 Light Cleric Spells: Guiding Bolt, Inflict Wounds, Shield of Faith, Cure Wounds, Command, Spiritual Weapon, Lesser Restoration
At level five, the Light Cleric gets two free spells via your subclass and you get to pick a level 3 spell. The best healing option here is Mass Healing Word because it’s massive AOE healing and requires a bonus Action rather than an action.
Level 5 Gameplay Light Cleric
At this level, you should feel a massive boost in power. You will gain access to two powerful area-based damage spells, Fireball and Glyph of Warding. Fireball is one of the top damage spells that can be upcast. Meaning, you can spell higher-level spell slots later in leveling to do even more damage. The glyph of warding is useful because you can pick the element type. This is helpful when enemies are resistant to fire or vulnerable to cold, etc. Moreover, make sure you don’t include friendly allies in your area radius. They too will take damage, so adjust your circle when casting.
Additionally, Destroy Undead now makes Turn Undead much more powerful. They will essentially take a lot of Radiant Damage. Therefore, you prioritizeLuminous Armourduring Act 1. This creates a Radiant Shockwave and debuffs enemies for an ultra-powerful combination.
Level 5 Light Cleric Spells: Guiding Bolt, Inflict Wounds, Shield of Faith, Cure Wounds, Command, Spiritual Weapon, Lesser Restoration, Glyph of Warding, Mass Healing Word
At level six for a Light Cleric, you gain another level 3 spell, and Improved warding Flare. Start with summoning Spiritual Weapon with bonus action on the first turn. Usually cast Fireball to the stacked enemies or use Guiding Bolt on the strongest enemy. Use Mass Healing Word and Cure Wounds for healing if necessary.
Ending Act 1 as a Light Cleric
Around Level 6, you should be close to transitioning out of Act 1. Be sure to check traders and stock up on camp and alchemy supplies. Additionally, ensure to look over thebest Act 1 items. Furthermore, there are alsopermanent bonusesyou don’t want to miss in Act 1. Finally, theGrymforgehas powerful armor and weapons (Adamantine) that can be used well into Act 3. Consider taking the time to collect the crafting items before moving on to Act 2, where you won’t be able to return.
Level 6 Light Cleric Spells: Guiding Bolt, Inflict Wounds, Shield of Faith, Cure Wounds, Command, Spiritual Weapon, Lesser Restoration, Glyph of Warding, Mass Healing Word, Speak with the Dead
At level 7, the Light Cleric gains one level 4 spell slot and two subclass-specific spells. The first turn is crucial, try to cast Spiritual Weapon and the Fireball. Then, you go into priority mode emphasizing healing if you don’t have another dedicated healer in a group or damage if your team is in good condition. Also, utilize Glyph of Warding for area damage and Guiding Bolt for a single target. If you need crowd control (CC) use Banishment.
Subclass Unlocks
Level 7 Light Cleric Spells: Guiding Bolt, Inflict Wounds, Shield of Faith, Cure Wounds, Command, Spiritual Weapon, Lesser Restoration, Glyph of Warding, Mass Healing Word, Speak with the Dead, Banishment
At level 8 the Light Cleric gets Potent Spellcasting, an additional level 4 spell slot, and a feat. Not many changes at this level, gameplay stays the same.
Recommended Feat:
Unlike Melee Builds, spellcasters have limited damage options. War Caster is a good feat if you find yourself always holding concentration spells. Shield Master is good for survivability, while Lucky is a good offensive and defensive feat.
Level 8 Light Cleric Spells: Guiding Bolt, Inflict Wounds, Shield of Faith, Cure Wounds, Command, Spiritual Weapon, Lesser Restoration, Glyph of Warding, Mass Healing Word, Speak with the Dead, Banishment, Animate Dead
At level 9, the Cleric gets two free spells, Mass Cure Wounds, Great Restoration, one level 4 spell slot, one level 5 spell slot, and an additional prepared spell bringing the total to 13. At this level, you have much better area-based damage and some decent healing. You now have two high-level spells that can be used with or without concentration and even better healing making this level a big power increase.
Level 9 Light Cleric Spells: Guiding Bolt, Inflict Wounds, Shield of Faith, Cure Wounds, Command, Spiritual Weapon, Lesser Restoration, Glyph of Warding, Mass Healing Word, Speak with the Dead, Banishment, Animate Dead, Mass Cure Wounds
Multiclassing Options
I also have some thoughts on multiclassing the Cleric at this level. At Level 9, the Cleric can decide to multi-class. This has some pros and cons and I’ve found it better to fully level the Light Cleric so you can reach level 6 spells. Here’s a brief breakdown of options:
Overall, the Cleric isn’t that useful to multiclass. The reason is, that you use Wisdom as a primary spellcasting modifier. Thus, Druid is the logical choice, but that class doesn’t unlock powerful subclass passives in early levels. The Sorcerer and Rogue/Thief give you extra resources, but sticking to just Cleric is easy, simple, and effective.
At level 10, the Life Cleric gets a class feature Divine Intervention, one cantrip, another spell slot, and another prepared spell for the Baldur’s Gate 3 Cleric Build Guide.
Class Unlocks:
Level 10 Light Cleric Spells: Guiding Bolt, Inflict Wounds, Shield of Faith, Cure Wounds, Command, Spiritual Weapon, Lesser Restoration, Glyph of Warding, Mass Healing Word, Speak with the Dead, Banishment, Animate Dead, Mass Cure Wounds, Great Restoration
At level 11, the Light Cleric domain unlocks one level 6 spell slot and learns one new spell for a total of 15 prepared spells.
Here you get only one spell slot and will not gain an additional spell slot. There are two Quarterstaves that bypass this issue in Act 3: theStaff of SpellpowerorMarkoheshki. With either of these quarterstaves, you can negate a spell slot, essentially cheesing two level 6 spell slots.
Light Cleric Prepared Spells: Guiding Bolt, Inflict Wounds, Shield of Faith, Cure Wounds, Command, Spiritual Weapon, Lesser Restoration, Glyph of Warding, Mass Healing Word, Speak with the Dead, Banishment, Animate Dead, Mass Cure Wounds, Great Restoration, Planar Ally
At this level, two amazing spells last until a long rest Planar Ally and Heroes’ Feast. Pick Planar Ally at this level and summon a Deva which has good health, high movement speed, and big damage. The best part of the Planar Ally is it stacks with other summons, thus you’re able to have a little team roaming with you until a long rest! Free damage, utility, and distractions.
Also regarding gear, you may be able to collect Helldusk Armour which is considered the best. This Light Cleric does not get Heavy Armour proficiency, however, that Armour will allow you to use the heavy chest piece. Make that a priority when reaching Act 3 later game content.
You’ve hit maximum level with the Baldur’s Gate 3 Cleric Build Guide! At this level, you should feel very powerful using multiple summons creatures. The Light Cleric is a valuable damage dealer and you can heal or buff your team with a decent spell combination.
Make sure to check the below section for gear to collect and use while playing the Baldur’s Gate 3 Cleric Build Guide.
Level 12 Light Cleric Spells: Guiding Bolt, Inflict Wounds, Shield of Faith, Cure Wounds, Command, Spiritual Weapon, Lesser Restoration, Glyph of Warding, Mass Healing Word, Speak with the Dead, Banishment, Animate Dead, Mass Cure Wounds, Great Restoration, Planar Ally, Heroes’ Feast, Beacon of Hope
Best Gear for Baldur’s Gate 3 Cleric Light Domain Build
Beginner: Act 1
Below is the best beginner gear for the Cleric Light Domain Class in Baldur’s Gate 3:
Below is the Best Act 1 Armour, Weapons, and Equipment for the Light Cleric in BG3:
Advanced: Act 3 End Game
The following table presents the best advanced and end-game gear for Cleric Light Domain Build in Baldur’s Gate 3:
Below are the Best Act 3 Armour, Weapons, and Equipment for the Light Cleric in BG3:
Best Consumable Items and Potions
Consumablesare items that can be used once and then destroyed. They are typically used to restore health or other resources. Some common types of consumables include potions, scrolls, food, drinks, and arrows.
The following list represents the best individual use consumable items that will aid in the Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Cleric Light Domain Build Guide:
Permanent Bonuses
Throughout Baldur’s Gate 3, you will have the ability to gain permanent bonuses to your character. These can grant additional spells, ability scores, and other bonuses. Permanent Bonuses are not displayed throughout the campaign but are vital to increase overall combat performance. We have all permanent bonuses here in a guide, but the most important ones for you to collect are listed below.
Best Permanent Bonuses for Light Domain Cleric in Baldur’s Gate 3
Light Domain Cleric Gameplay Tips and Tricks
Here are 10 gameplay, combat tips, and tricks for using the Cleric in Baldur’s Gate 3:
Remember, this build guide serves as a foundation, adapt it to match your gameplay and playstyle. Enjoy playing using our formidable Baldur’s Gate 3 Cleric Build Guide!
Cleric Class Changes in Patch 7 for BG3
The Cleric Class received no changes in Patch 7 of BG3. Most builds, combat, and gameplay elements remained untouched, so if you are familiar with the class, almost all remain the same.
Larian Studios’ main focus in this patch ismods. The game now features amodding toolkitand anin-game mod manager, allowing players to create and install mods directly within the game. This update is intended to hand over creative control to the community, enabling players to produce unique content and continue the story in new ways. This best Cleric Build Guide remains unchanged, mainly in Baldur’s Gate 3 Patch 7.
Baldur’s Gate 3 Cleric Build Summary Guide
If you followed the guide, this is how your Baldur’s Gate 3 Cleric Build Guide should look:
Q1. Which cleric subclass is the best in BG3?
Light Domain, Life Domain, and Tempest Domain are among the best Cleric subclasses in BG3.
Q2. What is the best species for a cleric in BG3?
While it mostly depends on your subclass, you should be picking races that boost your Wisdom, Utility, and Durability. Some good picks can be Gold Dwarf and Wood Elf.
Q3. What are the best classes to mix with Cleric in BG3?
The best classes to multiclass with Cleric in BG3 are Cleric and Sorcerer, as they provide the best control, healing, and damage.
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