This guide focuses on the best Warlock build in BG3, Fiend 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 Fiend Warlock
The Warlock is unique in that it uses a Cantrip for its primary damage source and has light armour proficiency. They are simplistic spellcasters and play like a hybrid based on the subclass and choices during the leveling process. What players enjoy about the Warlock is their flexibility in weapons, armour, spells, and gameplay. Unlike a Wizard or Sorcerer, your Warlock can do well in various gameplay types and builds. Commonly, people play theSorclock, a hybrid, using both Warlock and Sorcerer. For this build, we’ve selected the Fiend Subclass. The Fiend gives a unique bonus when killing enemies, making it a highly survivable sublcass.
The downside of the Warlock is limited spell slots and the inability to swap them out outside of combat. Moreover, the Warlock doesn’t have access to Metamagic like the Sorcerer, so that bonus action utility can be an issue. However, if you enjoy a hybrid-style spellcaster who is simple and flexible, this build is for you.
The main focus of this build is using your powerful cantrip Eldritch Blast paired with Hex to debuff enemies. You further optimize the combination and eventually get complimentary skills for area damage, crowd control, and buffs.
Patch 8 Changes to Fiend Warlock for BG3
With Patch 8 of Baldur’s Gate 3, the Warlock class received a major boost thanks to the introduction of theHexblade subclassand the Booming Blade cantrip. This potent combination creates one of the game’s most versatile hybrid playstyles, blending spellcasting and melee combat into a deadly and efficient package. Warlocks still rely on Charisma as their primary ability, making them just as effective in social encounters as they are in battle. Therefore, ideal for players who enjoy both force and finesse.
These additions also unlock exciting new build opportunities. In the Level Progression section below, we’ll dive into a powerful multiclass build that merges the Hexblade with the Paladin. This variant leans into hard-hitting melee strikes backed by supportive magic, offering a fresh alternative to the more traditional Warlock builds focused on crowd control and area damage.
Warlock Class Features & Mechanics
While Warlocks can be powerful combatants, they are also known for their cunning and charisma. They are skilled negotiators and manipulators, and they can use their powers to get what they want, even if it means bending the rules or crossing moral boundaries. This is the simplest of the spellcasters in Baldur’s Gate 3 and is recommended if you want a high Charisma build.
The following list presents all the essential Warlock Class Mechanics and Features in Baldur’s Gate 3:
Warlock Spell Mechanics
Presented below is a comprehensive list of the essential Warlock Spell Mechanics in Baldur’s Gate 3:
Warlock Class and Best Subclasses
The Fiend is the bestsubclassfor the Warlock because it’s granted the special ability Dark One’s Blessing which gives them temporary health upon killing an enemy. Every class needs survivability, and the Fiend Warlock gets this by being aggressive and doing damage. Warlocks can select their class at level 1 during character creation.
Here are all Warlock subclasses in Baldur’s Gate 3:
Also Check:-BG3 Interactive Map
The Fiend Warlock Subclass Progression
Below is a list of the Fiend Warlock subclass progression, features, and spells:
Character Creation
Best Race Choice Warlock Build
High Half-Elfis the bestracechoice for the Fiend Warlock in Baldur’s Gate 3 because you gain an extra Cantrip,Fey Ancestry, Darkvision, and Shield Proficiency. A secondary choice is theHumanbecause you gain increased carrying capacity, skill proficiency, and shield proficiency as well.
The Warlock racial choice will not influence ability score, as race will 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. Additionally, consider the roleplaying opportunities and character concepts that resonate with you.
Recommended Backgrounds
Charlatanis the BestBackgroundfor 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. This choice mostly influences roleplaying and dialogue options aspects and allows you to create unique characters. Here’s a list of the best backgrounds for a Warlock:
Recommended Skills for Warlock Build
DeceptionandArcanaare the bestskillsfor the Warlock in Baldur’s Gate 3 because they complement your class abilities and enhance your effectiveness in various situations. 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 best skills for Warlock in Baldur’s Gate 3:
In Baldur’s Gate 3, each skill is related to a specific ability score and its effectiveness scales with the level of that score. You want to choose skills for your character that they already have a high ability score in. For example, if you want to have highPersuasion(which is used to influence dialogue choices), you need to have correspondingly high Charisma. Ideally, you want a party composition that includes a variety of high ability scores which can give you success in different skills.
Best Warlock Ability Scores
Below is the bestability scoreto unlock the full potential of the Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Warlock Fiend Build in Baldur’s Gate 3:
The most important ability score for the Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Fiend Warlock Build is 16 Charisma followed by 16 Dexterity and 14 Constitution. It’s important to land on even numbers and get at least 16 in Charisma for optimal spell casting.
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 Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Fiend Warlock Build. Simply use the plus-minus in the character creator and verify you have the suggested race, or the numbers will be off.
The Fiend Warlock Illithid Powers
Illithid Powersare unlocked later in the game when you learn more about the Mind Flayers and Tadpoles. You can gain jars of Mind Flayer Parasite Specimens, and consume them to gain one point. This is essentially another skill tree advancement with some very strong powers. If you decide to advance this skill line, these are the choices we suggest.
Here are the best Illithid Powers for the Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Warlock The Great Old One Build Guide:
Warlock Level Progression
Alternative The Fiend Warlock Build
For this alternative Warlock build, you’ll start with the Hexblade subclass, which immediately grants enhanced weapon and armor proficiencies. Perfect for a more combat-oriented playstyle. However, it’s worth noting that all Warlocks can still pick up the Booming Blade cantrip at Level 1 and unlock Shadow Blade by Level 3. This means that sticking with The Fiend subclass remains a viable option if you prefer its unique spell and survivability bonuses. Just be aware that without Hexblade or a multiclass dip you’ll face limitations when it comes to weapon and armor usage.
At Level 7, this build shifts toward a multiclass with Oath of Vengeance Paladin. This progression dramatically improves your frontline capabilities by granting Heavy Armor proficiency and stronger melee performance. Paladins synergize well with Booming Blade, enabling explosive melee strikes that deal extra damage on movement. Just remember: to benefit from Booming Blade’s bonus damage, you must use a weapon you’re proficient with. Otherwise, the cantrip’s additional Thunder damage won’t trigger.
At level 1, you should follow our character creation steps. Select the correct background, race, skills, and ability score focusing on Charisma and dexterity ability score. You want to either use clothing (no armor), and a Quarterstaff but mainly rely on ranged damage and not play in melee. Use this if you intend to play the build with Human or Half-Elf which gives a big advantage in survivability via a shield. At level two we get access to Mages Armour which will bump up ourArmour Class(AC) by a lot and make us more survivable.
Your Warlock will select a subclass at level one, pick two cantrips, and two level 1 spells. Below is our recommendation for a Level 1 Warlock in Baldur’s Gate 3:
Beginning Warlock Spell Selection
Subclass Selection
Cantrip Selection
Spells Selection
Warlock Gameplay and Priorities
The premise of the Best Warlock Fiend Build is simple, Hex and Eldritch Blast repeatedly. You leave your spell slots for Hellish Rebuke, which will provide a reaction. Further levels will optimize this and enhance the damage or add special effects. Further notes on Warlock From here out, you will have very limited spell slots and aren’t meant to use them likeWizardsorSorcerers. Rather, you want to use a couple, one for Hex usually, and then cantrips. You can also fill up your Spell Slots via short rest, so after every fight make sure to short rest to keep this build having the spell slot fuel it needs.
Your overall priority with this build is the following:
Following these steps ensures a strong foundation, especially if you plan on playingsoloor onHonour Modedifficulty.
At level two, the Warlorck will unlock more spells and Eldritch Invocations, which enhances your Eldritch Blast Cantrip. Upon reaching level two, the optimal Baldur’s Gate 3 Warlock the Fiend ought to perform the following actions:
Eldritch Invocation Selection
Spell Selection
With the above invocations, your Warlock will have better defense wearing cloth and extra damage with Eldritch Blast. Mainly Hex, Eldritch Blast, and cast spells limitedly.
Warlock Level 2 Prepared Spells: Hex, Hellish Rebuke, Armour of Agathys
At level three, you may pick one additional spell, choose your Pact Boon, and can replace spells. For the spell loadout, you want to replace the Armour of Agathys and Misty Step while selecting Mirror Image.
Spell Selection
Pact Boon Selection
The gameplay remains similar with the addition of a defensive spell and an extra summon via Imp.
Warlock Level 3 Prepared Spells: Hex, Hellish Rebuke, Misty Step, Mirror Image
At level four, you will get to choose between a feat or ability improvement and more spell selections. We suggest the Warlock do the following at level 4 in Baldur’s Gate 3:
Feat Selection
Ability Improvement: Increase Charisma to 18. This will help with damage and increase the chance of landing attacks. We will get another feat at level 8 and one more at max level 12.
At this level, you now have another powerful single-target ability, Scorching Ray. The next level will get some massive area damage and offensive potential will start to increase.
Warlock Level 4 Prepared Spells: Hex, Hellish Rebuke, Misty Step, Mirror Image, Scorching Ray
At level five, you will get access to another Eldritch Invocation, and one level 3 spell.
You will have some area damage with Fireball at level 5. The build will still center around a simple Hex + Eldritch Blast combination, but more variety though not at the level of other spell casters. The addition of Repelling Blast gives you a knockback which can be useful to knock enemies off ledges.
Class Feature
Deepened Pact: Blade pact holders gain an extra attack with their pact weapon. The pact of the Chain’s familiar also gains an extra attack. Pact of the Tome warlocks can cast Animate Dead, Haste, and Call Lightning once per long rest.
The build remains the same, use your spell slots limitedly, and short rest frequently. With Deepened Pact, you get extra spells that you may use per long rest and that adds a lot of utility. Haste is the best, giving extra action per turn to you or anyone you cast it on.
Warlock Level 5 Prepared Spells: Hex, Hellish Rebuke, Misty Step, Mirror Image, Scorching Ray, Fireball
At level six you get an additional spell to choose from. We suggest taking Counterspell.
Dark One’s Own Luck(subclass feature): Call on your patron to change your fate and add a 1d10 to an Ability Check. This is done via passives or reactions togglable on and off.
With the addition of Counterspell, you have two ways to return fire and or shut down enemies without it being your turn. Use Hellish Rebuke to return fire and Counterspell when you just cannot let a spell pass that will significantly hinder your team.
Ending Act 1 as a Fiend Warlock
Around Level 6, you should be close to transitioning out ofAct 1. Be sure to visit merchants and stock up on camp and alchemy supplies. Additionally, make sure to find 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 intoAct 3. Consider taking the time to collect the crafting items before moving on to Act 2, where you won’t be able to return.
Warlock Level 6 Prepared Spells: Hex, Hellish Rebuke, Misty Step, Mirror Image, Scorching Ray, Fireball, Counterspell
At level 7 you will get an additional Eldritch Invocation and another spell to choose from.
Warlock Level 7 Prepared Spells: Hex, Hellish Rebuke, Misty Step, Mirror Image, Scorching Ray, Fireball, Counterspell, Banishment
At level 8 you get a feat or ability score improvement. We suggest taking Lucky Feat and the spell Blight.
With the introduction of Lucky, you may use the reaction when you need the most damage possible. Like a big Fireball or Eldritch Blast and long rest to recharge this resource.
Warlock Level 8 Prepared Spells: Hex, Hellish Rebuke, Misty Step, Mirror Image, Scorching Ray, Fireball, Counterspell, Banishment, Blight
At level 9 you can select an additional spell and Eldritch Invocations.
Warlock Level 9 Prepared Spells: Hex, Hellish Rebuke, Misty Step, Mirror Image, Scorching Ray, Fireball, Counterspell, Banishment, Blight
At level 10 the Warlock learns an additional spell and unlocks a subclass feature.
You will need to activate the Fiendish Resilience which can be done outside of combat. This will stay active and you can change it. Slashing is my usual go-to unless I’m going into a specific type of encounter where I’m familiar with elements.
Warlock Level 10 Prepared Spells: Hex, Hellish Rebuke, Misty Step, Mirror Image, Scorching Ray, Fireball, Counterspell, Banishment, Blight, Cone of Cold.
At level 11 we can select one spell and another via the class feature Mystic Arcanum.
Since we get a free spell, we want to use another area-based one that does a lot of damage and doesn’t require a spell slot.
Warlock Level 11 Prepared Spells: Hex, Hellish Rebuke, Misty Step, Mirror Image, Scorching Ray, Fireball, Counterspell, Banishment, Blight, Cone of Cold, Fire Shield.
At level 12, we reach the final stage of our Warlock build! You get to pick a spell, another Eldritch Invocation, and a feat.
Ability Improvement (feat): Choose a +2 to Charisma taking us to 20. This will give you a great well-rounded Warlock that hits hard, has high survivability, and remains simple to play and understand.
Eldritch InvocationDreadful Word: you’re able to cast Confusion with a Warlock Spell Slot.Confusion: Befuddle a group of creatures, causing them to attack at random, wander around aimlessly, and occasionally skip turns in the stupor.
Dimension Door(spell): Teleport yourself and up to 1 adjacent ally to a place you may see. The ally cannot be larger than medium. This is a utility skill that can help transport you and your allies around in or out of combat.
Warlock Level 12 Prepared Spells: Hex, Hellish Rebuke, Misty Step, Mirror Image, Scorching Ray, Fireball, Counterspell, Banishment, Blight, Cone of Cold, Fire Shield, Dimension Door.
At a max level of 12 in Baldur’s Gate 3, your Warlock has everything they need to be a force. Here are some of our spells and what they are used for with your Warlock.
Best Gear for Warlock Build
In Games like Baldur’s Gate 3, you’ll explore the world, loot chests and your enemies’ dead bodies, and complete quests and all those activities can reward you with useful items, potions, armor, weapons, scrolls, and much more. Progression and finding new gear are part of the game, and you will organically get more powerful weapons during your journeys.
Beginner: Starting the Game
Here’s the best beginner gear for the Fiend Warlock Build in Baldur’s Gate 3:
Below is a list of the best Act 1 Gear, Weapons, and Clothing for the Fiend Warlock Build in Baldur’s Gate 3:
Advanced: End-Game
The following table presents the best end-game gear for the Fiend Warlock Build in Baldur’s Gate 3:
Below is a list of the best Act 3 Gear for the Fiend Warlock Build in Baldur’s Gate 3:
Best Companions for Warlock Build
A Warlock wants a melee aggressive Fighter orBarbarianmaking Lae’zeal orKarlachthe best choice. Shadowheart the Cleric, can provide crowd control and dealing. Astarion is the best at playing as a Rogue Thief with huge sneak attack damage. This will allow you to sit back at range firing off damage abilities.
Here’s a list of the best companions for the Warlock Build in Baldur’s Gate 3:
When putting your party together, considercompanionsfor not only their combat prowess but also their outside abilities and skills that can influence storytelling, dialogue, and exploration. A balanced party will fit the traditional RPG ‘holy trinity’: Tank, Healer, and DPS. Ideally, in Baldur’s Gate 3 you are going to want one tank, one healer, one melee DPS, and one range DPS. Some classes/subclasses can cover both roles, so feel free to experiment and find out what works best for you.
Best Consumable Items and Potions
The following list represents the best individual useconsumableitems that will aid in our Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Warlock Fiend Build:
Fiend Warlock Changes in Patch 7 for BG3
There are no combat, gameplay, or build-related changes to the Fiend Warlock in Patch 7 of BG3. The patch’s main intent was to introduce more modding features, bug fixes, and adjustments to honor mode. Patch 7 for Baldur’s Gate 3 was released on September 5th, bringing a massive update to the game. The developers added13 new cinematic scenes, including some new battle sequences with the Netherbrain. TheHonour Modeis also getting enhancements, with more legendary actions added to existing bosses, making the game more challenging.
However, 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.
Warlock Gameplay Tips and Tricks
Here are 10 gameplay tips specifically for playing a Warlock in Baldur’s Gate 3:
Remember, this build guide serves as a foundation, and you may always adapt it to suit your preferences and the needs of your campaign. Enjoy playing as a formidable Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Warlock Fiend Build!
Baldur’s Gate 3 Warlock Build Summary Guide
Q1. Can fiend Warlock be good?
Yes, the Fiend Warlock can be really good in BG3 if you are looking for a blaster, survivable caster, or a shrot-rest damage machine.
Q2. What is the best spell for a fiend Warlock?
The best spells for a Fiend Warlock in BG3 depends solely on your playstyle.
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