The Warlock is one of the most front-loaded classes inBaldur’s Gate 3, receiving many of its best features within levels 1-5. While this makes it a great option to dip into when multiclassing, it can make building a strong Warlock-primary multiclass a little more challenging. However, there are a fewBaldur’s Gate 3classes that can synergize with a high-level Warlock build, combining features to create a whole greater than the sum of its parts.
One of these classes is the Barbarian, which offers several features that combine well with a melee-focusedPact of the Blade Warlock. While the Barbarian normally doesn’t pair well with spellcasting classes due to being unable to cast or concentrate on spells while Raging, the Warlock’s limited spell slots mean that players will likely only cast one spell per combat anyway. This means that thisPact Ragerbuild can open a battle with a powerful spell, then Rage and charge into melee combat to mop up.
Pact Rager Warlock: Levels 1-6
Players who want to build a Pact Rager inBaldur’s Gate 3should start as aBarbarian at Level 1for proficiency in Medium Armor and Constitution Saving Throws.Any race can work with this build, but theHalf-Orcis a particularly good choice due to the Savage Attacks feature.
When it comes to Ability Scores, players will want to aim for high Charisma, followed by at least 14 Dexterity and Constitution.Respeccing with Withersis cheap enough inBaldur’s Gate 3that it’s actually best to start with a high Strength or Dexterity score to serve as the main attack stat, andthen respec to focus on Charismaat Level 4.
At level 2, players will get tochoose their Warlock Patron, with both theFiendand theGreat Old Onebeing good choices. The Fiend comes with a stronger spell list for this build, but the Dark One’s Blessing feature can cause problems with Armor of Agathys. Meanwhile, the Great Old One has a more reliable feature in Mortal Reminder but also comes with more concentration spells.
Pact Rager Warlock: Levels 7-12
After reaching level 6, players will have unlocked 3rd level spell slots for their Warlock, and will be ready toswitch back to Barbarianfor the next few levels. At this point, players can either choose to remain as a Barbarian until they reach Level 5 in that class, or return to Warlock after reaching Barbarian 3. The first option is superior in all difficulties except Honor, as the Barbarian’s Extra Attack stacks with the Deepened Pact of the Blade, allowing three attacks per turn. However, inHonor mode, these features don’t stack. Thus, it’s a better idea for players to leave Barbarian at 3 in order to reach Warlock 9.
Whichever option they choose, players will also get to pick up a Barbarian subclass along the way. Any of the subclasses can work with the Pact Rager, thoughWild Heart and Berserker are the strongest options. A Bear Wild Heart can work particularly well with a Pact Rager who focuses on the Armor of Agathys spell, while a Berserker gives the character something to do with their bonus action.
Option 1: Level 3 Barbarian
This route,recommended for Honor mode,will take the player all the way toWarlock 9/Barbarian 3.This will grant them access to 5th level spell slots, the highest level that Warlocks can achieve inBaldur’s Gate 3. It will also grant them access to the9th level Eldritch Invocations, including Minions of Chaos and Otherworldly Leap.
Option 2: Level 5 Barbarian
This route, recommended for lower difficulties, takes advantage of the synergy betweenDeepened Pact of the Bladeand Extra Attack. These two features each grant an extra attack per turn, allowing the Pact Rager to make as many attacks in a single turn as a top level Fighter.
