The fighter class progression offers a diverse range of character possibilities through its various subclasses, feats, and builds.
Regardless of the chosen subclass, fighters share core features and abilities that make them formidable combatants.
This progression guide outlines the key milestones for fighters, including gaining Second Wind, selecting fighting styles, and embracing unique subclass traits.
That said, making the most of a class is not the easiest job in Baldur’s Gate 3.
However, with our fighter class guide, you’ll be able to create a powerful fighter.
The Fighter Class Progression
Fighter subclasses make it possible to build different characters of the same class that play and feel completely different from one another.
That said, no matter the subclass you eventually choose, fighters share many class features and abilities.
Check the table below for the overall progression of a fighter.
| Level | Features and Choices |
|---|---|
| 1 | You gain Second Wind and select a Fighting Style Archery, Defence, Duelling, Great Weapon Fighting, Protection, or Two-Weapon Fighting. |
| 2 | You gain Action Surge, which grants an additional Action. You regain the use of it upon resting. |
| 3 | Choose Fighter Subclass: Battle Master, Eldritch Knight, or Champion. |
| 4 | Pick a Feat or an Ability Score increase |
| 5 | Extra Attack. From now on, whenever you choose to make a weapon attack, you can perform another one as part of your action |
| 6 | Choose another Feat or Ability Score increase for further customization. |
| 7 | Gain a unique feature of your subclass (check below) |
| 8 | Select yet another Feat or Ability Score increase |
| 9 | You now have Indomitable, which allows you reroll a failed saving throw |
| 10 | Gain another unique feature of your subclass (check below) |
| 11 | Another Extra Attack. From now on, whenever you choose to make a weapon attack, you can perform three attacks as part of your action |
| 12 | Choose a final Feat or Ability Score increase for ultimate customization and strength. |
- Action Surge: You gain one more action. You can use this action to attack or cast a spell or anything else that you are allowed to do with an action. If you have Multiple Attacks, using this action to attack will allow you to perform multiple attacks as well.
- Unique Feature: This depends on your subclass. You can see more information below.
- Indomitable: Whenever you fail a Saving Throw, you can roll again, using the new result instead.
Fighter Class Proficiencies
- Armor: Light Armor, Medium Armor, Heavy Armor, & Shields
- Saving Throws: Strength & Constitution
- Skill Proficiencies: Choose from Acrobatics, Animal Handling, Athletics, History, Insight, Intimidation, Perception, & Survival
- Weapon Proficiencies: Simple Weapons & Martial Weapons
Fighter Subclasses
At Level 3, players select their fighter subclass, fundamentally shifting their approach to combat.
While fighters might lack the sheer force of barbarians, or the burst potential of paladins, their adeptness at battlefield survival and front-line control make them invaluable in parties without melee specialists.
- Battle Master: Emphasizes a mix between good damage output and utility with maneuvers fueled by Superiority Dice.
- Champion: Offers a straightforward yet effective damage-focused path. This is the perfect fighter to anyone who just wants to move forward and swing a sword.
- Eldritch Knight: Combines evasive tactics with close-ranged spellcasting. Unlocks distinct magic abilities and a selection of spells from a subclass-specific spell list.
Eldritch Knight
The Eldritch Knight subclass, a fighter subclass, delves into the study of magic to complement their martial prowess.
Your journey as an Eldritch Knight fighter unfolds in a sequence of strategic choices and empowering milestones.
This fighter is not as straightforward as the Champion and can prove to be more complex than the Battle Master.
The Eldritch Knight’s Progression
| Level | Feature | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | Spellcasting and Weapon Bond | You can cast spells and can also ritually bind the weapon in your main hand. The weapon can’t be knocked out of your hand and automatically returns when Thrown. |
| 7 | War Magic | Cast a cantrip and make a weapon attack within the same turn. This synergy of magic and combat showcases the Eldritch Knight’s integrated prowess. |
| 10 | Eldritch Strike | When hitting a creature with a weapon attack, impose Disadvantage on its next Saving Throw against a spell cast by you before the end of your following turn. |
The Eldritch Knight’s Spell Slots
| Level | Cantrips | 1st Level Spell Slots | 2nd Level Spell Slots |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| 4 | 2 | 3 | 0 |
| 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 |
| 6 | 2 | 3 | 0 |
| 7 | 2 | 4 | 2 |
| 8 | 2 | 4 | 2 |
| 9 | 2 | 4 | 2 |
| 10 | 3 | 4 | 3 |
| 11 | 3 | 4 | 3 |
| 12 | 3 | 4 | 3 |
Best Eldritch Knight Builds
You can usually go in two paths, strength or dexterity. So, in many ways, you have to choose if you want to be a sharpshooter, a duelist, or an upclose tankish damage dealer.
Dexterity Based Eldritch Knight
Going the dexterity route lets you excel as a duelist with a rapier or finesse weapon and shine with a bow. This build stands out for its versatility.
It capitalizes on spells that relocate you, such as “Misty Step”, allowing quick escapes from tough spots and securing higher ground for better attacks.
Select cantrips and spells that enhance your finesse-focused combat. For instance, Enhanced Jump” and “Misty step”, as mentioned above. That way you boost your character’s mobility and positioning.
Don’t forget feat and ability score choices. If you are going for an Eldritch Archer type of build, “Sharpshooter” improves ranged attacks, while “Mobile” enhances overall battlefield speed.
Strength-Based Eldritch Knight
Choosing the path of strength empowers you to be the embodiment of sheer force. Armed with weapons like greatswords or war hammers, you thrive in close combat and command the battlefield.
This build masterfully uses spells that amplify your raw power, such as “Enlarge/Reduce.” By manipulating your size, this spell enhances both your offensive strikes and your defensive might.
Strategically selecting cantrips and spells can greatly augment your martial abilities. For instance, the “Shield” spell provides a critical layer of protection, reinforcing your defenses amidst intense clashes.
When making feat and ability score decisions, prioritize those that harmonize with your strength-driven approach. “Great Weapon Master” significantly bolsters your heavy weapon strikes.
Alternatively, if you opt for a sword and shield setup, feats like “Shield Master” can enhance your defensive capabilities and battlefield control.
It’s worth exploring different weapon styles:
- Sword & Shield: This offers heightened defense and a balance between offense and protection.
- Two-Handed Weapons: Embracing a massive weapon can deal devastating blows, though it might require more careful positioning.
- Dual Wielding: While feasible, it might compete with spellcasting due to the need for a free hand.
Multiclass Options for Eldritch Knights
There are many viable ways to multiclass an Eldritch Knight, but it depends on what you are going for, as it always does.
Wizard
1 level of Wizard is more than enough for you to be able to learn spells. You won’t be able to prepare many spells and cast high-level spells, but you do have more tools at your disposal.
If you are not that interested in having all the extra attacks of a fighter, 8 levels of Fighter will grant you two ability score increases and the “War Magic” feature. Then, you can go ahead and take wizard levels.
For this build, you will have to sacrifice your constitution for a higher intelligence score. However, if you ever come across an item that increases your intelligence, you can always respect your Fighter later.
Rogue
Merging Rogue and Eldritch Knight levels forms a versatile warrior skilled in both stealth and direct combat.
Starting as a Rogue grants Sneak Attack, dealing extra damage in specific conditions. Integrating this with Eldritch Knight’s martial abilities creates an agile fighter who strikes strategically.
This is especially powerful with dexterity-based Eldritch Knights.
You don’t need all the extra attacks from the fighter class if you are multiclassing with rogue. So, much like you’d do multiclassing as a wizard, go up to level 8 so you can get War Magic and a feat.
The other levels can be rogue levels for more sneak attack damage. That said, don’t take too long to get a level of rogue. You want those extra damage dice soon.
Paladin
Going Paladin is the best way to make sure you will be able to burst down someone as an Eldritch Knight.
A few levels in, Paladin grants access to Divine Smite—expending spell slots to deal extra radiant damage on hit.
This synergizes powerfully with your weapon attacks, boosting your damage output significantly.
This can also be devastating if you decide to be a Duelist Eldritch Knight with Sneak Attack and a Paladin’s Divine Smite.
Combining spells from both classes broadens your toolkit, making you versatile in various scenarios.
Barbarian
Integrating Barbarian levels with Eldritch Knight creates a fearsome warrior who wields raw fury.
Barbarian levels grant many hit points, damage resistance while raging, and a reckless attack style for heightened offense.
Choose spells that don’t require concentration or cast them before entering a rage.
This multiclass suits characters favoring melee attacks and savage encounters, capitalizing on the barbarian’s brute strength and the Eldritch Knight’s tactical edge.
Battle Master
The Battle Master subclass within the fighter archetype is a tactical and strategic combatant, relying on mastery of maneuvers to excel on the battlefield.
Battle masters employ a versatile and calculated approach, using their expertise in maneuvers to control engagements and outmaneuver opponents.
This subclass is probably the best one for Lae’zel if you are going for a two-handed sword build.
That way, you can after look for githyanki magic swords since they add 1d4 to the damage dealt when held by a gith.
The Battle Master’s Progression
| Level | Feature | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | Maneuvers Selection | Battle Masters gain access to versatile maneuvers that define their combat style. |
| 7 | Superiority Dice Increase | Battle Masters gain an extra Superiority Die, expanding their tactical options. |
| 10 | Improved Combat Superiority | Enhances the effectiveness of Superiority Dice, reinforcing their role as strategists. |
| 11 | Expanded Maneuver Selection | Battle Masters choose two more maneuvers, allowing them to adapt to various situations. |
The Battle Master’s Maneuvers
| Maneuver | Description |
|---|---|
| Commander’s Strike | Direct an ally to attack an opponent using an action and reaction, granting the ally an immediate weapon attack. |
| Disarming Attack | Inflict extra damage and potentially force the target to drop held weapons using a superiority dice. |
| Distracting Strike | Distract the target, giving allies advantage on their next attack roll against it. |
| Evasive Footwork | Evade attacks by imposing disadvantage on melee attacks against you for a round. |
| Feinting Attack | Use both action and bonus action to attack with advantage and deal extra damage. |
| Goading Attack | Deal additional damage and attempt to goad the target into attacking you, imposing disadvantage on others. |
| Maneuvering Attack | Inflict extra damage and grant a friendly creature half its movement speed upon hit. |
| Menacing Attack | Deal extra damage and potentially frighten the target using a superiority die. |
| Precision Attack | Spend a Superiority Die to add to the result of an attack roll. |
| Pushing Attack | Deal extra damage and push the target back using a superiority die. |
| Rally | Grant an ally temporary hit points using a superiority die. |
| Riposte | Retaliate against a missed melee attack with extra damage using a superiority die. |
| Sweeping Attack | Swing your weapon in a sweeping arc to attack multiple enemies at once. |
| Trip Attack | Inflict extra damage and possibly knock the target prone using a superiority die. |
These maneuvers grant the Battle Master a wide range of tactical options, enabling them to adapt to various combat scenarios.
By choosing the right maneuver at the right moment, Battle Masters shape the outcome of battles and prove themselves as true masters of martial strategy.
Best Battle Master Builds
Similar to the Eldritch Knight, the Battle Master offers diverse avenues for customization, this time focusing on weapon choices and maneuver selections.
By selecting the right maneuvers and matching them with appropriate weapons, you can shape your Battle Master into a versatile and effective combatant. Here are some recommended builds:
Precision Duelist (Dexterity-based Duellist)
- Weapon: Rapier
- Maneuvers: Feinting Attack, Precision Attack, Riposte
Embrace precision and finesse by choosing a rapier as your weapon. Employ maneuvers that grant advantage, enhance accuracy, and capitalize on opponents’ mistakes.
The Feinting Attack sets up strikes, while Precision Attack ensures hits connect. Riposte allows you to counterattack when foes miss.
Shielded Protector (Sword and Shield Defender)
- Weapon: Sword and Shield
- Maneuvers: Commander’s Strike, Disarming Attack, Trip Attack
Become an unyielding protector with a sword and shield. Select maneuvers that aid allies, disarm enemies, and knock opponents off balance.
Commander’s Strike enables an ally to exploit an opening, while Disarming Attack disrupts foes’ tactics. Trip Attack topples foes, enhancing battlefield control.
Mobile Skirmisher (Two-Weapon Fighter)
- Weapon: Two Light Weapons
- Maneuvers: Evasive Footwork, Maneuvering Attack, Pushing Attack
Excel as an agile skirmisher with dual weapons. Use Evasive Footwork for tactical movement, Maneuvering Attack to aid allies, and Pushing Attack to manipulate foes’ positions. This build excels at hit-and-run tactics, offering mobility and control.
Mighty Mauler (Great Weapon Master)
- Weapon: Two-Handed Heavy Weapon (e.g., Greatsword)
- Maneuvers: Menacing Attack, Sweeping Attack, Trip Attack
Unleash powerful strikes with a two-handed heavy weapon. Menacing Attack intimidates foes, Sweeping Attack damages multiple enemies, and Trip Attack controls the battlefield.
This build specializes in raw damage and battlefield manipulation.
It also works well to break doors when you can’t open them.
Tactical Commander (Sword and Shield Support)
- Weapon: Sword and Shield
- Maneuvers: Commander’s Strike, Distracting Strike, Rally
Lead through tactical command with a sword and shield. Utilize maneuvers to enhance allies’ effectiveness.
Commander’s Strike grants extra attacks, Distracting Strike disrupts foes, and Rally bolsters allies’ resolve. This build excels at supporting and inspiring your party.
These builds illustrate the range of possibilities when combining weapon choices and maneuvers within the Battle Master subclass. Experiment with different combinations to find the playstyle that aligns best with your preferences and complements your party dynamics.
Mobile Archer (Shortbow or Crossbow)
- Weapon: Shortbow or Crossbow
- Maneuvers: Evasive Footwork, Maneuvering Attack, Menacing Attack
Master mobility as a skirmishing archer. Evasive Footwork enhances your evasiveness, Maneuvering Attack aids your movement and positioning, and Menacing Attack intimidates opponents. This build allows you to strike from a distance while keeping enemies off-balance.
Tactical Volleyer (Shortbow or Crossbow Support)
- Weapon: Shortbow or Crossbow
- Maneuvers: Commander’s Strike, Distracting Strike, Rally
Lead your ranged allies through tactical maneuvers. Use Commander’s Strike to grant extra attacks, Distracting Strike to divert enemy attention, and Rally to boost allies’ morale. This build excels at enhancing your party’s ranged capabilities while providing support.
Champion Fighter
The Champion Fighter’s approach to combat is refreshingly direct. Your solution to complex problems is simple yet effective: hit them hard.
The philosophy revolves around the sheer force of your attacks, obliterating obstacles that stand in your way.
Many players like to use Lae’zel as a Champion Fighter, although I still recommend using her as a Battle Master.
The Champion’s Progression
| Level | Feature | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | Improved Critical Hit | The number needed to roll a Critical Hit while attacking is reduced by 1. This effect can stack. |
| 7 | Remarkable Athlete: Proficiency | Add half of your Proficiency Bonus to Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution Checks you are not Proficient in. |
| 7 | Remarkable Athlete: Jump | Increase your Jump distance by 3 meters. |
| 10 | Fighting Style | Choose another Fighter fighting style. |
Best Champion Builds
This fighter build works very well with anything, really.
This subclass is just not very complicated. You jump far, hit hard, and crit more often.
That said, having more attacks increases your chances of landing a critical strike. Therefore, Dual Wielding might be a great way to play Champion.
Dual Wielder’s Mastery
- Weapons: Pair of versatile or versatile finesse weapons
- Feats: Dual Wielder
- Mechanical Synergies: Two-Weapon Fighting Style, Improved Critical Hit
This build maximizes the mechanics of the “Dual Wielder” feat, Two-Weapon Fighting style, and Improved Critical Hit ability.
Choose to match versatile weapons, like longswords or scimitars, and exploit the “Dual Wielder” feat’s synergy with the Two-Weapon Fighting style.
This enables you to add your modifier to off-hand attack damage, elevating your dual-wielding damage potential.
Enhance this with the Champion’s Improved Critical Hit, expanding your critical range. With more attacks from dual-wielding, your chances of landing critical hits skyrocket, ensuring consistent high-damage strikes.
Execute rapid, calculated assaults. This streamlined synergy ensures each dual-wielding strike is a chance for formidable damage and critical hits.
Tailor this setup to preferred weapons and campaign dynamics for an optimized dual-wielding machine.
Archery Sniper’s Precision
- Weapon: Longbow or other ranged weapon
- Feats: Sharpshooter
- Mechanical Synergies: Archery Fighting Style, Improved Critical Hit
Forge a formidable ranged build by capitalizing on the synergy between the Archery Fighting style, Sharpshooter feat, and the Champion’s Improved Critical Hit ability.
Opt for a longbow or similar ranged weapon. Embrace the Archery Fighting style’s mechanics, gaining a +2 bonus to attack rolls. Pair this with the Sharpshooter feat, allowing you to take penalty shots for increased damage or extended range.
Coupled with the Champion’s Improved Critical Hit, your critical range expands, ensuring frequent and powerful hits.
Engage foes from a distance, leveraging the precision of Archery and the calculated shots of Sharpshooter to consistently deal substantial damage.
Adapt your approach to the campaign’s dynamics, making your ranged strikes count as a skilled sniper on the battlefield.
