Bard - Baldur's Gate III Guide - IGN (2024)

Bard is a playable class in Baldur’s Gate 3. This guide will provide an overview of this charismatic class, including Bard subclass options, class features, and class actions in BG3.

“You know music is more than a fancy - it is power. Through study and adventure, you have mastered song, speech, and the magic within.”

Bard Class Features

Class features are benefits to your character. As a Bard, you gain the following class features:

• Bardic Inspiration: Inspire an ally to add a +1d6 bonus to their next Attack Roll, Ability Check, or Saving Throw.
• Level 1 Spell Slots Unlocked: You gain 2 level 1 spell slot(s), which are restored on a Long Rest.

Bard Cantrips

Cantrips are spells that can be cast at will without using a spell slot. At character creation, choose two of the following available Cantrips:

Bard Spells

Your chosen Class must prepare spells before using them. Prepare four of the following Level 1 Spells:

Starting Instrument

Pick the instrument you’d like to use. It will influence the soundscape when you cast spells, and can be changed later by equipping a different instrument.

Bard Proficiencies

Weapon and armour proficiencies do not impose disadvantage on Attack rolls or prevent the casting of spells.

Bards are proficient with the following Weapons:

• Simple Weapons
• Hand Crossbows
• Longswords
• Rapiers
• Shortswords

Bards are proficient with the following Armour:

• Light Armour

Additionally, Bards may choose three skill proficiencies from the list below. You cannot choose a skill that already has proficiency from your Background or Race.

• Athletics
• Acrobatics
• Sleight of Hand
• Stealth
• Arcana
• History
• Investigation
• Nature
• Religion
• Animal Handling
• Insight
• Medicine
• Perception
• Deception
• Intimidation
• Performance
• Persuasion

Skill proficiency adds a bonus to those skill checks, making you more likely to succeed.

Best Feats for Bards

The Bard excels at versatility first and foremost. It's the class with the most utility, much of which takes place outside of combat. The following are the best feats to help you get the most out of your Bard.

Bard Subclasses

At level 3, choose one of the following subclasses:

• Lore
• Valour
• Swords

Lore Features

"You pursue beauty and truth, collecting knowledge from scholarly tomes to peasants' tales, and use your gifts to hold both audiences and enemies spellbound."

In addition to Bard class features, Lore has the following subclass features:

• Additional Proficiencies: Gain Proficiency in Arcana, Intimidation, and Sleight of Hand.
• Cutting Words: Use your wit to distract a creature and sap its confidence.

Valour Features

"You wander the land to witness and relate the deeds of the mighty, keeping alive the memory of heroes of the past and inspiring heroes of the future."

In addition to Bard class features, Valour has the following subclass feature:

• Combat Inspiration: Inspire an ally to add a +1d6 bonus to their next Attack Roll, Ability Check, Saving Throw, weapon damage, or Armour Class.
• Additional Proficiencies: Martial Weapons, Medium Armour, Shields

Swords Features

"A highly trained and skilled warrior, you use your prowess with words and weapons to fight and entertain in equal measure."

In addition to Bard class features, Swords has the following subclass features:

• Slashing Flourish (Melee): Attack up to 2 enemies at once.
• Slashing Flourish (Ranged): Attack up to 2 enemies at once.
• Defensive Flourish (Melee): Attack defensively, increasing your Armour Class by 4 if you hit.
• Defensive Flourish (Ranged): Attack defensively, increasing your Armour Class by 4 if you hit.
• Mobile Flourish (Melee): Thrust your weapon with enough force to push your target back 6m. Afterwards, you can Teleport to the target.
• Mobile Flourish (Ranged): Shoot a target with enough force to push it back 6m. Afterwards, you can Teleport to the target.
• Additional Proficiencies: Scimitars, Medium Armour