All Baldur’s Gate 3 Bard Subclasses Explained

In Baldur’s Gate 3, the Bard is a classic class with a few subclasses to help you craft a unique build in BG3. As entertainers, storytellers, and artists, Bards are often the center of attention. These talents come in handy on and off the battlefield as they charm their way through anyone. Whether you aim for a Bard multiclass setup in BG3 or want to go straight through, you must understand the subclasses. We’ll uncover each one so you come into your build with everything you need to know.

Bard Subclass List in Baldur’s Gate 3

(Updated on October 7, 2024 – updated links and format)

Before you can dive head-on into boss battles and fun romances, you must set up your character. For Baldur’s Gate 3 Bard players, you can choose a subclass at Level 3. You can create a good build if you go straight with the class or decide to make the best Bard multiclass in BG3.

Check below for a list of all the Bard subclasses:

• College of Lore
• College of Valor
• College of Swords

In Baldur’s Gate 3, the Bard subclasses all inherit the features from the main class:

• Dexterity Saving Throw Proficiency
• Charisma Saving Throw Proficiency
• Light Armor Proficiency
• Musical Instrument Proficiency
• Simple Weapon Proficiency
• Hand Crossbow Proficiency
• Longsword Proficiency
• Rapier Proficiency
• Shortsword Proficiency
• Any 3 Skill Proficiency
• Spellcasting
• Bardic Inspiration

Each of the subclasses boasts its own progression system and exclusive features. We’ll pick each Bard subclass apart to better understand them in Baldur’s Gate 3.

College of Lore BG3 Bard Subclass

College of Lore Bards take the scholarly approach. They excel in spellcasting to entertain the masses and eliminate their opponents. If you choose the College of Lore, you will have the following features:

• Cutting Words: 
  • Distract and drain a creature’s confidence
  • Creature receives a base of 1d6 to Attack Rolls, Ability Checks, and damage dealt
• Arcana Proficiency: Intelligence skill
• Intimidation Proficiency: Charisma skill
• Sleight of Hand Proficiency: Dexterity skill

Under this subclass, you will follow this progression:

College of Valor Subclass

Next in our Baldur’s Gate 3 Bard subclasses is the College of Valor. They focus on their storytelling, immortalizing heroes in epic tales. They’re also more melee-oriented compared to the College of Lore. Check out their features below:

• Medium Armor Proficiency: Won’t get a Disadvantage wearing Medium Armor
• Shield Proficiency: No Disadvantage when wielding a shield
• Martial Weapon Proficiency: Use Martial Weapons and add a Proficiency Bonus to Attack Rolls
• Combat Inspiration: Inspire and add +Id6 bonus to an ally for their next weapon damage, Ability Check, Armor Class, Attack Roll, or Saving Throw.

This BG3 Bard subclass goes with the Progression explained in the table below:

College of Swords Baldur’s Gate 3 Bard Subclass

As the name implies, the College of Swords heavily leans on melee combat. The Bard is still highly trained in the way of words. With this subclass, you gain numerous features:

• Fighting Style: Choose a specific Fighting style:
  • Dueling
  • Two-Weapon Fighting
• Slashing Flourish:
  • Melee: Attack 2 enemies at once
  • Range: Attack 2 enemies at once
  • Defensive Melee: Increase Armor Class by 4 if you hit and attack an enemy defensively
  • Defensive Ranged: Attack defensively and increase Armor Class by 4 if you land a hit
  • Mobile Melee: Push your target back 6m and teleport to the target
  • Mobile Ranged: Shoot a target to push them back 6m and teleport to them
• Scimitar Proficiency: When you use Scimitars, add Proficiency Bonus to Attack Rolls
• Medium Armor Proficiency: No Disadvantage when wearing Medium Armor

The College of Swords Bards can follow this Progression in Baldur’s Gate 3:

Related:

All Baldur’s Gate 3 Monk Subclasses Explained