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Role-playing games always have some kind of magical system that fits in with the universe, but many characters shun the arcane arts and keep their damage strictly on a physical level. There are plenty of character builds inBaldur’s Gate 3that don’t involve magical powers at all, but these characters are still able to use scrolls and cast spells, should they have some innate cantrips or added abilities thanks to equipped gear.
Some of the best DPS builds in the game are part of the new subclasses added in Patch 8, and they include the usual suspects when it comes to physical damage. Rogues, Rangers, and other fighting classes already have some of the most devastating attacks, and their prowess is even more impressivewith the new subclasses.
Any of the following suggestions can also be combined intoa single multiclass character, should players want to bring this up a few more notches.
Giant Barbarian
The Giant Barbarian is an obvious choice to start when building a devastating melee character, and focusing on certain details can make this melee classa force of nature. Unique abilities like Giant’s Rage, Boot of the Giants, and Mighty Impel give this subclass even more attacks and abilities that are ideal for fighting in melee range.
Swashbuckler Rogue
Elegant and Murderous DPS
The lore of the Swashbuckler recalls visions of pirates, bandits, or elegant tricksters that might be charismatic and graceful, but savage in battle. Fancy Footwork denies an opponent Opportunity Attacks, and Rakish Audacity grants this Rogue a +2 to Initiative.
Swarmkeeper Archer
A Unique Ranged Or Melee Build
The Ranger is alreadyknown for its versatilityand has become a more popular combination class. The physical DPS build still includes a few support spells that come with the class, and the special abilities of the Swarm are Reactions and are not dependent on magical abilities.
Swarmkeepers must choose one of three “Swarms” to aid them. The Legion of Bees is the only one that’s purely physical DPS, but for those who want a bit of magic in the build, the Cloud of Jellyfish does Lightning damage, and Flurry of Moths does Psychic damage.
