Baldur's Gate 3: A Closer Look at the Lacking D&D Classes and Subclasses

From Larian Studios, entranced both avid and casual fans of Dungeons and Dragons, the much-appreciated Baldur's Gate 3, integrates elements of a tabletop RPG like turn-based combat, elaborate character creation, and a detailed level-up system. The game embraces the essence of D&D with various inclusions, such as twelve distinctive D&D classes for a highly personalized player experience.

However, even with such extensive features, some classes and subclasses from other supplements are unfortunately missing from the available options. Here, we delve into eight of such missing pieces.

1. Unutilized Power - The Artificer Class

Arguably the most surprising omission is the Artificer class introduced to 5th edition(D&D 5e) in the Eberron campaign setting book. This class insightfully combined the technology of Eberron with the D&D's signature fantastical magic. The world of Baldur's gate hosts magical technology like ships that sail the skies, and making Artificer class part of the game would have allowed players to unlock these technological marvels.

2. An Unoffical Class - Blood Hunter

Though homebrewed by acclaimed Critical Role Dungeon Master (DM), Matthew Mercer, and yet to acquire any official publication, the Blood Hunter class has gained impressive popularity among D&D enthusiasts. Offering the thrill of sacrificing vitality to infuse weapons with extra damage, curse enemies or even craft mutagens would definitely have made the gaming experience more exhilarating in Baldur's Gate 3.

3. Way of the Drunken Master - Underutilized Monk Subclass

The collection of subclasses for Monks in Baldur's Gate 3 - Four Elements, Open Hand, and Shadow - misses out on the intriguing Way of the Drunken Master. They seemingly play the part of an intoxicated fool, only to dazzle their foes with their agility. This subclass could have significantly complemented the dice-rolling system, allotting considerable resources to cancel out disadvantage.

4. A Missed Flair - Swashbuckler(Rogue Subclass)

Rogues generally are portrayed as sneaky thieves or assassins in the shadows. However, for those rogues who want to be seen, stand out from the crowd the subclass Swashbuckler would have been a great fit. Unfortunately, this charismatic subclass didn't make the cut in Baldur's Gate 3 so it cannot be played.

5. Points of Divergence - Undead (Warlock Subclass)

The introduction of the new Warlock subclass - the Undead, to create a pact with an undead entity like a dracolich, vampire, or lich - in Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft would have added a spine-chilling twist to the game. However, this development was unfortunately overlooked in Baldur's Gate 3, which sticks with the conventional patrons like Archfey, Fiend, and Great Old One.

6. Ignored Mystique - College of Glamour (Bard Subclass)

The Glamour Bard, yet another subclass, trains in the magical lands of Feywild under creatures including satyrs, eladrin, etc., adding an element of whimsy and the charm of music and poetry to the game. This latent addition to the existing Bard Colleges in-game including Lore, Sword, and Valor, was one of the major oversights.

7. Potential Unleashed - Path of the Storm Herald (Barbarian Subclass)

Barbarians in Baldur's Gate 3 are not just about fierce attacks. In reality, literature suggests that they are capable of more, like summoning ancestors, communicating with deities, or harnessing elemental powers, specifically mentioned in the subclass Path of the Storm Herald. Ignoring this versatile class was a major miss.

8. The Miscalculation - Circle of Shepherd (Druid Subclass)

Circle of Shepherd - the subclass ideal for Druids who tend to converse with animals or summon them, was left out in Baldur's Gate 3, which only offers Moon, Land, or Spores Druid class. This interesting interaction between subclass and creatures could have contributed to interesting animal dialogue sequences, but unfortunately, this can only be experienced in real session D&D play for now.

In conclusion, Baldur's Gate 3, despite being a thrilling RPG with unique, immersive features, lacks the complete essence of D&D by failing to integrate the additional subclasses and classes evident in latter books. However, hope continues to burn bright in the hearts of D&D fans for an update from Larian Studios that may bring these classes into the game, making it more enthralling than ever before.