Baldur's Gate 3: Why You Shouldn't Sleep on Eldritch Knight

Baldur's Gate 3 offers a great plethora of class and subclass options, allowing players to tailor their characters to fit unique playstyles. Among these options, the Eldritch Knight subclass for the Fighter is often overlooked or criticized. Dismissed by some as an underwhelming choice compared to the Champion or Battle Master, the Eldritch Knight has distinct advantages that make it a compelling and powerful option for players who explore its full potential.

In Baldur's Gate 3, the Eldritch Knight combines the martial prowess of the Fighter with limited spellcasting abilities, creating a hybrid class that can switch seamlessly between physical attacks and utility spells. While its spell pool is relatively small and damage-focused magic isn't its strongest suit, the subclass shines when paired with clever builds, such as thrown weapon strategies and buffs like Longstrider or Shield. Despite its detractors, the Eldritch Knight offers players a rewarding playstyle, blending versatility and power.

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By José V. Rossi

Baldur's Gate 3’s Eldritch Knight Thrives on Versatility

A key reason to consider the Eldritch Knight is its build versatility. This subclass excels at leveraging utility spells to boost survivability and mobility, with options such as Jump and Longstrider that enhance movement across the battlefield. Additionally, the Shield spell can turn the tide in critical moments, offering a substantial boost to Armor Class (AC) as a reaction.

Where the Eldritch Knight truly shines, however, is with its ability to capitalize on thrown weapon builds. Binding weapons to the character eliminates the risk of losing them, while bonuses to thrown damage rival or surpass traditional ranged builds like archery-focused Battle Masters. In earlier acts of Baldur’s Gate 3, before legendary weapons become widely available, this setup allows Eldritch Knights to maximize damage while maintaining their signature adaptability.

The Eldritch Knight Subclass Offers Strategic Spellcasting Options

Spellcasting may not be the Eldritch Knight’s primary strength, but it remains a defining feature. Unlike Battle Masters or Champion Fighters, Eldritch Knights can bring utility and control spells to the table. While their Intelligence score may be low to prioritize Strength and Constitution, spells like Magic Missile can still find use in edge cases where reliable damage is necessary.

The limited spell slots encourage players to be strategic with their spell usage. Instead of relying on offensive magic, spells should focus on enhancing defenses and creating opportunities for the party. This unique playstyle requires players to approach combat with a tactical mindset, leveraging their martial skills while reserving spells for critical moments.

Baldur's Gate 3 Exemplifies Choice-Driven Gameplay

The Eldritch Knight’s mixed reputation within the Baldur’s Gate 3 community serves as a testament to the game’s commitment to choice-driven design. While this subclass may not be the most popular or immediately powerful option, it embodies the freedom Larian Studios built into the game. Players who choose the Eldritch Knight are rewarded with a hybrid playstyle that demonstrates the depth of customization available. Such freedom of choices is arguably why Larian Studios won Best Community Support at the 2024 Game Awards.

As Larian Studios works on its final major patch for Baldur’s Gate 3, including the anticipated photo mode, the future of the series lies in the hands of a new developer. If Baldur’s Gate 4 materializes, the inclusion of diverse subclass options like the Eldritch Knight would help preserve the franchise’s focus on player-driven choices. The gamification of player agency is a hallmark of the third entry, and the Eldritch Knight’s presence reinforces this design philosophy.

Eldritch Knight Is More Than Meets the Eye

Baldur’s Gate 3 offers an abundance of options for players to experiment with, and the Eldritch Knight is a prime example of how creativity and strategy can unlock hidden potential. While it may lack the immediate appeal of other Fighter subclasses, it thrives in its flexible hybrid skillset.

Players who lean into its strengths—such as thrown weapon builds and strategic spellcasting—will find a subclass that stands toe-to-toe with the game’s more popular choices. The Eldritch Knight exemplifies the thoughtful design of Baldur’s Gate 3, encouraging players to craft characters that reflect their personal playstyles. Whether in this title or a future installment, it’s a reminder that even less popular choices can lead to powerful and satisfying gameplay experiences.

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OpenCritic Reviews: Top Critic Avg: 96 /100 Critics Rec: 97%

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Released: August 3, 2023
ESRB: M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence
Developer(s): Larian Studios
Publisher(s): Larian Studios
Engine: Divinity 4.0
Multiplayer: Online Co-Op, Local Co-Op
Cross-Platform Play: Full cross-platform play.

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Abducted, infected, lost. You are turning into a monster, but as the corruption inside you grows, so does your power. Forge a tale of fellowship and betrayal, sacrifice and survival, and the lure of absolute power. Caught in a conflict between devils, deities, and sinister otherworldly forces, you and your party will determine the fate of the Forgotten Realms.

THE ULTIMATE D&D EXPERIENCE
Choose from a wide selection of D&D races and classes, or play as an origin character with a hand-crafted background. Adventure, loot, battle, and romance as you journey through the Forgotten Realms and beyond. Play alone or as a party of up to four in multiplayer – and select your companions carefully.

A CINEMATIC STORYTELLING EPIC
Forged with the new Divinity 4.0 engine, Baldur’s Gate 3 gives you unprecedented freedom to explore, experiment, and interact with a world that reacts to your choices. A grand, cinematic narrative brings you closer to your characters than ever before, as you venture through our biggest world yet. Romance, deceive, aid, obstruct, and grow alongside your friends thanks to Larian's next-generation RPG engine.