The launch of Patch 8 for Baldur's Gate 3 includes the addition of 12 new subclasses for even more unique character builds. This also gives the player even more possibilities when it comes to multiclassing.

Players will often use guidelines like common ability scores when deciding on different combinations. This means that the Ranger-Cleric multiclass is already a common choice, because these classes share Wisdom as one of their most important ability scores. The addition of the Swarmkeeper Ranger subclass and its extra abilities fit in nicely with the Tempest Domain Cleric, making this ideal for a melee character that also does a high level of spell damage.

Wisdom is the driving stat behind Insight and Perception, and both classes use Wisdom as their casting modifier as well. When the player adds the additional weapon and armor abilities, this has the potential to be a wicked DPS build.

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Baldur's Gate 3: Best Ranger Swarmkeeper Build

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The Swarmkeeper Ranger Tempest Cleric Multiclass

Building On The Common Ability Score of Wisdom

The Ranger-Cleric combination is a popular one already, and the addition of the Swarmkeeper subclass adds yet another possibility with the choice of Swarms. There are three types of Swarms available to the Swarmkeeper Ranger, and this build specifically uses the Cloud of Jellyfish, a Swarm that deals Lightning damage.

This naturally combines with the Tempest Cleric, a subclass that also has a variety of Lightning-based abilities that include reactions, cantrips, and other spells related to the Cleric's Domain. The result is a mobile DPS class with a high AC and impressive casting power.

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Swarmkeeper Ranger

Levels 1 To 4

Four levels in Ranger will give this multiclass character the basic skills related to the Ranger class and Swarmkeeper subclass, an extra Feat at level 4, and other handy abilities. Players will get one Feat and gain a Fighting Style before multiclassing to Cleric.

Swarmkeeper Spells

  • Hunter's Mark : Normally, this core Ranger spell adds extra weapon damage to an attack. With the aid of the swarm, Hunter's Mark inflicts even more damage.
  • Mage Hand : This useful cantrip can shove, grab, or push items and enemies.
  • Faerie Fire : A level 1 AoE spell that lights up dark places and reveals hidden objects and creatures.

Archtypes

Rangers choose a Favored Enemy at level 1. The best choices for this build include extra spells to further increase casting power.

  • Keeper of the Veil: Grants Arcana proficiency, one more free spell, plus the level 1 Abjuration spell, Protection from Good and Evil.
  • Mage Breaker: Grants Arcana proficiency and the True Strike cantrip.

Rangers can also choose a Natural Explorer Archetype at level 1, which gives them an extra resistance or utility. One of the Wasteland Wanderer options is ideal for this build, which offers the Ranger a choice between resistance to Poison, Cold, or Fire damage.

Fighting Style

The Ranger gets to choose one of four Fighting Styles at level 2. Almost anything works here, depending on where the player wants to take their Cleric. Defense, which improves the Ranger's AC, is a good default choice for a Fighting Style.

The Tempest Cleric gives this character proficiency in heavy armor, which means it already has a decent armor class and will be able to fight at melee range. Other Fighting Styles are connected to specific weapons, so it's ultimately the player's choice.

Swarm Choice: The Cloud Of Jellyfish

In keeping with the theme of the build, which is based on Lightning damage, this Ranger should choose the Cloud of Jellyfish as their bonded Swarm. This cloud always surrounds the caster and gives them extra damage, defense, and mobility options. All of these skills function as Reactions, so no preparation or saving throws are required.

  • Damage: Deal 1d6 Lightning damage to the target.
  • Teleport: Command the swarm to move the Ranger up to 17 feet in any direction.
  • Utility: Give the target Shocking Sting when they fail a Constitution roll.

Level 4 Feat: Elemental Adept, Lightning

The player can go as far as level 3 with the Ranger just to get the Swarmkeeper subclass, but it's recommended that they progress four levels to choose a Feat. Elemental Adept: Lightning will give this build the power to ignore any resistance their target has to Lightning damage.

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Tempest Cleric

Levels 1 To 8

Only Sorcerers, Warlocks, Paladins, and Clerics choose a subclass at level 1, making it another nice quirk of using the class with a multiclass build. It's also one of the reasons it's better to take a few levels in Ranger first before moving on to the Cleric progression. When multiclassing into a Cleric, choose the Tempest Domain.

Feats

The eight levels of Cleric include two additional Feats. Players can use them to improve melee combat and spell damage, but most of the best options include a buff to Wisdom.

  • Ability Improvement: Increase 1 ability score by two, or two ability scores by 1. Wisdom is recommended, but Strength or Constitution are also good choices.
  • Resilient: Increase any ability score by one and gain Proficiency in that score's saving throw. Players going for this build should choose Wisdom.

Power of the Tempest

In addition to the basic healing and support spells that every Cleric knows, this subclass has several unique spells and abilities. The Tempest Cleric Domain is connected to any powers connected with the storm, so that means Lightning, in addition to Force and Cold damage.

Features

Level

Effect

Wrath of the Storm

1

A Reaction that allows the Cleric to strike a target with either 2d8 Thunder or Lightning damage.

Thunder Wave

1

Release a wave of force that pushes back creatures and objects.

Fog Cloud

1

Obscure an area with a misty AoE effect.

Destructive Wrath

2

Use the Channel Divinity ability to swap out Thunder or Lightning attacks for maximum damage.

Gust of Wind

3

Can push creatures and objects back and clear pesky AoE effects like acid or gas.

Shatter

3

A sonic explosion that does extra damage to constructs, machines, and other types of inorganic material.

Call Lightning

5

The Cleric can use this spell to hit every target in range and then call on the same ability for multiple turns.

Sleet Storm

5

The Cleric can summon a cloud of frozen rain that puts out fires, freezes dangerous terrain, and interrupts spellcasting.

Thunderbolt Strike

6

Push even Large creatures up to 10 feet away.

Freedom of Movement

7

Cast it on allies or on the Cleric themselves, to release them from any movement-impairing effects and difficult terrain.

Ice Storm

7

A powerful AoE effect that deals Bludgeoning and Cold damage, along with creating an ice surface that knocks targets Prone.

Divine Strike: Thunder

8

Add 1d8 Thunder damage to melee attacks.
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Best Gear And Weapons

Focus On Wisdom and Constitution

Another major advantage of this multiclass is the high AC and array of weapon proficiencies. When it comes to customization, this is where the Swarmkeeper Ranger and Tempest Cleric combo really shines. Both already have proficiency in martial weapons, and the Cleric subclass adds Heavy Armor to the mix, so this character could even be a defender, depending on their gear. Some of the best gear options include:

  • Blackguard's Plate: Rare quality Heavy Armor that gives the wearer Advantage on Wisdom saving throws.
  • Necromancy of Thay: Successfully reading the forbidden tome gives a permanent +1 buff to the character's saving throws.
  • Khalid's Gift: Adds +1 to the wearer's Wisdom score.
  • Selûne's Spear of Night : Grants Advantage on Wisdom saving throws and Perception checks.
  • Cerebral Citadel Armour: Very Rare quality heavy armor that makes the wearer immune to being Frightened and also gives them a +1 bonus to Wisdom, Intelligence, and Charisma saving throws.
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Baldur's Gate 3 Tag Page Cover Art
Baldur's Gate 3
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RPG
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PlayStation-1 Xbox-1 PC-1
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9 /10
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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
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Genre(s)
RPG