
Nature Cleric Build - Mielikki's Emissary - Baldur's Gate 3 (BG3)
Contents
Nature Domain Cleric Build - Mielikki's Emissary
Nature Domain is a truly overlooked option compared to very popular Light Cleric and Tempest Cleric Builds. It did get a slight boost in recent patches, making its Dampen Elements reaction very good in fights against elemental damage.
However, this also fits well if you are roleplaying anything with Nature. Taking Mielikki as a Diety just cements its position as nature's protector. Moreover, various nature-related spells - Shillelagh,
Spike Growth,
Plant Growth, etc. give the cleric a unique spin throughout the game.
Of course, as a Cleric you still maintain access to very powerful spells from its spellbook - Glyph of Warding and
Spirit Guardians allowing you to debuff enemies and ensure victory before enemies even make a turn. If things go bad
Sanctuary,
Healing Word and,
Mass Healing Word will be always accessible to help anyone in dire situations.
Sadly, for the late game, there is not much that Nature Domain offers, but Cleric's level 6 spells like Heroes' Feast or
Planar Ally are a great addition to the toolkit.
So if you are ready for some nature-themed build, let's go!
Class Contribution
The build mostly goes into Cleric to obtain all the core parts of the build. The sorcerer will provide some help with managing spell Concentration.
11 Nature Domain Cleric
- Access to control spells -
Spike Growth,
Plant Growth,
Sleet Storm, and
Grasping Vine.
- Unique reaction
Dampen Elements help to reduce damage from various elemental damage.
Shillelagh gives an edge in early-game combat with an option to improve damage based on the Wisdom modifier.
- Access to healing and support spells -
Mass Healing Word and
Healing Word.
- Can apply wet status for other casters with
Create or Destroy Water, helping to make enemies vulnerable to Lightning and Cold damage.
Spirit Guardians - the ultimate cleric spell, to debuff enemies, making them miss their attacks. To make the most out of it you will need some gear.
- Proficiencies with shields, medium and heavy armor, allowing to improve defensive capabilities further.
1 Sorcerer
- Provides Constitution Saving Throw proficiency which will help maintain spell concentration.
- Access to
Shield, which is an excellent cheap survivability boost if the situation demands it. The +5 Armour Class is a huge boon, allowing you to avoid deadly attacks.
- Access to a variety of cantrips like
Friends, which are especially useful if you are the main character, as you can win over some of the dialogues with low charisma.
- Unique Storm Sorcerer feature -
Tempestuous Magic, giving a huge boost in mobility.
Leveling Overview
Here is a concise table with all the main picks during your leveling progression. For more detailed reasoning, I go further in the article. Also, do not forget to check the recommended gear as it is crucial.
Level | Class | Selection |
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1 | Cleric 1 | Cantrips: ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Subclass: Nature Domain | ||
Cantrips: ![]() |
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Recommended Prepared Spells: ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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STR - 8, DEX - 16, CON - 15, INT - 8, WIS - 17, CHA - 8 | ||
Skills: any | ||
2 | Cleric 2 | - |
3 | Cleric 3 | Recommended Prepared Spells: ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
4 | Cleric 4 | Cantrips: ![]() |
Feat: Ability Improvement - +1 Wisdom, +1 Constitution |
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5 | Cleric 5 | Recommended Prepared Spells: ![]() ![]() ![]() |
6 | Sorcerer 1 (respec as first level) |
Cantrips: ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Spells: ![]() ![]() |
||
Subclass: Storm Sorcery | ||
7 | Cleric 6 | - |
8 | Cleric 7 | - |
9 | Cleric 8 | Feat: Ability Improvement +2 Wisdom or ![]() |
10 | Cleric 9 | Recommended Prepared Spells: ![]() |
11 | Cleric 10 | Cantrip: any |
12 | Cleric 11 | Recommended Prepared Spells: ![]() ![]() |
Starting the Game - Level 1
This section covers the creation screen and what would go into the best Races, Abilities, and Skills for the Nature Cleric build. Some of these choices are impactful as you cannot respec them.
Races
Picking a race provides various benefits - abilities, dialogue options, looks, etc.
Race | Features | Description |
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The race picks are very similar, the main difference is weapon proficiencies. However, the cleric subclass will already provide everything that you need. The most important aspect is the increased movement speed that you will need when using ![]() |
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The High subraces of elves can be useful as they give access to cantrips like ![]() |
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In terms of Nature roleplay, this is a perfect pick for the Cleric Build. Of course, as a smaller race, you will suffer from slower movement speed. |
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Why not? You are a nature protector, looking like a green dragon. What can be cooler? |
Class
Overview | |
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Clerics are representatives of the gods they worship, wielding potent divine magic for good or ill. | |
Features | |
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These can be used to cast spells and are restored each long rest. |
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Unique spell list accessible based on your cleric subclass. |
Cantrips
Cantrips | Description |
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The main damage cantrip of clerics deals radiant damage. Early in the game, it is underwhelming, due to low Spell Save DC, but later it can be a decent option when you are saving spell slots. |
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It can be used to light the area around you, but also deals 1d8 fire damage. This is a recommended general damage option early in the game |
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The most important cleric cantrip, which improves various ability rolls, works on yourself and party members. |
Subclass
Overview | |
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Features | |
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Access to a Druid cantrip and nature-related skill proficiencies. |
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Allows talking with animals. Generally, you can drink a potion for this, but now you can cast the spell from your hotbar, instead of opening inventory... |
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More or less useless action, in my opinion, has limited uses. |
Cantrips
As a Nature Domain Cleric, you can pick additional cantrip from the druid Spell List:
Cantrips | Description |
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One of the best early-game cantrips. Equip a ![]() ![]() |
Deity
As the build name implies, I recommend going with Mielikki. This does not mean that you are limited to it, but it does relate to nature and what the build aims for.
Prepare Spells
Clerics get plenty of good level-1 spells. You might not have enough slots to equip them all but don't worry, more will be available as you level up. Choose your preferred ones.
Spells | Description |
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The main, long-range damage spell for the cleric in the early game. |
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Excellent spell to keep on hand. It can be useful when allies will cast Cold or Lightning spells to double their damage. |
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If enemies are close to you, this is the go-to spell, which a strong damage rolls. It can also crit, inflicting even more damage. |
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One of the best control spells in the game, if you have a high chance of landing it. What makes it special is that it does not use a concentration slot. |
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Use this spell to make the ally untouchable, for example, if they have low HP, or you want to divert the enemy's attention. |
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The best healing spell, due to its cheap cost and ability to revive downed targets without wasting action points. Moreover, later with ![]() |
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This is an excellent spell, however, I would only use it before combat and in the early game. It loses value later on, especially with some excellent items you can get in Act 1 like ![]() |
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Excellent early game spell, that can be used to improve defensive capabilities. I would not use it too much at higher levels as you get better use for concentration slots. |
Background
Backgrounds are mostly for role-playing and you can pick whatever you prefer. If you want to optimize, then it would be good to pick backgrounds that are based on your ability points.
Background | Skills | Description |
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Folk Hero | Animal Handling Survival |
Both wisdom skills, that cleric can cover well. Fits, the build from a roleplay perspective. |
Acolyte | Insight Religion |
Insight is a Wisdom skill and Religion although Intelligence fits well with Cleric's theme. |
Guild Artisan | Insight Persuasion |
Excellent choice for the main character, you get Persuasion skills which help with dialogues. |
Noble | History Persuasion |
Similar to the above, but gives History skills. |
Outlander | Athletics Survival |
Mainly relevant for Survival skill which is wisdom-based. |
Abilities
Now let's take a look at the abilities of the Nature Cleric build. Correct allocation will allow you to maximize the early gameplay and get good modifier bonuses.
Ability | Value | Description |
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8 | Not relevant ability |
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16 (15+1) | Improves the initiative and Armour class bonus to medium armors. |
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15 | The constitution will play a major role in maintaining spell concentration and HP pool. If you will be getting Auntie Ethel's Hair, set this to 14, and put 2 points elsewhere. |
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8 | Irrelevant stat. |
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17 (15+2) | The main spellcasting ability for clerics. This should be maximized to have success with spells. |
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8 | If you set Constitution to 14, you can allocate 2 points here. |
Skills and Expertise
Overall, the skills should be impacted by your roleplaying and background decisions. However, you would still want those that will give you the best benefits. My recommendation would be to go for these, most relevant to the theme of the build:
- Persuasion - great if you are the main character.
- Animal Handling
- Insight
- Medicine
- Perception
- Survival
Leveling Progression - Levels 2-12
Here is the detailed progression for the Nature Domain Cleric build to get you started. You can use it as a guideline because early games can be daunting and overwhelming. Later on, once you get a feel for the class you can start picking your options
Level 2
This is where you will have left the tutorial area, and will start exploring the world.
Action | Description |
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Excellent against undead enemies, making them run away. |
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You can charm various beasts and plants. To be fair, this is mediocre Channel Divinity action, which has limited uses. |
Level 3
At this level the Cleric gets access to Level 2 spells, further expanding the spellbook. Moreover, new always-ready spells are introduced.
Spells | Description |
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I would disregard this spell. |
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It is one of the most useful spells from Nature Domain. This can be a death wish for many enemies as they walk through the spikes and chip away at their HP. Another thing is that many of the item effects can activate through it, like Reverbation. |
Prepared Spells
Spells | Description |
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I recommend being aware that you have this spell, as there are situations where it might be useful. It does not have to be always in the prepared spell list. |
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Excellent spell, that you can use to greatly improve the survivability of one of your party members. |
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Can be situationally useful, especially if you have an 80%+ chance to land it. This then opens up an easy way for Advantage and guaranteed critical hits from the 3-meter range. |
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Gives a good use for bonus action. The weapon deals okay damage and can act as a distraction. |
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Almost a mandatory spell to have by someone in the group. This can help with various ability checks and turn the tables to your side. |
Level 4
Level 4 brings the first feat, it will be a huge improvement.
Cantrips
Cantrip | Description |
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Especially recommended if you are the main character. |
Feat
Feat | Description |
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Ability Improvement | Depending on whether you picked:
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Level 5
This level is a huge milestone, and that is why no multiclassing happened before. Access to level 3 spells makes Nature Cleric an extremely powerful build.
Feature | Description |
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When you use ![]() |
The Nature Domain subclass also gains special spells:
Spell | Description |
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Generally overlooked spells, but it quarters enemy movement without any Concentration slot cost. Moreover, it works extremely well with something like ![]() ![]() |
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Extremely powerful control spell that is usually overlooked, because it does not have any damage. However, you can make enemies prone with it, cancel the concentration of spells, and cover an area in ice. After this, enemies will have to pass Dexterity Saving Throws to avoid falling once they start moving. |
Prepared Spells
Now, this is probably the most important section as you will gain some game-changing spells, allowing you to win many encounters.
Spell | Description |
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This is one of the strongest cleric spells, that will be your bread and butter throughout the game. It will be used to weaken enemies using the Radiating Orb status effect. |
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This can be useful throughout the game in case you or a party member gets cursed. |
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You can use this Glyph to apply various damage types and effects. For example - fire, cold, lightning, etc. The main highlight is Sleep, which works on multiple enemies and can outright win you an encounter. |
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Using this as a bonus action together with ![]() ![]() |
Level 6 - respec to Sorcerer Lv 1
Now, to further empower Cleric and its capabilities you will have to respec at Withers and pick Sorcerer as a first class. Here are the main reasons for this switch:
- Get proficiency in Constitution Saving Throws. This is important as it allows you to sustain Concentration on spells while being hit.
- Access to defensive spells like
Shield.
- Have the correct spellcasting modifier on items, which depends on the last class taken via multiclassing (it will be Cleric).
Class
Overview | |
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Features | |
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These can be used to cast spells and are restored each long rest. |
Cantrips
Take those cantrips that do not rely on damage as they will be using the Charisma modifier, which will be low for Cleric.
Cantrip | Description |
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This cantrip will be useful together with the ![]() ![]() |
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If you are the main character and do most of the dialogues, this is also a good choice as it gives an advantage during rolls. |
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Can be useful in some situations, where an ally might be in a pinch, and you have no good use for action otherwise. |
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Can be used to solve some puzzles and overcome obstacles. |
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Can be used to distract targets before engaging them in combat and pull them together. It is also useful for pickpocketing to move unwanted eyes away from your character. |
Spells
Spells | Description |
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Very good spell that can ensure +5 Armour Class giving a good survivability boost. |
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I recommend this spell. It is not very powerful, but it can be used to specifically hit a foe, with multiple attacks and using ![]() |
Subclass
Overview | |
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Features | |
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After you cast a Level 1 spell or higher you can Fly as a bonus action until the end of your turn without receiving Opportunity Attacks. |
Abilities
Reuse the same ones from the 1st level - STR - 8, DEX - 16, CON - 15, INT - 8, WIS - 17, CHA - 8.
Level 7 - Cleric Lv 6
This level unlocks one of the major features of Nature Cleric:
Feature | Description |
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A reaction that allows halving elemental spell damage. This is a great option for improving support. |
Level 8 - Cleric Lv 7
Level 4 spells are unlocked, also new permanent spells are added:
Spells | Description |
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Can be situationally useful, against some enemies, sadly it targets only one enemy and is a contender with other Concentration spells. |
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The spell was updated and now costs only bonus action. Moreover, it does not require Concentration making it an extremely useful control option to create difficult terrain. |
Prepared Spells
Sadly, there is nothing much to recommend. The spells can be situationally good. However, none of them will change the core rotations of Nature Cleric.
Level 9 - Cleric Lv 8
A new subclass feature is unlocked. Moreover, you can select one more feat.
Feature | Description |
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Allows you to select different elemental riders on your weapon attacks once per turn. This gives 1d8 lightning, fire, or cold damage, which can be useful in some situations if the enemy has weaknesses in one of these elements. |
Feat
Feat | Description |
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Ability Improvement | +2 Wisdom is the optimal pick here, especially if you have not reached 20 Wisdom with Auntie Ethel Hair. ![]() |
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This will help maintain spell concentration while being hit. Some items give the same effect, but these will most likely go to other characters. |
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If you constantly want to go first and avoid any surprise rounds, this feat guarantees that. |
Level 10 - Cleric Lv 9
Level 9 gives access to a few additional nature-themed spells and a new list of level 5 prepared options.
Spell | Description |
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Area control spells, that can impose difficult terrain and apply a decent amount of damage on targets walking through it. Works with ground control spells like ![]() |
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To be fair, did not use this spell much. |
Prepare Spells
Spell | Description |
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Removes negative status effects, that can be useful in some situations. |
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Deadly spell that creates a pillar of fire dealing both fire and radiant damage. |
Level 11 - Cleric Lv 10
Now you will get access to the highest tier spell slot - level 6, which will allow casting and upcasting some really powerful spells.
Feature | Description |
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Once per playthrough action that can be used to activate special effects. To be fair, I usually forget to use it, but it can be extremely useful during Honour Mode playthrough. |
Cantrips
Pick any cantrip, they will have a minor impact at this stage.
Level 12 - Cleric Lv 11
This is the last level, and the cleric will access level 6 spells.
Prepare Spells
Spell | Description |
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Buff your allies with temporary health points. This makes them more likely to survive difficult encounters. |
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Summon a companion, that can deal adequate damage and also act as a distraction. |
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Deadly barrier, that can harm multiple foes if placed correctly on the choke point. |
Maximizing Ability Scores
Now, as the build progression is covered there are a few aspects and important decisions you will have to make throughout the game. These will decide your final score for abilities.
There are two options here, first without Auntie Ethel Hair:
- First Feat - Ability Improvement - +1 Wisdom. The second point will go to the Constitution.
- Second Feat - Ability Improvement - +2 Wisdom.
- Act 3 - Mirror of Loss - pick +2 Wisdom.
Here is what you should do with Auntie Ethel Hair:
- Act 1 - Auntie Ethel Hair - you will want to get +1 Wisdom if you pick this choice.
- Feat - Ability Improvement - +2 Wisdom
- Act 3 - Mirror of Loss - pick +2 Wisdom.
These will allow you to reach 20-22 natural Wisdom, which is enough for a good Cleric setup.
Potions, Elixirs and Consumables
Let's take a look at what consumables you can use to further empower the build.
Potions
These are general consumables, and most of them are activated for a few turns. Potions are separate from Elixirs and can be active together.
Consumable | Description |
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Gives a bonus attack roll and damage. It is a good coating if you can apply it before combat. It is extremely useful early in the game with ![]() |
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You can chug this potion before combat, or during combat using bonus action. It gives another action point that gives an additional attack or one more spell cast. Sadly its duration is only 3 turns. |
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Can be used to get a perfect position before the encounter starts. |
Elixirs
Unfortunately, only one Elixir can be active at a time. However, the good thing is that they last until a long rest, making them very useful and economical.
Be sure to activate them before combat as otherwise, you will need to use Bonus Action.
Consumable | Description |
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Very effective elixir that gives another action point if you kill an enemy. I would say this is the best one to use to maximize your output through the turn. |
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Gain 3 stacks of Arcane Acuity. I would say this should be the most used elixir for higher spell success. |
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Another good choice that allows to better maintain spell Concentration. |
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Grant's a single level 3 spell slot. Could be useful in case you are preparing for a longer encounter. |
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Grant's a single level 4 spell slot. Could be useful in case you are preparing for a longer encounter. |
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For some encounters, you will want to go first. This elixir will ensure that it overcomes even surprise mechanics. However, if you have ![]() |
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Grant's a single level 4 spell slot. Could be useful in case you are preparing for a longer encounter. |
Illithid Powers
This special mechanic in Baldur's Gate 3 allows you to consume tadpoles and unlock special Illithid Powers.
At first, you can only use the base powers. As you move to Act 3, you will be able to unlock the outer ring powers.
Illithid Power | Type | Description |
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Base | Can help to kill an enemy faster if it is left with a few HP. |
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Base | A great way to weaponize your reaction before obtaining ![]() |
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Elite | Can be used to maximize the effectiveness of charisma-based skills if you have not done that. |
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Elite | Very powerful spell that can be used to pull enemies together. |
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Elite | Can be used to save yourself from a deadly spell. This is especially relevant as you will have a disadvantage on mental saving throws. |
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Elite | Remove the cost of spell slots or charges. |
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Elite | You can now use action and bonus action interchangeably, giving two full spell casts each turn. It's not as important for you, but it will help other casters in the group. |
Equipment Recommendations
Now I would like to go through some gear recommendations to maximize the Nature Cleric Build. Items are especially important as they take the build to the next level thanks to their unique effects.
Act 1
Slot | Item | Description |
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Extremely good weapon if you do not care about ![]() ![]() |
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This is a sleeping beauty of the build. It can be used together with ![]() |
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This is one of the best weapons in the game for a supporting class like Cleric. If you can precast its Phalar Aluve: Melody before combat, I recommend using it both to improve companion damage or attack rolls. | |
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If you do not care about the unique effects, this is a go-to choice. The bonus Armour Class will help you avoid enemy hits and activate ![]() |
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Gives bonus initiative, allowing one to go earlier in combat. |
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It provides a substantial defensive boost by reducing critical hit damage. |
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Gives a bonus to saving throws, easily accessible early in the game. | |
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A solid helmet that will deal 1d4 radiant damage if the enemy misses you. Moreover, it will also activate any reverbation effects from ![]() |
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Improves movement speed, allowing one to reach important targets easily, early in the game. | |
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- | Nothing relevant for the build |
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This is the best armor for the whole game. |
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One of the best gloves for builds that apply status effects via various damage sources. This will create Reverbation, increasing the chance of making the enemy Prone. |
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Defensive gloves that give damage resistance to those that the Cleric heals. Perfect combo to be used with ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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The best boots in terms of offensive damage. They will give Reverbation stacks when you apply status effects, for example, ![]() |
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One of the best boots, giving a total advantage for movement on difficult surfaces. It also gives ![]() |
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Excellent boots that improve movement capabilities, especially useful when you are running around with ![]() |
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The best cleric amulet early in the game. Use the spells together with ![]() |
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The best ring for a cleric early in the game. This will apply ![]() ![]() |
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Excellent ring that will allow you to move around more. This is especially useful before you obtain ![]() |
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The bonus Armour Class is a great boost for survivability. |
Act 2 - mid-game
Slot | Item | Description |
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- | Continue using weapons from Act 1, as nothing comes close in terms of usefulness. |
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Still the best bow, as initiative plays a vital role for Light Cleric. |
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The best shield for casters as it gives +1 Spell Save DC, increasing spell success. |
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What makes this shield amazing is that by wearing it you will be going first most of the time during encounters. This is a great way to apply Radiating Orb and Reverbation on enemies using ![]() |
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Adds +1 Spell Save DC improving spell success. |
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Because most of the enemies you come across will have Reverbation this cloak will further help to weaken those foes. |
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Improves survivability and Saving Throw success. You want to equip this cloak to maintain that good Armour Class. | |
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The best armor for clerics using Radiant damage. |
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Stil the best gloves for the Nature Cleric. |
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Alternative option, that will add 2 more Radiating Orb stacks as you inflict damage. | |
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Still the best boots in terms of applying various conditions. |
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Allows casting a ![]() |
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The ring's bonus radiant damage will help activate ![]() |
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This will help with building Radiating Orb stacks. However, with all the effects you will be applying, this might be overkill as you will already be proccing ![]() |
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Excellent ring that can be used to apply Mental Fatigue from failed Saving Throws against your spells. | |
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Adds another Dazed effect that can be procced after 5 Reverbation stacks are activated and Thunder damage gets applied. |
Act 3 - Final Build setup
To be fair if you are interested in doing the standard cleric strategy - Spirit Guardians, run around and debuff enemies, weapons from Act 1 are plenty.
Slot | Item | Description |
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The ultimate caster weapon. Generally, it would be taken by a Sorcerer or Wizard, but in case you are not using them, definitely try using this one with its unique effects. |
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The bonus initiative is an excellent boost to go early in combat. If it is not a surprise round, it is almost guaranteed. |
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One of the best shields in the game. Overall, it serves more of a defensive role giving advantages on Spell Saving Throws. |
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The best shield for casters as it gives +1 Spell Save DC, increasing spell success. | |
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One of the best headwear for spellcasters, giving +2 Spell Save DC. This can be contested by other casters as it is in high demand. |
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Improves Spell Save DC. However, the main caveat is that this cloak is in demand by all casters. |
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Provides an increased chance of avoiding enemy attacks with attack rolls. | |
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Still the best armor in the game. |
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- | Reuse the same gloves from previous acts. |
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- | Reuse the same boots from previous acts. |
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Overall, the best amulet for Cleric builds. Gives additional Channel Divinity Charge and improved Spell Save DC. |
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- | Reuse the same rings from previous Acts. |
Build Mechanics
In this section, I would like to dive deep into how to play the Nature Cleric Build. This will help you utilize it to the fullest and correctly use various actions and spells throughout the game.
Important Mechanics and Combos
Let's go through key mechanics and tips on how to use the build effectively. Nature Cleric has very interesting combos if you are willing to invest some time in the setup.
Shillelagh and melee attacks
If you have played Druid, you might know a sleeper cantrip - Shillelagh. It allows you to create the strongest weapon in the early game with a very simple interaction of
Torch. The item comes with 1d4 fire damage rider, and then
Shillelagh stats - 1d8 damage + wisdom modifier.
This makes normal attacks with the weapon extremely efficient at the start of the game, and activating it is easy - just costs a bonus action.
Healing and Buffs
The main misunderstanding about clerics is that people assume they should only be healing and supporting. However, this is far from the truth. In general, the best healing mechanic is just throwing potions, which is efficient, and cheap in comparison.
Overall, healing should be limited and in my opinion, used sparingly. My recommended spells are Healing Word and
Mass Healing Word. These are cheap to use and cost only bonus action, which does not interfere with your important spells that will be covered later.
However, the major highlight is that those healing spells activate The Whispering Promise ring buffing your allies. This is very valuable early in the game, so that your party has a higher hit chance, making combat easier.
In addition, there are other items that you can use - Hellrider's Pride or
The Reviving Hands later in the game with more defensive bonuses.
Spirit Guardians - Cleric's bread and butter
So the most important spell for Cleric is Spirit Guardians. With the correct gear that I recommend each enemy you touch, will apply various status effects like Reverbation, Prone, and Radiating Orb.
So you are like a running Beyblade damaging everything that you touch and also weakening their combat potential. Just remember the core items to make this work - Luminous Armour,
Boots of Stormy Clamour, and
Gloves of Belligerent Skies. There are some other options, but overall these are the best picks.
So the idea is to run around and have as many as possible enemies touched by your light. However, this might be limiting in some cases, where enemies might be on higher ground or behind covers. This is where the next step comes in...
Tempestuous Flight
Taking a level 1 dip into Sorcerer unlocked one of the features that will greatly improve Light cleric mobility - Tempestuous Magic. This will allow you to fly at the cost of bonus action, not use movement speed, and avoid opportunity attacks.
While flying any enemies you touch with Spirit Guardians, will be affected by it. This is an excellent way to spread Radiating Orbs and debuff most of the enemies in the combat zone.
Reverbation and status effects
The main highlight of the Light Cleric build is the sheer amount of status effects that you will be applying - Reverbation, Prone, Radiating Orb, Daze, etc. This can greatly weaken foes and make them harmless to your group.
The main highlight in my opinion is Reverbation. This at first weakens enemy strength, dexterity, and constitution saving throw proficiencies. As it stacks to 5, the enemy will get damaged with 1d4 thunder. This is finished by making the enemy prone if they fail a saving throw.
Once the enemy is prone they are easy pickings for your melee characters and waste their precious movement speed to stand up. To get these effects consistently be sure to use Boots of Stormy Clamour and
Gloves of Belligerent Skies.
Plant Growth with Prone and Other Spells
So I just covered Prone status and it is deadly. Now it can become even crazier. The thing is that to stand up enemies need to use half of their movement speed which is reasonable. However, you can quarter their movement speed with a very cheap and easy spell to use - Plant Growth.
Generally, you can run into a group of enemies with Spirit Guardians, later cast
Plant Growth, and move using
Tempestuous Magic: Flight. This is a deadly combo that will easily stack Reverbation, make enemies fall, and then leave them grounded.
Special attention to Spike Growth
So Spike Growth is an outlier spell out of many ground control options. Maybe this is developer oversight or maybe it was intended. The thing is, that many effects from items or other statuses pass through them, creating some interesting combos.
Callous Glow Ring +
Luminous Armour +
Gloves of Belligerent Skies +
Boots of Stormy Clamour - this is an extremely deadly combo, each tick of
Spike Growth will proc Radiating Orb and Reverbation. Make sure that those enemies are lighted so that
Callous Glow Ring procs correct.
- Lightning Charges - additional Lightning Damage on each tick of the spikes. This does require you to activate them. The easiest way, which can be done while attacking an enemy with a spell or cantrip using
The Spellsparkler. Thanks, Princeps08 for mentioning the Lightning Charges combo
Using different area Control spells
The interesting part of Nature Cleric is that it has access to plenty of area-of-effect spells. For example, you can use two types of controls, one for the air and another for the ground. So for example - Plant Growth and
Insect Plague, making the area inaccessible and enemies getting destroyed.
The strongest combo in my opinion would be Sleet Storm together with
Hunger of Hadar (that you need Bard or Warlock to cast). This outright makes enemies skip their turn and get damaged by the killing of dark clouds.
So the main two categories:
- Ground -
Sleet Storm,
Spike Growth,
Plant Growth,
Ice Storm,
Grasping Vine (be careful as it can get damaged by air effects), and so on
- Air -
Insect Plague,
Cloudkill,
Hunger of Hadar (obtained from other classes)
Early Game Combat
Let's cover how you should progress combat levels 1-6. This plays as a normal Archer, where you utilize mostly your weapon attacks and a few spells.
Shillelagh is your bread-and-butter attack for most of the early levels until you unlock level 3 spells. If you can precast it before combat. If not, that's not a problem as it only uses bonus action.
- For early encounters use normal spells like
Guiding Bolt and,
Inflict Wounds. To save spell slots I would prioritize
Produce Flame followed by
Sacred Flame to inflict damage if in need of ranged attack.
- If you can use
Bless to buff allies before combat. Once you get
The Whispering Promise, you can forgo the spell and use
Healing Word or
Mass Healing Word to buff your allies.
Create or Destroy Water is an excellent spell if you have other casters that use Cold or Lightning spells.
Spike Growth is a powerful spell to cover choke points, I talk about it more in the mechanics section.
- Once you obtain
Spirit Guardians use these to run around the battlefield and debuff the enemies. Check the equipment section for the items that work the best with it.
- Your bonus action has plenty of uses. The already mentioned healing spells,
Shillelagh but you can also summon
Spiritual Weapon, which can deal additional damage and distract foes.
Glyph of Warding can be used to put enemies to sleep without a Concentration slot. It is excellent if you see a few of them grouped up.
- If things are turning for the worse, you can always use
Sanctuary to save an ally or use it to flee combat.
Late Game Combat
Late game is where this build lifts off and can attack and cast spells on the same turn:
Spirit Guardians are still your bread and butter for most of the combat encounters. You want to weaken most of the enemies before they get their turn.
Heroes' Feast is an excellent spell to buff up your group with additional temporary HP and some resistance.
Planar Ally is another great level 6 spell. Sadly, you have a limited amount of these so pick wisely.
Spike Growth,
Sleet Storm, and
Plant Growth are extremely powerful control options. The latter doesn't use a Concentration slot, so you can use it together with other spell options.
Flame Strike is an excellent spell when you want to dish out damage, especially on the second turn, once you have prepared everything and weakened foes.
Build Variations
Here are some variations that work similarly and utilize the same classes at their core.
Setup | Description |
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A more caster-oriented setup with access to ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Conclusion
Thank you for reading the best Nature Cleric Build for Baldur's Gate 3. This has been one of the most enjoyable builds to make. The build offers a Druid playstyle with plenty of support and control. Moreover, the Diety pick offers excellent roleplay options if you are into that.
Cheers!
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