
War Domain Cleric Build - War God's Priest - Baldur's Gate 3 (BG3)
Contents
War Domain Cleric Build - War God's Priest
On most occasions, a War Domain cleric is picked as a dip to get access to War Priest for various martials classes. However, with this build, the goal is to have this cleric subclass as the main one and utilize all of its benefits.
The main idea of this build is to have a solid character that may not be doing the most damage but covers the party and ensures its survivability. The main features will be Spirit Guardians and
War God's Blessing which debuffs enemies and makes it easier to land attacks.
Still, I wanted it to do a bit more and this is where the Paladin's Divine Smite will come in, allowing you to combo the normal attack with
War Priest for 2 powerful attacks, when you have a free action point. To be fair this allows you to go into a group of enemies with
Spirit Guardians and later pummel your foes with radiant attacks.
I found this build to fit the perfect playstyle of how I like to play clerics and gives them some powerful combat options on turn 2, when usually they are on "maintenance mode" and just debuffing enemies.
So let's go into the build!
Class Contribution
The build consists of 3 classes and each of them brings plenty of improvements to the overall setup:
9 War Domain Cleric
- Additional bonus action weapon attack with
War Priest. These will recharge each long rest.
- Access to healing and support spells -
Mass Healing Word and
Healing Word.
Guided Strike will help you land attacks and
War God's Blessing works on allies, which uses a reaction.
Divine Strike: Radiant gives an additional radiant damage bonus when attacking with a weapon.
- 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
2 Paladin
- Channel Oath ability, based on the subclass pick -
Healing Radiance,
Inquisitor's Might, etc.
- Fighting style, to improve combat performance like
Defence.
- The almighty
Divine Smite greatly improves the weapon damage by using spell slots.
1 Storm 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: Knowledge Domain | ||
Recommended Prepared Spells: ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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Abilities: STR - 8, DEX - 16, CON - 15, INT - 8, WIS - 16, CHA - 10 |
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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 | Cantrips: ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Spells: ![]() ![]() |
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Subclass: Storm Sorcery | ||
7 | Respec Character: Level 1 - Sorcerer Level 2 - Paladin Level 3-7 - Cleric |
Subclass: Oath of Vengeance or Oath of the Ancients |
Abilities: STR - 8, DEX - 16, CON - 15, INT - 8, WIS - 16, CHA - 10 | ||
8 | Paladin 2 | Fighting Style: ![]() |
9 | Cleric 6 | - |
10 | Cleric 7 | - |
11 | Cleric 8 | Feat: Ability Improvement +2 Wisdom or ![]() |
12 | Cleric 9 | 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 War Cleric build. If you have already started playing feel free to do a respec at Withers and follow along. This will make it easy to follow the build step by step.
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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Fits the "war" theme of the build and comes with unique effects to slightly improve the combat capabilities. |
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The githyanki race fits the theme of "war". Moreover, it comes with ![]() |
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The High subraces of elves can be useful as they give access to cantrips like ![]() |
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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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Especially recommended if you are the main character as it will help with Intimidation checks. |
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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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Allows to use War priest charges to attack with bonus action. |
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Gives a bonus of 1d4 radiant damage. |
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A concentration spell that gives a slight Armour Class boost to improve survivability. |
Deity
As the build name implies, I recommend going with Tempus, Bahamut, or Gruumsh. These picks are mostly for roleplaying reasons and will have no impact on the build performance.
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 |
---|---|---|
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 War Cleric build. Correct allocation will allow you to maximize the early gameplay and get good modifier bonuses.
The core mechanic to understand for ability points is that they give "ability modifiers" that apply to various skill checks. For example, Charisma works on Intimidation and persuasion checks. Wisdom on Survival or Animal Handling and so on.
You get a higher ability modifier on even values - 10, 12, 14, etc. So keeping it on odd may be useless. However, there are various +1/2 modifiers in the game, specifically Auntie Ethel Hair or Feats that help round this up.
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 recommendations are to pick those at which you have a high ability modifier and these are Wisdom-related.
- Animal Handling
- Insight
- Medicine
- Perception
- Survival
Leveling Progression - Levels 2-12
Here is the detailed progression for the War 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.
For the perfect progression of this build, you should do two respecs at levels 6 and 7. However, to simplify progression and to stick to some of my unwritten rules I only go for 1 at level 7, when all the classes can be picked. This fixes some issues with spellcasting modifiers and getting correct saving throw proficiencies.
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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A great way to ensure you land attacks when attacking with a weapon. |
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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This is a reasonably good spell. However, you will have plenty of Concentration spell options, so this will be left unused most likely. |
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Gives a good use for bonus action. The weapon deals okay damage and can act as a distraction. |
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. It can also shine if you start using the ![]() ![]() |
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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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This cantrip will be useful together with the ![]() ![]() |
Feat
Here you can select from a few choices, based on your playstyle and what kind of playthrough you are doing.
Feat | Description |
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Ability Improvement - +1 Wisdom and +1 Constitution | These options will help you round your ability points and gain full modifier bonuses. |
Level 5
This level is a huge milestone, and that is why no multiclassing happened before. Access to level 3 spells makes Tempest Cleric an extremely powerful build.
Feature | Description |
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When you use ![]() |
The Tempest Domain subclass also gains special spells:
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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Applies a buff that gives a 1d4 radiant damage bonus. This does use a Concentration slot and greatly limits the cleric's combat potential. |
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 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 - Sorcerer Lv 1
This level is a stepstone to unlock the full potential of the build. Here are the benefits of Sorcerer:
- (Next level after respec) 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.
- Improved mobility after casting spells and using
Tempestuous Magic.
To multiclass into another class, use the level-up screen:
Cantrips
Offensive cantrips use Charisma as a spellcasting modifier so you want to avoid those, and only take the utility ones.
Cantrip | Description |
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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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You can use this cantrip to pull enemies together before an encounter. |
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Can be used to solve some puzzles and overcome obstacles. |
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. |
Level 7 - Paladin Lv 1 and major Respec
So now the build will need to use 3 different classes, which creates some problems. First, you will want to have level 1 as Sorcerer to ensure you get the Constitution Saving Throw proficiency. Second, there is a need to fix the spellcasting modifier. When casting spells with items (Blood of Lathander, Spell Scrolls). The spellcasting modifier is based on the latest level 1 multiclass you picked.
So you will go to the 1st level - Sorcerer, 2nd - Paladin, and the other 5 levels as Cleric, and pick spells and cantrips, that you picked before. This ensures that items use Wisdom as a spellcasting modifier and you have everything set up correctly.
So for level 1 take Sorcerer:
- Cantrips:
Friends,
Minor Illusion,
Mage Hand,
Blade Ward.
- Spells:
Magic Missile,
Shield
- Subclass: Storm Sorcerery
- Abilities: STR - 8, DEX - 16, CON - 15, INT - 8, WIS - 17, CHA - 8
Now continuing with Paladin for the second level:
Class
Overview | |
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Features | |
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Use your blessed touch to heal a creature or cure it of all diseases and poisons. |
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Gain Advantage on Attack Rolls against celestials, fiends, and undead. |
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You gain the ability to channel the power contained in your Paladin Oath, which you can use to fuel certain actions. |
Subclass
You can pick Oath of Vengeance or Oath of the Ancients, depending on which unique action you are interested in - Inquisitor's Might vs
Healing Radiance.
Overview | |
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Features | |
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Improves weapon damage based on spellcasting modifier, but most importantly weapon attacks can daze enemies. |
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Requirements that you need to meet to uphold the oath. |
Now multiclass into Cleric and go through its levels 1-5, with the spell and cantrip picks you did before
Level 8 - Paladin Lv 2
This level will give a few great benefits and further cement the playstyle of this build
Action | Description |
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A very powerful action unique to Paladins. It will allow you to empower weapon attacks at the cost of spell slots. Use it when you need high damage to take out a foe as fast as possible or land a critical hit. Using higher-level spell slots will improve ![]() |
Fighting Style
Style | Description |
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Provides +1 Armour Class, slightly boosting the survivability of the build. |
Prepared Spells
To be fair, you can pick anything, sadly none of these will be much of use especially, as the Cleric has a different Spellcasting modifier.
Level 9 - Cleric Lv 6
This level unlocks one of the major features of Nature Cleric:
Feature | Description |
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An excellent Channel Divinity use that gives improved attack rolls, especially useful for allies that use ![]() ![]() |
Level 10 - Cleric Lv 7
Level 4 spells are unlocked, also new permanent spells are added:
Spells | Description |
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A good spell, which unfortunately will not be used much due to taking up a Concentration slot. |
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Can help allies in a dire situation where their movement becomes limited. |
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 War Cleric.
Level 11 - Cleric Lv 8
A new subclass feature is unlocked. Moreover, you can select one more feat.
Feature | Description |
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Deal an additional 1d8 weapon damage once per turn. A pretty decent boost. |
Feat
Feat | Description |
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Ability Improvement | +2 Wisdom is the optimal pick here. ![]() |
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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. Great for jumping on enemies with ![]() |
Level 12 - 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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Deadly spell that creates a pillar of fire dealing both fire and radiant damage. |
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Situationally useful spell, that can paralyze some of the strongest enemies in the game. |
Prepare Spells
Spell | Description |
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Removes negative status effects, that can be useful in some situations. |
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Can be used to cover an area with insects, making it a Difficult Terrain and inflicting piercing damage. |
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.
Wisdom
- 17 Wisdom - the base from character creation.
- Feat - Ability Improvement - +1 Wisdom.
- Feat 2 - +2 Wisdom
- Act 3 - Mirror of Loss - pick +2 Wisdom.
These will allow you to reach 20-22 natural Wisdom, which should be high enough to successfully land most of the spells.
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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In case you or your other casters have a Concentration spell slot taken and cannot cast Haste, use this potion. It acts similarly, but the effect is just for 3 turns. |
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Although not something powerful, it is worth stocking up and saving a spell slot. |
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Can be used to get a perfect position before the encounter starts or leave the encounter if it comes to worst. |
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Gives a short rest effect and restores level 1 and 2 spell slots. Excellent for restoring some spellslots to use ![]() ![]() |
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A few can be obtained throughout the game, but most of them are found in Act 3. Gives the effects of long rest, perfect for restoring spell slots. |
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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Sets strength value to 21 until the Long Rest. This will enable the Cleric to easily land melee hits with various weapons and compensate for low ability scores. Here is a farming guide for Elixir of Hill Giant Strength |
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An upgraded version that is available mostly in Act 3 via crafting or purchasing. Sets Strength to 27, the highest value possible. |
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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 ![]() |
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 also called Elite.
Illithid Power | Type | Description |
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Base | Beneficial power to take as it does not have any costs, and provides only benefits on the first hits with attack rolls. |
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Base | An easy way to ensure you land critical hits. Works well with the melee hits on War Cleric. |
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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, especially relevant to the main character. |
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Elite | Very powerful spell that can be used to pull enemies together. You can then follow up with area-of-effect spells or attacks. In general, it is a very effective action in the hands of any character. |
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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 Stormfrost Sage Build. Items are especially important as they take the build to the next level thanks to their unique effects.
Act 1
For most of Act 1, your melee weapon slots will be free, so use anything there.
Slot | Item | Description |
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Extremely good weapon if you do not care about ![]() ![]() |
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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
So once you unlock Paladin multiclass, the build can now effectively land melee hits. However, there are some issues. Overall you have a decent Dexterity of 16. Finesse weapons like Phalar Aluve can be used with this ability and get a decent hit chance.
However, for weapons like Blood of Lathander you will need high strength. You can, of course, shuffle around with ability points, decrease Dexterity, and call it a day. But in that case, the build loses a lot of potential and I would rather recommend using Elixir of Hill Giant Strength. This will set the strength to 21.
With hit chance fixed you can then land successful hits with Divine Smite and greatly improve the cleric damage output.
Slot | Item | Description |
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The weapon is a perfect pick, if you are okay with using Elixir of Hill Giant Strength. |
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Use this weapon if you do not plan on using the Elixir of Hill Giant Strength to improve the hit chance. | |
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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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The best ring for a cleric early in the game. This will apply ![]() ![]() |
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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
This is the last act of the game, where you will get access to the most powerful items. To get them as early as possible you will need some planning, but overall, it should not be a problem.
Slot | Item | Description |
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An interesting weapon that applies Radiating Orb on a hit. It's not better than other options, but definitely an alternative if you want to try out something new. |
- | Weapons from previous acts. | |
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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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Can be used to cast ![]() |
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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 for cleric build. |
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Gloves for buffing allies with healing spells. |
- | Reuse the same gloves from previous acts. | |
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- | Reuse the same boots from previous acts. |
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Provides +2 Spell Save DC. However, it is better used on Cleric to get the bonus Channel Divinity charge. |
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Allows restoring any level of spell slot. | |
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An excellent amulet to improve the rolls against mental saving throws. | |
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It can be used to get the ![]() |
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A somewhat overlooked ring, but it gives +1 Spell Save DC. It can help land that initial spell. |
- | Rings from previous acts |
Build Mechanics
In this section, I would like to dive deep into how to play the War Domain 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.
War Domain Cleric support
The War Domain subclass comes with a decent Channel Divinity that can help both yourself and the allies. The first one you obtain is Guided Strike. It is fairly decent and will help you to land that crucial strike when you are about to finish off a foe.
At level 6 War Cleric you obtain War God's Blessing which is an upgraded version, that can now help allies to land their hits. This is especially useful when you have other martials with
Sharpshooter: All In or
Great Weapon Master: All In which receive a penalty to attack rolls but hit like a truck.
In addition to this, you gain Divine Strike: Weapon which slightly boosts your weapon damage and is an overall great addition once per turn.
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.
Divine Smite usage
The key aspect of any build that involves 2 levels of Paladin is Divine Smite. It is one of the coolest actions punishing your targets with a ray of light. To use it effectively there are a few tips that I have.
First, update your reactions and make sure the Divine Smite has a reaction on critical hit and asks you to use it:
This way you will not waste your time with unnecessary popups and can use it when needed. For example, using a critical hit Divine Smite on a weak foe with a few HP will feel like a waste. However, you still might want to use it on the boss even if it has few HP to finish them off.
Here are a few tips to boost Divine Smite damage:
- Use it on Undeads and Fiends. This gives an additional 1d8 damage roll, boosting the possible damage.
- Hit paralyzed enemies from spells like
Hold Person/
Hold Monster. This guarantees a critical hit and results in double dice rolls, giving a huge damage boost.
If you want to use the normal smite, just activate it from the quick bar by selecting Divine Smite action. It also synergizes well with
Luminous Armour for a Radiant Shockwave effect, so you apply more Radiating Orbs.
Early Game Combat
Let's cover how you should progress combat levels 1-6.
- 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 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.
- 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, 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.
Mid to Late Game Combat
This is where you will get access to all the classes and can use the build to its full potential.
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.
Flame Strike is an excellent spell when you just want to dish out damage, especially on the second turn, once you have prepared everything and weakened foes.
War God's Blessing is a powerful tool to help allies land their hits, especially if the enemy is close to dying.
- To dish out good melee damage use
Divine Smite with
Guided Strike to guarantee a hit. I do recommend this when you want to make sure that the enemy dies when they are on low HP.
So what's my favorite rotation? Here is how I mostly enter combat:
- If you can, do some prebuffing, like
Phalar Aluve or
Healing Word +
The Whispering Promise, before a combat encounter.
- Start combat and activate
Spirit Guardians.
- If enemies are close just run to them, if they are further away cast
Tempestuous Magic. This allows them to move between enemy groups to make sure that
Spirit Guardians hit everyone. Otherwise, you can cast something like
Spiritual Weapon to help.
- On the second turn, you can cast a spell or hit using a melee weapon and
Divine Smite for bonus damage.
- Run around enemies and reactivate
Spirit Guardians for more Radiant Orbs and damage.
- Using the
War Priest effect you can attack with bonus action for additional attack.
Build Variations
Here are some variations that work similarly and utilize the same classes at their core.
Setup | Description |
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A slightly simpler version of the build. This does lose you Storm Sorcerer, but you gain ![]() |
Conclusion
Thank you for reading the War Domain Cleric Build - War God's Priest for Baldur's Gate 3. I hope this gives you inspiration on how to well utilize the subclass and play it together with Paladin for the best effectiveness. All of the class picks enhance the core of the build and make it a late game powerhouse.
Cheers!
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