Archfey Warlock Build - Baldur's Gate 3 (BG3)

The Archfey Warlock - Feylock Melee Assasin build for Baldur's Gate 3. Use the powerful Shadow Blade and your elusive skillset to eliminate your foes with guaranteed crits due to multiclassed Assassin Rogue. With the setup you'll be able to kill many enemies before the fights even starts.

The Archfey - sneaky Feylock Assassin

The idea of this build is to utilize the Rogue + Assassin's subclass features like Expertise​, Assassinate: Ambush and Assassinate: Initiative with 7 Warlock Archfey's Misty Escape with spells like Greater Invisibility and previously mentioned Shadow Blade to absolutely melt your enemies. 

Thanks to guaranteed crits on Surprised targets you can combine equipment/items like Bhaalist Armour, Resonance Stone, Craterflesh Gloves and Vicious Shortbow for some absolutely devastating melee swings. 

If you want to fully use Archfey Warlock's features we'll have to lean into an approach of Arcane Acuity as some of the features require high spell save DC to use them to a full extent. 

Hope you like the idea of the build, and will enjoy reading it!

Class Contribution

So this is the core of the build that you will use the most:

9 Archfey Warlock

• Warlock Spellslots that reset on short rest.
• ​Ability to make your enemies Charmed​​ or Frightened​ due to Fey Presence
• Access to a useful cantrip - Eldritch Blast,​ which scales with level and gains damage bonuses throughout the game .
• Warlock Spellslots that reset on short rest which allows you for usage of a vast array of control spells - Darkness, Hunger of Hadar, Hold Monster​, etc.
• Special invocations which give unique features like Devil's Sight, Repelling Blast​, Agonising Blast​, etc.
• Gain an extra attack via the Pact of the Blade​ pact.
• Have an easy way to escape after taking damage thanks to Misty Escape.
• Unique spell list like Plant Growth, Greater Invisibility, Dominate Person and many more

3 Rogue Assassin

• Expertise​ which can furthermore boost our skill proficiencies; in this build's case - Stealth.
• Sneak Attack​ which will boost our damage when we have an Advantage.
• Bonus action Cunning Action: Dash, Cunning Action: Disengage, Cunning Action: Hide which can help a lot in and outside combat.
• Assassin's Alacrity thanks to this, we can freely attack before combat starts and regain our used action economy points, allowing us to easily to surprise our enemies.
• Assassinate: Ambush which will make every successful attack on Surprised targets critical, easily doubling our damage dice. 
• Assassinate: Initiative which will give us Advantage on attack rolls against creatures which haven't taken a turn yet; That works perfectly with Sneak Attack,Surprised​ enemies and targets that act after you in combat.

There are more choices, but I will leave those in the build variation section below.

Build Variations

For this build, there are a lot of options, both from a progression perspective and the level splits

Build 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.

You can start with this setup from the early levels thanks to Shadow Blade available at level 3. There are very good 2 handed weapons like Svartlebee's Woundseeker, Jorgoral's Greatsword, Unseen Menace and many more but in this build I will focus on the Shadow Blade as it is finesse weapon and those are a must for Sneak Attack to work.

Level	Class	Selection
1	Warlock 1	Cantrips: Eldritch Blast, Booming Blade​
		Subclass: The Archfey​
		Spells: Hex​​, Hellish Rebuke​
		STR - 8, DEX - 16, CON - 14, INT - 8, WIS - 10, CHA - 17
		Skills: Stealth (Background dependant),Deception, Intimidation
2	Warlock 2	Spells: Armour of Agathys​
		Eldritch Invocations: Agonising Blast, Repelling Blast
3	Warlock 3	Spells:  Shadow Blade​
		Pact Boon:  Pact of the Blade​​
4	Warlock 4	Cantrips: Minor Illusion​
		Spells: Darkness
		Feat:  Savage Attacker​ ​​
5	Warlock 5	Spells: Hunger of Hadar​
		Eldritch Invocations: Devil's Sight​
		Replace Spell: Hellish Rebuke​ -> Plant Growth​
6	Rogue 1	Skills: Stealth, Persuasion/Deception, Sleight of hand
7	Rogue 2	Cunning Actions
8	Rogue 3	Subclass: Assassin
9	Warlock 6	Spells: Counterspell​
10	Warlock 7	Spells: Greater Invisibility
		Eldritch Invocations: One with Shadows​
11	Warlock 8	Spells: ​Hold Person​
		Feat:  ​Ability Score Improvement +2 Charisma
12	Warlock 9	Spells: Hold Monster​ or Dominate Person​
		Eldritch Invocations: Any, my personal choice: Beguiling Influence​

Synergy with other builds

This section will give a few ideas on how to utilize other builds to maximize the combat potential of the group. There are usually various synergies that make the group play more enjoyable. However, this should not be the main factor. With full game knowledge, any party composition will work freely.

Darkness Setup

Thanks to Devil's Sight​ you have a natural way to see and attack through magical darkness. Here's some builds that can help in your party:

Synergetic Builds	Enabler	Description
Beast Master Ranger (level 11)	Dire Raven Companion	From level 11, when using Fly, the raven will create Darkness fields for free.
Shadow Magic Sorcerer	Eyes of the Dark: Darkness	The Sorcerer has an easy way of creating Darkness fields, and see inside of it thanks to Eyes of the Dark
Sorlock	Devil's Sight Darkness	Sorlock can create and also see inside the Darkness thanks to the Devil's Sight

Playing with Darkness

So Darkness is one of those very powerful spells that can break the enemy AI, and make many encounters a breeze. There are a few sources that you can get it from:

• Darkness or Eyes of the Dark: Darkness spells
• Arrow of Darkness
• Shar's Spear of Evening with it's special Shar's Darkness and Edge of Darkness actions.
• Dire Raven Companion at level 11 from Beast Master Ranger, with its flying mechanic.

The created field is special because it will cancel out most of the arrow projectiles, protecting anyone inside it. Of course, it can be buggy, and enemies can still throw stuff, or used ranged attack if they are elevated. There are a few sources of being able to see in the "Magical" Darkness:

• Devil's Sight
• Eyes of the Dark from Eyes of the Dark: Darkness
• Eversight Ring, Steel Watcher Helmet allow to see through magical darkness

With all of the requirements and conditions in mind, you can now use Darkness to your advantage. My recommendation is to position the Darkness field in two ways:

Cover enemies with the field - this is an excellent strategy when enemies are clumped together, and you are the one starting the combat. Cast Darkness on them, so that they would get Blinded and use the character that can see in it, move together with them. Now you have an easy way on avoiding enemies, they also cannot freely move, or you will hit them with Opportunity Attack.

The second option is to use it as a cover field. This is perfect for those situations where you want to take it slowly, there are no enemies that can see in the dark, and you might be overwhelmed by them otherwise. You can then stay in the Darkness field and once your turn starts, move out, hit enemies with spells or weapons, and go back. The NPCs will have to make a choice - should they go inside and gain disadvatnage or stay outside and skip their turn

Another cool thing is that you can use Darkness strategically, with characters that cannot see inside of it. For example, enemies that are inside the field have Blinded condition. Position your melee characters outside, so that enemies would have to attack with Disadvantage. They might also try to run away, which would allow you to use Opportunity Attack for an additional hit against them.

Piercing Damage

Synergetic Builds	Enabler	Description
Bardadin Shadow Monk Two-Handed Eldritch Knight Archer Builds Others	Bhaalist Armour for the Aura Of Murder	For the late game, you can use Bhaalist Armour to apply easy piercing vulnerability - Aura Of Murder. This is a very powerful buff that makes it easy to deal very high damage in Act 3. Use weapons like Shar's Spear of Evening, Nyrulna, Vicious Shortbow etc. to get a huge damage boost.

Psychic Damage

Synergetic Builds	Enabler	Description
Sorcadin Show Blade Bardadin Bladesinger Hexblade	Resonance Stone Shadow Blade	All of these builds have access to Shadow Blade spell, making this an extremely good synergy with our build.
Open Hand Monk	Manifestation of Mind	Open Hand Monk also can deal psychic damage, it's not as big as having full Shadow Blade, but still works well for a slight damage boost.

Starting the Game - Level 1

This section covers the creation screen and what would go into the best Races, Abilities, and Skills for the Feylock build. Some of these choices are impactful as you cannot respec them.

Origins and Characters

Origin	Features	Description
Astarion	Elven Weapon Training​ Darkvision​ Fey Ancestry	On top of already being a Rogue, in Act 3, Astarion can obtain the Vampire Ascendant​ buff, which gives a 1d10 necrotic damage boost on top of other useful features. Early game feature Bite​ granting the Happy​ gives you a minor yet good boost to your gameplay.

Races

Picking a race provides various benefits - abilities, dialogue options, looks, etc. Specifically for the Feylock build, they will give important armor proficiencies or advantages on the melee damage dealer archetype.

Race	Features	Description
Drow	Drow Weapon Training​ Superior Darkvision​ Fey Ancestry Dancing Lights	All three choices offer you access to a free Darkness spell. This is a really nice bonus that you can utilize to save your resources, especially if the party is leaning on this mechanic.
Asmodeus Tiefling	Darkvision​ Hellish Resistance​
Drow Half-Elf	Fey Ancestry​ Darkvision​ Civil Militia​
Deep Gnome	Gnome Cunning​ Superior Darkvision​ Stone Camouflage​	The main attractiveness of Gnomes is that they have Gnome Cunning, which will allow you to negate some of the Resonance Stone effects, thus improving your survivability.
Dwarf Duergar	Dwarven Combat Training​ Superior Darkvision​ Dwarven Resilience​ Duergar Resilience​	One of the best race picks overall. The Invisibility​ action allows you to enter combat with the best possible position and always activate the Surprised round extremely easy.
Wood Half-Elf	Civil Militia Darkvision​ Fey Ancestry Fleet of Foot - your movement speed is increased by 1.5m.	Comes with a solid movement speed boost that any melee build can utilize well in combat to reach enemies on the initial turn.
Wood Elf	Elven Weapon Training​ Darkvision​ Fey Ancestry Fleet of Foot - your movement speed is increased by 1.5m.
Half Orc	Darkvision​ Relentless Endurance​ Savage Attacks​	A perfect fighter race - can stand up instead of being Downed but most importantly gains additional rolls for critical hits from Savage Attacks​.
Githyanki	Martial Prodigy​	The race comes with all weapon proficiencies and early medium armor proficiency. Moreover, it gets some good actions like Misty Step​ and Astral Knowledge.

Class

Overview
Warlock
Features
Warlock Spell Slots	These spell slots can be used to cast spells and refill each Short Rest.

Cantrips

You can only take two, so here are my recommendations:

Cantrip	Description
Booming Blade​	The new cantrip can be used with a normal attack without any cost. When enemies move while under its effect, they receive thunder damage. In later levels, it gives a direct damage boost. So no reason not to use it every turn.
Eldritch Blast​	The iconic warlock cantrip, which has good scaling with levels, gains unique invocations for further improvements. This is the go-to option for ranged warlock attacks.
Friends​	This is a somewhat optional cantrip. It can be extremely useful in dialogue checks. However, be careful not to cancel it near the affected NPC, as they can start attacking you.

Subclass

Overview
The Archfey
Features
Fey Presence​​	Allows us to make enemies Charmed​ or Frightened​ giving us slight control over the battlefield.

Spells

There are multiple good spell picks, but for now, you can only take 2:

Spell	Description
Hex​	Good damage boosting option especially with your ranged Eldritch Blast. Adds a respectable amount of damage + it's a good surprise starting round tool.​
Hellish Rebuke​	It allows you to indirectly attack during the enemy's turn, while you have a limited number of attacks. Sadly, it is useful for the first few levels.

Background

Backgrounds are mostly for role-playing, and you can pick whatever you prefer. 

Abilities

Skill proficiencies

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 Charisma-related.

• Deception
• Intimidation
• any other

Leveling Progression 2-12

Here is the detailed progression for the Feylock 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

Levels 2-6

By this time, you should have landed on the Ravaged beach already and started exploring the initial area. You might need 1 additional encounter if you did not obtain enough XP in the Nautiloid.

For most of the builds, early levels are pretty simple, as there are minimal spell options and features that you can use. However, there are notable spikes at levels 5-6:

• Extra Attack
• Level 3 spells
• Major class and subclass features

With these, you will feel how the game combat opens up, and with correct preparations, you can start eliminating foes with minimal preparations.

Level 2 - 2 Warlock

Spells

Spells	Description
Armour of Agathys​	It can be used before short rest if you have a free spell slot. It improves survivability and can inflict decent cold damage.

Eldritch Invocations

Invocation	Description
Agonising Blast​	One of the most important invocations to make Eldritch Blast​ more powerful.
Repelling Blast​	If you are interested in improving the Eldritch Blast​ cantrip further, here is my pick. This can be used to push back enemies into chasms or into the Hunger of Hadar.

Preparing Armour of Agathys and other Long Rest spells

So you can do some next-level precasting with Warlock, especially if you are getting ready for a big fight. For example, you can cast Armour of Agathys, Expeditious Retreat then use Short Rest to restore spell slots, and go into a fight with maximum preparation.

You can also take Minions of Chaos​ at later levels and cast Conjure Elemental​. This minion stays until Long Rest, so it will also help with this setup. Your options depend on what you choose.

Level 3 - 3 Warlock

The first level 2 spells are unlocked. You also gain some nice features that will be useful later on.

Spells

Spell	Description
Shadow Blade​	Main weapon in the build that deals a lot of damage for level 3. It also scales with the spellslot upcast and psychic damage is rarely resistant, making it a very dangerous weapon.
Cloud of Daggers​​	This spell can hit multiple targets, and it activates 2 times - on initial cast and the enemy's turn. It can destroy some early game fights when placed correctly.

Pact Boon

Boon	Description
Pact of the Blade​	Will allow us to make our Shadow Blade scale with charisma and we'll gain Deepened Pact,​ which gives an additional attack at level 5.

Using any melee Weapon - Bind Pact Weapon

What does the Bind Pact Weapon​ from Pact of the Blade​ do? Well, its purpose is revealed at level 5 when you gain Deepened Pact​ for a Deepened Pact: Extra Attack. It also allows your weapon to use fully charisma modifier to attacks instead of strength/dexterity at level 3.

Switching between melee and ranged

So Warlock is especially versatile in mid-game, and it's thanks to a few options that you have. First, you get access to Eldritch Blast,​ which is your go-to option for ranged attacks. This cantrip gets significant boosts with eldritch invocations:

• Agonising Blast​
• Repelling Blast​

Level 4 - 4 Warlock

Level 4 brings the first feat, it will be a huge improvement. Here you can select from a few choices, based on your playstyle and what kind of playthrough you are doing.

Feat	Description
Savage Attacker​​	Allows to re-roll damage dice for melee weapons for a higher result. Very good with Shadow Blade.
Ability Improvement - +2 Charisma	Another option is improving your Charisma, which is beneficial for your attacks, Eldritch Blast​ and some gear properties.

Cantrips

You can pick only one

Cantrip	Description
Minor Illusion​	A pretty good cantrip that you can use to lure enemies to NPCs. Even before combat, you can perfectly align foes into one spot and land Cloud of Daggers.

Using Minor Illusion

On the other hand, you can also use something like Minor Illusion​ to pull enemies together, changing their vision cones, and attacking with the same spell but hitting all of them. This is a very powerful cantrip that can be overlooked.

First, it does not break Invisibility or stealth (unless you get seen). Second, enemies, when not in combat, will chase it, meaning they will change their vision direction. Third, on most occasions, they will come closer to investigate the illusion.

This creates various opportunities like landing a powerful Area of Effect spell from a caster or scrolls, or hitting with wide attacks.

Spells

Spell	Description
Darkness​	This would be a perfect time to pick this spell, at least to try it out. You can now set up dark areas and gain an Advantage in combat

Level 5 - 5 Warlock

Level 5 plays a pivotal role in most of the builds. You will get access to level 3 spells, which are very powerful and start unlocking the class's potential.

Feature	Description
Deepened Pact​	This is the improved Pact of the Blade​ version, which gives extra attack, highly improving your damage potential.

Spells

Spell	Description
Hunger of Hadar​	This is one of the strongest control spells in the game. It covers a large area and makes enemies blind. Moreover, it inflicts damage per turn and slows them down. This is an extremely strong setup that makes multiple encounters a cakewalk.

Eldritch Invocations

Invocation	Description
Devil's Sight​	This is one of the most useful passives in the game. It helps with general dark areas. However, it also plays well with dark environment like from: Darkness​,  Arrow of Darkness etc.

Replace Spell

Remove Spell	Add Spell	Description
Hellish Rebuke​	Plant Growth​​	This is an extremely powerful spell as its a NON-concentration big AoE slowing zone that will work perfectly with your Hunger of Hadar or other ally spells. It being non-concentration is a huge deal.

Darkness with Devil's Sight

Using Darkness​ spells with a Warlock is one of the ways to guarantee success. You will, of course, need Devil's Sight​ Eldritch Invocation. Once you have it, you can stay inside and either attack with Eldritch Blast, cast spells, or wait for enemies to come and bash them with Advantage, while they are blind.

Sadly, this doesn't work perfectly. Some enemies can throw weapons outside of the fog without penalties, easily breaking your concentration. So be mindful of that, and try to force enemies into the Darkness​ so that they would be at a Disadvantage and Blinded.

Level 6 - 5 Warlock 1 Rogue Multiclass

So, now in the level-up screen, you can start multiclassing. We're dipping into Rogue for:

• Sneak Attack
• Expertise
• Cunning actions
• Assassin subclass features

Here's a guide how to multiclass:

Class

Overview
Rogue
Features
​Sneak Attack (Melee)	This can be exploited with weapon attacks for an additional 1d6 damage once per turn. Be sure to have an Advantage or attack using Hide. Later, more damage rolls are added.
Sneak Attack (Ranged)​	This can be exploited with weapon attacks for an additional 1d6 damage once per turn. Be sure to have an Advantage or attack from hiding. Later, more damage rolls are added.

Skill proficiencies

Any pick is okay although I recommend:

• Stealth - perfect pick for this build.
• Any Charisma related skill 
• Sleight of Hand - if you need a dedicated lockpicker or trap disarmer.

Correctly using Sneak Attack

So the main feature of Rogue is Sneak Attack​​ which is enabled from the first level. In the early game, this is an excellent source of additional damage, especially if you land a critical hit. However, it does get phased out in the latter part of the game.

The main thing to know is that you can use the Reaction window to enable it on hit. This means that you can use your offhand bonus action attack to activate it, instead of using the action itself on the main hand.

So with this, you will be asked if you want the additional Sneak Attack damage when using normal attacks. However, this can lead to easily miss the activation and it is an important damage source on each turn. So here are the ways that enable the sneak attack:

• You have to use a Finesse weapon - dagger, shortsword, or ranged weapons like bows.
• Have an Advantage like Prone​, being invisible, being hidden, etc.
• Having an ally close to the enemy circumvents the Advantage requirement.

Levels 7-10

Generally, this covers the Act 2 part of the game. This unlocks items that give a slight boost to a few builds, and you uncover a really interesting part of the story.

Level 7 - 5 Warlock 2 Rogue

This level does not give any flashy moves, however, it unlocks cunning actions. These are similar to normal actions but instead of using Action Points, use Bonus actions. So in the same turn, you can attack and use them:

Action	Description
Cunning Action: Hide​	Hide from enemies by succeeding Stealth checks. Stick to the dark and avoid enemy sightlines. Attacking or casting a spell will reveal your location. Probably the most important. Now you can start sneaking using Bonus action and then use Sneak Attack at the same turn
Cunning Action: Dash​	Cover more distance this turn: double your movement speed.
Cunning Action: Disengage​	Retreat safely: moving won't provoke Opportunity Attacks.

Level 8 - 5 Warlock 3 Rogue

Overview
Assassin
Features
Assassinate: Initiative	You are deadliest against unprepared enemies. In combat, you have an Advantage on Attack Rolls against creatures that haven‘t taken a turn yet.
Assassinate: Ambush	Any successful Attack Roll against a Surprised creature is a Critical Hit.
Assassin's Alacrity	Quick as an alley cat in a rain-dark city, you immediately restore your action and bonus action at the start of combat.

From this point we keep leveling Warlock until level 12. 

Stealth Basics

Stealth is used to remain undetected while using Hide​/Cunning Action: Hide​ within the line of sight of non-allied creatures. If a hiding character enters a non-allied creature's line of sight and is:

• In a Clear Area or within melee range, they are spotted immediately, without a Stealth check.
• InLightly Obscured, a Stealth check is made every turn, or every 6 seconds outside turn-based mode. The DC is the other creature's passive Perception
• Heavily Obscured a Stealth check is not made.

• Lightly Obscured creatures count as being in a Clear Area instead.
• Heavily Obscured creatures count as being Lightly Obscured instead.

For more information you can check the stealth guide and INSPECT YOUR ENEMIES !

Level 9 - Warlock 6

The level unlocks some nice features:

Feature	Description
Misty Escape​	Upon taking damage you can teleport to a safe spot and gain Invisible​ condition. Be careful as it may break the spell you're using your Concentration on AND it recharges on short rest so use it smart.

Spells

Spells	Description
Counterspell​​	This is an extremely powerful spell that can be used if you see that the enemy is casting a deadly spell. It can outright save your runs if you mess something up or rolls are against you.

Level 10 - 7 Warlock

Spells

Spells	Description
Greater Invisibility​	Great spell that will work perfectly with our Assassin features and overall boost our combat flow due to how we can attack as long as we pass a Stealth check.

Eldritch Invocations

Invocations	Description
One with Shadows​​	Good spell that will work very well with your Darkness​, Arrow of Darkness, Shar's Spear of Evening and many other effects. The invisibility also doesn't break if you use Half-Illithid fly ability.

How does Greater Invisibility work ?

The Stealth check difficulty for this spell starts at 15 and increases with the number of successes, with the exact scaling determined by difficulty. What does it mean ?

Below Honour (Tactician - Balanced - Explorer) it's calculated as : DC=15+(number of previous successful Stealth checks)

On Honour mode difficulty it's calculated as : DC=15+(number of previous successful Stealth checks)^2

This means that this strategy on Honour mode will be nerfed but still able to work. To our assisstance comes the Darkness​ strategy as it works the same both in Honour and below it. Thanks to Rogue's Cunning Action: Hide we can utilize it easily.

Levels 11-12

This is where you will spend most of the time in Act 3. There will be an immense amount of content, and you can finish your builds and unlock extremely powerful gear.

Level 11 - 8 Warlock

The main highlight of this level is the additional feat.

Spells

Here are some relevant spell recommendations:

Spells	Description
Hold Person​	It can be extremely useful if you plan on using Band of the Mystic Scoundrel and/or Arcane Acuity​ gear. This is an easy way to guarantee critical hits.

Feat

Feat	Description
Ability Improvement - +2 Charisma	Another option is improving your Charisma, which is beneficial for your attacks, Eldritch Blast​ and some gear properties.
Savage Attacker​​	Allows to re-roll damage dice for melee weapons for a higher result.

Level 12 - 9 Warlock

Level 5 spell slots are unlocked with some additional invocations:

Spells

Spells	Description
Hold Monster​	Hold Monster​ is  a counterpart to Hold Person​ but as the name suggests - it works on monsters.

Eldritch Invocations

For now, I think the build has everything covered. So feel free to pick anything of interest:

Invocations	Description
Beguiling Influence​	Additional proficiencies for charisma dialogue checks, my personal choice.

Equipment Recommendations

Act 1

This covers the earliest part of the game, which generally spans Nautiloid, Wilderness, Underdark and the semi Act 1, or to be precise Act 1.5 - Rosymorn Monastery Trial.

Act 2

The main goal for this act is to obtain the Resonance Stone, which is available pretty late. So don't be in a hurry and enjoy all the stuff that you can encounter here.

Act 3 - Final Build setup

This is where you will unlock the strongest weapons and armors for most of the builds. It is split into two major parts, starting with Rivington and later reaching the huge area - Lower City itself.

Build Mechanics

In this section, I would like to dive deep into how to play the Feylock. 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 effectively use the build.

How do crits, vulnerability and resistances work

Since we're dipping into Assassin Rogue who guarantees our crits on Surprised​ and we get our 2d6 Sneak Attack we might expand how those work. Throughout the game you can see a lot of items that can enhance your damage by d4, d6, d8 etc. and items that increase it by flat amount like Caustic Band. Critical strikes make it so grand majority of your damage from items that increase it by some kind of dice (like d6) gets doubled, while flat numbers stay the same (1d6 turns into 2d6 while 2 stays as 2).

This means that thanks to guaranteed Assassin crits a lot of our damage enhancing actions, effects and items will have a great power up. You are able to check the math chart in the Maximizing section down below.

Vulnerability is also another mechanic that enhances our damage AND stacks with crits; it makes it so a target takes twice the amount of damage from a certain damage type. Let's theorize our enemy has a Vulnerability to fire and acid and we crit them while using Helldusk Gloves and Caustic Band.

The Helldusk Gloves deal an initial damage of 1d6 which turns into -> 2d6 on crit which also turns into -> 4d6 Vulnerability

The Caustic Band deals an initial damage of 2 acid -> which turns into 2 on crit which turns into -> 4 damage from Vulnerability

Vulnerability: Means that the target takes 100% more damage from a given damage type. Making an already resistant target vulnerable to a certain damage type will make them take normal damage instead.

Resistance: White arrow means that the target takes reduced Non-Magical damage by 50%. Blue arrow indicates that the target takes reduced Magical damage by 50%.

Immunity: Means that the target is completely immune to the given damage type.

Elemental infusion ring

As mentioned in the Act 1.5 Equipment section, Ring of Elemental Infusion works wonky with Booming Blade (BB)​. To properly activate the ring with BB you need the Drakethroat Glaive from Act 2 (map below) or the Elemental Weapon spell. BB isn't properly coded as a Thunder spell so you need to imbue your weapon with any element to activate it without using a dedicated cantrip or a spell. This ring's damage can also apply multiple times as it is a Damage Rider.​ Drakethroat Glaive

How to surprise easily

Rules of how to make a target Surprised​ in most instances is:

1. Use Cunning Action: Hide​ or Hide​ to put the entire party into stealth, including pets.
   
2. The ambusher must initiate combat from within line of sight of the enemy.
   
3. You mustn't kill an enemy if you want to surprise everyone, because it wont surprise other foes unless it's from Greater Invisibility or Darkness​ and similar sources.
   
4. The most reliable way to surprise an enemy is to become Invisible​ and attack them, this invisibility can come from any source. The easiest one is the Duergar's level 5 Invisibility​ or Invisibility​ from Shovel Scroll of Summon Quasit
   
5. If the attack type (melee, ranged, spell) works, it does not matter whether it hits or misses.

Shovel can be found here in Act 1.

Invisibility options

So this build does shine when using Invisibility. First, it allows starting with a Surprise round, giving you 1 turn Advantage which you can use to either kill or weaken enemies. Second, there are multiple ways of getting it:

• Potion of Invisibility - I think the most obvious one. If you can pickpocket or have plenty of gold, this option can be cheesy but effective.
• Invisibility​ - can be cast by various casters or activated via items.
• The Deathstalker Mantle - one of the key items that you obtain during the Dark Origin playthrough. You enter invisibility after each kill.
• Greater Invisibility​ - this is the most lucrative option. However, to use it you will want both proficiency and expertise in stealth, high dexterity, and stealth Advantage. With this effect, you can outright clean enemies without them even understanding what is happening. 

Arcane acuity

So the core aspect is being able to build your Arcane Acuity​ both during your turn and outside of it to use control spells or Fey features. It will greatly increase your spell potency. Quickly stacking Arcane Acuity will make your control spells like Hold Monster or Hold Person​ almost guaranteed to hit. Having Cunning Action: Hide​ with Devil's Sight​ and Darkness​ or Greater Invisibility​ will allow us to stack acuity as long as we succeed the stealth checks; This can even lead up to stacking the maximum amount of 10 stacks of Arcane Acuity.

Act 2 - Githzerai Mind Barrier

To have good resistances for some time against Intelligence checks, you can do a special mechanic late in Act 2 (illithid colony). This requires you to finish a puzzle and find a specific mind. First, go and complete the puzzle:

Once the doors are unlocked, go inside and pick up the Waking Mind:

Now, go back to the interface and place the mind. After that, you will be able to get the Githzerai Mind Barrier effect.

This is a great buff that will improve your saving throws, giving an Advantage on Intelligence. This will be extremely valuable in the upcoming fight. Sadly, it will disappear if you die, so try to avoid that.

Combat Tactics and Rotation

Maximizing the Build 

This section I would like to dedicate to various optimizations that you can do to further empower your build. Various things like Illithid Powers, consumables can make the build from powerful to totally overpowered, trivializing the hardest game encounters

Assassin features and damage effects

I will be using the equipment from Act 3 section. and best possible optimization of the build we can achieve (like 22 Charisma);

• Horns of the Berserker - 2 damage; it's also a damage rider source which means it's damage can repeat
• Bhaalist Armour - Vulnerability to piercing damage
• Craterflesh Gloves - 2d6 damage; it's also a damage rider source which means it's damage can repeat
• Vicious Shortbow - stat stick that provides 7 damage on crit -> 14 damage due to Bhaalist Armour
• Shadow Blade upcast to level 5 -> 4d8 damage -> 8d8 damage due to crit -> 16d8 damage due to Resonance Stone
• Dolor Amarus - off hand stat stick 7 damage on crit -> 14 damage due to Bhaalist Armour/Resonance Stone; also stacks on multiple damage riders
• Broodmother's Revenge - 1d6 damage -> 2d6 damage on crit
• Shadow-Cloaked Ring - 1d4 damage -> 2d4 damage on crit -> 4d4 damage on vulnerability due to Bhaalist Armour/Resonance Stone
• Strange Conduit Ring - 1d4 damage -> 2d4 damage on crit -> 4d4 damage on vulnerability due to Resonance Stone
• Resonance Stone - provide vulnerability to Psychic damage
• Hex​ - 1d6 damage -> 2d6 damage on crit; it's also a damage jockey - meaning it can repeat it damage and is mostly associated with an Attack Roll.
• Psionic Overload​ - 1d4 damage -> 2d4 damage on crit -> 4d4 damage on vulnerability due to Resonance Stone
• Booming Blade​ - 2d8 damage -> 4d8 damage on crit
• Sneak Attack 2d6 (level 3 rogue) -> 4d6 damage on crit -> 8d6 damage on vulnerability due to Bhaalist Armour/Resonance Stone

All of these effects combined you'll be able to deal over 199 damage with just 1 swing. Excluding effects that need refreshing like Sneak Attack or Broodmother's Revenge or that require you to consume Mind Flayer Parasite Specimen you'll still be able to deal hundreds of damage.

Maximizing Ability Scores

Ability Scores play an important role both in terms of how your attacks and spells land. Moreover, these can help to also reach extremely high skill rolls needed for a few checks.

1. Act 1 - Auntie Ethel's Hair - you can get +1 Charisma if you pick this choice.
2. Feat - Ability Improvement - +2 Charisma.
3. Act 3 - Mirror of Loss - pick +2 Charisma.
4. Act 3 - Mirror of Loss - Patriar's Memory, additional +1 Charisma, to counteract Auntie Ethel's Hair if it was skipped in Act 1

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
Favourable Beginnings	Base	Beneficial power to take as it does not have any costs and provides only benefits on the first hits.
Luck of the Far Realms​	Base	Guarantees a critical hit, use it on important targets that you want to make sure are killed.
Psionic Overload​	Base	As this is Psychic damage, you will double it to 2d4 thanks to Resonance Stone.
Psionic Backlash​	Base	A decent use for reaction to deal some bonus psychic damage.
Cull the Weak​	Base	Can help to kill an enemy faster if it is left with a few HP.
Illithid Expertise​	Elite	Especially helpful since you're a Charisma class, boosting your proficiencies even more.
Freecast​	Elite	Remove the cost of spell slots or charges.
Black Hole​	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.
Psionic Dominance​	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.

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
Potion of Speed	You can chug this potion before combat, or during combat using a bonus action. It gives another action point that gives an additional attack or one more spell cast. Sadly, its duration is only 3 turns.
Oil of Accuracy	Can be used to enhance your hit chance on a weapon. The +2 bonus is pretty significant,
Diluted Oil of Sharpness	Gives a bonus attack roll and damage. It is a good coating if you can apply it before combat to improve hit chances and get a slight damage boost.
Potion of Animal Speaking	Although not something powerful, it is worth stocking up and saving a spell slot.
Potion of Invisibility	Can be used to get a perfect position before the encounter starts. It can also help trigger Surprise rounds.
Terazul	Another buff granting Hastened that also stacks with Potion of Speed although be careful as this one lasts 2 turns BUT it doesn't cost anything to consume.
Potion of Angelic Reprieve	Due to this potion granting the effect of Short Rest it will also reset your used spell slots, very big value.

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 a Bonus Action.

Consumable	Description
Elixir of Bloodlust	As you will be able to easily kill at least the weakest foe, this ensures additional attacks per turn. This is one of the most powerful options that you can use for the Feylock build.
Elixir of Vigilance	For some encounters, you will want to go first. This elixir will ensure that it overcomes even surprise mechanics.
Elixir of Hill Giant Strength	Sets strength value to 21 until the Long Rest. I recommend this elixir in the early game if you want to throw enemies off to chasms easier.

Useful Buffs

• Auntie Ethel's Hair - Grants you permanent +1 to a stat of your choice. Granted by haggling with Auntie Ethel.
• Volo's Ersatz Eye​ grants you permanent See Invisibility​ effect in exchange for one of your eyes. It's a permanent cosmetic change and it's mutually exclusive with Paid the Price​. It's obtained from Volo.
• Awakened​ - let's you use your Illithid powers as a bonus action. You can obtain it from the Zaith'isk machine.
• Resonance Stone can be found in The Mindflayer Colony effectively boosting your Psychic damage for the prize of debuff on mental Saving Throws but also your vulnerability to Psychic damage.
• Sweet Stone Features - Grants you the Bless​ effect. Pay 5000 gold to Boney in the Circus of The Last Days for Stoney to construct a statue of the player character or another party member​.
• Anointed in Splendour ​ - Grants +2 to all Saving Throws, offer enough gold to one of the deities in Stormshore Tabernacle. Gold needed scales with the difficulty level of the game and your character level.
• Partial Ceremorphosis​ - Allows you to become Half Illithid granting you stronger Tadpole powers in exchange for your looks.
• Mirror of Loss can grant you and your companions +2 to any stat permanently. Can also grant additional +1 to Charisma offering it +3 instead of regular +2. I recommend looking into Mirror of Loss guide.

Conclusion and Credits

This Archfey warlock build heavily focuses on easy stealth and big damage damage. Your various invisibility and forms of control through fear and charm will leave enemies vulnerable. Thanks to Shadow Blade​ and maximizes Charisma as a single stat, both for weapon attacks and spellcasting you'll have a good party face and damage dealer. For any questions I heavily urge to ask. I hope you enjoyed reading it.