Best Lore Bard Build - total Control - Baldur's Gate 3 (BG3)

Lore Bard Build - Overview

The build is the perfect option for those who want to play as a main character but also as a support role. Bard comes with multiple skill proficiencies and the College of Lore gets even more.

The main idea is to utilize Cutting Words​ to decide what happens with ally and enemy actions. Moreover, once your turn starts you have a swath of control spells to decide the future of large groups of enemies - Confusion, Glyph of Warding, etc.

Now, one of the setups with this build is the Mass Healing Word​ spell that the Bard gets via Magical Secrets. This will allow you to do 3 things (thanks to some items recommended in the gear section) - decrease damage from physical attacks, restore health, and apply Bless for better attack and saving throw rolls.

On the other hand, you could pick like cleric for multiclass and be able to set up some sick combos - Create Water or protect an ally/yourself with Sanctuary. What is fun is that Lore Bard is very effective at a lot of things. Or go Wizard for an expanded spell list.

Let's get into the build!

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.

Lore Bard Leveling Overview

Level	Class	Selection
1	Bard	STR - 8, DEX - 16, CON - 14, INT - 8, WIS - 10, CHA - 17
		Skills: Deception, Persuasion, Deception, Performance
		Cantrips: Vicious Mockery, Friends​
		Spells: Healing Word, Dissonant Whispers, Faerie Fire, Sleep.
2	Bard	Spells: Longstrider​ or Tasha's Hideous Laughter​
3	Bard	Subclass: College of Lore
		Skills: Survival, Perception, Sleight of Hand
		Spells: Enhance Ability​
		Replace Spell: Sleep​ -> Cloud of Daggers​
4	Bard	Cantrips: Light​​
		Spells: Hold Person​
		Feat: Ability Improvement +2 Charisma
5	Bard	Spells: Glyph of Warding​
		Replace Spell: Faerie Fire​ -> Plant Growth​​
6	Bard	Spells: Fear​
		Magical Secrets: Mass Healing Word, Hunger of Hadar​
7	Bard	Spells: Confusion​
8	Bard	Spells: Any
		Feat: Alert​ or Dual Wielder​
9	Bard	Spells: Hold Monster
10	Bard	Cantrips: Minor Illusion​
		Spells: Dominate Person
		Skills: Perception, Sleight of Hand or Survival
		Magical Secrets: Counterspell, Command
11	Bard	Spells: Otto's Irresistible Dance​
12	Bard	Spells: Eyebite
		Feat: Alert​ or Dual Wielder​

Starting the Game - Level 1

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

Races

Picking a race provides various benefits - abilities, dialogue options, looks, etc. Also, keep in mind whether your picked race has Shield proficiency as this can improve survivability especially in the early game.

Race	Features	Description
Wood Half-Elf	Civil Militia Darkvision​ Fey Ancestry Fleet of Foot - your movement speed is increased by 1.5m.	Amazing choice, thanks to its increased movement speed. Moreover, it gets Shield proficiency, boosts Armour Class.
Human	Civil Militia​ Human Versatility​	This is one of the rare cases where I recommend this race. It complements well Bard's class with more Skill proficiencies and gets Shield Proficiency. It is a big survivability boost in the early game.
Githyanki	Martial Prodigy​	You can wear medium armor and get some good actions very useful for the main character to improve ability check rolls.
Halfling	Halfling Luck​ Brave​	Any subrace will work. What matters is the Halfling Luck​ that will improve role-playing aspects with high roll success chances. Moreover, these will also work well later, if you will plan on using some attack roll spells.

Class

As I suggested first we go with the Bard. It's not the optimal choice, but multiple skill proficiencies will help from the first steps. Moreover, with correct spell picks, you will empower your allies and disable enemies

Bard
Features
Bardic Inspiration​	Iconic bard feature, that can improve damage, dialogue dice rolls, and saving throws.

Cantrips

Cantrip	Description
Vicious Mockery​	Although the damage is roll, it has its purpose. The cantrip can be used to impose a disadvantage on enemy attacks. It is best used if you see that you have to use a ranged attack, and will not kill the foe. However, the cantrip loses purpose in later levels.
Friends	If you are the main character and do most of the dialogues, this is mandatory as it gives an advantage on dialogue rolls.

Spells

Good spell picks will mean life and death, so let's go through them:

Spell	Description
Healing Word	The spell can be a lifesaver in certain situations where you do not have action. However, it will also serve a different role you can buff your allies if you have equipped The Whispering Promise + Hellrider's Pride/The Reviving Hands.
Dissonant Whispers	The only truly offensive level-1 spell. It can also frighten enemies making them unable to move. Use this to inflict ranged damage.
Faerie Fire	Early game, this spell is wondrous as it makes it easy to get an Advantage on attack rolls. Once the spell is cast your party members or you can exploit this.
Sleep	Very powerful spell against level 1-2 enemies, as it succeeds without any resistance checks.
Tasha's Hideous Laughter	Early on this spell could be a lifesaver, moreover, it is effective against low Wisdom enemies, so check their stats. Thanks to it you can disable an enemy and even hit it at the same time with a chance for Saving Throw.

Starting Instrument

This is a matter of personal taste, so pick your preferred one. Moreover, as you play the game some unique instruments will be unlocked that you can wear.

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 of Charisma.

Moreover, due to high Dexterity, it is also a good choice to pick Sleight of Hand. This can be a perfect choice especially if you want to be the main lockpicker or trap disarmer.

Abilities

Now let's take a look at the abilities of the Lore Bard build. Correct allocation will allow you to maximize the early gameplay and get good modifier bonuses.

Ability	Value	Description
Strength	8	This build does not need strength.
Dexterity	16 (15+1)	This plays an important role in improving armor class and increasing initiative. I think Bard must go first due to low survivability and get some control spells activated.
Constitution	14	Enough Constitution for better survivability.
Intelligence	8	Do not need this ability.
Wisdom	10	Additional Wisdom to avoid any negative modifiers as many spells target this ability.
Charisma	17 (15+2)	The most important stat for the Bard caster build. It will improve dialogue roll checks, but most importantly spell success chance. If you plan on getting Auntie Ethel's Hair for +1 Charisma leave it at 17, otherwise set 16 and use two points for Wisdom.

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 Dexterity and Charisma-related.

• Sleight of Hand

For Charisma related:

• Deception
• Intimidation
• Performance
• Persuasion

Leveling Progression - Levels 2-12

Here is the detailed progression for the Lore Bard 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 the feel for the class you can start picking your options

The early game with Bard can be difficult. I recommend having someone cast Mage Armour​ if you can. Otherwise, stay with Light or Medium Armor if proficiencies allow.

Level 2

This is where you will have left the tutorial area, and will start exploring the world. From the get-go, Bard gets some useful bonuses.

Features	Description
Jack of All Trades​	A truly useful passive throughout the whole game to increase your chances of ability roll success.

That is not all, there is another surprise waiting:

Actions	Description
Song of Rest	This is a very important Bard action, and with it, you can use Short Rest a third time before Long Rest. Use it to heal or restore class-specific resources. So do not save those, and use them to your heart's content. Moreover, classes like Warlock, Fighter, and others benefit greatly from instant restoration of their spell slots or special resources.

Spells and Replace Spell

Feat	Description
Longstrider	In case no one else in the group has it, take it. You can cast it without spell slot cost and it benefits everyone, especially melee combatants.
Tasha's Hideous Laughter	Can be used to immobilize enemies with low Wisdom. However, later in the game, there will be better options.

For spell replacement, I don't think there is anything that would be useful yet.

Level 3

The Bard gets to choose its subclass. Moreover, level 2 spells are unlocked, giving some better offensive and control options.

Subclass

Overview
College of Lore
Features
Cutting Words​	This is a very powerful feature, you can use Bardic Inspiration​ to debilitate enemies and decrease their attack rolls or Saving Throws. It is one of the pillars of Lore Bard's build.

Skills

By picking Lore Bard you get to pick three additional skills in which you gain proficiency. Again I would recommend picking anything that is Charisma related (if not yet picked). After that you can take - Perception, Sleight of Hand, or anything else.

Spells and Replace Spell

Now some good spells are unlocked that will improve your options.

Spells	Description
Enhance Ability	I would say this is mandatory on Honour Mode, and optional on lower difficulties. The spell can be a lifesaver as it will give a huge chance of success in case you need a roll advantage.

I would replace Sleep​ for:

Spells	Description
Cloud of Daggers	The biggest damage spell at level 2. it damages two times - first when you cast, second after it is the enemy's turn. You could also use this as a replacement for any spells you do not use.

Level 4

Now, you get some other great choice picks - the first feat is unlocked.

Cantrips

Cantrip	Description
Light​	This will become useful later in the game once you reach Act 2. Moreover, it can be used to improve the damage of some items.
Minor Illusion​	Another good pick. You can pull enemies together before combat. After that follow up with an area of effect spell on the targets.

Spells and Replace Spell

Spells	Description
Hold Person​	A decent control spell, that you can use to Hold an enemy. be sure to follow up with someone from melee range for guaranteed critical hits.

Feat

Level 5

Boom! The Bard is level 5 and this means the build can finally use some awesome level 3 spells.

Spells and Replace Spell

Spells	Description
Glyph of Warding​	The only spell that you need, for now... It can cause damage using most elements, so if the enemy is wet, just use the Lightning/Cold element. However, the most important aspect is that it can put multiple targets to sleep. This can easily invalidate many fights.

For replacement, I would recommend removing Faerie Fire​ and picking:

Spells	Description
Plant Growth​	An amazing spell, that can drastically reduce enemy movement speed. However, the most important aspect is that it does not use a concentration slot.

Level 6

Lore Bard gets access to the Magical Secrets feature, allowing you to learn additional spells.

Action	Description
Countercharm	You and any allies within 9m have an advantage on Saving Throws against being Charmed or Frightened. Did not use much during the playthrough.

Spells and Replace Spell

Spells	Description
Hypnotic Pattern​	I recommend getting this spell. It is amazing and works even while you are silenced.

Magical Secrets

This is the main reason to take Lore Bard. It can now access many of the spells from other caster classes, allowing it to create a few interesting synergies.

Spells	Description
Mass Healing Word​	This spell will allow creating unique synergies for buffing your allies using The Whispering Promise ring. The good thing is that it only costs a bonus action to use, allowing at the same time to also activate a control spell. In addition Hellrider's Pride can help with damage by applying Blade Ward​.

Now there are a few options that I would recommend at level 6:

Spells	Description
Counterspell​	Extremely effective spell, as it can cancel enemy casters.
Hunger of Hadar​	Slow down enemies, make them blind and they also incure damage every turn while staying in the fog. This spell can trivialize most of the encounters.

Level 7

You will get access to level 4 spells. One of those is my personal favorite.

Spells and Replace Spell

Spells	Description
Confusion​	An amazing spell, that can make multiple encounters very easy. Enemies may start attacking each other or even skip their turns.

If you see that any of the spells are not used, feel free to replace them.

Level 8

This level unlocks the second feat for Lore Bard.

Spells and Replace Spell

Here I have a few recommendations to choose from.

Spells	Description
Greater Invisibility​	If you have a rogue (Assassin at that) in your group who specializes in stealth, this spell can make it so that they will attack multiple times before breaking invisibility. The stealth checks become harder after each action.
Fear​	Another amazing spell that can make multiple enemies drop their weapons. The only caveat is that its range is not long.

Feat

Here I have two recommendations, and both of them will also be the same for level 12 (if you decide to go with pure Bard). Check the descriptions and decide what to pick based on itemization.

Feat	Description
Alert​	This perk almost guarantees that you go first most of the time. This way you can buff allies using Mass Healing Word​ and apply control spells first.

Level 9

The Bard gets access to level 5 spells.

Spells and Replace Spell

Spells	Description
Hold Monster​	An amazing spell, that is best combined with martials or spellcasters using attack rolls. This way you guarantee critical hits, for a huge damage increase.

For spell replacement, I don't think it is needed, feel free to try out something if you would like.

Level 10

As Lore Bard, you get access to the second Magical Secrets. This gives two more spells to choose from.

Features	Description
Improved Bardic Inspiration​	The bonus to ability rolls and checks is increased to 1d10. This also applies to Cutting Words​.

Skills

You can pick expertise for two additional skills. My recommendation is if you are the main character, get dialogue-related ones - performance, persuasion, deception, and intimidation.

If not, definitely pick Sleight of Hand or Perception.

Cantrips

Here feel free to pick anything. Here are the ones that I would recommend already having if you did not pick them up before:

Cantrips	Description
Dancing Lights​	Can be used to precast on incoming encounters. This is great if you need to activate the Callous Glow Ring for your companions.
Minor Illusion	My recommended pick, as you can use this to move enemies together. Once you reach the next level you can follow up with Glyph of Warding for a huge area of effect spell combo.

Spells

To be honest, I do not think any of the spells are a major improvement. Just pick anything that you would like to try out. Even if it is Speak with Animals​ for some utility.

Spells	Description
Dominate Person​	The enemy target joins you, however, it may break if succeed in Wisdom Saving Throw when taking damage.

Magical Secrets

Spells	Description
Command​	This is a mandatory spell in my opinion. As you now have a very high Spell Save DC, this spell can disable enemies for one turn. You can make them grovel, so that allies get attack advantage, or flee to trigger opportunity attacks.
Sleet Storm​	A very powerful crowd control spell, that can make enemies prone and cancel concentration spells. Be careful not to walk into it yourself.
Hunger of Hadar​	Very powerful option if you have not taken in at level 6.

Level 11

Bard gets access to level 6 spells. I do not think they are that impressive, so be sure to check the below sections for some multiclass ideas to get more of the Lore Bard.

Spells and Replace Spell

Spells	Description
Otto's Irresistible Dance​	Some say this is a "win" button. The spell is truly powerful and guarantees disabling the enemy for one turn. Moreover, the dancing foes always look funny.

For spell replacement, you can try out any spell or do nothing.

Level 12

This is the final level of Lore Bard. Be sure to check the next section as I will offer some build variations.

Spells and Replace Spell

At this stage, you can pick any spell that you like. You will probably be already very powerful steamrolling through the game.

Features	Description
Eyebite​	Interesting spell to have in the arsenal. It's most powerful when used over many turns. So do not waste a spell slot for short encounters. You can disable enemies one by one.
Planar Binding​	Another spell that is very powerful in a few encounters.

Feat

Here I will repeat the feats from level 8, as you should be picking one of them.

Feat	Description
Dual Wielder​	This is great Feat, especially if you will not have another caster that uses Dual Wielder. On the other hand, this can be an option if you would like to use staff with a Spell Save DC bonus. This way you have improved spell success chance and a much stronger Bless effect from Mass Healing Word​ activation.
Lucky​	Amazing feat, that gives control on dice rolls via Luck Points. This works for saving throws, ability checks, and attack rolls.

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.

1. Act 1 - Auntie Ethel Hair - you will want to get +1 Charisma if you pick this choice.
2. Act 3 - Mirror of Loss - pick +2 Charisma.
3. Act 3 - Birthright - optional item, but gives +2 Charisma.

This will allow you to reach 24 or 22 natural Charisma, and result in a +6-7 ability modifier on your spells and rolls.

Potions, Elixirs and Consumables

Let's take a look at what consumables we 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	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.
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.

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
Elixir of Battlemage's Power	Gain 3 stacks of Arcane Acuity. I would say this should be the most used Lore Bard elixir for higher spell success.
Elixir of Bloodlust	You gain additional action by killing an enemy. This is one of the best options that you can use especially if you plan on striking a single target using Scorching Ray.
Elixir of Peerless Focus	Another good choice, particularly once you start using Spirit Guardians and control spells.
Superior Elixir of Arcane Cultivation	Grant's a single level 3 spell slot. Could be useful in case you are preparing for a longer encounter.
Supreme Elixir of Arcane Cultivation	Grant's a single level 4 spell slot. Could be useful in case you are preparing for a longer encounter.
Elixir of Vigilance	For some encounters, you will want to go first. This elixir will ensure that it overcomes even surprise mechanics. However, if you have Alert​ this becomes redundant.

Illithid Powers

This special mechanic in Baldur's Gate 3 allows you to consume tadpoles and unlock special Illithid Powers. These range from somewhat useful, to extremely deadly. I would like to leave a few recommendations:

Base Illithid Powers

Order	Illithid Power	Description
1	Favourable Beginnings	Very useful power to take as it does not have any costs, and provides only benefits on the first hits.
2	Luck of the Far Realms	Guarantees a critical hit, a very powerful action to have, and works with Scorching Ray or Witch Bolt.
3	Concentrated Blast	Taking only for progression, to unlock the next power.
4	Cull the Weak	Passive feature that does not cost anything and automatically deals bonus psychic damage around the target, once it is close to death.
5	Transfuse Health	Taking it for progression
6	Shield of Thralls	Taking for progression, to unlock the next power, but it also provides a good bonus as temporary health, that can be cast before combat.
7	Force Tunnel	Mainly taking for progression
8	Displace	Mainly taking for progression

Elite Illithid Powers

These become unlocked later in the game as you progress. They are extremely powerful additions to the build.

Order	Illithid Power	Description
1	Freecast	Removes any cost of spell slots or consumable resources
2	Black Hole	Amazing power, that pulls enemies together and slows them. After that, you can follow up with Fireball, Fear, etc.
3	Psionic Dominance	You can use this similarly to Counterspell, and disable enemy spell.
4	Illithid Expertise	Expertise in bonus skills from this power is not mandatory as Bard already covers most of these.
6	Mind Sanctuary	Extremely valuable power that can also help other casters to use up their Bonus action effectively.

Equipment Recommendations

Now I would like to go through some gear recommendations to maximize the Lore Bard Build. Items are especially important as they take the build to the next level thanks to their unique effects.

Act 1

This part of the game can be tough for Bard. If you are Githyanki, be sure to get Medium Armour, as it is the best option before you can get one of those mentioned in the list. Another option, be sure to equip a Shield if you can.

Another important aspect, to make the build work early on, is to cast Mage Armour​ by an ally. This will give +3 Armour Class if you are wearing a clothing.

Slot	Item	Description
Melee (One - Handed)	Melf's First Staff	This is the best item that you can use in Act 1. It improves your spell success chance.
Ranged	Bow of Awareness	Gives bonus initiative, allowing one to go earlier in combat
	Hand Crossbow +1	Equip two of these so that you can attack with your bonus action.
Shield	Adamantine Shield	It provides a substantial defensive boost by reducing critical hit damage.
	Safeguard Shield	Gives a bonus to saving throws, easily accessible early in the game.
Head	The Shadespell Circlet	The best headwear in Act 1. Just be sure to be obscured if you can.
	Cap of Curing	The restored health is a good bonus when you use up Bardic Inspiration.
Cloak	The Deathstalker Mantle	The only option in Act 1 that is okay, is by providing once-per-turn invisibility. Only available to Dark Urge origin.
Armor	The Protecty Sparkswall	Best clothing for caster in Act 1.
	Blazer of Benevolence	Bard item, that gives bonus HP after Bardic Inspiration use.
Gloves	Hellrider's Pride	These gloves are amazing for Mass Healing Word​ setup. It will decrease damage from physical sources by half.
	Wondrous Gloves	Gloves specific for Bard, allowing to gain one more Bardic Inspiration charge.
	Bracers of Defence	These are the best early-game gloves, giving you a +2 Armour class if you are not using a shield.
Boots	Boots of Stormy Clamour	These will be the best boots you use throughout the game. Each time you apply a condition, Reverbation stacks will apply, for further increased success of melee actions and some spells. 5 stacks will deal thunder damage.
Amulet	Amulet of Branding	This is a good amulet before you get some use for bonus action. Use it, to apply vulnerabilities that your martials can exploit.
	Pearl of Power Amulet	Restore up to level 3 spell slot. Can be unequipped after use.
	Amulet of Misty Step	Gives mobility improvement thanks to the Misty Step​ spell.
Rings	The Whispering Promise	Be sure to get this ring, as it will be an extremely powerful addition once you start using the Mass Healing Word​ setup.
	Ring of Protection	The best option for Act 1. The bonus Armour Class is a great boost for survivability.
	The Sparkswall	A great ring that gives resistance to lightning damage.
	Crusher's Ring	Improves movement speed, but most likely this will be used by your melee party members.

Act 2 - mid-game

Act 2 changes the landscape and there will be a lot of dark areas. Moreover, it will provide some amazing items for you to find, that will improve the build setup.

The main change is that once you hit level 6, you can drop Hand Crossbow +1 and use Mass Healing Word​ with bonus action. This opens up other ranged item options, so be sure to check them.

Slot	Item	Description
Melee (One-handed)	Melf's First Staff	The staff is still the best contender for Act 2 as it improves Spell Save DC.
Ranged	Darkfire Shortbow	Amazing bow that allows to precast Haste before combat. This may not seem big as you can use Potion of Speed, but sometimes its short duration is not enough.
	Bow of Awareness	Still a solid choice, especially if you only need initiative.
Shield	Ketheric's Shield	The best shield there is for a caster.
	Adamantine Shield	It provides a substantial defensive boost by reducing critical hit damage.
Head	Fistbreaker Helm	Improves spell success chance and increases the likelihood of going first.
Cloak	Thunderskin Cloak	As you will be constantly applying Reverbation, this cloak is amazing and allows Dazing enemies who dare to attack you.
	Cloak of Protection	Improves survivability and Saving Throw success.
Armor	The Protecty Sparkswall	Still the best option even in Act 2. This requires Lightning Charges, to unlock full potential.
	Robe of Exquisite Focus	Another robe that gives +1 Spell Save DC.
Gloves	Hellrider's Pride	These gloves are amazing for Mass Healing Word​ setup. It will decrease damage from physical sources by half.
Boots	Boots of Stormy Clamour	The boots are the best option due to the Reverbation stacking.
Amulet	Amulet of Restoration	You can use this amulet together with healing items - Hellrider's Pride and The Whispering Promise to apply buffs and save spell slots.
	Amulet of the Harpers	Allows casting Shield spell, can be a lifesaver if attacked heavily for one turn.
Rings	The Whispering Promise	Be sure to get this ring, as it will be an extremely powerful addition once you start using the Mass Healing Word​ setup.
	Ring of Mental Inhibition	Any of your control spells that enemies will fail now also incur Mental Fatigue.
	Ring of Twilight	An easy way to get bonus Armour Class in Act 2.

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.

The best pick here is taking Dual Wielder​ and equipping two staves for improved Spell Save DC.

Slot	Item	Description
Melee (One - Handed)	Markoheshkir (BiS)	The best staff in the game. Of course, better use this on offensive caster if you have. Otherwise, Kereska's Favour is an amazing action. I recommend taking Bone-Shaking Thunder (for Reverbation) or Bolts of Doom (for powerful Lightning Spells).
	Staff of Spell Power	It has an Arcane Battery, allowing you to cast a spell for free. Moreover, it improves spell attack rolls.
	Staff of the Emperor	Gives bonus Spell Save DC and spell attack rolls. Moreover, its unique effect allows you to Stun enemies if you succeed in a Saving Throw against their effects.
	Duellist's Prerogative	Listing this one as an interesting option for synergies with Cutting Words. The weapon gives additional reactions, allowing you to use actions and spells a second time per turn.
Shield	Ketheric's Shield	The best shield there is for a caster with bonus Spell Save DC.
	Viconia's Walking Fortress	The strongest shield in the game, with plenty of bonuses.
Ranged	Hellrider Longbow (BiS)	Gives a big boost to the initiative, guaranteeing that you can go first. However, you will need to get Longbow proficiency from race.
Head	Hood of the Weave (BiS)	The hood gives solid +2 Spell Save DC, greatly improving spell success chance.
	Birthright	Perfect helm for caster, if another one has been taken.
Cloak	Cloak of The Weave (BiS)	Improve Spell Save DC by one, the best option for a direct increase in build effectiveness.
	Cloak of Displacement	Improves the chances of attacks missing the wearer until getting hit for that turn.
	Thunderskin Cloak	As you will be constantly applying Reverbation, this cloak is amazing and allows Dazing enemies who dare to attack you.
Armor	Armour of Landfall (BiS)	As a caster that heavily relies on Concentration spells, this is probably the best armor to wear. The Constitution saving throw advantage is more than awesome.
	Robe of the Weave	The best clothing for caster. Not only improves spellcasting but also provides a +2 Armour Class.
Gloves	The Reviving Hands (BiS)	Improved version of Hellrider's Pride. However, it requires medium armor proficiency. If you do not have it, use the original ones.
	Hellrider's Pride	The gloves are still relevant if you are relying on a Mass Healing Word​ spell.
	Gauntlet of the Tyrant	Another option in Act 3, also gives a level 3 Command spell for each Long Rest. The gloves provide +1 Spell Save DC,
Boots	Boots of Stormy Clamour (BiS)	The best boots to use with the build
Amulet	Amulet of The Devout (BiS)	The Best amulet for this build. However, this piece of equipment is the best caster choice, so can be contested by other party members.
	Periapt of Wound Closure	If you want to maximize the healing amount of your spells, this amulet is one of the options.
	Spellcrux Amulet	Restores up to level 6 spell slots. After using it, you can unequip it for another amulet.
Rings	Ring of Mental Inhibition (BiS)	Provides an easy way to apply Mental Fatigue with spells.
	The Whispering Promise	Be sure to get this ring, as it will be an extremely powerful addition once you start using the Mass Healing Word​ setup.
	Ring of Feywild Sparks	This ring gives an unlisted buff of Spell Save DC +1.

Build Mechanics

In this section, I would like to dive deep into how to play the Lore Bard. This will help you utilize it to the fullest and correctly use various actions and spells throughout the game.

Important Mechanics and Combos

The build is very versatile, allowing one to take full control of enemy actions.

Healing Word - for buffing

The main highlight of this build is that you can use bonus action to heal allies using Mass Healing Word​ or Healing Word. This is not all with specific items you can apply very strong buffs - Blade Ward​ and Bless. This will drastically improve your party's survivability.

There is not much else to know, besides requiring special equipment - Hellrider's Pride (or upgraded The Reviving Hands), The Whispering Promise.

With this combo, Lore Bard becomes not only a strong controller but a strong support, that can fully replace Cleric.

Counterspell + Cutting Words

This is the ultimate combo that will be able to negate or disable various negative effects the party can receive. Counterspell​ is perfect for canceling enemy spells. I just recommend not using it on offensive ones like Fire Bolt, Eldritch Blast, etc. (unless this means death). It would be better to cancel something like Silence, Confusion, etc. that can break the party.

Cutting Words​ is similar, but instead of using spell slots, it uses Bardic Inspiration​ slots. It can work not only on spells but also on ability checks, saving throws, and attack rolls.

There is one item Duellist's Prerogative that gives another reaction point to use per turn. So you could use both of those actions two times per turn.

Paralysis effects (Hold Person, Sleep, etc.)

This is a very powerful single-target combo. You need to paralyze an enemy so that you would have a guaranteed critical hit. This can be done using Hold Person, Glyph of Warding, etc.

After that, your allies can follow up with a guaranteed critical hit. This is a deadly setup, that in most cases ensures the enemy is taken out.

Hunger of Hadar

My favourite spell which works extremely well the moment you can get it at level 6. What it does, is create an environment that causes all targets to become Blinded. They also take damage at the start and the end of their turns.

The good thing is that your group can attack from the outside giving an advantage against all of the foes inside. You can also mix this with Command: Hold, to make enemies stay inside to take further damage.

Early Game Combat

Because the build starts as Bard, and later College of Lore, you do not have many offensive options. Here is what I would do throughout the fight:

• Very early in the game, I would use Faerie Fire, to set up Advantage for martials. This way they can guarantee a hit and most likely a kill as enemies have very low HP.
• Dissonant Whispers does not have attack rolls so it will always deal at least half damage. I would also use it on melee enemies as the Frighten effect does not allow them to move.
• Cloud of Daggers - is a great option if there are at least two enemies close by. This way you can hit them for 2 attacks (one at the start of the turn, a second once they start it)
• I would use Bonus Action for healing or attacking with Hand Crossbow +1.
• Once you have The Whispering Promise you can cast Healing Word​ with a level 1 spell slot to buff your frontline character to increase hit chance and have better damage reduction.
• Hold Person is another wondrous spell. If you have a high chance of 80%+, use it. Your martials can then easily finish off the target. Just use it on the enemy with a decent amount of HP.
• Level 5, you can start using Glyph of Warding​ to put multiple enemies to sleep. After that follow up with party members to take them out one by one. Glyph o Warding can also be selected with different elements. So if the enemy is Wet you can use lightning or Cold elements.
• At level 6, you can start using the Mass Healing Word​ combo that I covered already.

Late Game Combat

For the late game, the main goal is to buff your allies and follow up with a control spell. This way you utilize effectively both action and bonus action.

1. At the start of the turn activate Mass Healing Word​ so that allies get buffs against damage and better attack rolls.
2. Based on the situation you can utilize different control spells. My favorite one, is Confusion, making targets fight each other or skip their turns.
3. You could also cast Hold Monster or Hold Person if there is a strong enemy that needs to be dealt with. After that follow up with melee attacks from allies for guaranteed critical hits.
4. Another option is casting Hunger of Hadar​ and covering the battlefield in the fog. This again can be exploited by enemies wasting their resources.
5. You also have an option of using Potion of Speed on the first or second turn from bonus action. This is a great way if you need two strong spells in a single turn. For example, there are two groups of enemies, so you could cast Glyph of Warding: Sleep​ to disable both of them.
6. If you see an enemy spellcaster, most likely they will use Counterspell. You can try to do two things - either upcast to level 5-6 so that their counterspell fails or use party members to cast fake spells to bait them.
7. You have two sources to make enemies fail their spells or actions - Counterspell​ and Cutting Words. However, both of them use reaction, so use them sparingly. I would also disable opportunity attacks so that reaction would not get wasted.

Build Variations

There are a few variations that the build could be changed about. I think it is more for advanced players who are likely doing some deeper optimizations.

Setup	Description
2 Lv Cleric 10 Lv Bard	This is a good choice if you want to go without any clerics in the group. You will be able to cast guidance for various rolls, sanctuary as a bonus action, and a wider array of spells. For example, a Life Cleric can cast Preserve Life.
2 Lv Wizard 10 Lv Bard	This setup requires some tinkering with Ability points. You will want some intelligence to obtain more spell list slots. However, you can scribe various spells, and you can become the ultimate utility encyclopedia, choosing any support spell at will.
Lorecerer Build: 6 Sorcerer 6 Lore Bard	A very similar build to this one, however, it does sacrifice higher level spells for access to the Scorching Ray​ + Hat of Fire Acuity combo. This enables more offensive setup with 100% spell success chance and retains the core of the Bard and Sorcerer.
Bardlock Build: 2 Lv Warlock 10 Lv Bard	Amazing setup with Warlock (particularly Fiend) that saves you a Magical Secrets slot, for Command. Moreover, you get access to Eldritch Invocations like Devil's Sight​ or Agonising Blast​ for more synergies. This way you could utilize Darkness​ and become an untouchable caster.

Conclusion

Thank you for reading the Lore Bard build for Baldur's Gate 3. It is a strong Control caster and a perfect pick for the main face of the party. The build also includes original optimization with Mass Healing Word​ allowing the Lore Bard to buff your group members.

Cheers!