Baldur’s Gate 3 is on the verge of its final major update, Patch 8, and one of the most exciting additions is the long-awaited Hexblade subclass for Warlocks. As a Charisma-based class that can wield martial weapons and wears medium armor, the Hexblade offers a level of versatility that makes it one of the strongest single-level dips for multiclassing in the game. This new subclass allows spellcasters to use Charisma as their attack stat, eliminating the need to invest in Strength or Dexterity while enhancing both survivability and combat effectiveness.
For many Baldur’s Gate 3 builds, taking just one level in Hexblade can significantly increase damage output and durability while maintaining spellcasting efficiency. The ability to wield a weapon with Charisma—combined with access to medium armor and shields—makes this subclass an ideal choice for several classes, particularly those that already rely on Charisma for spellcasting.
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Baldur’s Gate 3’s Hexblade Strengthens Charisma Builds
In Baldur’s Gate 3, Charisma plays a crucial role in both social encounters and combat. Classes like Sorcerer, Bard, Warlock, and Paladin all rely on Charisma as their primary ability score, affecting spellcasting effectiveness and social skills like Persuasion, Intimidation, and Deception. By dipping into Hexblade, these classes can gain a weapon-based option that scales with Charisma, allowing them to fight effectively without diverting stat points into Strength or Dexterity.
For Sorcerers and Bards, this dip is particularly game-changing. Both classes typically rely on spells for damage, with limited weapon proficiency and poor survivability in melee combat. However, a one-level Hexblade dip grants them proficiency with medium armor and shields, drastically increasing their defenses. This means a Sorcerer or Bard can wield a shield while wearing medium armor, gaining an immediate boost to survivability without sacrificing spellcasting potency.
Hexblade Unlocks Powerful Paladin Synergies
Paladins are already well-equipped for melee combat, but a Hexblade dip can push them even further. Since Paladins rely on both Strength and Charisma, the ability to attack with Charisma alone simplifies their stat distribution. Instead of splitting points between Strength and Charisma, a Hexblade dip allows Paladins to maximize Charisma while still being formidable in melee.
Another key synergy comes from Hexblade’s Curse, which increases damage against a single target and reduces the critical hit threshold. When combined with Divine Smite, which deals extra radiant damage on a melee hit, this dip can significantly increase a Paladin’s burst damage potential. Additionally, gaining access to the Shield spell from the Hexblade spell list adds another layer of survivability.
Warlocks Benefit from a Natural Progression Path
Since Hexblade is a Warlock subclass, any existing Warlock build can immediately benefit from its features without needing to multiclass. The subclass provides an excellent frontline option for Warlocks who typically struggle with defense. A Pact of the Blade Warlock, for example, can wield a greatsword or battleaxe with Charisma and gain extra tankiness from medium armor and shields.
Furthermore, the Hexblade’s expanded spell list offers useful utility, including Shield and Wrathful Smite, which can further enhance survivability and control in melee combat. Since Warlocks rely on short rests to regain spell slots, adding defensive tools like these ensures they can last longer in extended fights.
While Hexblade is a natural fit for Baldur’s Gate 3’s Charisma casters, it also has surprising synergy with certain martial classes, particularly Fighters and Rangers. A three-level dip in Hexblade unlocks the Extra Attack feature, allowing classes without innate multi-attacks to gain an additional weapon strike per turn.
For Fighters, this means an alternative to Strength- or Dexterity-based builds that lean into Charisma for damage scaling. While traditional Fighters may not rely on Charisma, a Valor Bard or Oathbreaker Paladin dipping into Hexblade can use Extra Attack to significantly boost their melee damage output. Similarly, Rangers who prefer melee combat can benefit from Hexblade’s ability to use Charisma with their weapons while gaining access to strong defensive spells.
Patch 8 Expands Build Diversity in Baldur’s Gate 3
With Larian Studios moving on from Baldur’s Gate 3 and the Dungeons & Dragons IP, Patch 8 serves as a final sendoff, delivering new subclasses that push the boundaries of build diversity. Hexblade is arguably one of the most impactful additions, offering a powerful multiclass option that can benefit almost any Charisma-based build.
For players looking to experiment with new builds, the Hexblade dip provides unmatched flexibility, allowing spellcasters to become formidable melee combatants without sacrificing their core strengths. Whether used to enhance a Paladin’s smiting power, bolster a Sorcerer’s defenses, or provide a Warlock with extra survivability, the Hexblade’s unique abilities ensure that it will be a defining feature of the final Baldur’s Gate 3 meta.
- Released
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August 3, 2023
- ESRB
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M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence