Larian Studios Forums Baldur's Gate III Baldur's Gate III - Help Tips & Tricks "Multiclassing" 101 (5th D&D)

Preface

I thought it would be interesting to introduce how "Multiclassing" works in 5th Edition D&D before Baldur's Gate 3 comes out since not everyone might be aware of how it works in that setting. I will also include some useful links.

To note :

• The information presented here is based on the PHB (see here and here).
• While "Multiclassing" was confirmed as a feature to be expected in Baldur's Gate 3 (see here), we admittedly don't fully know how it will be implemented.
• While Larian has not confirmed non-PHB content, I will also add information about Artificier.

What's "Multiclassing"

It simply means being able to gain levels in multiple classes. Meaning, you will have the option to gain a level in a new class upon leveling up your character, granting new features and abilities missing from your current class.


Prerequisites

In order to do so, you must meet the ability score requirements for your current class AND the new one (most people forget or are unaware about that pesky little "and" 😄), as shown in the Multiclassing Prerequisites table.


Artificier's prerequisite : Intelligence 13.


Experience Points and Proficiency Bonus

Those are based on your actual level (your total character level, for all your classes), as shown in the Character Advancement table.

For example : a "cleric 6/fighter 3" character is a level 9 character. They have +4 Proficiency Bonus and at least 48,000 xp (but less then 64,000).


Hit Points and Hit Dice

Honestly, I just use this D&D 5e HP Calculator with the multiclass option.
But feel free to check how it's calculated in the PHB.


Proficiencies

When gaining your first level in a new class, you only gain some of the new class's starting proficiencies, as shown in the Multiclassing Proficiencies table.


Artificier's proficiencies : ligth armor, medium armor, shields, thieves' tool, tinkers' tool.


Class features : "Extra Attack" and "Unarmored Defense"

They don't stack. You can't learn those features multiple times.


Class features : "Channel Divinity"

Basically, you will only gain the additional options but not additional uses. You will only gain additional uses when you reach a class level that explicitly grants them as a feature (ie. Clerics upon reaching level 6 and 18).


Class features : "Spellcasting"

Spells Known and Prepared
Calculated individually, each classes following its own rules.

Spell Slots
To make it simple, go check this D&D 5e Multiclassing Spell Slot Calculator.

But basically, you can calculate what I'd call the "casting level" of your character, then check the Multiclass Spellcaster table (below).

To calculate this "casting level", you will need to add together :

- all your levels in the Bard, Cleric, Druid, Sorcerer, and Wizard classes,
- half your levels (rounded down) in the Paladin and Ranger classes (same for Artificiers),
- and a third of your Fighter (Eldritch Knight) or Rogue (Arcane Trickster) levels (rounded down).



Pact Magic

Normal spell slots : replenished when you complete a long rest.
Pact Magic spell slots (Warlock) : replenished when you complete a short rest or a long rest.

Warlock spell slots are calculated individually and according to the Pact Magic feature (see Warlock).

You can use all your spell slots interchangeably but the Warlock slots replenish after a short rests, not just a long rest.