BG3 Bard Build Guide: Best Subclass, Spells, Stats & Gear for Beginners

College of Swords Bard

Stats

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
8	16	14	8	10	17

CHA 17 = spells + dialogue. DEX 16 = weapon attacks + AC.

Level Progression

• 1: Bardic Inspiration (Bonus Action, +1d6 to ally rolls). Spellcasting.
• 2: Jack of All Trades (+ half proficiency to all skills). Song of Rest (extra short rest!).
• 3: College of Swords. Fighting Style: Two-Weapon Fighting. Blade Flourishes (use Inspiration for extra effects on attacks).
• 4: Feat: +2 CHA
• 5: Bardic Inspiration upgrades to d8 (short rest refresh!). Font of Inspiration.
• 6: Extra Attack.
• 8: Feat: Alert or +2 DEX
• 12: Feat: War Caster

Blade Flourishes

• Slashing Flourish: Hit 2 enemies with one attack. Best for damage.
• Defensive Flourish: +AC equal to Inspiration roll. Best for survivability.
• Mobile Flourish: Push enemy + teleport to them.

Combat Strategy

1. Cast a concentration spell (Hold Person, Hypnotic Pattern)
2. Attack twice (Extra Attack) using Slashing Flourish = hit up to 4 enemies
3. Off-hand attack with Bonus Action

Best Spells

• 1: Tasha’s Hideous Laughter, Healing Word, Faerie Fire
• 2: Hold Person, Cloud of Daggers
• 3: Hypnotic Pattern, Fear
• Magical Secrets (level 10): Spirit Guardians, Counterspell, Haste, Fireball

Best Gear

• Weapon: Duellist’s Prerogative (Act 3) + off-hand dagger
• Armor: Medium armor (Yuan-Ti Scale Mail in Act 2)