The Druid isn’t an easy class to multiclass inBaldur’s Gate 3, but there are a few combos that can make the most of its unusual features and limited spell list. One of these builds works by going all-in on the Spore Druid’s focus on melee combat bymixing in some Rangerfor Extra Attack and the Hunter subclass. This combination creates a durable frontline fighter with great weapon damage and access to some of the best control spells inBaldur’s Gate 3.
The problem with most builds that blend weapons and spellcasting is that they have to split their ability scores between physical and mental stats. Fortunately, this particular build gets around the problem by usingthe Shillelagh Cantripto allow them to makemelee attacks using Wisdom, which is the Druid’s primary spellcasting ability score.Shillelaghcan enable this feature on any club or staff, and if the target staff is wielded with both hands, it can also benefit from the Great Weapon Master Feat for impressive melee damage.
The Shillelagh Druid: Levels 1-6
Players who want to try a Shillelagh-focused Druid can pick any race and background they like at character creation, as there are no racial features that are crucial to the build. When it comes to Ability Scores, you’ll want tomaximize Wisdom.This will be the character’s main stat for both melee and spellcasting attacks. Next, take high Constitution for HP and Concentration Saving Throws. Dexterity should be at least 14 forMedium Armor. However, you can go lower if you plan to take the Ranger Knight Favored Enemy bonus when your character reaches level 1 Ranger, as this grants Heavy Armor Proficiency.
First Option: Ranger First
Players who want to reach their full melee strength as quickly as possible should still start with Druid at level 1 to get Shillelagh, but immediately follow up with5 levels of Ranger. This will slow down their overall spell progression, but it will unlock Extra Attack as quickly as possible.
Second Option: Druid First
Alternatively, players can focus on Druid first in order to build up their spellcasting and spell slots as quickly as possible. However, this comes at the cost of not getting Extra Attack before Act 3. With this route, players shouldtake Druid to level 5in order to unlock the powerful 3rd level spell slots before switching over to Ranger.
The Shillelagh Druid: Levels 7-12
The latter levels of the Shillelagh Druid build will pick up the high-level features from whichever class the player didn’t prioritize first. It will also reach Druid level 7, granting access to 4th level spells and a5th level spell slot.
As this route picks up all their Ranger levels in 1-6, they’ll stick with Druid all the way to top level. Along the way, they’ll collectthe Wild Shape featureand their Druid subclass, along with another Feat and a selection of Circle Spells from other classes' spell lists.
After taking only Ranger in levels 1-6, this route will spend the next few levels getting to Ranger 5 before finishing off their Druid levels. This will grant the character the survivability and melee damage that they will need to hold their own on the front lines inBaldur’s Gate 3’s third act.
