Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Warlock build, from race to spells & Pact

Crafting a build for a Warlock in Baldur's Gate 3 requires you to make a lot of decisions, starting with your race and skills in the character creator, before choosing spells, feats, and Eldritch Invocations when levelling.

While the best Monk or Rogue builds are straight forward due to fewer choices, Warlock players have a lot to think about. Making a perfect build in the game can seem hard, but with 100 hours of Warlock gameplay under my belt, I've managed to experiment and fine tune it into an unstoppable class. 

Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Warlock build

It's worth noting that you can respec your character in Baldur's Gate 3, so if you've already started your adventure but want to try out some of the options below, it's pretty easy to do.

Below, you'll find all of my recommendations listed by each level, so you know what to spec into at each specific point:

Level 1

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Level 2

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Level 3

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Level 4

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Level 5

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Level 6

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Level 7

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Level 8

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Level 9

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Level 10

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Level 11

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Level 12

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Baldur’s Gate 3 Warlock explained

The Warlock is a Charisma-based spell-casting class that has been gifted their magic by an outer entity. As a result, Warlocks have access to a unique spell list featuring a number of Warlock-exclusive spells.

One thing you should remember when playing a Warlock is their relation with spell slots. Like all mages, Warlocks use spell slots when casting magic, but unlike other mages, they have fewer spell slots to use.

The trade-off for this is that Warlocks regain all their spell slots after a Short Rest rather than a Long Rest at camp. Although Warlocks might not have access to as many Short Rests as those in the tabletop versions might, this still means that they can take two Short Rests a day before needing a long one.

I encourage you to really let loose during fights as a Warlock and make the most of your spells, as you typically won't go more than three fights in the game without having a chance to rest up.

All Baldur’s Gate 3 Warlock subclasses

There are three subclasses for Warlocks: Fiend, Great Old One, and Archfey. Although Warlocks have access to the same spells regardless of which Patron you choose, they both offer different abilities.

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Baldur’s Gate 3 Warlock - Fiend

Warlocks in service to fiends work towards corrupting, destructive ends – intentionally or otherwise – and receive hellish blessings in turn. Fiend Warlocks have access to the spell Burning Hands and Command, but they also get the feat Dark One’s Blessings.

Baldur’s Gate 3 Warlock - The Great Old One

Warlocks bound to Eldritch entities work towards inscrutable goals, gaining powers over entropy and the mind. One of the first things that The Great Old One Warlocks get that Fiend Warlocks don’t is access to two very powerful spells:

Baldur’s Gate 3 Warlock - Archfey

Warlocks who choose the Archfey subclass are in service to a lord or lady of the fey, a creature of legends whole holds secrets that were forgotten before the mortal races were born. Archfey Warlocks are immediately given the following action:

What is the best Warlock subclass?

My pick for the Warlock's ideal subclass is The Great Old One, due to the two extra spells you have available to you, and the passive, Mortal Reminder. 

As you level up further, the later passive features from the Great Old One subclass are also excellent, giving you a free reaction that lets you impose Disadvantage. 

Not a fan of the Warlock build? Check out our recommendations for other best builds in Baldur's Gate 3:

• Barbarian build
• Bard build
• Cleric build
• Monk build
• Rogue build
• Sorcerer build
• Warlock build
• Wizard build

All Warlock Eldritch Invocations

The Warlock's main class feature is their access to Eldritch Invocations, which are features that grant you specific bonuses and boons.

You gain two Eldritch Invocations at level 2, and then further ones at levels 5, 7, 9, and 12. Each time you are allowed to select your invocation, and further levels see you unlock even more options.

Although the Invocation you should choose depends on your playstyle, I recommend passive Invocations such as Agonizing Blast, Beast Speech, and Devil's Sight to begin with.

I don't recommend the invocations that let you cast spells without a spell slot until you level up further, as they feel like a waste next to the things you can get uniquely from your class.

Here are all of the Eldritch Invocations available at each level:

Check out our Baldur's Gate 3 homepage for more guides. We've also covered the best mods, how to find Auntie Ethel, how to get and use ceremonial weapons, all achievements, and how to find Lump's War Horn.