Baldur's Gate 3: Best Druid build Baldurs Gate 3 guide, walkthrough

Druids are unique magic users with a special bond with the natural world. On this page we will tell you how to develop your Druid in BG3.

Last update: 30 November 2023

Nature-worshipping Druids are a unique caster class in Baldur's Gate 3. Their bond with forests and forest-living creatures gives them access to a variety of unique abilities including shapeshifting into animals. On this page, we provide tips on how to build a Druid correctly to make him formidable enough to travel the dangerous regions of Sword Coast.

• Character creation wizard
• Class progression
• Ilithild Powers
• Allies, their skills and spells
• Equipment and bonuses from it
• Consumables

Character creation wizard

When in choice for a Druid-viable race, we recommend Wood Elf. Their high base movement speed, Darkvision skill, proficiency with bows and Fey Ancestry feature will surely prove useful during battles.

Alternative choices feature Drows, with their natural magic potential, or Humans, who receive an additional Proficiency of your choice.

When choosing a Background, we recommend Folk Hero or Hermit. These backgrounds provide Proficiency in the most important ability for Druid - Wisdom.

Class progression

1. In case of Druid, on level 1, you only choose starting Cantrips and tier 1 spells. We recommend choosing the following Cantrips: Shillelagh, Thorn Whip, or Poison Spray, and when it comes to level 1 spells - Thunderwave, Healing Word, Speak with Animals, Goodberry, and Create or Destroy Water.
2. After reaching level 2, you can choose a subclass. In this build, we chose to follow Circle of the Moon. Additionally, you receive access to the most important Druid skill - Wild Shape. It enables the Druid to shapeshift into a chosen animal. With Circle of the Moon, you receive an additional Shape (Bear) and unlock the ability to shapeshift under Bonus Action (Combat Wild Shape). Finally, after spending a Spell Slot, you'll be able to replenish a portion of your HP while still in animal form.
3. Level 3 means access to level 2 spells. We recommend checking out Flaming Sphere, Spike Growth, Hold Person, and Moonbeam.
4. With level 4, you receive access to two new Shapes, and unlock a Feat of your choice. The best pick here will be Ability Improvements and spending it on Wisdom.
5. At level 5, you unlock Wild Strike, which allows you to perform an additional attack after an Unarmed Strike in Wild Shape. Among the available tier 3 spells, take an interest in Call Lightning, Plant Growth and Sleet Storm.
6. Level 6 means two additional Shapes, as well as a Circle of the Moon-specific skill called Primal Strike that imbues your animal attacks with magic.
7. With level 7, you can choose one tier 4 spell. We especially recommend Wall of Fire, Ice Storm, Conjure Woodland Beings, and Polymorph.
8. On level 8, Druid under Circle of the Moon receives an additional Shape - Sabre-toothed Tiger. Additionally, on this level, you can choose a new Feat. Once again we recommend Ability Improvements spent on Wisdom.
9. Level 9 means choosing first tier 5 spell. Consider Mass Cure Wounds, Insect Plague, or Conjure Elemental.
10. At level 10, you unlock access to as many as 5 new Shapes, with four of them involving Myrmidons of different elements. Additionally, Improved Wild Strike will give you 2 additional attacks after an Unarmed Strike in animal form.
11. On level 11, you can choose the first spell from the final tier. Among the available options, we recommend: Heroes' Feast, Heal or Sunbeam.
12. At final level, you can choose next Feat. If you already have Wisdom maxed out, you can consider War Caster so you have an easier time maintaining concentration when casting spells.

Ilithild Powers

If you decide to harness Illithid Powers, consider Charm, Shield of Thralls, and Luck of the Far Realms. The universal nature of Ilithid Powers is that each skill broadens your tactical options immensely.

Party members - their skills and spells

Druid won't be able to survive on his own during tough battles - he needs the support of his comrades. Even though a Druid has healing spells in his repertoire, a good idea would be to introduce another healing/support character to the party, such as Cleric or Bard. The second choice brings additional support in form of Song of Rest that will replenish your Wild Shape charges even in the middle of exploring.

Additionally, consider enlisting the help a hero fighting with ranged weapons/spells. Rogue, Ranger, or a Wizard will surely help in combat with their ability to shower enemies with barrages of projectiles and/or spells.

Finally, a lot can be gained if you have a second character fighting in melee range. This may be a Paladin, Fighter, or a Barbarian.

Equipment and bonuses from it

In early stages of the journey, you can easily obtain Key of the Ancients - a headwear that gives a bonus to Nature. You can further strengthen this effect by wearing Hedge Wanderer Armour. This armor can be bought from Arron in Druid Grove, and additionally, it provides a bonus to Dexterity Checks and Saving Throws. Apart from the above, focus on equipping items that increase your survivability and spell power.

In the later stages of the game, obtaining two items - Shapeshifter Hat and Armour of Moonbasking will be crucial. Both the helmet and the armour give immense bonuses to your Wild Shape ability. The first item can be bought from Helsik in Act 3 of the story. The second can be bought in the caverns beneath the city.

Consumables

Here is a list of useful consumable items that a Druid should keep on hand:

1. Elixir of Vigilance - provides +5 to Initiative, thanks to which you'll be able to position yourself on the battlefield before it comes to blows.
2. All kinds of healing potions - they will quickly allow you to regenerate lost health points.
3. Oil of Accuracy - provides +2 to Attack Rolls.
4. All kinds of resistance potions - they will help you when fighting opponents who specialize in specific types of attacks.