Twelve classes in Baldur's Gate 3 can be chosen between Origin characters or custom-builds, but to those just being introduced to this massive RPG, there are a few options that work best for beginners. The wide variety of abilities available to classes can be overwhelming, especially when you factor in magic with its own set of rules. Those unfamiliar with Dungeons & Dragons mechanics will want to pick a class whose builds are simple to create.

Before you even begin to select a class, you must choose a racial option for your character that boosts certain stats. Each class has traits that work well when certain Ability Scores are high, such as Strength for a combat-heavy Barbarian. Although any race could work with any class, beginners should keep in mind how specific choices might mesh well together if they decide to make a custom character in Baldur's Gate 3.

5 Paladin

Paladins are capable of doing just about everything in Baldur's Gate 3, wielding holy magic with incredibly powerful attacks fueled by their righteous valor in battle. Proficient in every type of armor and most weapons, Paladins also have an ability called Lay on Hands that allows them to heal from a limited pool. This class doesn't dive too deeply into spells, making it rather straightforward when compared to other classes.

However, new players should note that Paladins must follow their Oaths through combat and dialogue, making them one of the few classes that can change mechanically as a result of your choices. Becoming an Oathbreaker in Baldur's Gate 3 will modify nearly every ability your character has, but thankfully this is a path you have the choice to accept or deny. Warnings in the game will tell you how close you are to breaking a Paladin Oath.

Related: Baldur’s Gate 3: Paladin Subclasses - Oaths & How To Break Them

4 Warlock

Any beginner looking to wield magic should consider using the Warlock, a simple-to-use spell caster that obtains their arcane prowess from an otherworldly Patron. Unlike other casting classes like the Wizard or Sorcerer in Baldur's Gate 3, Warlocks gain a small number of spells that are consistently powerful as you level up. Despite the Warlock's low hit points, the strength of their magic makes them a glass cannon of sorts.

Depending on what Patron you choose, the Warlock's spells could range from devastating enemies with heavy damage to manipulating foes with strong debuffs or mental conditions. Your Patron might be a devious Fiend from a Lower Plane, an Archfey creature of legend, or even a primordial entity known as a Great Old One. The storytelling flavor here helps form an understanding of your character early as you get started.

3 Fighter

Probably the most versatile class in Baldur's Gate 3, the Fighter is a master of physical combat, being able to pick up just about any weapon and make it a deadly instrument of battle. The Fighter can use any armor and any weapon in the game, giving you endless choices for how you fight. Features like Second Wind help recover hit points automatically, while Action Surge at level 2 lets you get a second turn while fighting.

With above-average health, Fighters also gain Fighting Styles that give them better damage, accuracy, or protection with their attacks. Multiple Styles can be chosen as your character levels up, giving you nearly endless possibilities in Baldur's Gate 3. So many options may be intimidating to some beginners, but these choices aren't complicated when compared to abilities from other classes.

2 Rogue

Rogues are stealthy jack-of-all-trades that deal some of the highest damage in Baldur's Gate 3 through their deadly Sneak Attack. Their proficiency with Light Armor makes any Rogue seem like they would get hit a lot by enemies, but the Cunning Action features as early as level 2 give this class more tools to remain agile. Hiding, Dashing, and Disengaging are all made easier with this ability in Baldur's Gate 3.

The subclasses of the Rogue in Baldur's Gate 3 sometimes even let you win fights before they even begin. The Assassin gets even more damage from Sneak Attack, one of the strongest traits in the game that gives you extra damage on an opponent that either stands near an ally or cannot detect your character. The Thief can pickpocket even the most vigilant guard, while the Arcane Trickster adds deceptive magic to the mix.

1 Barbarian

The Barbarian class gives beginners the most tools to succeed in Baldur's Gate 3, sporting ridiculous durability and fantastic damage that keeps a character active far longer than most builds. Similar to the Fighter, Barbarians can use any weapon. While your character for this class could certainly wear armor, the Unarmored Defense feature lets you add your Constitution modifier to your Armor Class instead.

The iconic ability of the Barbarian is Rage, a frenzied state available only to this class that causes your character to deal extra damage, have advantage to Strength-related checks, and resist all physical damage. Among all the class features in Baldur's Gate 3, the destructive and easy-to-use power from a Rage makes this ability perfect for beginners. All the subclasses for the Barbarian get additional effects to their Rage.

The best classes for beginners of Baldur's Gate 3 are ones whose potentials are painless to approach, giving you traits that demand little effort to understand or take advantage of throughout your adventure.