The Jack-of-all-Trades is a challenge build in Baldur’s Gate 3. It requires the hero to take at least one level in all 12 classes. While not powerful, they will be extremely versatile in every situation.

The Jack-of-all-Trades is a Steam Achievement and PlayStation Trophy and does not directly affect in-game performance.

Requirements and Party Role

To make this challenge a little tougher, players must go through a single campaign without using the character respec option in Baldur’s Gate 3. This makes selections and mistakes during level-up permanent. One can somewhat relieve this issue by making spate save files before each level-up, ensuring that the build continues correctly.

Unlike past Dungeons and Dragons systems, Fifth Edition rules focus on a proficiency bonus determined by total character level. This means a level 12 Jack-of-all-Trades will still have the same base accuracy, skills, and saving throws of a pure classed character. Classes instead determine which attacks apply proficiency or not.

Multiclass Spells

The Jack-of-all-Trades will have access to lots of different magic. They will be considered a 6th level spell caster a class level 12 - Bard Cleric, Druid, Sorcerer, and Wizard are all full casters; Paladin and Ranger are both half casters. Warlock’s Pact Magic also interacts by adding short rest spell slots directly to the normal formula. The following spell slots will be shared by all classes, and can be used to “up cast” to stronger spell levels:

Starting Stats and Background

Baldur’s Gate 3 has removed the Ability Score minimum for multiclassing. Still, the Jack-of-all-Trades character isn’t going to be top of anything, but can still be competent with a bow, cantrips, and has adequate survivability. Ability Scores are extremely important, as having 12 first classes will result in no Ability Score Improvement options or new feats.

Dexterity, Constitution, and Wisdom are the three most common saving throws used by enemies in Baldur’s Gate 3. Additionally, Dexterity can be used to improve initiative and deal damage with ranged weapons. Players will want to allocate the following after bonuses are applied:

There are two key racial choices that work well with such a well-rounded character: Lightfoot Halfling or Wood Elf. Lightfoots can easily escape with the help of Stealth proficiency and can reroll “1’s” on d20s dice. Wood Elf instead gets more movement speed, is immune to magical sleep, and has Perception as a trained skill. Entertainer is a great background to pick up both Performance and Acrobatics.

Class Progression and Subclasses

The order of classes has a significant impact. Each level-up will grant a different number of hitpoints, more spells, and features that either mesh or conflict with each other. Saving throw proficiencies do not improve, and only certain classes in Baldur’s Gate 3 grant more skills or equipment.

• Fighter: A 1st level Fighter grants proficiency with both Strength and Constitution saving throws. This will result in them being able to make concentration checks once learning magic. They are also proficient with all weapons, armor, and shields. Still, players should take Archery as their fighting style so they can stay out of harm.
• Barbarian: Switching to Barbarian is mostly for the 1d12 hit dice, increasing survivability. With the recommended Ability Score spread they will also have 16 Armor Class when unarmored, which can be better than most armor found early game. Though Rage doesn’t work with bows, it does with “Finesse” melee weapons; it also halves damage taken from physical attacks.
• Rogue: Rogue is one of the three classes that grant a new skill. Most will do, though Perception, Stealth, and Athletics are the most common. Using Sneak Attack will add an extra 1d6 to ranged attacks in Baldur’s Gate 3.
• Bard: Bards can assist allies with Bardic Inspiration to add a 1d6 to d20 rolls. This is the first time the hero will have access to both cantrips and 1st level magic. Consider learning Mage Hand, Vicious Mockery, Healing Word, and Longstrider.
• Vengeance Paladin: Paladins can heal themselves with Lay on Hands and have the same hitpoints as a Fighter. The Paladin’s Oath adds roleplaying restrictions or a risk of losing their powers. The Oath of Vengeance allows them to punish the wicked and be more hostile.
• Ranger: Players will gain another skill choice as a Ranger, selecting from among the ones already mentioned. Despite not learning spells yet, by taking the previous Paladin level the two classes will count as one caster level. These spell slots can be used on Bard magic for now.

Related: Baldur's Gate 3: Building a Cleric (Tips, Tricks, & Strategies)

• War Cleric: Selecting the War Domain will grant the free Spells Shield of Faith and Divine Favor. War Priest can add an extra attack but require a long rest to recharge. For common spells, choose Guidance, Thaumaturgy, Produce Flame, Sanctuary, and Create Water.
• Monk: As a change from pen and paper rules, Monks in Baldur’s Gate 3 learn Ki at first level. This allows them to Dash or Disengage as a bonus action. Monks can also force disadvantage from enemies with Patent Defense.
• Wild Magic Sorcerer: The Wild Magic subclass will allow the Jack-of-all-Trades to gain advantage on command with Tides of Chaos. However, Sorcerer spells have a chance of surging with good and bad effects. For spells, pickup up Bone Chill, Ray of Frost, Dancing Lights, Minor Illusion, Shield, and Feather Fall.
• Fiend Warlock: A Warlock’s Pact Magic works differently than normal caster levels. It adds a 1st level spell slot that replenishes on a short rest. Dark One’s Blessing allows the hero to regain hitpoints when killing an enemy, though this will rarely occur. Consider learning Eldritch Blast, True Strike, and Protection from Evil and Good.
• Druid: 1st level Druid doesn’t offer much new or unique features, just more Wisdom-based magic. Their iconic features are at 2nd level or higher. Consider Resistance, Thorn Whip, Enhance Leap, and Goodberry for spells.
• Wizard: High-level Wizards are powerful, but this late in the game a basic Wizard may be one of the weakest options in Baldur’s Gate 3. Most of their magic has already been learned by other classes. Still, they can restore spell slots with Arcane Recovery. This class is merely to complete the achievement.