In January 2025,Baldur’s Gate 3players will get their first looks at Patch 8 of the game. Much like the last major updates, this addition comes with a huge amount of new content. Though Larian appears to be coming to an end with producing official content forBaldur’s Gate, the 2025 update will not be the end of mod support - so if players are disappointed with anything not being included, then they still have lots of fanmade content to look forward to.
By far the largest part of Patch 8 is the 12 new subclasses. Since release, players have been testing out the ability of different team compositions - andwith these new options, players have so many new ways of building their parties.Judging by Larian’s descriptions, it seems as if two of these new additions may be the perfect combination for a duo run, or to at least be used in the same party.
The Death Domain Cleric Has An Ability That Complements New Barbarian Subclass
Patch 8 Introduces Necrotic Damage-Focused Cleric & A Barbarian Subclass Made For Throwing Enemies
Many of the new features andsubclasses in Patch 8 ofBaldur’s Gate 3have been long awaited by fans, and a lot of the new subclasses stand out for different reasons. Players are bound to have fun with the Drunken Master Monk, and wreak havoc with the Hexblade warlock.However, two stand out together, as their features appear to compliment each otherwhen there are two characters in the party who have taken them on, these being the Death cleric and the Path of Giants Barbarian.
TheDeath domain cleric is a subclass based around dealing necrotic damage.The addition of Patch 8 comes with 3 new necrotic cantrips specially chosen for this subclass, including “Toll the dead”, which does more damage depending on how much health the target has already lost. However, the most interesting feature that this subclass is receiving is a homebrew ability that this subclass doesn’t have in traditionalDungeons & Dragons- the ability to explode nearby corpses, dealing damage to those in the blast radius.
The Path of Giants is an extremely fun subclass for Barbarians, and is perfect for builds which involve throwing allies and enemies around the battlefield.With a unique type of rage called “Giant’s Rage,” these barbarians can grow in sizeand strength. This also means they have a very high carrying capacity, making them a good choice for players constantly finding themselves encumbered from picking up too much loot.
How Players Can Use The New Subclasses Together
A Possible Battle Tactic Similar To Barrelmancy
The Death cleric’s new ability to explode corpses appears to be perfectly matched with every aspect of the Path of Giants barbarian. As stated, the Path of Giants is adapted for throwing builds, meaning they can use their enemies as weapons against each other. With a Death cleric by their side, this ability is enhanced -not only are players able to deal damage from the impact of their improvised attacks, but they’ll be able to essentially turn their fallen enemies into grenadeswith the right timing by throwing the bodies in the cleric’s range.
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Another feature which makes this a perfect combination is the increased carrying capacity of the new barbarian subclass, which is likely to be the highest limit in the game.This makes them great for holding onto heavy items - this could possibly include players' fallen enemies.It’s unclear how many corpses will be able to be detonated with one attack, but players with them on hand could use them to gain the upper hand in battle. If multiple can be detonated at once, it may even serve as a mechanic similar to “barrelmancy.”
If firewine and/or smokepowder barrels are too expensive or otherwise difficult to maintain, there are hundreds of NPCS in every area of Baldur’s Gate 3, many of which are usually forgotten after being defeated, which players could pick up to use for this attack combination.
With that being said, without considering the perks of a subclass,a cleric and barbarian duo can be very effective in general.While the barbarian tanks damage, clerics have access to a variety of damage dealing, healing and support spells. Though the Death cleric has less of a focus on healing compared to the other subclasses, they can use spells such asHold Personacross the battlefield to ensure their allies land critical hits.
The Best Ways To Build A Death Cleric & Path Of Giants Barbarian Duo
Focus These Subclasses On Their Niches
In order to fully utilize these two classes together,players should build their characters to deal as much throwing damage as possible.This can be done byequipping their barbarians with itemssuch as the “Ring of Flinging” which is sold in the druid’s grove in the first act - also, the “Gloves of Unlimited Kushigo” sold by Derryth Bonecloak in Ebonlake Grotto grant “Kushigo’s Might,” which is a passive effect which increases throwing and unarmed attacks. The “Tavern Brawler” feat is also perfect for this build, since it adds a bonus to the same types of attacks.
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Likewise, players should build their Death domain clerics to deal as much necrotic damage as possible. Thebest armor choice for this clericwould be “the Armor of the Sporekeeper,” which can be bought or stolen from Mystic Carrion in Philgrave’s Mansion in Act 3. This armor grants extra damage for every instance of necrotic damage, making it arguably the superior armor for any build focused on this type of damage. There are alsoseveral feats for clerics and other spellcastersto make their attacks more effective.
Bonus
Ability Improvement
Always a safe bet if a player doesn’t know what to choose - clerics should receive a bonus to Wisdom or Constitution.
Adds a +5 to initiative, and immunity against becoming surprised.
Dual Wielder
Allows players to use two one-handed weapons, and grants +1 AC when players are have a weapon in each hand.
Lucky
Allows players to reroll failed dice rolls three times per long rest - great for concentration and spell saving throws.
Mobility
Bonus to movement speed, and players can’t be slowed down by difficult terrain. Also, players cannot provoke opportunity attacks after attacking in the same turn. Though a good feat on its own, it’s also very useful for Spirit Guardians.
Resilient
Gain proficiency in a saving throw. For spellcasters, constitution is usually the most useful.
Spell Sniper
The number needed to roll a critical hit with a spell is reduced by 1, which is a stackable effect. Players also gain an extra cantrip.
War Caster
Gain advantage on concentration throws when focusing on a spell. Also grants “shocking grasp” as a reaction.
With that being said, it would not at all be surprising if the new update came with some new items made specifically for these classes in mind which are even better fits for these builds. Though it wasn’t explicitly noted in the patch notes to expect new items, it would make sense for Larian to add items to complement the new subclasses, much like how there is already content for the existing ones. This is likely not the only combination that fans will discover in Patch 8 ofBaldur’s Gate 3, as the 12 new additions add hundreds of possibilities.
