This guide focuses on the essential aspects of a Hexblade Warlock build in Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3) and how to use those powers to your advantage.
Creating a build in Baldur’s Gate 3 is a complex task with many variables, like ability score, level progression, companions, weapons, armor, and consumables. In this guide, we explain how to create a Warlock build with the new Patch 8 subclass, Hexblade. A powerful melee option for those who love a hybrid spellcaster!
This build page has been updated for thePatch 8 versionof Baldur’s Gate 3.
Warlock Class Guide in BG3
The Warlock is a unique spellcasting class in Baldur’s Gate 3 known for limited spell slots and more weapon and armor proficiencies. Unlike other spellcasters, the Warlock can play in melee range and serve as a hybrid spellcaster. Moreover, the Warlock is less complex than other spellcasting classes and refreshes their spell slots on short rest, saving you time and energy.
Why Should You Choose the Hexblade Subclass for the Warlock Class in BG3?
You should choose the Hexblade subclass if you want a melee-focused Warlock build that excels at burst damage. With the introduction of the Shadow Blade spell, the Warlock can play a fully strength or charisma-based melee build. Moreover, the Bind Hexed Weapon subclass features let you use charisma vs. strength or dexterity for weapon attacks. Therefore, you can stack charisma only and gain a massive advantage in spellcasting and melee combat.
Everything About the Hexblade Warlock in Baldur’s Gate 3
What makes the Hexblade build unique is its ability to bind a weapon, gain extra proficiencies like medium armor, and play entirely as a melee spellcaster. The class can benefit from extra attack and combo Hexblade Curse and additional psychic damage to rival other melee builds.
The pros of the hexblade are high damage, simplicity, and versatility being effective at both melee combat and spellcasting. However, the Warlock has limited spell slots and a spellbook in comparison to other spellcasters and focuses more on melee hybrid gameplay.
Patch 8 Changes to Warlock for BG3
Patch 8 brought a major evolution to the Warlock class in Baldur’s Gate 3, introducing the long-awaited Hexblade subclass and the potent Booming Blade cantrip. Together, these additions redefine what it means to play a Warlock, offering a seamless fusion of spellcasting and melee combat. With the right setup, Warlocks can now dominate in close-quarters fights while still wielding the arcane versatility they’re known for. And since Charisma remains their core stat, they retain their edge in dialogue and persuasion, ideal for players who want both power and presence.
These changes also open the door to bold new build possibilities. One standout option involves multiclassing into Paladin, specifically theOath of Vengeance,to create a heavily armored, front-line warrior who smites enemies with magical force. Such a build that favors brute strength and single-target burst damage, setting it apart from the more traditional Warlock strategies that focus on crowd control and wide-area effects.
Features and Mechanics of Hexblade Warlock
The following list presents all the essential Hexblade Warlock Build Mechanics and Features in Baldur’s Gate 3:
Character Creation
Race Choice for Hexblade Warlock
Half-Orc is the best choice for a Hexblade Warlock Build because of the Savage Attack feature increasing your damage with melee. This build assumes you will use Shadow Blade and attack in melee, which can be triggered with Savage Attacks. Alternatively, you can use another race for more utility if you don’t use melee attacks. A secondary choice is Zariel Tiefling because they have fire resistance and two smite spells. A third option is High Elf, because they gain an extra cantrip which can be helpful to expand your spell slots.
Here is the bestracechoice for a Hexblade Warlock build in Baldur’s Gate 3:
Hexblade Multiclass Options
The Hexblade makes for one of the best multiclass builds because you gain so much at level one. You can also do a level 1-2 “dip” for added benefit. Here’s what we recommend:
Warlock Subclass – Hexblade
The Warlock class unlocks their subclass at level 1, and the Hexblade gives you four features automatically. The Hex Warrior features allows you to use medium armor and martial weapons immediately, while bind hexed weapon allows you to use charisma instead of strength or dexterity. This is helpful when starting because you may take Lae’zel’s medium armor in the prologue and start using two-handed or one hand and shield.
Below are the Hexblade Warlock subclass features that become available while leveling up in Baldur’s Gate 3:
Recommended Background for Hexblade Warlock
Entertaineris the Bestbackgroundfor the Hexblade Warlock Build because you gain proficiency in a dexterity and charisma-based skill. Additional choices are:
Ability Score
The Best Ability Score for Hexblade Warlock Build is 17 Charisma, 16 Dexterity, and 14 Constitution.Charisma will impact our melee and spell damage, so its your main ability score to stack. You can increase this to 18 inAct 1with Auntie Ethel’s Hair. Then with one feat, the mirror of the loss, and a headpiece can increase it to 24 in Act 3.
Dexterity influences your ranged damage and chance to land, giving you higher initiative rolls going earlier in combat. Lastly, the Constitution determines health and concentration saving throws. This build will forgo strength entirely since you don’t need it for melee attacks due to subclass feature.
When using Shadow Blade, use a potion of Hill Giant Strength, otherwise you won’t scale the damage effectively. You can alternatively use a weapon like Phalnar Aluve or a two-handed melee weapon and the Bind Pact Weapon. However, you can double psychic damage so the Elixir Shadow Blade combo is helpful.
Below is the best ability score for a Hexblade Warlock in Baldur’s Gate 3:
You can increase your ability score via a quest in Act 1,Act 2, and Act 3. Make sure to check out ourPermanent bonus guideon how you can boost your ability score through quests.
Recommended Skills for Hexblade Warlock
DeceptionandInvestigationare the bestskillsfor the Hexblade Warlock in Baldur’s Gate 3 because they aid in dialogue, exploration, and discovery.
In Baldur’s Gate 3, skills represent the abilities and proficiencies of your character that allow them to perform various actions and interact with the game world. Skills are associated with specific attributes and are used to determine the success or effectiveness of certain actions or abilities. They can be edited duringcharacter creationor with companions, during respec or reroll screen.
Here are the best skills for the Hexblade Warlock in Baldur’s Gate 3:
Illithid Powers For Hexblade Warlock
Thebest Illithid Powersfor a Hexblade Warlock build are Luck of the Farm Realms, Black Hole, and Cull of the Weak. Luck of the Farm helps with critical hits and burst damage and, combined with Cull of the Weak, can trigger AOE damage passively. Black Hole requires you to take the Astral Tadpole in Act 2, but it sucks in 5 enemies, slows them, and can be recast for free. This is helpful in certain large-scale boss fights with many enemies. Below are the best Illithid Tadpole Powers for the Hexblade Warlock build in Baldur’s Gate 3:
Best Companions for Hexblade Warlock
Shadowheart,Gale, andAstarionmake the bestcompanionsfor the Hexblade Warlock build because they give you a well-rounded party with a healer, thief, and spellcaster.
Best Hexblade Warlock Build – Level Progression in Baldur’s Gate 3
At Level 1 with a Hexblade Warlock, you select your subclass and unlock multiple features, spells, and cantrips. Below are our recommendations:
Hexblade Subclass Features
Read More:All Bosses in Baldur’s Gate 3 Listed
Cantrip Selection
Spell Selection
At this level, you want to use Hex / Eldritch Blast combo for your range damage. Booming Blade cantrip is your go to melee attack. At level 3, you gain access to Shadow Blade and that will be your main weapon which is summoned to your hand. Use Wrathful Strike for all out burst damage.
At Level 2 with our Best Hexblade Warlock build you get another spell and spells and Eldritch Invocations, which enhances your Eldritch Blast cantrip. For the spells we recommend you takeHellish Rebuke, which allows you to React to your next attacker with flames that deal 2d10 Fire damage. Also take Shield spell. Save a spell slot in reserve if you can for Shield and short rest after every fight.
Read More:All Acts in BG3 Ranked
Eldritch Invocation Selection
The trick with Devil’s Sight is, you may cast the Darkness spell ontop of yourself and still see in the dark. This gives you a bubble where enemies will almost always miss you but you can attack while inside. Use a Wizard or select the spell to use this combo.
At Level 3 with a Hexblade Warlock, you can pick one additional spell, choose your Pact Boon, and get two always-prepared spells. We recommend that you choose theShadow Bladespell, which creates a shadowy shortsword in your hand that deals 2d8 Psychic damage. Shadow Blade will now be your main source of damage. If you using a physical weapon, make sure to Bind it. Thus, you can attack with that weapon using Charisma not strength. Use this approach not Shadow Blade if you are using a two handed weapon. The advantage of Shadow Blade is you can summon in main hand, not worry about any weapon the rest of the game, and use a shield.
SUPER IMPORTANT: Act 2 has theresonance stonewhich doubles psychic damage (yes it literally doubles Shadow Blade). When you upcast Shadow Blade with a Warlock spell slot, you will hit extremely hard. Therefore, do NOT MISS THIS at the end of act 2.
Now, at this level you’re able to use either Shadow Blade or bind a hexed weapon. The advantage of binding a hexed weapon is, you can use any martial weapon and it scales off-charisma. However, Shadow Blade allows you to not have to find any weapons and use a shield. Both playstyles are great, so experiment and make sure to bind the hexed weapon if you swap to something else.
Read More:Best Patch 8 Subclass Tier List in Baldur’s Gate 3
At Level 4 of the Hexblade Warlock, you will get to choose between a feat or ability improvement, as well as a cantrip and spell. Here are the choices that we recommend:
At this stage, verify to get another +1 charisma with Auntie Ethel Hair permanent bonus in southwest part of map. This will push your Charisma to 20. InAct 3, you can get mirror of the loss for another +2 and use Birthright Hat if you want even more Charisma.
At Level 5 of our best Baldur’s Gate 3 Hexblade Warlock build you will get to choose another spell and Eldritch Invocation. Additionally, with your subclass you will also get Extra Attack and two always-prepared spells. Here are the choices we recommend at Level 5 for a Hexblade Warlock:
Extra Attack will work on your bound pact weapon. Therefore, it may not work on Shadow Blade. But, when you multiclass to Paladin extra attack will work.
With our last level in Warlock, we will get a unique reaction for the Hexblade, along with another choice of spell. Take Hunger of Hadar spell which conceals you and works in conjunction with Devil’s Sight. While in Darkness, or Obscured, Shadow Blade will have advantage so place it down and move into Darkness type of spells.
Here is a listing of the subclass feature and recommended spell choice for Level 6:
At Level 7 in our best Baldur’s Gate 3 Hexblade Warlock build we will start to multiclass to maximize your damage potential. We’ll be putting the rest of our levels in to the Paladin class, as well as choosing the Oath of Vengeance subclass. The reason for this is you may stack the damage of divine smite with Shadow Blade.
Here’s a breakdown of what you get as a level 1 Paladin:
At level 8, take another level into Paladin. Two levels into Paladin unlocks Divine Smite which you should save your spell slots for and use on melee attacks. Below are our suggestions at character Level 8:
With a third level into Paladin, you will get to choose another spell. Additionally, the Oath of Vengeance subclass will give you two subclass features and two always-prepared spells. You can use your bonus action for Hunter’s Mark at this point.
At character Level 10, you’ll continue to advance as a Paladin. This time, you’ll get to choose a single spell and select a feat. Additionally, you’ll get another Lay on Hands charge. Take the Alert feat IF you are using Shadow Blade (recommended). If not, and using 2H, use Savage Attacker. However, Savage Attacker and Great Weapon Master will not work on Shadow Magic. Alert is highly effective to get you to attack earlier.
With five levels into Paladin, you get to choose another spell, as well as two additional always prepared spells. You will now gain extra attack for Shadow Blade with this level. For spells, drop Searing, Bless, get Aid, Lesser Restoration, and Magic Weapon.
Congrats on reaching the maximum level of 12 with our best Baldur’s Gate 3 Hexblade Warlock build! We will stay with the Paladin class here, and you get a class action and choose another spell.
Make sure to activate Aura of Protection once its unlocked.
Best Gear for Hexblade Warlock Build
Here’s the best beginner gear, items, and equipment for Hexblade Warlock Build in Baldur’s Gate 3:
List of best Hexblade Warlock Baldur’s Gate 3 Equipment in Act 1:
The following table presents the best gear, items, and equipment for the Hexblade Warlock Build in Baldur’s Gate 3:
Below is the best Act 3 Armor, Weapons, and Equipment for Hexblade Warlock build in BG3:
How to Play Hexblade Warlock
To play the Hexblade, summon Shadow Blade with your bonus action and use your action for melee attacks. You want to increase your psychic damage with strange conduit ring and resonance stone, which will greatly impact your Shadow Blade attack damage. Moreover, ensure to Hexblade’s Curse targets after your Shadow Blade is summoned for extra damage. Boost your overall charisma so you can increase damage of spells and melee attacks.
Below are some general tips on how to play the best Hexblade Warlock build in BG3:
Best Tips and Tricks for Hexblade Warlock in BG3
The best tip for playing the Hexblade is taking the Devil’s Sight passive which allows you to see in the dark. You can combo this with the Darkness spell, giving you a protective bubble that will allow you to attack inside. Moreover, you want to pair the level 2 spell Shadow Blade with the Resonance Stone to double your melee damage.
Best Consumables, Potions, Ammunition, and Items
The following list is the bestconsumableitems that will aid in our Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Hexblade Warlock Build Guide:
Permanent Bonuses
Throughout Baldur’s Gate 3, you will have the ability to gain permanent bonuses to your character. These can grant additional spells, ability scores, and other bonuses. Permanent Bonuses are not displayed throughout the campaign but are vital to increase overall combat performance. We have all permanent bonuses here in a guide, but the most important ones for you to collect are listed below.
Hexblade Warlock Changes in Patch 8 for BG3
Patch 8 releases 12 new subclasses, new spells, and cantrips. The main impact on the Warlock is the Hexblade sub-class, booming blade cantrip, and shadow blade spell. These all combine to form a powerful pure melee build that also have wide spell applications.
Build Summary – Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Hexblade Warlock
FAQs about the Hexblade Warlock build in Baldur’s Gate 3
Q1. What abilities should the Hexblade Warlock prioritize for my class?
Overall, the Hexblade should focus entirely on Charisma as it scales your melee and spell damage.
Q2. What are the best feats for Hexblade Warlock builds?
Savage Attacks is the best feat playing in melee with two-handed greatsword, or Alert if using Shadow Blade Hexblade build.
Q3. What are the best multiclass combos?
The best multiclass combos for the Hexblade Warlock are Paladin and Sorcerer. With a Paladin multiclass, the Warlock gains the burst melee damage from divine smite. With a Sorcerer, the Warlock gains socrerery points and more spells.
Q4. Are there “must-have” items for Hexblade Warlock builds?
Strange Conduit Ring and the Resonance Stone are two must-have items for the Hexblade because they boost your psychic damage and make Shadow Blade even more powerful.
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