In Baldur’s Gate 3, Clerics are among the most adaptable and dynamic spellcasters available. As one of the top classes to choose for gameplay or team support, the Death Domain Cleric stands out as an ideal subclass for players looking to delve into a specialized role centered on death, decay, and dark magic.
If this intriguing role resonates with your Tav, you’re in the right place. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know to create the ultimate Death Domain Cleric build in Baldur’s Gate 3.
Overview of the Death Domain Cleric Subclass in BG3
The Death Domain Cleric is one of twelve subclasses introduced in Patch 8 of BG3 and focuses on Necromancy, Necrotic damage, and leveraging the power of death. This specialization allows players to devastate enemies while supporting their allies with unique abilities.
To maximize the effectiveness of this role, it’s essential to make informed choices throughout your build. Here’s a complete guide on how to create the best Death Domain Cleric build in BG3.
Key Abilities of the Death Domain Cleric in BG3
Below are the exciting abilities that Death Domain Clerics unlock as they level up in BG3.
| Level | Abilities |
|---|---|
| 1 | Reaper: Necromancy cantrips targeting a single enemy can also affect another. Domain Spells: Bone Chill, False Life, and Ray of Sickness. Proficiency with Martial Weapons. |
| 2 | Touch of Death: When you strike a target with a melee attack, you can use Channel Divinity to deliver additional Necrotic damage (ranging from 7 to 29 damage). Channel Divinity: Use it for 5 Necrotic damage plus 2 x Cleric level extra melee damage via Touch of Death. |
| 3 | Domain Spells: Blindness and Ray of Enfeeblement. |
| 5 | Domain Spells: Animate Dead and Vampiric Touch. |
| 6 | Inescapable Destruction: Your spells ignore resistance to Necrotic damage. |
| 7 | Domain Spells: Blight and Death Ward. |
| 8 | Divine Strike: Necrotic: When you make a melee attack, deal 1d8 Necrotic damage in addition to your weapon’s damage. |
| 9 | Domain Spells: Cloudkill and Contagion. |
| 10 | Divine Intervention: Call for a deity’s aid, usable only once. |
Optimal Background for the Death Domain Cleric in BG3
The Folk Hero background is typically the best choice for a Death Domain Cleric, although any background emphasizing Wisdom can be advantageous. The Folk Hero background provides proficiency in Survival and Animal Handling, both based on Wisdom, enhancing your overall effectiveness.
Best Races for the Death Domain Cleric in BG3
You can choose any race for your Death Domain Cleric, but if you aim for optimal performance, consider the Wood Elf, Half-Orc, or Zariel Tiefling. These races offer various attributes that synergize excellently with this subclass.
| Race | Abilities |
|---|---|
| Wood Elf | Fleet of Foot, Darkvision, proficiency in Stealth and Perception. |
| Half-Orc | Relentless Endurance, Darkvision, proficiency in Intimidation. |
| Zariel Tiefling | Fire Resistance, Darkvision, access to Smite spells. |
Top Spells for the Death Domain Cleric in BG3
As your Death Domain Cleric levels up, you’ll unlock a variety of spells to choose from. Here are some of the most powerful spells suitable for this role:
- Inflict Wounds – Level I
- Guiding Bolt – Level I
- Spiritual Weapon – Level II
- Spirit Guardians – Level III
- Mass Healing Word – Level III
- Glyph of Warding – Level III
- Guardian of Faith – Level IV
- Flame Strike – Level V
- Insect Plague – Level V
- Cloudkill – Level V
- Planar Ally – Level VI
- Blade Barrier – Level VI
- Harm – Level VI
- Heroes’ Feast – Level VI
While you won’t have the slots to include all of these spells, experimenting with the selections is key. Swap spells as you progress until you find the perfect combinations that align with your playstyle.
Optimal Ability Scores for Your Death Domain Cleric in BG3
As a Death Domain Cleric, a balanced distribution of ability scores is crucial. The most important attribute to focus on is Wisdom, which directly influences spellcasting capabilities, so invest heavily in this stat.
Next, prioritize Dexterity for your initiative and armor class. Constitution is also essential for maintaining concentration on powerful Cleric spells such as Spirit Guardians.
Strength and Intelligence tend to be less critical, allowing you to decide which to leave at 8 and which at 10. A common choice is to allocate 8 to Strength and 10 to Intelligence, but feel free to assign them based on your preferences.
| Ability | Points |
|---|---|
| Strength | 8 |
| Dexterity | 16 |
| Constitution | 14 |
| Intelligence | 10 |
| Wisdom | 16 |
| Charisma | 10 |
Top Weapons and Armor for the Death Domain Cleric in BG3
Your choice of gear will evolve as you progress through the game and access better items. Here’s a list of recommended starter and endgame weapons and armor suitable for your Death Domain Cleric.
Starter Gear
- Head: Haste Helm
- Armor: Adamantine Scale Mail
- Gloves: Gloves of Missile Snaring
- Footwear: Disintegrating Night Walkers/Vital Conduit Boots
- Cloak: Cloak of Protection/Deathstalker Mantle
- Amulet: Pearl of Power Amulet
- Rings: The Whispering Promise, Ring of Protection
- Weapons: Sword of Justice/Ritual Dagger of Shar, Shield of Devotion, Spellthief/Bow of Awareness
Endgame Gear
- Head: Hood of the Weave
- Armor: Armor of Agility/Helldusk Armor
- Gloves: Helldusk Gloves/Gemini Gloves/Gloves of Dexterity
- Footwear: Disintegrating Night Walkers/Evasive Shoes/Boots of Stormy Clamour
- Cloak: Cloak of Protection
- Amulet: Amulet of Greater Health
- Rings: Crypt Lord Ring, Ring of Protection
- Weapons: Staff of Cherished Necromancy/Staff of Spellpower, Viconia’s Walking Fortress, Hellrider Longbow
If you’re finding it challenging to locate the ideal gear, consider utilizing mods for improved armor and clothing. You can also explore photo mode, discover all Ornate Mirror solutions, and tackle the brain puzzles to further enhance your gameplay experience.
FAQ Section
What are the strengths of a Death Domain Cleric in Baldur’s Gate 3?
The Death Domain Cleric specializes in Necromancy and can deal high amounts of Necrotic damage while supporting their team with unique spells and abilities tailored to control the battlefield.
How can I optimize my Death Domain Cleric spells?
Experiment with different spell combinations as you level up and adjust your selections based on your combat style and the needs of your team. Prioritize spells that offer powerful effects and utility.
What are the best races for a Death Domain Cleric build?
While any race can work, Wood Elves, Half-Orcs, and Zariel Tieflings offer beneficial traits that enhance the Death Domain Cleric’s overall effectiveness with stats and abilities.
What is the best background for a Death Domain Cleric?
The Folk Hero background is recommended as it provides proficiency in skills based on Wisdom, aiding both survival and roleplay opportunities within the game.