Exciting developments are on the horizon for Baldur’s Gate 3, with a new subclass for fighters—the arcane archer—set to debut in 2025. This announcement is particularly thrilling for players keen on crafting a ranged character, especially given that many martial classes currently lack enhancements for ranged weapon attacks. Nevertheless, long-time Dungeons & Dragons tabletop enthusiasts may have their reservations, as the arcane archer isn’t traditionally viewed as a strong choice.
When it comes to D&D, the arcane archer is often regarded as one of the less favorable subclass options for fighters, primarily due to the competition from more robust alternatives. For instance, the battlemaster subclass is highly versatile and outperforms the arcane archer in many aspects. With the battlemaster recognized as the premier fighter subclass in Baldur’s Gate 3, significant enhancements will be essential for the arcane archer to gain traction and appeal.
Arcane Shot: A Missed Opportunity
Underwhelming Core Feature
The specific mechanics of the arcane archer are likely to see some adjustments in Baldur’s Gate 3. However, the features outlined in Xanathar’s Guide to Everything clearly illustrate the subclass’s limitations. Upon reaching level three, arcane archers gain a skill proficiency and a free cantrip—nice perks, but their standout ability, arcane shot, parallels the maneuvers of battle masters without bringing the same impact.
One notable restriction for arcane shots is that they can only be utilized with shortbows and longbows, excluding crossbow users from benefiting, which seems overly limiting.
The archer learns two arcane shot techniques and can apply one after hitting with a ranged attack. While these techniques can inflict extra necrotic damage, charm foes, or temporarily banish them, their overall impact is diminished by the limited usage of only two shots before needing a short rest to recover.
Battle Master Techniques: A Strong Alternative
Maneuvers Exceed Arcane Shots in Value
As players progress in levels, the arcane archer does unlock additional capabilities, such as making ranged attacks bypass physical damage resistance and correcting missed shots. Despite these advancements, the fundamental arcane shot remains the core benefit, yet it lacks the potency to compete with the offerings of battle masters.
Battle masters can deploy maneuvers four times per short rest, compared to the arcane archer’s two uses. They also gain access to a broader variety of maneuvers earlier in their progression, with many applicable to both ranged and melee attacks. While the arcane shot may inflict greater damage, battle master maneuvers offer comparable effects across a wider range of scenarios. Given the current state, the arcane archer lacks the necessary strength to overshadow the battle master’s capabilities.
Time for an Arcane Archer Revamp
Necessary Enhancements
To elevate the arcane archer’s competitiveness, several clear adjustments could be implemented. First, allowing the subclass to learn an additional arcane shot technique at third level would significantly increase player flexibility. Secondly, increasing the capacity for arcane shots to four per short rest—equivalent to battle master maneuvers—could greatly enhance gameplay options. While arcane shots may yield higher damage, their current limitations on attack types hinder strategic diversity.
Furthermore, broadening the applicability of arcane shots to include a wider array of ranged weapon attacks, such as crossbow uses (while excluding thrown weapon attacks), would also provide greater versatility.
With these relatively straightforward modifications, the arcane archer subclass could become a compelling choice for archers in Baldur’s Gate 3. Considering Larian’s history of amending mechanics from D&D during the game’s adaptation, executing such changes should be manageable. Nonetheless, the exact implementation and potential updates for the 12 new subclasses within Baldur’s Gate 3 remain to be seen.
Source: Larian Studios/YouTube
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