Top Druid Class Build Strategies in Baldur’s Gate 3

Baldur’s Gate 3 offers players a choice of twelve distinct classes, including the versatile Druid Class. Within this class, players can select from three unique subclasses known as Circles: the Circle of the Moon, the Circle of the Land, and the Circle of Spores.

In Baldur’s Gate 3, many players lean towards builds that emphasize a specific subclass or mechanic. For Druids, the Circle of the Moon subclass significantly enhances the Wild Shape ability, allowing for transformative combat strategies.

Updated January 1, 2025 by Erik Petrovich: As we move into 2025, Baldur’s Gate 3 remains at the forefront of discussions as one of the most popular RPGs of all time. New players may find it challenging to grasp the mechanics behind an optimal BG3 Druid build, particularly if they are not acquainted with Dungeons and Dragons or turn-based CRPGs. Understanding the rationale behind each choice in your character’s progression is essential for mastering the Druid class. This guide has been refined to clarify the systems and mechanics surrounding the Druid build, incorporating a straightforward walkthrough for the key level-up decisions in the Circle of the Moon Druid build.

Druid Class Introduction & Overview

The Baldur’s Gate 3 Druid Class, Explained

Druid Playstyle & Signature Abilities

“Druids channel the elemental forces of nature and share a deep kinship with animals. Mastery of Wild Shape allows them to transform into beasts from all over the Realms.”

The Druid class stands out in Baldur’s Gate 3 due to its remarkable versatility and the plethora of options it provides. Players can effectively play as both ranged spellcasters and melee tanks, with optimal builds often focusing on augmenting the latter role.

A common feature across all Druid subclasses is the Wild Shape ability, empowering players to transform into various animals, which grants them unique abilities tailored to specific combat situations.

This class’s signature feature, Wild Shape, is pivotal to its functionality, while its robust spell list provides significant offensive and defensive capabilities. Even in a melee-focused build, spells play a vital role in enhancing a Druid’s effectiveness in battle.

Base Druid Class Proficiencies: Armor, Weapons, Saving Throws, & Skill Choices

Upon creating your Druid, automatic class proficiencies in armor and weapons are assigned, along with options to choose two skills from a specified list.

Proficiency Type	Proficiencies Granted/Choices Offered
Druid Armor Proficiencies	Light Armor Medium Armor Shields
Druid Weapon Proficiencies	Clubs Daggers Javelins Maces Quarterstaves Scimitar Sickle Spears
Druid Saving Throws	Intelligence Wisdom
Druid Skill Proficiency Choices	Choose two from the following Skills: Arcana Animal Handling Insight Medicine Nature Perception Religion Survival

All Druid Subclasses

Baldur’s Gate 3 features seven unique Druid Circles (subclasses), each emphasizing different class aspects and offering a selection of distinct skills. As players level up within their chosen circle, they unlock various subclass-specific abilities.

You may reselect your Druid subclass through conversation with Withers, but be aware this will reset your level back to 1, requiring a rebuild of your Druid character.

While all subclasses provide robust options, for maximizing Druid builds, the Circle of the Moon is often the preferred choice.

Subclass Name	Base Spec Features	Special Spec Proficiencies	Spells & Abilities
Circle of the Land	Natural Recovery Action Restores used Spell Slots when out of combat Natural Recovery Charges refresh after a Long Rest Grants an additional Cantrip choice	N/A	Choose one of the following Cantrips: Guidance Poison Spray Resistance Shillelagh Thorn Whip
Circle of the Moon	Lunar Mend Bonus Action Regains HP while in Wild Shape using Spell Slots Grants Wild Shape: Bear form	N/A	Wild Shape: Bear
Circle of Spores	Halo of Spores Reaction Deals 1d4 Necrotic damage at range Symbiotic Entity Action, uses one Wild Shape charge Grants 4 Temporary HP per Druid level	N/A	Bone Chill

Druid Class Features – Level By Level

The maximum level achievable in Baldur’s Gate 3 is Level 12. Each level advancement typically grants new abilities, feats, spells, subclass characteristics, and enhancements to your Proficiency Bonus.

The following table details what players can expect at each level up as they progress through their Druid journey. Notably, the only level without additional Druid-specific rewards is the transition from Level 10 to Level 11.

Class Feature	Proficiency Bonus
Druid Lvl 1	Spellcasting	+2
Druid Lvl 2	Subclass/Circle Choice Wild Shape (shapeshift into a small beast)	+2
Druid Lvl 3	Level 2 Circle Spells	+2
Druid Lvl 4	Feat Choice Wild Shape (new shapes unlocked)	+2
Druid Lvl 5	Wild Strike (enhanced attack options while in Wild Shape) Level 3 Circle Spells	+3
Druid Lvl 6	New Wild Shape forms (Owlbear and Panther) Subclass/Circle Feature	+3
Druid Lvl 7	Level 4 Circle Spells	+3
Druid Lvl 8	Feat Choice	+3
Druid Lvl 9	Level 5 Circle Spells	+4
Druid Lvl 10	New Subclass Feature (additional attacks)	+4
Druid Lvl 11	N/A	+4
Druid Lvl 12	Feat Choice	+4

Druid Spell Slots & Prepared Spells – Level By Level

Prepared Spells	Cantrips Known	Lvl 1 Slots	Lvl 2 Slots	Lvl 3 Slots	Lvl 4 Slots	Lvl 5 Slots	Lvl 6 Slots
Druid Lvl 1	1 + WIS modifier	2	2	–	–	–	–	–
Druid Lvl 2	2 + WIS modifier	2	3	–	–	–	–	–
Druid Lvl 3	3 + WIS modifier	2	4	2	–	–	–	–
Druid Lvl 4	4 + WIS modifier	3	4	3	–	–	–	–
Druid Lvl 5	5 + WIS modifier	3	4	3	2	–	–	–
Druid Lvl 6	6 + WIS modifier	3	4	3	3	–	–	–
Druid Lvl 7	7 + WIS modifier	3	4	3	3	1	–	–
Druid Lvl 8	8 + WIS modifier	3	4	3	3	2	–	–
Druid Lvl 9	9 + WIS modifier	3	4	3	3	3	1	–
Druid Lvl 10	10 + WIS modifier	4	4	3	3	3	2	–
Druid Lvl 11	11 + WIS modifier	4	4	3	3	3	2	1
Druid Lvl 12	12 + WIS modifier	4	4	3	3	3	2	1

BG3 Druid Subclass Choice – Circle Of The Moon

Overview Of BG3 Druid Circle Of The Moon Subclass

Baldurs Gate 3 Circle of the Moon Druid Character Creation

What Makes Circle of the Moon the Best BG3 Druid Subclass?

“Druids sworn to the moon draw on its mercurial nature to transform into massive creatures and primal elementals.”

The Druid class in Baldur’s Gate 3 offers a choice of three distinctive subclasses: Circle of the Land, Circle of the Moon, and Circle of Spores. Each one enhances different aspects of the Druid’s capabilities. While the Circle of the Land focuses on enhancing spellcasting, the Circle of Spores adds versatility in support and damage roles. However, the Circle of the Moon substantially boosts the Wild Shape mechanic, enabling melee-centric builds.

Circle of the Moon Druids generally function as melee tanks, leveraging the powerful Bear form to improve their combat capabilities through significant HP boosts, Taunt abilities, and melee attacks.

In combat, they excel in managing melee engagements, focusing on maximized damage when in Wild Shape. Outside of their transformations, they have access to potent spells such as Thorn Whip, Entangle, and Shillelagh, allowing continued effectiveness in close-quarters battles.

Circle of the Moon Subclass Features – Level By Level

In addition to the abilities earned through Druid leveling, your chosen subclass will provide unique enhancements at specific levels, making the Circle of the Moon a robust choice starting at Level 2.

Circle of the Moon Druid Lvl 2	Wild Shape: Bear form Combat Wild Shape: Becomes a Bonus Action Lunar Mend: Use Spell Slots to regain HP in Wild Shape
Circle of the Moon Druid Lvl 4	Wild Shape: Dire Raven form
Circle of the Moon Druid Lvl 6	Primal Strike: Grants Magic damage to Wild Shape attacks
Circle of the Moon Druid Lvl 8	Wild Shape: Sabre-Toothed Tiger form
Circle of the Moon Druid Lvl 10	Wild Shape: Air, Earth, Fire, & Water Myrmidon forms

Best BG3 Druid Build Character Creation Choices

BG3 Druid Build Race, Background, Proficiency, Feats, & Stat Choices

Best BG3 Druid Race: Half-Orc

Half-Orcs emerge as one of the most advantageous choices for Druid builds focused on melee combat in Baldur’s Gate 3. Their racial abilities remain effective even when in Wild Shape, enabling Druids to deal greater damage through Critical Hits while benefiting from unique survivability features.

The main strengths of the Half-Orc race include Savage Attacks, which amplifies damage from Critical Hits, and Relentless Endurance, preventing them from falling unconscious once per Long Rest when reduced to 0 HP. These passives prove essential for a Circle of the Moon build that emphasizes close-combat proficiency.

Best Druid Backgrounds in BG3: Folk Hero or Outlander

The Folk Hero background provides proficiencies in Animal Handling and Survival, naturally granting Inspiration opportunities for good-aligned Druid behavior. This background offers the most engaging role-playing opportunities for Circle of the Moon Druids.

Conversely, the Outlander background offers Athletics and Survival abilities, which can be quite useful in combat. Although Folk Hero may generate more Inspiration chances, both backgrounds remain viable based on personal preference for gameplay style.

Best BG3 Druid Skill Proficiency Choices: Perception and Insight

With the options provided by the Folk Hero background, the Druid Class can explore skills not directly linked to proficiency, such as Perception or Insight, with Insight being particularly useful for social interactions.

For players selecting the Outlander background, Perception and Insight can still be relevant choices, aiding in role-play scenarios. Skills like Nature or Religion may also enhance the Druid’s character, though their utility is more situational.

Best Circle of the Moon Wild Shape: Owlbear

Through leveling, Druids acquire multiple Wild Shape forms, with Circle of the Moon builds unlocking additional transformations. While the early phases cover Bear and Raven forms, acquiring Owlbear form at Level 6 solidifies its status as the most formidable Wild Shape.

The Owlbear features a substantial HP pool and possesses the distinct ability to increase its own Strength and execute an area of effect attack, making it an ideal front-line attacker for full engagement in battles. It quickly becomes vital for the optimal BG3 Druid build.

Best BG3 Druid Feats: Alert, War Caster, and Savage Attacker

Alert Effects: +5 to Initiative and immunity to being surprised
War Caster Effects: Grants two passive abilities:
- Concentration: Grants Advantage on Concentration Saving Throws
- Opportunity Spell: Lets you cast Shocking Grasp on a fleeing enemy instead of making a normal attack
Savage Attacker Effects: Allows you to roll all damage dice twice for melee weapon attacks, using the higher result.

Best Druid Ability Scores & Stat Distribution

To optimize your BG3 Druid build effectively, prioritize Wisdom, followed by Constitution and Dexterity.

Wisdom is crucial for most Circle of the Moon Druid abilities, while Constitution and Dexterity will enhance durability and improve combat mechanics.

STR	DEX	WITH	INT	ALREADY	NO
Base	10	14	16	10	16	8
Modifier	0	+2	+3	0	+3	-1

Best BG3 Druid Leveling Choices

Best Druid Spells, Feats, & Other Choices At Every Level

Baldurs Gate 3 Druid Build Level Up Screen

The maximum level for characters in Baldur’s Gate 3 is Level 12, providing players with numerous opportunities for selecting spells and features. Druids, being hybrid spellcasters and melee fighters, will discover several actionable choices at each leveling stage.

Act 1: Reaching around Level 5, players choose their Druid Subclass (Circle of the Moon), various spells spanning Cantrips to Level 3, and a Feat.
Act 2: Progressing to around Level 9, Druids gain access to Level 4 spells and select another Feat.
Act 3: Approaching Level 12, they can select the premier Druid spells and a third Feat.

The following table outlines detailed recommendations for BG3 Druid build choices at each level, emphasizing those spells that synergize well with the Circle of the Moon Druid playstyle, covering both offensive and supportive capabilities.

Class Level	Choices & Recommendations
Level 1	Recommended Cantrip Choices: Guidance, Thorn Whip Recommended Level 1 Druid Spell Choices: Entangle, Ice Knife, Healing Word, Thunderwave (lvl 1 Slots)
Level 2	Subclass Choice: Circle of the Moon Recommended Level 2 Druid Spell Choices: Faerie Fire (Lvl 1 Slots)
Level 3	Recommended Cantrip Choice: Shillelagh Recommended Level 3 Druid Spell Choices: Barkskin, Spike Growth (Lvl 2 – replace Entangle)
Level 4	Feat Choice: Alert Recommended Level 4 Druid Spell Choices: Moonbeam (Lvl 2 Slots)
Level 5	Recommended Level 5 Druid Spell Choices: Call Lightning (Lvl 3 Slots)
Level 6	Recommended Level 6 Druid Spell Choices: Daylight (Lvl 3 Slots)
Level 7	Recommended Level 7 Druid Spell Choices: Stoneskin (Lvl 4 Slots)
Level 8	Feat Choice: War Caster Recommended Level 8 Druid Spell Choices: Conjure Minor Elemental or Dominate Beast (Lvl 4 Slots)
Level 9	Recommended Level 9 Druid Spell Choices: Conjure Elemental or Wall of Stone (Lvl 5 Slots)
Level 10	Recommended Cantrip Choices: Resistance Recommended Level 10 Druid Spell Choices: Planar Binding or Greater Restoration (Lvl 5 Slots)
Level 11	Recommended Level 11 Druid Spell Choices: Heroes’ Feast or Heal (Lvl 6 Slots)
Level 12	Feat Choice: Savage Attacker Recommended Level 12 Druid Spell Choices: Wall of Thorns or Wind Walk (Lvl 6 Slots)

Best Druid Build Companions & Party Composition

Best Companions For Circle of the Moon Druid Builds

baldurs-gate-3-wyll-infernal-rapier-act-2-mind-flayer-colony

Companion	Class	Role In Party	Unique Attributes
Shadowheart	Cleric	Support	Difficult to CC, hybrid Damage and Support spells.
Wild	Warlock	Ranged damage/CC	Short Rests restore Spell Slots, access to great CC spells.
Karlach	Barbarian	Melee damage	Buffed Rage, access to Soul Coin damage buffs.

For the best Druid companions in BG3, consider including Shadowheart as your primary supporter, Wyll as your ranged damage dealer with crowd-control capabilities, and Karlach as your main melee damage dealer and tank.

Though you have the flexibility to adjust the class and specialization of any companions, these three provide strong class combinations that complement your Druid’s build effectively.

Shadowheart: A Trickery Cleric who excels in supporting both through damage and healing, amplifying the Circle of the Moon’s playstyle.
Wyll: A Fiend Warlock whose spell list, while limited, allows him to provide hybrid damage and control, enhancing overall group synergy.
Karlach: Best played as a Berserker, she delivers powerful melee attacks, ensuring your party maintains high HP and strategic control.

If you’re keen on incorporating a specific character into your party, consider talking to Withers to reset their class to one of the optimal options listed above. This way, you’ll retain character-specific quests while ensuring your party remains balanced and effective.

Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Druid Build Equipment

Get The Best BG3 Druid Gear In All Three Acts

This section discusses the premier equipment options for Circle of the Moon Druids across all three Acts, noting that some items may retain their potency through later stages of the game.

Bolded item names denote new additions suitable for each Act, with potential to replace older items.
Unbolded item names are established items that can remain effective even in later Acts.

Best Circle of the Moon Druid Items & Equipment: Act 1

Name	Effect	Location
Head	+1 to Nature checks	Found in the Underground Passage (with Animal Runes and traps)
Cloak	None Available (except Deathstalker Mantle)	N/A
Chest	+2 to DEX saving throws and Ability Checks, +1 to Nature checks	Purchased from Arron in the Emerald Grove
Gloves	Grants Advantage on Attack Rolls when surrounded by 2+ enemies, +2 to STR saving throws	Looted from a chest inside the Shattered Sanctum (near Dror Ragzlin)
Boots	Grants the Click Heels bonus action, reducing Opportunity Attacks’ efficacy and increasing Movement Speed	Purchased from Thulla in the Myconid Colony of the Underdark.
Neck	Grants the Pearlescent Restoration ability, restoring Spell Slots	Purchased from Omeluum in the Myconid Colony
Ring 1	+1d4 to all checks while Shapeshifted	Drops from the Strange Ox in Acts 1, 2, or 3
Ring 2	+3m (10ft) Movement Speed	Drops from Novice Crusher in the Shattered Sanctum of the Goblin Camp
Main Weapon	Sets Base Strength to 19	Break the stool at the top of the Arcane Tower in the Underdark
Offhand	N/A	N/A

Best Circle of the Moon Druid Items & Equipment: Act 2

Name	Effect	Location
Head	+1 to Spell Save DC, +1 to Initiative	Purchased from Lann Tarv in Moonrise Towers
Cloak	Cloak of Protection	+1 to AC and saving throws	Purchased from Quartermaster Talli at Last Light Inn
Chest	Barkskin Armor	AC 16, grants constant Barkskin effects, Advantage on CON saving throws and Ability Checks	Purchased from Quartermaster Talli at Last Light Inn
Gloves	Maintains Advantage on Attack Rolls when surrounded by 2+ enemies, +2 to STR saving throws	Looted from a chest inside the Shattered Sanctum (near Dror Ragzlin) (Act 1)
Boots	Grants the Click Heels bonus action, increasing Movement Speed	Purchased from Thulla in the Myconid Colony (Act 1)
Neck	Provides the Pearlescent Restoration ability for restoring Spell Slots	Purchased from Omeluum in the Myconid Colony (Act 1)
Ring 1	+1d4 to all checks when Shapeshifted	Drops from the Strange Ox in Acts 1, 2, or 3
Ring 2	Next attack after killing a target is a Critical Hit (once per Long Rest)	Found after the Self-Same Trial in Gauntlet of Shar
Main Weapon	Sets Base Strength to 19	Breaks the stool at the top of the Arcane Tower in the Underdark (Act 1)
Offhand	N/A	N/A

Best Circle of the Moon Druid Items & Equipment: Act 3

Name	Effect	Location
Head	Adds 1 Wild Shape charge	Purchased from special stock at Helsik in the Devil’s Fee
Cloak	Cloak of Displacement	Applies Disadvantage on incoming attacks until the wearer takes damage	Purchased from Entharl Danthelon in Wyrm’s Crossing
Chest	Armor of Moonbasking	Grants 22 Temporary HP upon Wild Shaping and lowers all damage by one while active; +2 Armor Class and Advantage on Spell Saving Throws	Purchased from Voiceless Penitent Bareki near the Undercity Ruins Waypoint
Gloves	Thunderpalm Strikers	Unarmed strikes deal +1d4 Thunder damage; grants the Thunderwave spell	Purchase from Wulbren in Act 1 after rescuing him
Boots	Grants the Click Heels bonus action, increasing Movement Speed	Purchased from Thulla in the Myconid Colony of the Underdark (Act 1)
Neck	Corvid Token	Increases Jump and Fly distance by 1.5 meters; Feather Fall applies while Wild Shaped; grants Polymorph: Dire Raven	Buy from Mattis in Act 3 if kept alive in Acts 1 and 2
Ring 1	+1d4 to all checks while Shapeshifted	Drops from the Strange Ox in Acts 1, 2, or 3
Ring 2	The next attack after killing a target is automatically a Critical Hit (once per Long Rest)	Found post-Self-Same Trial in the Gauntlet of Shar (Act 2)
Main Weapon	Sets Base Strength to 19	Breaks the stool at the Arcane Tower in the Underdark (Act 1)
Offhand	N/A	N/A

Best BG3 Druid Multiclass Choices

Maximize Your BG3 Druid Build With Complimentary Druid Multiclass Options

Karlach as a Barbarian in Baldur's Gate 3

Players have the option to Multiclass beginning at Level 2. To initiate a multiclass, locate the “Add Class”button within the leveling overview menu, which enables you to allocate levels to any class in Baldur’s Gate 3.

Barbarian Multiclass – Druid 11/Barbarian 1

Choosing Barbarian as a multiclass allows access to the Rage feature, providing bonus action attacks and enhanced damage potential. This Rage mechanic continues while in Wild Shape.

A build comprising 11 levels of Druid and 1 level of Barbarian allows Druids to utilize their bonus action for an additional attack while shapeshifted. Note that the Unarmored Defense from Barbarian does not stack with the Druid’s AC while transformed.

Ranger Multiclass – Druid 9/Ranger 3

The Ranger multiclass provides unique gameplay through the Beast Master subclass, enabling an Animal Companion. Combining this with the Druid’s Wild Shape allows players to summon a Bear companion while also transforming into a Bear themselves.

This strategy creates additional frontline presence, as having multiple Bears offers tactical advantages. Overall, the Ranger 3 multiclass adds exciting dynamics to the Druid playstyle while enhancing combat effectiveness.

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