Why Baldur’s Gate 3’s Latest Cleric Subclass is the Optimal Choice for Your Character

Excitement is building as Patch 8 of Baldur’s Gate 3 is set to launch in 2025, bringing with it an impressive addition of 12 new subclasses—one for each character class. Among these new subclasses, many fans are particularly thrilled about how seamlessly they integrate into the game’s existing mechanics and lore. Notably, players are speculating the intriguing possibilities for a Shadow Magic sorcerer navigating the Shadow-Cursed lands, and the Swashbuckler subclass fits perfectly with the pirate-themed characters introduced in Act 3.

Introducing the Death Domain Cleric. This latest subclass brings a distinct focus on Necrotic damage and features unique spells from the Necromancy school. Additionally, it introduces an exciting new Homebrew ability that enables players to cause nearby corpses to explode. This subclass aligns well with one of the game’s origin characters, and the connections are hard to overlook.

The Death Domain: An Ideal Choice for Shadowheart

Dungeons & Dragons: Shar’s Clerics and Their Domains

Shadowheart and Astarion in Baldur's Gate 3

Set in the rich universe of Dungeons & Dragons, Baldur’s Gate 3 draws heavily from its source material in terms of lore and game mechanics. However, its interpretation of cleric domains diverges somewhat from traditional tabletop rules. In D&D, clerics are typically bound to specific domains based on the deity they serve. For instance, clerics devoted to Kelemvor, the god associated with the dead, can choose from the Death or Grave domains. Nonetheless, players often adapt these rules based on their gaming table.

Discover what’s coming to Baldur’s Gate 3 next year with Community Update #30: 🍀 Cross-Play 🍀 Photo Mode 🍀 12 New Subclasses 🍀 Continued Bug Fixing 🍀 Patch 8 Stress Test – January 2025 Read more: https://t.co/HuVZ4buBuD pic.twitter.com/IPErZJXGKU — Baldur’s Gate 3 (@baldursgate3) November 27, 2024

While players have often favored other cleric subclasses over the Trickery Domain, which Shadowheart is currently associated with, Patch 8 will introduce the Death Domain as a highly suitable alternative for her. Although players can choose to respec Shadowheart to a Light Cleric, this transformation would likely contradict the principles of Shar, the goddess of darkness. However, the Death Domain cleric fits perfectly within the D&D framework as the second domain available to Shar’s clerics.

Additionally, the Dark Urge storyline character could also resonate with the Death Domain, representing an unconventional yet fitting choice for a character embodying darkness and necromancy themes. The absence of options to worship Bhaal or other members of the Dead Three complicates things, yet a cleric who commands the forces of death presents a compelling narrative choice.

From a character development perspective, transitioning Shadowheart to the Death Domain could enhance her narrative arc. While she starts as a trickster, proficient at stealth—as seen with her ability to infiltrate the Githyanki creche—the evolution to a powerful Death Domain spellcaster in Act 2 may create a richer and more engaging storyline for her transformation into a Dark Justiciar.

Comparing the Death Domain and Trickery Domain

Distinct Focuses of Each Subclass

Custom image by Sara Belcher

Since its launch, the Death Domain has drawn considerable interest from players who feel the Trickery Domain’s transition into the video game realm has been lacking. While the Trickery Domain offers situational advantages, its practical application can be cumbersome and may often be outperformed by other classes or subclasses. Many of the unique spells available to Trickery clerics can also be learned by rogues, making a rogue a more favorable choice for players seeking versatility.

In Baldur’s Gate 3, clerics are often underappreciated, leading to an underestimation of their damage-dealing potential. The Death Domain, with its focus on dealing damage, stands in contrast to the Trickery Domain’s role as a support class, which relies on misdirection and ally buffs. Although a direct comparison remains difficult until the new subclass is officially released, the anticipated introduction of necrotic damage cantrips suggests that it will excel as an offensive spellcaster.

The arrival of the Death Domain is likely to resonate with players looking for a darker-themed cleric experience. This subclass not only opens up unique interactions and story avenues—particularly with characters like Withers, who already has special dialogue when interacting with Kelemvor clerics—but also provides a lore-accurate encapsulation of Shadowheart’s journey.

For fans of Baldur’s Gate 3 who have been dissatisfied with the Trickery Domain but still want to maintain Shadowheart’s lore fidelity, the Death Domain emerges as the premier choice.

Source: Baldur’s Gate 3/X, Larian Studios Community Update #30

Source & Images