For those intrigued by the mystical and nature-bound world of Druids, there are three subclasses featured in this class: Circle of the Moon, Circle of the Land, and Circle of Spores. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore these Druid subclasses in Baldur’s Gate 3 in great detail, helping you make a choice that’s best for your Druid’s subclass that aligns with your playstyle and your preferred party dynamics.
Wild Shape
Before delving into the specifics, it’s essential to understand the dynamics of Wild Shape, a unique Druid ability that enables them to transform into various animals and harness their respective abilities. However, it’s important to note that while in beast form, Druids cannot cast spells.
Here is a list of available beast forms for Druids:
- Cat (Level 2): Transform into a cat, capable of distracting enemies with its meowing.
- Badger (Level 2): Assume the form of a badger, which can burrow to hide and surprise enemies from below.
- Wolf (Level 2): Take on the guise of a dire wolf with the ability to both provoke and distract enemies.
- Spider (Level 2): Transform into a spider, using the Enweb ability to ensnare foes.
- Deep Rothe (Level 4): Shift into a Deep Rothe, gaining the ability to cast dancing lights and charge into battle.
- Panther (Level 6): Embrace the form of a panther, utilizing the Prowl ability for invisibility and increasing your health to 45 hit points (HP).
- Owlbear (Level 6): Transform into an owlbear, enabling you to rupture the ground and become enraged, with an HP boost to 65.
- Dilophosaurus (Level 10): Assume the form of a dinosaur, equipped with the Corrosive Spit ability to dissolve an enemy’s Armor Class (AC).
Druid Subclasses
Circle of the Moon: Mastering the Wild Shape
The Circle of the Moon, unlike other Druid subclasses, places an emphasis on harnessing the Wild Shape Action. Within this subclass, you’ll discover a range of class features to enhance your shapeshifting ability:
- Combat Wild Shape: This feature allows you to seamlessly shift into your chosen beast form as a bonus action.
- Lunar Mend (Level 1): While in Wild Shape, you have the unique ability to replenish your health by expanding your spell slots.
- Bear (Level 2): This transformation grants you the form of a polar bear, equipped with the ability to Goad on your enemies. Additionally, you start with 30 hit points (HP) as you take form.
- Dire Raven (Level 4): In this form, you possess the capability to Blind enemies.
- Primal Strike (Level 6): When you assume your Beast form, your attacks take on a magical essence, ensuring their efficiency against enemies immune to non-magical damage.
- Saber-Toothed Tiger (Level 8): In this form, you gain the skill to Shred Armor and regenerate your hit points as well.
Among the other Wild Shape forms, the Bear form, in particular, stands out as the best Beast form among other forms. This form is for players who enjoy intense combat encounters or want to become a beefy tank of their party. Additionally, the Beast has the ability to absorb damage and shield allies from harm.
Circle of Spores: Embracing Decay
In stark contrast to the traditional Druid that focuses on life and nature, the Circle of Spores introduces a distinct twist into the Druid class by delving into the dark arts of necromancy and wielding potent poison spells.
Here’s an overview that defines this unique subclass:
- Halo of Spores (Level 2): This reaction-based ability grants the Druid the power to unleash a nasty cloud of spores on nearby enemies.
- Symbiotic Entity (Level 2): A feature that not only heals the Druid for 8 hit points but also inflicts 1-6 Necrotic damage on attackers.
- Fungal Infestation (Level 6): this ability empowers the Druid to reanimate the dead creatures. Transforming them into allies during combat.
Druids in this subclass remain in their human form, allowing them to retain their spellcasting abilities, unlike the other subclasses. This flexibility positions the Spore Druid as an effective alternative to a Cleric or Paladin in your adventuring party.
Circle of the Land: A Focus on Spellcasting
The third Druid subclass primarily focuses on spellcasting and rarely uses the Wild Shape ability during combat. However, this subclass has occasionally faced criticism within the D&D community for being perceived as less exciting or basic. Despite these sentiments, the Circle of the Land offers a unique set of features that cater to those who appreciate spellcasting. Here’s an exploration of these features:
- Natural Recovery (Level 3): A feature that allows Druids to replenish expended spell slots once per day.
- Land Stride – Difficult Terrain (Level 6): You gain an advantage when moving through challenging landscapes.
Druids within this subclass have the privilege of selecting from eight distinct themes of terrain, each with its unique set of benefits. Druids of the subclass are capable of manipulating vast areas into difficult or perilous terrain. These terrain options include:
Arctic:
- Level 3: Hold Person, Spike growth
- Level 5: Haste, Sleet Storm
- Level 7: Conjure Minor elemental, Ice Storm
- Level 9: Conce of Cold, Contagion
Coast:
- Level 3: Misty Step, Mirror Image
- Level 5: Call Lightning, Sleet Storm
- Level 7: Conjure Minor Elemental, Ice Storm
- Level 9: Confusion, Freedom of Movement
Desert:
- Level 3: Blur, Silence
- Level 5: Hypnotic Pattern, Protection from Energy
- Level 7: Blight, Wall of Fire
- Level 9: Insect Plague, Wall of Stone
Forest:
- Level 3: Barkskin, Hold Person
- Level 5: Call Lightning, Plant Growth
- Level 7: Conjure Minor Elemental, Grasping Vine
- Level 9: Contagion, Mass Cure Wounds
Grassland:
- Level 3: Invisibility, Pass Without Trace
- Level 5: Daylight, Haste
- Level 7: Freedom of Movement, Polymorph
- Level 9: Greater Restoration, Insect Plague
Mountain:
- Level 3: Mirror Image, Spike Growth
- Level 5: Grant Flight, Lightning Bolt
- Level 7: Dominate Beast, Stone Skin
- Level 9: Conjure Elemental, Wall of Stone
Underdark:
- Level 3: Misty Step, Web
- Level 5: Gaseous Form, Stinking Cloud
- Level 7: Dominate Beast, Greater Invisibility
- Level 9: Cloudkill, Contagion
Swamp:
- Level 3: Darkness, Melf’s Acid Arrow
- Level 5: Stinking Cloud, Vampiric Touch
- Level 7: Blight, Grasping Vine
- Level 9: Cloudkill, Insect Plague
The choice between the three Druid subclasses in Baldur’s Gate 3 is crucial and will greatly influence your gameplay experience. Each subclass offers a unique blend of playstyles to your gameplay. Ultimately, the best Druid subclass for you depends on your preferred role within the party and your personal playstyle. Choose the subclass that resonates most with your character concept and how it will benefit your party during your adventures in Baldur’s Gate 3.