Question on possible for fun build

[Niteshade]

This is obviously not some sort of "optimal" build concept I want to try by any means ,but I know some games are more forgiving or open when it comes to multi classing and such .

As I'm not sure how Baldur's Gate 3 is in this regard I wanted to ask from anyone that may have a better grasp of its systems.

If im not looking to min/max and just sort of experiment. Would it even be feasible to try something like a Beastmaster Ranger/Eldritch Knight Fighter? Obviously knowing I can't max perks or feats but it's still something I'd like to try for a sort of self buffing melee hybrid pet class

[MeldinX2]

Originally posted by Niteshade:

This is obviously not some sort of "optimal" build concept I want to try by any means ,but I know some games are more forgiving or open when it comes to multi classing and such .

As I'm not sure how Baldur's Gate 3 is in this regard I wanted to ask from anyone that may have a better grasp of its systems.

If im not looking to min/max and just sort of experiment. Would it even be feasible to try something like a Beastmaster Ranger/Eldritch Knight Fighter? Obviously knowing I can't max perks or feats but it's still something I'd like to try for a sort of self buffing melee hybrid pet class

Baldurs gate 3 removed all ability point restrictions so now you can choose whatever combination you want. If you don't want to worry about being optimal then you could do that combination you choose. It's abit wonky since Eldrich knight offensive spells scale with intelligence while Ranger spells scale with Wisdom. Aswell as are you going to go ranged or meele? Strenght build or Dexbuild. there are many things to think about. One good thing is that you can respec so it's fine to test things out.

[[sic!]]

It's probably not optimal since Ranger is a WIS Caster and EK a INT Caster. Maybe try a few levels into Cleric? They have a good Spell List in general and are full WIS Casters who get a lot more Spellslots than EK.
Another question is if your Beast Companion levels with your Character Level or your Class Level. If it's the latter multiclassing Beastmaster will lose alot of his pets strenght.
Dipping into Barbarion as a Eagle Wildheart to give your Pet Advantage could also work.

[The1Kobra]

Generally I don't recommend multiclassing the full fighter type classes, AKA fighter/ranger. While you will get 1/2 spellslots from ranger and 1/3 spellslots from Eldritch Knight, the extra attack perks won't stack so you're better off with another multiclass option.

If you wanted a ranger/eldritch knight type character, I'd probably go something like 5 Ranger 7 full caster, cleric or druid would work best because of the WIS synnergy. Otherwise you're splitting your mental stats, but it can work.

I'd probably recommend paladin/sorcerer myself.

At any rate, what's best will likely be determined on how such is implemented in game.

[Niteshade]

Well in the case of the spells from Eldritch Knight, due to the Int requirement for offensive spells plus the general way I'm planning to approach combat it will be a melee focused character using more self buff type targeting defensive/support spells so the INT for hitting enemies isn't a deal breaker, and likely a more str focused build with some dex. with no restrictions on combinations it's definitely a build I'm curious to try, if anything at a glance it may start out a bit slow.

The reason for Eldritch Knight Fighter as the choice to pair with the beastmaster ranger is to utilize the melee combat bonuses I should be able to pull from Fighter with the self buff spells to supplement my melee combat while fighting alongside my beast companion.

I get the impression the game may be a bit more forgiving in terms of playing around with different build setups but until it's out it's hard to really tell for sure.

I do appreciate the current input/feedback! I'm hoping to start jotting down some notes I can reference as we draw closer to release.

[Niteshade]

Appreciating all the input. I'm honestly not overly familiar with a lot of DnD mechanics or lore. So I apologize at my lack of overall knowledge on this stuff.

I'm not sure if this will help. But if im looking to run a melee focused character with the pet but might want to experiment with a few multi class levels that might compliment a melee beastmaster ranger what options would there be? Anything that might provide decent self buff capability or add survivability?

And since I'm also working on crafting a personal character background for rp purposes if the classes offer a "darker" aspect to them lorewise that would be even more welcomed.

[Dragon Master]

Originally posted by Niteshade:

This is obviously not some sort of "optimal" build concept I want to try by any means ,but I know some games are more forgiving or open when it comes to multi classing and such .

As I'm not sure how Baldur's Gate 3 is in this regard I wanted to ask from anyone that may have a better grasp of its systems.

If im not looking to min/max and just sort of experiment. Would it even be feasible to try something like a Beastmaster Ranger/Eldritch Knight Fighter? Obviously knowing I can't max perks or feats but it's still something I'd like to try for a sort of self buffing melee hybrid pet class

This does sound like a fun idea.

I'd say you'd have to be a Dex fighter though and use finesse weapons like rapiers if you want to go this way because you'll have to split your stats across dex, constitution, wisdom and intelligence.

The spells for a ranger act on wisdom and the spells for an eldritch knight operate off of intelligence.

I understand you don't care about the powergaming aspect, just saying it's something to keep in mind for any spells you want to try casting. If they are concentration spells you'll want pretty good constitution for the concentration checks.

[Dragon Master]

You may want to go cleric and ranger though. You'll get more bang for your buck and more spells while still having the stats to go ham in melee or range.

[Agent Chieftain]

Maybe consider multi classing with Oath of the Ancients Paladin. Some overlap with spells and whatnot, but there are also a lot of things with synergy. You have AOE heals, buffs, and even an aura at level 7, that will make any any friendly creature near you more resistance to magic attacks.

You can also select a fighting style like Dueling at level 2. Then you could focus on dex instead of strength and just use a rapier or other 1 handed finesse weapon.

[ahmannw]

Originally posted by Niteshade:

Well in the case of the spells from Eldritch Knight, due to the Int requirement for offensive spells plus the general way I'm planning to approach combat it will be a melee focused character using more self buff type targeting defensive/support spells so the INT for hitting enemies isn't a deal breaker, and likely a more str focused build with some dex. with no restrictions on combinations it's definitely a build I'm curious to try, if anything at a glance it may start out a bit slow.

The reason for Eldritch Knight Fighter as the choice to pair with the beastmaster ranger is to utilize the melee combat bonuses I should be able to pull from Fighter with the self buff spells to supplement my melee combat while fighting alongside my beast companion.

I get the impression the game may be a bit more forgiving in terms of playing around with different build setups but until it's out it's hard to really tell for sure.

I do appreciate the current input/feedback! I'm hoping to start jotting down some notes I can reference as we draw closer to release.

I think you've kind of answered the question yourself. Go for a 16 STR (because you said you want to be STR-based), 14 DEX (Medium Armor because you said you want some DEX), 16 CON, 8 INT, 12 WIS, 8 CHA. Your Eldritch Knight spells should include something like Sleep or Magic Missile (they don't take INT and are both great for knocking down enemies who have already been softened up).

A proper minmax would dump STR for 8 STR, 16 DEX, 16 CON, 12 INT, 14 WIS, 8 CHA.

[Foolswalkin]

Also all Rangers are considered 1/2 casters and Eldritch Knights are considered 1/3 casters, so if you're adding EK for spellcaster flavor just know that you're getting a cool spellcastery name but actually becoming a worse caster in the process.

It would help us help you if we knew why you were considering those classes in particular. You say you want melee combat bonuses from fighter but you aren't getting many of those if you're multiclassing. In particular, Fighter, uniquely among warrior classes, gets another Extra Attack at class level 11, but you won't if you take enough Ranger levels to unlock the Beastmaster subclass at all.

[Niteshade]

Originally posted by Foolswalkin:

Also all Rangers are considered 1/2 casters and Eldritch Knights are considered 1/3 casters, so if you're adding EK for spellcaster flavor just know that you're getting a cool spellcastery name but actually becoming a worse caster in the process.

It would help us help you if we knew why you were considering those classes in particular. You say you want melee combat bonuses from fighter but you aren't getting many of those if you're multiclassing. In particular, Fighter, uniquely among warrior classes, gets another Extra Attack at class level 11, but you won't if you take enough Ranger levels to unlock the Beastmaster subclass at all.

As I've been gathering input and feedback from a few different places I think if anything I'd like to keep the main draw a melee beastmaster ranger, but if there is anything that could from an rp perspective synergize with that setup that could carry a darker flavor I'd like to give that a go.

Based off what I've heard Ranger should be fine combat wise w/o fighter which I was only thinking about initially as a blind guess due to lack of knowledge on classes and such, but if there's something viable that could get a few lvls dipped into that could compliment a str with moderate dex/con Beastmaster I'd greatly appreciate any input on options to consider.

Classes like Warlock, Draconic Bloodline Sorcerers sort of catch my eye from a thematic perspective but unlock the suggestions I've gotten for Cleric or Paladins as a slight multi-class option I'm not sure if those other ones would synergize well

[Foolswalkin]

Paladin 2/Warlock 10 should be good, and Vengeance/Fiend or GOO + Blade Pact would work for that theme.

As best we know, and as others have mentioned already, Beastmaster will really reward a mono-class. You could also look at different races to provide some of that darker flavor if you want to stay a Beastmaster. A pure Beastmaster who is a Zariel Tiefling would gain access to Searing Smite and Branding Smite, those are probably not a ton of fun to get hit by.

[nemthos]

Just as a quick info if you didn't know, you'll unlock the ability to respec (and iirc restat) your character very soon into the game. So you can try out many different combinations without having to worry about restarting or it not being fun later on

[ahmannw]

Originally posted by Niteshade:

Originally posted by Foolswalkin:

Also all Rangers are considered 1/2 casters and Eldritch Knights are considered 1/3 casters, so if you're adding EK for spellcaster flavor just know that you're getting a cool spellcastery name but actually becoming a worse caster in the process.

It would help us help you if we knew why you were considering those classes in particular. You say you want melee combat bonuses from fighter but you aren't getting many of those if you're multiclassing. In particular, Fighter, uniquely among warrior classes, gets another Extra Attack at class level 11, but you won't if you take enough Ranger levels to unlock the Beastmaster subclass at all.

As I've been gathering input and feedback from a few different places I think if anything I'd like to keep the main draw a melee beastmaster ranger, but if there is anything that could from an rp perspective synergize with that setup that could carry a darker flavor I'd like to give that a go.

Based off what I've heard Ranger should be fine combat wise w/o fighter which I was only thinking about initially as a blind guess due to lack of knowledge on classes and such, but if there's something viable that could get a few lvls dipped into that could compliment a str with moderate dex/con Beastmaster I'd greatly appreciate any input on options to consider.

Classes like Warlock, Draconic Bloodline Sorcerers sort of catch my eye from a thematic perspective but unlock the suggestions I've gotten for Cleric or Paladins as a slight multi-class option I'm not sure if those other ones would synergize well

I think the problem you present is difficult because it is hard to separate "rp" synergy from "effectiveness" synergy. It is well-established among 5e players that you need CON, either STR or DEX, and your primary attribute. Your requirements are basically limiting a build to 16 STR, 14 DEX, and 14 CON, which doesn't leave a lot of room for other attributes. So you are going to have to sacrifice effectiveness in your build. It's hard to help with something like that.

I would say, just consider that you are already going against recommended builds for a beastmaster, which are something close to 8 STR, 17 DEX, 16 CON, 8 INT, 15 WIS, 8 CHA. A STR-based Beastmaster is a deviation from optimal, so deviating even further could make your choice potentially more difficult to enjoy, as your allies will be better than you. It's all relative, though. If you don't care about being less effective, it's fine. And if you don't want to be less effective than your allies, you can play on solo or build them in a less optimal manner with respec, then adjust difficulty to the level at which you are comfortable.

If I were you, I'd go with Beastmaster STR build to see if you like it and don't worry about what you are going to do at 2nd Level (or later). You can always respec if it doesn't feel right.

[Niteshade]

Originally posted by Foolswalkin:

Paladin 2/Warlock 10 should be good, and Vengeance/Fiend or GOO + Blade Pact would work for that theme.

As best we know, and as others have mentioned already, Beastmaster will really reward a mono-class. You could also look at different races to provide some of that darker flavor if you want to stay a Beastmaster. A pure Beastmaster who is a Zariel Tiefling would gain access to Searing Smite and Branding Smite, those are probably not a ton of fun to get hit by.

As I was looking over more stuff (Trying to a LOT of pre reading, skimming over wiki's and the like so I have some sort of gameplan by launch) and I was already planning on Tiefling as my race choice and happened to notice Zariel Tieflings get a small str bonus which would play in favor for a str focused melee beast master. That and other aspects to BG's story make me think I'll have other options at my disposal for the whole "using the darkness within /control the darkness" theme.