This guide focuses on the best Warlock build in Baldur’s Gate 3, The Great Old One Subclass, and includes all components to build a powerful character.
This build page has been updated for thePatch 8 versionof Baldur’s Gate 3.
Everything About the Great Old One Warlock in BG3
Within the realm of Baldur’s Gate 3, the Great Old One Warlocks emerge as a dynamic and formidable class. Their adaptability extends to both the crucible of combat and the subtleties of non-combat scenarios. In the heat of battle, they harness the formidableEldritch Blastcantrip to dish out enduring ranged devastation. Furthermore, their array of invocations bestows upon them potent capabilities, enabling the summoning of otherworldly beings from the Far Realms or the establishment of telepathic connections with their adversaries.
Patch 8 Changes to Great Old One Warlock for BG3
With Patch 8 of Baldur’s Gate 3, the Warlock class saw a significant upgrade with the addition of the Hexblade subclass and theBooming Bladecantrip. This powerful combination delivers one of the game’s most effective hybrid playstyles, allowing players to fluidly mix spellcasting with melee combat for deadly efficiency. Warlocks also continue to rely on Charisma as their primaryability score, making them equally effective as silver-tongued diplomats when a peaceful solution is preferred.
Importantly, these updates open the door to exciting new Warlock build possibilities. In the Level Progression section below, we’ll explore a fresh multiclass option that pairs the Hexblade with the Paladin class. This alternative build shifts the focus toward heavy-hitting meleecombatenhanced by supportive magic, offering a distinct playstyle from the traditional area-of-effect and crowd control approach.
The Great Old One Warlock Class Features & Mechanics
The following list presents all the essential Warlock Class Mechanics and Features in Baldur’s Gate 3:
Warlock Spell Mechanics
Presented below is a comprehensive list of the essential Warlock Spell Mechanics in Baldur’s Gate 3:
The Great Old One Warlock Subclass Explained
The Great Old One is a good subclass for the Warlock because it’s granted the special abilityMortal Reminderwhich gives them a critical hit against the creature and the nearby enemies are frightened. Every class needs survivability, and the Great Old One Warlock gets this by being aggressive and doing damage. Warlocks can select their class at level 1 during character creation.
Great Old One Warlock Subclass Features
Below is a list of the The Great Old One Warlock subclass progression, features, and spells:
Great Old One Warlock Expanded Spells
At various levels, the Great Old One will gain access to an expanded list of spells. You will still need to select these spells during the leveling process, and they will cost a spell slot, but give you different options based on your subclass selection.
Below is a list of the Great Old Ones expanded spell list:
Character Creation
Recommended Backgrounds for The Great Old One Warlock
Charlatanis the bestbackgroundfor the Warlock Great Old One build because you gain proficiency in Deception and Sleight of Hand. Deception scales from Charisma while Deception scales from Dexterity, both of which we suggest a 16 ability score. This choice mostly influences roleplaying and dialogue options aspects and allows you to create unique characters. Here’s a list of the best backgrounds for a Warlock:
Best Race Choice The Great Old One Warlock Build
High Half-Elfis the bestracechoice for the Great Old One Warlock in Baldur’s Gate 3 because you gain an extra Cantrip,Fey Ancestry, Darkvision, and Shield Proficiency. A secondary choice is theHumanbecause you gain increased carrying capacity, skill proficiency, and shield proficiency as well.
The Warlock racial choice will not influence ability score, as race will get a +2 and +1 to spend regardless. This frees your race choice up to not completely hinder yourself based on ability score, but race features. Each of these races offers unique advantages that can enhance your combat prowess, survivability, or utility. Additionally, consider the roleplaying opportunities and character concepts that resonate with you.
Recommended Skills for The Great Old One Warlock Build
DeceptionandArcanaare the best skills for the Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Warlock The Great Old One Build Guide because they complement your class abilities and enhance your effectiveness in various situations. In Baldur’s Gate 3, skills represent the abilities and proficiencies of your character that allow them to perform various actions and interact with the game world. Skills are associated with specific attributes and are used to determine the success or effectiveness of certain actions or abilities. They can be edited during character creation or with companions, during respec or reroll screen.
Here are the bestskillsfor Warlock in Baldur’s Gate 3:
Best Ability Scores for The Great Old One Warlock
Below is the bestability scoreto unlock the full potential of the Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Warlock The Great Old One Build Guide:
The most important ability score for the Best Baldur’s Gate 3 The Great Old One Warlock Build is16 Charisma followed by 16 Dexterity and 14 Constitution. It’s important to land on even numbers and get at least 16 in Charisma for optimal spell casting. Increasing Dexterity will improve our Armour Class (AC) while wearing Light Armor and Constitution will increase our health.
During character creation, the game will automatically distribute your abilities in the character creation abilities tab. You will need to reprioritize the stats for the chart for the Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Fiend Warlock Build. Simply use the plus-minus in the character creator and ensure you have the suggested race, or the numbers will be off.
You can increase your ability score via a quest in Act 1, Act 2, and Act 3. Make sure to check out ourPermanent bonus guideon how you can boost your ability score through quests.
The Great Old One Warlock Companions
A Warlock wants a melee aggressive Fighter or Barbarian making Lae’zeal orKarlachthe best choice. Shadowheart the Cleric, can provide crowd control and healing. Astarion is the best at playing as aRogue Thiefwith huge sneak attack damage. This will allow you to sit back at range firing off damage abilities.
Here’s a list of the best companions for the Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Warlock The Great Old One Build Guide:
It’s important to note that party composition and synergy play a significant role in determining the effectiveness of your companions. Consider the strengths and weaknesses of eachcompanionand how they align with your main character’s abilities and playstyle.
Read More:Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Warlock Subclasses Ranked
The Great Old One Warlock Illithid Powers
Illithid Powersare unlocked later in the game when you learn more about the Mind Flayers and Tadpoles. you may gain jars of Mind Flayer Parasite Specimens, and consume them to gain one point. This is essentially another skill tree advancement with some very strong powers. If you decide to advance this skill line, these are the choices we suggest.
Here are the best Illithid Powers for the Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Warlock The Great Old One Build Guide:
The Great Old One Warlock Level Progression
Alternative Great Old One Warlock Build
For this alternative Warlock build, you’ll be opting for the Hexblade subclass to gain access to improved weapon and armor proficiencies right from the start. That said, all Warlocks can still take the Booming Blade cantrip at Level 1 and pick up Shadow Blade at Level 3, so sticking with the Great Old One subclass is also a viable path. Just keep in mind that without Hexblade or multiclassing, you’ll be limited in your weapon and armor choices.
Read More:All Bosses in Baldur’s Gate 3 Listed
At Level 7, this build transitions into a multiclass with the Oath of Vengeance Paladin. This addition grants even greater weapon and armor proficiencies, including the ability to wear Heavy Armor, significantly boosting your frontline durability. Paladins also bring strong melee capabilities, which pair exceptionally well with Booming Blade for devastating attacks. Just be sure to use weapons you’re proficient with. If you aren’t proficient, you won’t trigger the additional Thunder damage from Booming Blade.
At level one the Warlock can select their subclass, pick two cantrips, and two spells, along with Background, Skills, and Ability Score. You want to select The Great Old One subclass, pickup light armor, a Quarterstaff, and a shield. Use this if you intend to play the build with Human or Half-Elf which gives a big advantage in survivability via a shield. Below are all the unlocks and recommended spells for the Great Old One Warlock:
Cantrip Selections
Spell Selections
Read More:All Acts in BG3 Ranked
Great Old One Warlock Gameplay and Priorities
The premise of the Best Warlock Fiend Build is simple, Hex and Eldritch Blast repeatedly. You leave your spell slots for Hellish Rebuke, which will provide a reaction. Further levels will optimize this and enhance the damage or add special effects. Further notes on Warlock From here out, you will have very limited spell slots and aren’t meant to use them likeWizardsorSorcerers. Rather, you want to use a couple, one for Hex usually, and then cantrips. you may also fill up your Spell Slots via short rest, so after every fight ensure to short rest to keep this build having the spell slot fuel it needs.
Your overall priority with this build is the following:
Following these steps ensures a strong foundation, especially if you plan on playingsoloor onHonour Modedifficulty.
Level 1 The Great Old One Warlock Spell Loadout: Hex, Hellish Rebuke
The Level 2 Great Old One Warlock will unlock one new spell and select two Eldritch Invocations. Eldritch Invocations are passive features unlocked by your Warlock at various levels. Initially, they help augment the power of your primary cantrip Eldritch Blast. As you progress, they can be powerful spells that do not consume spell slots or other passives and active features. At this level, we suggest taking Tasha’s Hideous Laughter spell, Agonizing Blast, and Repelling Blast Eldritch Invocations.
Eldritch Invocations
Gameplay remains the same at level two with the addition of a great single-target crowd control and a single-target knockback with Eldritch Blast. For this build, I recommend Light Armour, so we are not going to take Armour of Shadows because of that. This gives us Mages Armour for free, allowing us to use Cloth and reach 13 AC. With Light Armor we should be able to reach that and save an Eldritch Invocation for more damage.
Level 2 The Great Old One Warlock Spell Loadout: Hex, Hellish Rebuke, Tasha’s Hideous Laughter
At Level 3 the Great Old One Warlock unlocks Improved Warlock Spells, picks an additional spell, selects a Pact Boon, and Replace Spell. We suggest taking the Misty Spell spell, Pact of the Chain boon, and forgoing a replacement spell.
At this stage, you get access to helpful ally via Pact of the Chain and Misty Step for mobility. We still need Tasha’s Hideous Laughter for a helpful crowd control effect, but add more damage and utility at this level.
Level 3 The Great Old One Warlock Spell Loadout: Hex, Hellish Rebuke, Tasha’s Hideous Laughter, Misty Step.
At level four you get to pick one new spell, and one new cantrip, replace the spell, and pick afeat. We recommend taking Poison Spray cantrip, Mirror Image spell, and Spell Sniper feat. Below is the explanation for the Great Old One Warlock at Level 4:
Cantrip and Spell Selections
Feat Selection
Spell Sniper(feat): You learn a cantrip, and the number you need to roll a Critical Hit while attacking with a spell is reduced by 1. This effect can stack. You also get a free cantrip, which we suggest Fire Bolt unless you choose an Elf.
Level 4 is an important level because of the feat selection. What’s unique about the Great Old One is the level 1 subclass feature Mortal Reminder which frightens targets if they fail a Wisdom saving throw. We want to build into critical chance, or lower the amount needed to land this and Spell Sniper is perfect early on. You will also get two cantrips that won’t be that useful, but Mirror Image will help keep your survivability very high.
Level 4 The Great Old One Warlock Spell Loadout: Hex, Hellish Rebuke, Tasha’s Hideous Laughter, Misty Step, Mirror Image.
At level five you will unlock a class feature Deepened Pact, one new spell, and one new Eldritch Invocation. Below is a list of the recommended the Great Old One Warlock progression selections at level 5:
Level 5 gives us access to higher-level spell. The Counterspell spell isn’t an offensive one but a hard counter as a reaction. Just like Magic the Gathering, you may nullify a spell at level 3 or lower and this can save your team from eating a fireball at lower levels. The Fiend gets access to Fireball at this level which is nice, but the Great Old One can help counter and shut down the opposition and should lean into it’s strength.
Level 5 The Great Old One Warlock Spell Loadout: Hex, Hellish Rebuke, Tasha’s Hideous Laughter, Misty Step, Mirror Image, Counterspell.
At level 6, the Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Warlock The Great Old One Build Guide unlocks the Entropic Ward subclass feature and picks another spell.
At this level, you get a nice subclass feature that helps you defend and go more offensive against attackers. Entropic Ward pairs very will with Hellish Rebuke and Counterspell giving attackers massive disincentive for attacking you. If they do, you may return fire in multiple ways. Hunger of Hadar does require concentration so keep that in mind as you can only have one concentration spell active at a time.
Ending Act 1 as a Great Old One Warlock
By Level 6 you should be close to completing Act 1. Be sure to check traders and stock up on camp and alchemy supplies. Additionally, make sure to find thebest Act 1 items. Furthermore, there are alsopermanent bonusesto find in Act 1. Finally, theGrymforgehas powerful armor and weapons (Adamantine) that can be used well into Act 3. Consider taking the time to collect the crafting items before moving on to Act 2, where you won’t be able to return.
Level 6 The Great Old One Warlock Spell Loadout: Hex, Hellish Rebuke, Tasha’s Hideous Laughter, Misty Step, Mirror Image, Counterspell, Hunger of Hadar.
At level seven the Great Old One Warlock unlocks one new spell, and one new Eldritch Invocation. Below is our recommendations at level 7:
Level seven gives us a massive amount of spells. Blight is great for burst damage single target with our spell slot. The Book of Ancient Secrets unlocks three spells that do not require a very important spell slot. The obvious choice for damage is Chromatic Orb, in which you may choose an element type depending on the enemy. You can right-click and Examine enemies to see resistances and vulnerabilities. The Silence spell gives us some utility and Ray of Sickness is decent if you need a poison attack.
Level 7 The Great Old One Warlock Spell Loadout: Hex, Hellish Rebuke, Tasha’s Hideous Laughter, Misty Step, Mirror Image, Counterspell, Hunger of Hadar, Blight.
At level eight you can select one new spell and learn a new feat.
Gameplay with the Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Warlock The Great Old One Build Guide remains the same with the addition of more Charisma and another powerful area-based spell.
Level 8 The Great Old One Warlock Spell Loadout: Hex, Hellish Rebuke, Tasha’s Hideous Laughter, Misty Step, Mirror Image, Counterspell, Hunger of Hadar, Blight, Evard’s Black Tentacles.
At level 9 the Great Old One Warlock gains another spell and Eldritch Invocation.
At level 9 we get a major boon to our offensive power with Minions of Chaos. you may then summon another ally to fight on your side. The picture above shows an Earth Elemental, our Fey Imp alongside a Planar Ally Cambion. The Cambion can be summoned per long rest via the Infernal Rapier weapon. This is part of Wyll’s side quest conclusion in Act 2 and with all three on the battlefield, you are a force! The best part is that these can all be summoned outside of combat and last until a long rest.
Level 9 The Great Old One Warlock Spell Loadout: Hex, Hellish Rebuke, Tasha’s Hideous Laughter, Misty Step, Mirror Image, Counterspell, Hunger of Hadar, Blight, Evard’s Black Tentacles, Telekinesis
At level 10 the Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Warlock The Great Old One Build Guide unlocks one additional cantrip and spell, with two subclass features. Below are our suggestions at level 10:
At level 10 you get an additional crowd control and two helpful passives against Psychic damage. This damage is usefully produced by powerful spell casters and or Githyanki which you will encounter a lot of during the main story.
Level 10 The Great Old One Warlock Spell Loadout: Hex, Hellish Rebuke, Tasha’s Hideous Laughter, Misty Step, Mirror Image, Counterspell, Hunger of Hadar, Blight, Evard’s Black Tentacles, Telekinesis, Banishment
The level 11 Great Old One Warlock unlocks one new spell and Mystic Arcanum.
At level 11 we get a once-per-long rest level 6 spell Circle of Death. This spell causes massive area damage and solves a lot of our issues with multiple target damage. With Circle of Death, you need to select a specific target first and hit it for the area damage to proc, but it can be a lot. Plus, you get the spell cast once free per long rest so use it wisely. you’re able to also pick a utility skill, but the build is rounding out nicely with free spells and allies to fight next to you.
Level 11 The Great Old One Warlock Spell Loadout: Hex, Hellish Rebuke, Tasha’s Hideous Laughter, Misty Step, Mirror Image, Counterspell, Hunger of Hadar, Blight, Evard’s Black Tentacles, Telekinesis, Banishment, Hold Monster.
At level 12 you get a final feat and spell to select. Below is our list for a level 12 Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Warlock The Great Old One Build Guide:
You’ve reached the final level in our leveling process. We get to choose a last feat, which we use to increase our main ability to 20 helping us with the Birthright headpiece in Act 3, which can take us to 22 Charisma. Depending on your racial selections, you may have additional spells at this point as well.
Rely on your allies via summoning for extra damage, and three beams of Eldritch Blast for the primary source of damage. At this level, you will have three spell slots so use them wisely. Typically, crowd control is the best option for high-area damage and crowd control spells. Look below for recommended gear sets and thanks for reading.
Level 12 The Great Old One Warlock Spell Loadout: Hex, Hellish Rebuke, Tasha’s Hideous Laughter, Misty Step, Mirror Image, Counterspell, Hunger of Hadar, Blight, Evard’s Black Tentacles, Telekinesis, Banishment, Hold Monster, Invisibility.
The Great Old One Warlock Recommended Gear
In Games like Baldur’s Gate 3, you’ll explore the world, loot chests and your enemies’ dead bodies, and complete quests and all those activities can reward you with useful items, potions, armor, weapons, scrolls, and much more. Progression and finding new gear are part of the game, and you will organically get more powerful weapons during your journeys.
Beginner: Act 1
Here’s a list of some of the Best Beginner gear for the Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Warlock The Great Old One Build Guide:
Below is a list of the best Act 1 Gear, Weapons, and Clothing for the Great Old One Warlock Build in Baldur’s Gate 3:
Advanced: Act 2 & 3
The following table presents the best advanced and end-game gear for Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Warlock The Great Old One Build Guide:
Below is a list of the best Act 3 Gear for the Great Old One Warlock Build in Baldur’s Gate 3:
Best Consumable Items and Potions
Consumablesare items that can be used once and then destroyed. They are typically used to restore health or other resources. Some common types of consumables include potions, scrolls, food, drinks, and arrows.
The following list represents the best individual use consumable items that will aid in the Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Warlock The Great Old One Build Guide:
The Great Old One Warlock Gameplay Tips and Tricks
Here are 10 gameplay tips specifically for playing a Warlock in Baldur’s Gate 3:
Remember, this build guide serves as a foundation, and you can always adapt it to suit your preferences and the needs of your campaign. Enjoy playing as a formidable Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Warlock the The Great Old One Build Guide!
Permanent Bonuses
Throughout Baldur’s Gate 3, you will have the ability to gain permanent bonuses to your character. These can grant additional spells, ability scores, and other bonuses. Permanent Bonuses are not displayed throughout the campaign but are vital to increase overall combat performance. We have all permanent bonuses here in a guide, but the most important ones for you to collect are listed below.
Best Permanent Bonuses for The Great Old One Warlock in Baldur’s Gate 3
The Great Old One Warlock Changes in Patch 7 for BG3
There are no combat, gameplay, or build-related changes to The Great Old One in Patch 7 of BG3. The patch’s main intent was to introduce more modding features, bug fixes, and adjustments to honor mode. Patch 7 for Baldur’s Gate 3 was released on September 5th, bringing a massive update to the game.
Larian Studios’ main focus in this patch ismods. The game now features amodding toolkitand anin-game mod manager, allowing players to create and install mods directly within the game. This update is intended to hand over creative control to the community, enabling players to produce unique content and continue the story in new ways.
Baldur’s Gate 3 The Great Old One Warlock Build Summary Guide
Q. Is the Great Old One a good subclass?
Ans. The Great Old one is a warlock subclass in BG3. If your playstyle is appropriate, it can be a strong pick and provide you advantage in battles. It features an expanded spell list which can come in handy.
Q. What is the Great Old One subclass?
Ans. The Great One is a Warlock subclass in BG3 inspired by the works of H.P. Lovecraft. It features psychic powers, telepathy, and mental manipulation skills.
Looking For More About Baldur’s Gate 3?
Thank you for reading Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Warlock The Great Old One Build Guide. We provide the latest news and create guides for Baldur’s Gate 3. Also, watch me play games onTwitchor visit myYouTubechannel!
