In Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3), choosing a subclass can significantly shape how your character behaves in combat, interacts with the world, and supports the party. However, players often realize later that a different subclass might better fit their playstyle, party composition, or roleplay. Fortunately, BG3 offers a flexible way to change your subclass without needing to restart your entire game. Whether you’re switching from Eldritch Knight to Battle Master or changing from Light Domain to Life Domain, knowing how to change subclass in BG3 can save time and improve your overall experience.
Understanding Subclasses in Baldur’s Gate 3
What Are Subclasses?
Subclasses in BG3 are specialized branches within each class. When your character reaches a certain level usually level 3 for most classes you are prompted to choose a subclass. These subclasses define your combat style, spellcasting capabilities, and available features. For example, a Wizard can choose between Evocation or Necromancy, while a Rogue might pick Assassin, Thief, or Arcane Trickster.
Why You Might Want to Change Subclass
There are several reasons to consider switching subclass in Baldur’s Gate 3:
- You discovered a different subclass has features you prefer.
- Your current subclass doesn’t synergize well with your party.
- You misclicked or made the decision without full knowledge of the mechanics.
- You want to experiment with a new combat or support role.
Fortunately, BG3 allows subclass changes through respec options without losing your character progress.
How to Change Subclass in BG3
Step 1: Visit Withers
The most important character for changing your subclass is Withers, an NPC you can recruit early in the game. You’ll find him in the Dank Crypt, located just outside the Overgrown Ruins in the first act. Once you interact with him and complete the short event, he will move into your camp and remain available there for the rest of the game.
Step 2: Speak to Withers in Camp
After Withers joins your camp, interact with him at any time to access his respec services. You’ll see a dialogue option that allows you to rebuild your character. This doesn’t just let you change your subclass it also enables a full respec of your class, attributes, skills, and more.
Step 3: Pay the Gold Fee
Changing subclass in BG3 comes with a small price: 100 gold. This is a one-time payment for each respec session. It’s affordable even in the early game and trivial by the mid to late game.
Step 4: Recreate Your Character
Once you confirm the rebuild, you’ll be taken to the character creation interface. Here, you can:
- Change your class entirely (if desired)
- Choose a new subclass (depending on your current class and level)
- Adjust your attributes (Strength, Dexterity, etc.)
- Reallocate skill proficiencies and spells
If you want to stay within your current class but just switch subclass, select the same class again and proceed to the subclass selection when prompted.
Step 5: Save Your Changes
After finalizing your build, confirm and return to the game world. Your character now has the new subclass, along with all abilities and features tied to it. You’ll also retain all inventory items and story progression.
Things to Consider When Changing Subclass
Class Level Requirements
Not all subclass features are available at the same time. Most subclasses are selected at level 3, though some like Clerics choose theirs at level 1. If you’re below the required level, the option may not appear. Make sure your character has reached the appropriate level to access the subclass you want.
Subclass-Specific Features
Changing subclass can have a big impact on your playstyle. You may lose access to certain features and gain others. For instance:
- Switching from Eldritch Knight to Battle Master replaces your spellcasting with combat maneuvers.
- Changing from Trickery Domain to Light Domain gives you different domain spells and channel divinity abilities.
- A Sorcerer who chooses Draconic Bloodline gains extra health and elemental resistances, while a Wild Magic Sorcerer gets randomized effects.
Understanding these mechanics is key to making a subclass that enhances your role in the party.
Multiclassing Considerations
If you’ve multiclassed, subclass choices are tied to the individual classes. For example, a Fighter 5 / Wizard 2 character can only change the subclass associated with each class when respeccing through Withers. You can’t assign a subclass to a level you haven’t allocated to that class.
Equipment and Spell Adjustments
Changing subclass may affect what gear, spells, or features are most effective for your build. After respeccing:
- Check your armor and weapons to ensure they still suit your new abilities.
- Reconfigure your hotbar for changed spell slots or abilities.
- Adjust tactics in battle to reflect your new subclass role.
Popular Subclass Changes and Why Players Make Them
Wizards: Evocation vs. Necromancy
Players often switch between Evocation and Necromancy based on whether they want stronger crowd control or undead minion manipulation. Evocation lets you sculpt spells around allies, while Necromancy excels at summoning and draining enemies.
Fighters: Eldritch Knight vs. Battle Master
Battle Master is chosen for its tactical superiority, while Eldritch Knight blends limited magic into melee builds. Players who want pure martial power often change to Battle Master mid-game when spellcasting feels underwhelming.
Clerics: Light Domain vs. Life Domain
Some players start with Light Domain for offensive magic, then switch to Life Domain to strengthen healing support as combat becomes more demanding in later acts.
Sorcerers: Wild Magic vs. Draconic Bloodline
Wild Magic offers unpredictable gameplay, but many players change to Draconic Bloodline for more reliable damage and durability in tougher encounters.
Tips for Optimizing Subclass Changes
Plan Before You Change
Before you respec your subclass, consider your current party composition and weaknesses. If you’re lacking healing, going with Life Domain Cleric or Oath of Redemption Paladin can make a big difference. If your frontline is weak, subclasses like Bear Totem Barbarian or War Domain Cleric can help.
Save Before Talking to Withers
Always make a manual save before initiating a respec. This gives you room to experiment with builds and revert if the new subclass doesn’t suit your expectations.
Test in Combat Scenarios
After changing subclass, test your abilities in an actual combat encounter. You’ll quickly learn whether the new playstyle clicks with you or whether further tweaks are needed. Pay attention to spell slots, ability cooldowns, and synergy with party members.
Changing subclass in Baldur’s Gate 3 is a smooth and rewarding experience. It opens the door to trying new strategies, correcting early mistakes, or simply adapting to new challenges as the game progresses. With Withers always available in camp and a low cost for respeccing, there’s no reason to feel locked into a choice you made ten levels ago. Take advantage of this flexibility, and shape your character into the adventurer that best suits your journey through Faerûn. Whether you’re mastering martial arts, commanding divine magic, or experimenting with arcane power, the ability to change subclass in BG3 ensures your gameplay remains dynamic, personalized, and fun.