Highlights
- An unconventional Torch Lord build in BG3 turns torches into end-game weapons using a creative class combination and specialized gear.
- A Paladin/Druid multiclass allows access to Divine Smite and Shillelagh with high Charisma, changing traditional gameplay strategies.
- Those looking to try the build should stack dice with torches, shields, Elemental Weapon, and class buffs to achieve insane damage bonuses on the Torch of Revocation.
While Baldur’s Gate 3 has continued to thrive with updates and support after becoming one of 2023’s biggest RPGs, it’s safe to say that the majority of the game’s systems have been mastered by those dedicated to optimization. There’s no shortage of builds revolving around combining the best of what the game traditionally has to offer, but some players have discovered more unconventional, yet effective ways of succeeding as time has passed. Through constructing a character solely centered around one of the most niche options, Baldur’s Gate 3 has to offer, even the game’s unassuming torches can be elevated to the level of end-game weapons.
Most players are likely to see torches as nothing more than the tool they seem mostly intended to be, but their classification as clubs has allowed one content creator to use them to get through Baldur’s Gate 3‘s Honour Mode. YouTuber cRPG Bro is no stranger to both typical and niche builds, having posted videos centered around the salami weapon and Drunken state, for example. Their recent approach to building the “Torch Lord”, however, reaches a balance between practical and absurd that demonstrates the creativity possible in BG3.
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How to Build Around Torches in Baldur’s Gate 3
The Unexpected Synergy of a Paladin/Druid Multiclass
At the core of this build is a combination between two classes that generally avoid each other due to their different Ability Score dependencies; BG3′s Charisma-based Paladin and Wisdom-based Druid. It appears illogical at first, but this allows the player to access a powerful pairing of Divine Smite and Shillelagh that can both utilize a high Charisma. Having higher Dexterity instead of Strength is also recommended for Initiative Rolls, subverting the usual Paladin spread. Once five levels of preferably Vengeance Paladin and two of Spores Druid are acquired, switching to Fighter for the next four levels adds another Fighting Style, Action Surge, and the increased crit chance of the Champion subclass while being able to pick up the recommended Savage Attacker feat.
BG3’s Torches and the Gear to Complement Them
For most of the game, players will be stuck with enhancing the basic Torch for this build, but the numerous ways to do so make it a deceptively versatile weapon. Apart from the Paladin’s proficiency in Heavy Armor, accessories such as the Broodmother’s Revenge, Strange Conduit Ring, and Caustic Band are vital through adding new damage dice on top, while the Callous Glow Ring can guarantee extra damage via the Torch’s constant illumination. Act 3’s Torch of Revocation finally provides another weapon option with its extra 1d4 of Necrotic damage, just one of the several dice that can all be stacked with this build simultaneously.
Utilizing the Torch Lord Build in Combat
Stacking Shillelagh and Elemental Damage Types
It’s best to wield two torches if the the player has gained Two-Weapon Fighting, though getting the most out of them requires what may be considered a gimmicky yet rewarding set-up. As outlined in cRPG Bro’s build video on YouTube, Shillelagh can only be applied to the weapon in the main hand, meaning that they need to be swapped around to achieve the buff on both. There are alternatives to dual wielding in the form of shields and off-hand weapons, such as the Knife of the Undermountain King and Belm, but the combined dice of the torches alone can have insane results when mixed with Savage Attacker’s rerolls.
With a mix of class features such as Inquisitor’s Might and Circle of Spores Druid’s Symbiotic Entity, another character’s Elemental Weapon, and the afforementioned buffs, cRPG Bro is able to achieve the following damage bonuses on the Torch of Revocation:
- 1d8 + 10 Bludgeoning
- 1d4 Necrotic
- 1d6 Fire
- 1d4 Lightning
- 1d4 Psychic
- 1d6 Poison
- 1d4 + 5 Radiant
Baldur’s Gate 3
- Franchise
- Baldur’s Gate
- Released
- August 3, 2023
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence
- How Long To Beat
- 30 Hours
- Metascore
- 96
- Split Screen Orientation
- Vertical Only
- Number of Players
- 1-4
- PS Plus Availability
- N/A
- Local Co-Op Support
- 1-2 Players
