Baldurs Gate 3: Arcane Archer Fighter

How to play as an Arcane Archer in Baldur's Gate 3? On this guide page, we have prepared various tips about the new subclass for the Fighter. You will learn what the most important features of the Arcane Archer are, how to develop the character and which Arcane Shots to choose, as well as what the recommended tactics are.

• Who is the Arcane Archer subclass for?
• Most important features of the subclass
• How to play as Arcane Archer?

Who is the Arcane Archer subclass for?

1. The described subclass can make your fighter become an archer. You can attack enemies at a distance using various types of magical projectiles.
2. The optimal character races to play as an Arcane Archer are those that prefer a more offensive style of gameplay - Half-Elf, Githyanki, and Half-Orc.

Most important features of the subclass

1. The unique resource used by the Arcane Archer subclass is Arcane Arrows. By default, you get 4 Arcane Arrows. You can unlock more shots at levels 7 and 10.
2. Each Arcane Arrow can be used to perform 1 Arcane Shot magical attack. At the start, you can choose 3 different Arcane Shots. You can obtain two more magical attacks at levels 7 and 10. You can replenish Arcane Arrows by taking a short or long rest.
3. The Arcane Archer is characterized by proficiency in Arcana and Nature. You also have 3 cantrips to choose from - Guidance, Light, and True Strike.
4. After advancing to level 7, you can unlock Curving Shot (a bonus action in case of missing a magical attack) and Magic Arrow (all ranged attacks are treated as magical).

How to play as Arcane Archer?

1. The most important abilities for the Arcane Archer subclass are Dexterity (responsible for all ranged attacks) and Intelligence (effectiveness of Arcane Arrows).
2. Your character should attack enemies from higher points on the map and choose distant targets. A fighter's melee weapon should serve to increase statistics and potentially defend against opponents who suddenly get close to you.
3. The recommended variations of Arcane Shots to set as active are Bursting Arrow (a magical arrow that explodes upon contact with the target and deals damage within a 3-meter range), Grasping Arrow (enemy hit with it is poisoned and slowed, and also receives bonus damage when attempting to move) and Shadow Arrow (deals Psychic damage and has a chance to blind the hit enemy - a good attack to use on enemy archers and mages).

See also

1. Game guide
2. Description of the Fighter class
3. Best Fighter build

Baldur's Gate 3

August 3, 2023

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