Baldur's Gate 3: How to Make a Jack

The Jack-of-all-Trades is a Steam Achievement challenge in Baldur’s Gate 3. Players will need to plan all 12 classes to make a decent character.

The Jack-of-all-Trades is a challenge build in Baldur’s Gate 3. It requires the hero to take at least one level in all 12 classes. While not powerful, they will be extremely versatile in every situation.

The Jack-of-all-Trades is a Steam Achievement and PlayStation Trophy and does not directly affect in-game performance.

Players may want to only consider making an odd Baldur’s Gate 3 custom character during a second or third playthrough.

To make this challenge a little tougher, players must go through a single campaign without using the character respec option in Baldur’s Gate 3. This makes selections and mistakes during level-up permanent. One can somewhat relieve this issue by making spate save files before each level-up, ensuring that the build continues correctly.

Unlike past Dungeons and Dragons systems, Fifth Edition rules focus on a proficiency bonus determined by total character level. This means a level 12 Jack-of-all-Trades will still have the same base accuracy, skills, and saving throws of a pure classed character. Classes instead determine which attacks apply proficiency or not.

The Jack-of-all-Trades will wind up with a wild assortment of hit dice: 1d12 + 3d10 + 6d8 + 2d6. Players will typically want to use their highest hit dice when taking a short rest in Baldur’s Gate 3. But, avoid over healing if the hero hasn’t taken too much damage.

Multiclass Spells

The Jack-of-all-Trades will have access to lots of different magic. They will be considered a 6th level spell caster a class level 12 - Bard Cleric, Druid, Sorcerer, and Wizard are all full casters; Paladin and Ranger are both half casters. Warlock’s Pact Magic also interacts by adding short rest spell slots directly to the normal formula. The following spell slots will be shared by all classes, and can be used to “up cast” to stronger spell levels:

Caster Level

1st Level Slots

2nd Level Slots

3rd Level Slots

1st Level (Bard)

2

0

0

2nd Level (Paladin and Ranger)

3

0

0

3rd Level (Cleric)

4

2

0

4th Level (Sorcerer)

4

3

0

Pact Magic (Warlock)

5

3

0

5th Level (Druid)

5

3

2

6th Level (Wizard)

5

3

3

Baldur’s Gate 3 has removed the Ability Score minimum for multiclassing. Still, the Jack-of-all-Trades character isn’t going to be top of anything, but can still be competent with a bow, cantrips, and has adequate survivability. Ability Scores are extremely important, as having 12 first classes will result in no Ability Score Improvement options or new feats.

Dexterity, Constitution, and Wisdom are the three most common saving throws used by enemies in Baldur’s Gate 3. Additionally, Dexterity can be used to improve initiative and deal damage with ranged weapons. Players will want to allocate the following after bonuses are applied:

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

8

16

16

8

14

12

There are two key racial choices that work well with such a well-rounded character: Lightfoot Halfling or Wood Elf. Lightfoots can easily escape with the help of Stealth proficiency and can reroll “1’s” on d20s dice. Wood Elf instead gets more movement speed, is immune to magical sleep, and has Perception as a trained skill. Entertainer is a great background to pick up both Performance and Acrobatics.

The order of classes has a significant impact. Each level-up will grant a different number of hitpoints, more spells, and features that either mesh or conflict with each other. Saving throw proficiencies do not improve, and only certain classes in Baldur’s Gate 3 grant more skills or equipment.

Related: Baldur's Gate 3: Building a Cleric (Tips, Tricks, & Strategies)

Kurtis Seid has been covering the game industry for over a decade. His published works have appeared on GameSpot, EGM, and App Annie. He also was a former editor for Electronic Arts' Origin platform.