Arcane Archer is one of my low key favorites of the Patch 8 lineup for a few reasons, but mostly because I’m a big fan of the class fantasy dating back to its D&D 3E incarnation as a prestige class.

But it’s also nothing to sneeze at in BG3. AA plays pretty similar to a ranged Battlemaster, one of the most simple but effective builds in Baldur’s Gate 3. The Battlemaster benefits from their Superiority Die increasing in potency at higher level, being able to use their Maneuvers in melee as well as ranged, and not having to worry about Intelligence—the saves for AA’s arrows all depend on your Int stat. Arcane Archer, meanwhile, has access to more powerful effects, and can eventually use their arrows more times before having to Short Rest.

They’re both extremely effective, so your choice between the two for the optimal BG3 longbowman is pretty much a matter of taste, but I really, really dig the Arcane Archer. By far the most notable magic arrow is Banishing Arrow, which sends the target to the Shadow Realm for two rounds a la the level four spell Banish.

Which basically means Arcane Archers get access to a level four spell (unlocked at character level seven) at character level three—that’s insanely powerful! Other arrows I’ve enjoyed are Shadow Arrow (DPS against boss enemies and blind them for advantage), Grasping Arrow (potentially lingering DPS), and Piercing Arrow (situationally powerful AOE).

Full equipment guide to come soon, but for any non-hand crossbow archer, the Titanstring Bow + Club of Hill Giant Strength combo is the master key for Act 1.

The single dinky level of War Cleric at the end is for their Channel Divinity power, which will let you make a main-hand attack as a bonus action once per Short Rest—pretty handy, and better than the extra level 12 feat, for my money.

Starting Stats:

• Strength: 8 (rely on elixirs, or swap with Int)
• Dexterity: 17
• Constitution: 14
• Intelligence: 16 (or dump and use the Warped Headband of Intellect)
• Wisdom: 10
• Charisma: 8

Leveling Order:

1. Fighter 1
2. Fighter 2 – Archery Combat Style
3. Arcane Archer 3 – Banishing, Shadow, and Piercing Arrow
4. AA 4 – Feat: Dex +2
5. AA 5 – Extra Attack
6. AA 6 – Feat: Sharpshooter
7. AA 7 – Grasping Arrow
8. AA 8 – Feat: Int +2 OR Alert
9. AA 9
10. AA 10 – Beguiling Arrow
11. AA 11 – Improved Extra Attack
12. War Cleric 1