Character Creation

Learn how to create your character in Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn, including importing saves, multiclass vs dual class, and class rankings.

If you have completed Baldur's Gate and/or Siege of Dragonspear and are happy with your character, you can import your character from a savegame. This offers several advantages:

• Attribute boosts from tomes used in Baldur's Gate, potentially giving you an eight-point advantage to attributes.
• Greater starting experience points (XP): up to 161,000 XP if you completed Baldur's Gate, and up to 500,000 XP if you completed Siege of Dragonspear.
• The possibility of carrying over certain items, including the Golden Pantaloons (required for a very late-game bonus) and various magic items.

If you start a new character, you will begin with 89,000 XP.

Multiclass vs. Dual Class

A multiclass character (e.g., Fighter/Mage) combines the strengths of two classes simultaneously. A dual-class character (e.g., Fighter -> Mage) starts as one class and then switches to another, aiming to build a better version of the second class (e.g., a Mage with decent hit points and Grand Mastery in short bows). Both approaches aim for a combination superior to either class alone.

The primary advantage of multiclass characters is no downtime. A key advantage of dual-class characters is that the first class can be a kit, offering unique benefits like a Berserker's Rage. Dual-class characters also level twice as fast in their secondary class. However, very long-term, multiclass characters become more powerful, especially when High Level Abilities (HLAs) unlock, allowing them to use abilities from both classes, whereas dual-class characters only gain HLAs from their final class. HLAs do not appear until the very end of the saga, roughly one-third to one-fifth of total playtime.

Class Rankings

There are many class combinations in Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn, but some are significantly stronger than others. The following rankings assume Core Rules difficulty; Legacy of Bhaal difficulty significantly boosts summoning, elevating the Shaman from a C to a B+ ranking.

Single Class

• Fighter (B): A solid, beginner-friendly choice focused on combat. Grand Mastery is a powerful feature, and the vanilla Fighter is an excellent base for dual-classing.
• Berserker (B): The best Fighter kit. You can work around weapon restrictions by taking proficiency points in daggers or axes. It's also the best base for dual-classing.
• Wizard Slayer (D-): Among the worst choices due to the inability to equip most magic items. Its miscast magic ability and limited magic resistance do not compensate for these deficiencies. A niche late-game dual-class combination with Thief exists where a High Level Ability removes class restrictions, but this is only beneficial at the saga's end.
• Kensai (C): Forces you to the front lines with minimal defense, keeping party Clerics busy. It excels at dealing damage but struggles with survival. It is a solid dual-class base, particularly when dualled to Thief. Importing a character can bypass the initial difficulty.
• Dwarven Defender (B+): Damage reduction is crucial in Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn, making the Dwarven Defender significantly more effective than a vanilla Fighter.
• Barbarian (B-): Armour restrictions are a drawback, though long-term damage reduction offers some compensation. Otherwise, it functions similarly to a Fighter, which is acceptable.
• Ranger (C): The upfront bonus of two free proficiency points in Two Weapon Style becomes less impactful by Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn. The increased leveling cost without a significant benefit is also a drawback.
• Archer (A-): The Archer's accumulating damage bonuses allow for consistent killing from a safe distance. Specializing in short bows is recommended due to better weapon selection. Elves are the preferred race for Dexterity and combat bonuses. Slings are also viable as they benefit from Strength and class bonuses to damage.
• Stalker (C): Armour limitations are detrimental. A Fighter/Thief serves as a better scout, and an Archer is superior for ranged combat.
• Beast Master (D-): Too many sacrifices are made for a few weak summoning spells.
• Paladin (C+): The vanilla Paladin lacks expected bonuses (like immunity to disease), and its kits are generally superior.
• Cavalier (B+): Offers useful immunities and resistances.
• Undead Hunter (B+): A very strong choice, its class immunities are highly beneficial.
• Inquisitor (B): Better suited to its role than the Wizard Slayer, though still not top-tier.