The cleric class in Baldur’s Gate 3 is often overlooked. While many see them primarily as healers, clerics have access to some of the most effective and powerful offensive spells in the game. They also stand out as one of the most customizable classes, allowing players to choose a particular deity to follow.
In Baldur’s Gate 3, there are 20 different deities available for clerics to worship. Each deity offers unique connections to the world of Faerûn, leading to distinct interactions. For instance, you can make a prayer to any deity at the Stormshore Tabernacle during Act 3. However, the choice of deity can unlock varying amounts of content, with some being more advantageous than others.
Drow Clerics of Lolth or Eilistraee Excel in the Underdark
The Two Deities Respond Differently to the Phalar Aluve
Some deities in Baldur’s Gate 3 are exclusive to certain races; for example, only Duergar can worship Laduger, and Githyanki exclusively follow the lich queen, Vlaakith. Yet, the most intriguing deity tied to a specific race is Lolth, the head of the Dark Seldarine pantheon, which aligns well with an evil playthrough. Drow have two sub-race options, but Lolth is the sole deity drow clerics can worship. Additionally, Lolth’s daughter, Eilistraee, is available for clerics but can be followed by characters of any race.
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Location/Event |
Lolth Cleric Interaction |
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Act 1 – Shattered Sanctum, Goblin Camp |
Clerics can persuade giant spiders to aid them against goblins by claiming to be the avatar of Lolth. |
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Act 2 – after using the Spider Lyre |
Lolth’s clerics can taunt Kar’niss, calling him an abomination of their queen. |
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Act 2/3 – after recruiting Minthara |
Being a drow cleric, Lolth’s priests have unique dialogue with Minthara, who disapproves of most of their comments due to her rejection of the Spider Queen. |
In the Underdark, there’s a longsword called Phalar Aluve embedded in stone. A cleric of Eilistraee will recognize it as part of an ancient blood ritual and feel its blessing if they succeed in extracting it. On the other hand, if a Lolth cleric removes the sword, they would witness a scene where Lolth gives a stern warning not to offend her again. This ancient rivalry means Lolth despises any of her clerics honoring Eilistraee.
Clerics of Tyr and Kelemvor Unlock Special Dialogue in Act 1
Even Deities Not Linked to the Main Plot Offer Intriguing Content
As you progress in the game, you will encounter various groups following numerous gods and goddesses. However, you cannot worship every deity, as some, like Umberlee, aren’t part of the cleric customization menu. In Act 1, Karlach’s quest involves tracking down a group of false paladins of Tyr. Only a cleric of Tyr, who is also a multiclassed Paladin, can expose their deceit by asking Anders to recite “the Creed of the Left Hand,” which he cannot do.
Upon meeting Withers in Act 1, clerics of Kelemvor can engage in a unique conversation with him. As followers of the god of death, they might mention that he looks familiar. Later, they can even ask if he is also a believer in Kelemvor, given his undead status; however, he isn’t. This interaction has led many theorists to speculate about Withers’ true identity being connected to Jergal, the scribe of the dead, or at least suggesting some relation.
Worshiping Selûne or Mystra Can Lead to Hilarious Conversations with Companions
Clerics of Selûne Share the Best Dynamic with Shadowheart
Clerics of Mystra and Selûne offer the most unique dialogue interactions in the game due to their connections with companion characters. In Act 1, Mystra clerics stand out as the only clerics who can quell the magic around Gale’s portal more efficiently. They also find themselves in amusing situations after learning about his history with the goddess. Mystra is one of the few deities who appear in a tangible manner; in Gale’s Act 3 narrative, players can encounter her directly, making her a compelling choice to enhance the storyline’s depth.
If you’re planning to convert Shadowheart back to the worship of Selûne, you might want to avoid selecting all the Selûne-related dialogue options. I once made the mistake of fully role-playing as a dedicated Selunite cleric, trying to convince Shadowheart not to kill the Nightsong by emphasizing those beliefs, which only seemed to push her further towards becoming a Dark Justiciar.
Selûne is often seen as the “default” goddess to follow, and it’s easy to see why. Selunites have remarkable conversation options with Shadowheart and may enjoy one of the most rewarding romance arcs with her. They particularly shine in Act 2, where Isobel, another cleric of Selûne, plays a significant role in the plot. While all cleric options in Baldur’s Gate 3 offer something unique, Selûne stands out as the best choice for players seeking strong narrative connections and character dynamics.
