What is the Maximum Level in Baldur’s Gate 3?
The maximum level cap in Baldur’s Gate 3 is 12.
Previously, the cap was 5 before the full release of the game. Larian Studios decided to forego D&D’s level cap of 20 in favor of this lower cap.
- This means characters in Baldur’s Gate 3 can’t go above level 12.
- A level 12 cap grants players access to a respectable amount of abilities from various classes.
- Indeed, it offers more opportunities for multiclassing and mixing class abilities.
- However, it does mean that many of the overpowered, late-game powers from traditional D&D won’t be available in this game.
Interestingly, Larian Studios did not prepare higher-level spells and ability animations. Originally, the game was designed to cap at level 10, with levels 11-12 being last-gasp additions.
One player mentioned having over 150k experience points while at level 12, which is enough for level 17, halfway to 18. Despite reaching the cap early, they found Act 3 engaging enough to explore till the end—an impressive feat for a game focusing on character development and leveling.
While many agree that higher levels would be nice, developers have stated uncertainty about implementing more powerful spells, as they might become “too godlike.”
While players love the game, understanding the combat system often trivializes even the hardest fights. One player reported having no trouble defeating the final boss on their first attempt.
Lastly, it’s highly unlikely that future updates or expansions will raise the cap beyond 12, due to the added complexity of high-level spells and powers. As for reaching level 13, it cannot be done in BG3 unless you use mods to alter that limitation.
Why Is the Level Cap Restricted to 12?
The level cap in Baldur’s Gate 3 is set at 12, which is an increase from the previous cap of 5 before the full release. Larian Studios explained that at levels higher than 12, balancing spells and abilities becomes very challenging, hence the decision to cap the game at this level.
Once you reach Level 12, you will be unable to level up further; any experience points (XP) you earn will not contribute to progressing your character. By this stage, you will have unlocked all available Spell Slots, feats, and other aspects of your class, with equipment being the only means to gain additional bonuses.
Moreover, the level cap of 12 aligns with the levelling curve and duration of the game. Although Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) typically has a level cap of 20, Larian opted for 12 to maintain game balance and prevent complications arising from high-level spells and powers. Indeed, Level 12 is considered the endgame for most 5e campaigns, representing a reasonable target for players.
However, one issue arises: the game tends to provide excessive XP in Acts 2 and 3. This can lead to a scenario where players feel their level is capped for a significant portion of the game, potentially diminishing their enjoyment, as there becomes less incentive to explore or pursue side quests beyond the main storyline.
How to Manage Multiclassing Within Level Limits?
Multiclassing in Baldur’s Gate 3 allows you to train your character in multiple classes, providing more customization for your build.
The game has a level maximum of Level 12 for characters. However, if you are multiclassing, the levels of your multiple classes will add up to 12. For example, you could start as a Druid for the first two levels and then multiclass with a Monk for the remaining ten levels. Your character would then be multiclassing at Level 12 as a Level 2 Druid and Level 10 Monk combined.
You can multiclass in Baldur’s Gate 3 as early as Level 2. Importantly, there are no restrictions on which classes you can combine together; however, some combinations play much better together than others. It’s best to choose classes that prioritize the same stats; for instance, the Bardlock (Bard and Warlock) or Sorlock (Sorcerer and Warlock) utilize Charisma for casting.
Moreover, you can only level up one class at a time. Yet, this allows you to alternate which class you level up. The level-up screen will display all the classes you are combining for your multiclass, letting you switch between them. For instance, you can begin as a Druid at Level 1, select Monk at the next level up, and then return to Druid on your subsequent level up.
If you are beyond Level 1, you can still multiclass your current character without starting over by respeccing. To change your class, find Withers in the game. You will be able to change your class for a cost of 100 gold. This process will revert you back to Level 1, allowing you to customize your initial class.
Additionally, the level-up screen features an Add Class button, enabling you to create a character with three or more classes. Notably, unlike the tabletop version of Dungeons & Dragons, Baldur’s Gate 3 imposes no stat requirements for multiclassing.
Are There Mods to Increase Level Cap in Baldur’s Gate 3?
Yes, there are mods to increase the level cap in Baldur’s Gate 3.
- A mod exists that allows players to extend their level to 20. It adds features such as:
- Spells being cast using higher spell slots (7-9)
- More resources, spell slots, and class features.
- for multiclas to a combined character level of 20, aligning with D&D 5th edition normal rules.
- This mod works with existing playthroughs. If you hit level 12 before installing it and the game indicates that the max level is reached, gaining XP will update the cap. Alternatives for issues include:
- Respeccing with Withers
- Reinstalling the mod.
- For those who wish to customize their leveling experience, XP patches are available. These patches adjust the required experience points, allowing players to level up faster or slower based on their preferences.
- Specific recommendations for load order when using the mod include:
- 5eSpells
- 5eSpellsSpellLists
- UnlockLevelCurve
- UnlockLevelCurve_Patch_5eSpells
- This mod alters the maximum level cap without changing anything else in the game.
- It only edits three files necessary to increase the level cap:
- Progressions.lsx
- data.txt
- XPdata.txt
- It is a pure level cap increase without altering anything else in the game, making it compatible with all your other mods except those that change maximum character level or progression.
- You can multiclass as much as you want or level up the same class to the new maximum level. However, all levels after 12 require 10k XP.
- You can install using Vortex, although guidance may be limited for first-time mod s.
- If it’s your first time trying to use mods, you might not have the Mods folder created. In this case, go to: %localappdata%\Larian Studios\Baldur’s Gate 3 and create a folder called Mods here.
- Overview: This Baldur’s Gate 3 level cap mod unlocks levels 13-20 for higher level play and implements new progression curves for smoother leveling overall. The game caps you at level 12, which can seem pretty low. However, you can keep earning XP – it just won’t go anywhere once you reach level 12.
- The ‘Level 20 (Multiclass)’ mod allows players to level up way past Baldur’s Gate 3’s level cap and can be found on Nexusmods.
- Moreover, the “Level Cap Extender” is a no muss, no fuss mod that extends the level cap by doubling, tripling, quadrupling, quintupling, and sextupling the level cap. Choose whichever extender best fits your playing style. It is also Patch 7 compliant.
What Level Does Baldur’s Gate 3 End?
The max level for all playable characters in Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3) is Level 12. This was confirmed by Larian Studios in their 20th Community Update for BG3. Initially, the developers planned to set the level cap at 10. However, they increased it to 12 to maximize the potential of all playable characters.
At Level 12, players can unlock powerful spells such as:
- Planar Allies
- Otto’s Irresistible Dance
- Chain Lightning
The decision to set the level cap to 12 was influenced by the need for players to access ‘rad high-level spells’. Larian Studios noted that limiting the cap to just 10 would prevent this.
Additionally, while the max level cap in Baldur’s Gate 3 is currently 12, it’s important to mention that in the Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition tabletop ruleset, which BG3 is based on, the level cap is 20. Therefore, players can anticipate the possibility of the level cap reaching Level 20 in future updates.
Finally, reaching Level 12 signifies that players are considered heroic figures well known throughout the realm, making it a significant milestone in the game.
