Reaper in Baldur's Gate 3: A Guide to Mastering the Class

In the enigmatic realm of Baldur's Gate 3, players are presented with an array of captivating classes, each boasting unique abilities and playstyles. Among them, the Reaper stands out as a formidable force, wielding the power of necromancy and commanding undead minions. This guide will delve into the intricacies of the Reaper class, empowering you to harness its full potential and conquer the challenges that lie ahead.

Understanding the Reaper Class

The Reaper is a master of necromancy, capable of manipulating the life force of both the living and the dead. Their abilities center around summoning, controlling, and sacrificing undead creatures, granting them a distinct advantage in combat and exploration.

Key Features:

• Necromancy Proficiency: Reapers possess exceptional proficiency in necromancy spells, allowing them to summon and control undead minions.
• Undead Companions: Reapers can summon a variety of undead creatures as companions, bolstering their combat capabilities and granting them access to new abilities.
• Life Drain: Reapers can siphon life energy from their enemies, weakening them and healing themselves.
• Soul Harvest: By sacrificing their undead companions, Reapers can enhance their powers, gaining access to powerful abilities.

Building a Reaper Character

When creating a Reaper character, several factors come into play to optimize their performance in combat and exploration:

• Race: Drow and Tiefling races offer inherent bonuses to necromancy, making them ideal choices for Reaper players.
• Background: The Haunted One background provides additional proficiency in necromancy and access to the Darkvision trait, granting an advantage in dimly lit areas.
• Ability Scores: Dexterity and Intelligence are crucial for Reapers. Dexterity enhances their attack and initiative rolls, while Intelligence boosts their spellcasting abilities.
• Skills: Focus on developing skills such as Arcana, History, and Intimidation, which complement the Reaper's necromantic prowess.

Reaper Abilities and Spells

Reapers have access to a diverse array of abilities and spells that empower them in combat and exploration:

Abilities:

• Grim Harvest: Sacrificing an undead companion grants bonus damage on the Reaper's next attack.
• Touch of Death: Deals damage and heals the Reaper based on the target's maximum hit points.
• Summon Undead: Summons a skeleton, zombie, or ghoul as a companion.

Spells:

• Chill Touch: Damages an enemy and reduces their movement speed.
• Animate Dead: Raises a corpse as an undead companion.
• Vampiric Touch: Deals damage and heals the Reaper over time.
• Finger of Death: Inflicts heavy damage upon a living target, potentially killing them instantly.

Strategies for Playing a Reaper

Effectively playing a Reaper requires a combination of strategic thinking and tactical execution:

• Control the Battlefield: Utilize undead companions to distract enemies, tank damage, and control the battlefield's flow.
• Life Drain and Healing: Use Life Drain to weaken enemies and heal yourself, maintaining your health and sustaining yourself in prolonged battles.
• Soul Harvest: Sacrifice undead companions at opportune moments to gain access to powerful abilities, such as increased damage or enhanced spellcasting.
• Necromantic Spells: Cast necromancy spells to bolster your undead companions, deal damage, and disrupt enemy defenses.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While playing as a Reaper, it is essential to be aware of common pitfalls that can hinder your progress:

• Overreliance on Undead Companions: While undead companions are valuable assets, relying too heavily on them can make you vulnerable to area-of-effect attacks or abilities that target undead specifically.
• Neglecting Life Drain: Life Drain is a crucial ability that can keep you alive in combat. Remember to use it frequently to replenish your health and mitigate incoming damage.
• Poor Positioning: Reapers are relatively squishy and should avoid close-range combat. Maintain distance from enemies and use your undead companions as a protective buffer.

Why Playing Reaper Matters

Mastering the Reaper class in Baldur's Gate 3 offers numerous benefits:

• Necromancy Prowess: Reapers command the power of necromancy, giving them a distinct advantage in combat against the undead and other foes.
• Versatile Summoning: The ability to summon and control undead companions provides Reapers with a myriad of tactical options, allowing them to adapt to different combat situations.
• Life Siphoning: Life Drain enables Reapers to sustain themselves in battle, making them formidable opponents in prolonged encounters.

Conclusion

The Reaper class in Baldur's Gate 3 is a captivating embodiment of necromantic power and versatility. By understanding the class's abilities, building an optimized character, and employing effective strategies, you can unleash the true potential of the Reaper and conquer the realm of Baldur's Gate 3. Embrace the darkness, command the undead, and leave an indelible mark upon the forgotten realms.

Additional Resources

• Official Baldur's Gate 3 Website
• Reaper Class Guide by Fextralife
• Necromancy Spells Wiki

Tables

Table 1: Reaper Abilities and Effects

Table 2: Reaper Spells and Effects

Table 3: Reaper Character Building Recommendations

Table 4: Reaper Strategies and Combat