Larian Studios recently announced an eighth and final patch for Baldur's Gate 3, an exciting surprise for fans of the series that will bring a ton of new content. Specifically, the patch plans to introduce twelve new subclasses into the game, one for each player class, offering some new combat abilities and feature options. The new subclass for Warlock will be the iconic Hexblade, which is renowned in D&D 5th edition as one of the most powerful spellblade builds for player characters.

But there might be a slight issue with the Hexblade's implementation, in that one of its core features has already been added into the game as an option for Warlocks of all kinds. The Hexblade stood out before as one of, if not the most powerful, subclass for Warlocks to choose from. So, while it may be necessary to debuff the subclass's features a bit for the sake of balance, the question remains: how will the Hexblade retain its status as a superior spellblade?

The Pact Of The Blade Already Provides Some Of The Hexblade's Power

Charisma-Based Attacks Are Available To Any Warlock

The feature in question is the Hexblade's "Hex Warrior" feature, which allows them to use their charisma for weapon attacks and damage rolls instead of their strength or dexterity. This made the Hexblade a powerful one-level dip for Paladins and Bards, allowing them to focus their ability scores on their charisma and constitution. Now, this is part of the pact of the blade feature that all Warlocks can choose at level three.

Given that, not only will the Hexblade subclass be weaker at levels one and two than before, but it will also lack a bit of the flavor that gave it its identity. The subclass still has plenty more to offer, but not a ton that specifically focuses on its martial prowess. Of the currently existing Warlock subclasses in BG3, none really put emphasis on melee attacks, so there is room for the Hexblade to fill that space. But it will need to offer something new to entice players to try it out.

The BG3 Hexblade will Need New Features To Make It Worth Taking

What Makes This Subclass A Better Spellblade?

Aside from its charisma-based attacks, the main thing that caused the Hexblade to stand out amongst all Warlock subclasses was its ability to place a curse on foes, buffing the Warlock's weapon and spell attacks. This should definitely stick around, but the subclass's sixth-level feature offers room for change. It traditionally allows the Hexblade to create an undead ally from the soul of a killed enemy, but this could be made into something that focuses on weapon attacks. For example, Hexblades could deal extra necrotic damage with their weapons after a kill.

Unlike D&D, Baldur's Gate 3 has a level cap of 12, meaning the subclass will not include the Hexblade's 14th-level ability to transfer its curse.

The subclass is meant to give the Warlock a viable melee option, but in Baldur's Gate 3, they already have that. What's left is to focus on and improve the class's melee-ranged powers, providing an alternative to the powerful Eldritch Blast and making players excited about picking up a sword. How Larian will implement this subclass remains to be seen, but hopefully, it will be more of a blessing than a curse.