One of my favorite Shillelagh weapons in bg3 is a simple torch. Automatically makes it a 1d8 + 1d4fire weapon. Super nice early until you get fancy quarterstaves
You can dual wield Shullelagh Torch. Just equip both, cast Shillelagh and the One in the main hand gets the buff. The Just switch them in tour character sheet and cast shill again = 2 buffed torches.
another cool thing i found with this torch is, u can then cast flameblade into your off-hand. i think it only works, if u wear a shield or nothing in the off-hand though. otherwise flameblade will be cast into your main hand. but that makes the spell much more attractive
BG3 is my first taste of this new world. Overwhelming to say the least. These builds have helped so freaking much. Appreciate you brotha. I’m here to stay 💪🏽😤
I can totally see this "Eldritch Knight" build working for Jaheria. I know that in the BG2 she was a Druid/Fighter multiclass. I've been trying to figure out how to make this work well in BG3 and I think this should be perfect!
My go-to Jaheira build is an Eldritch Knight dual wielder / Spores Druid. I wanted to fit her lore being a Fighter /Druid multiclass two weapon fighting with scimitars. I gave her the Helldusk Armor and the Gauntlets of Hill Giant Strength. She was untouchable and carved through enemies with her scimitars. I went 6 / 6 Fighter / Druid on her.
My preference for Jaheira is Eldritch Knight dual wielder / Circle of the Land Druid. Shield, Haste, Mirror Image, Misty Step, etc. plus ranged attack spells, and any armor of your choice (based on availability).
On an earlier video you asked for multi-class mostly rogue builds, I have played with two in BG3 and they are a ton of fun! 1) Strength thief + any class to give you two weapon fighting. Its really nice to use your action to throw someone and then stab them with your off hand. 2) Assassin + 2 levels of Barbarian, reckless attacks is nice for the free advantage. Note BG3 has 2 handed/versatile finesse weapons, the great weapon master feat on a rogue is amazing.
My Spore Druid Tav on tactician was my weakest contributor, UNTIL (act 3 spoiler)… The Mystic Carrion quest. It was like night and day with the 4 excellent new pieces of gear. 1. Getting the Armour of the Sporekeeper and therefore Haste on everyone including your entourage of summons was massive. 2. The Staff of Cherished Necromancy gives you (as long as you keep getting KOs) an unlimited supply of upcasted Blights that don’t cost a spell slot, finally giving spore druids damage that reliably keeps up with strong act 3 builds. 3. The Crypt Lord Ring (from Thrumbo in the same quest) gives you a very strong new mummy summon. You can use it after a long rest and then swap the ring out. 4. Finally, Robe of the Weave is bought off Mystic Carrion and is one of the best spellcasting helmets. It’s a shame that spore druids (apart from the 2 lvl dip like in Colby’s first build) aren’t great until act 3. But once the gear comes in, especially once you establish your daily routine to maximize your summon army (see below), the pure Spore Druid spellcaster finally becomes a fantastic way to overwhelm Act 3. My daily routine: pick a fight (lol) to get 5 bodies to raise as 4 fungal zombies and your super mummy via the Crypt Lord Ring (a high-strength character can pick up bodies and keep them in your travel chest for future days). Summon a myrmidon and/or other elementals, use a cleric from camp to give them all Heroes Feast and Aid upcasted to Level 5. Making your zombies 46 HP rather than 9 HP is huge, especially with Haste Spores they become reliable contributors. I even give them all Longstrider.
From what I've experienced shillelagh can actually buff your offhand weapon instead, under the condition that your offhand is shillelaghable and your mainhand is not. I discovered this while mainhanding Phalar Aluve with Mourning Frost in my offhand and finding shillelagh was still castable and applying itself to the latter
Really appreciate these videos that focus on BG3 builds. They give me ideas and teach me new things about spell, ability, class, etc. interactions that make the game even more fun. Thank you!
I've used flame blade on a paladin/spore druid multiclass and the smites were amazing. I took elemental adept to make sure i got around flame resistance, and watching those numbers go sky high with crits was fantastic.
Wildheart barbarian with the Tiger Heart feature would be amazing on the second build. It gives you cleave on all of your attacks basically for free while you're raging, which would apply your extra 1d6 spores damage on every target.
I believe you've done a barbarian rogue build for BG3. But I'm not sure if you mentioned a pretty sick weapon that opens up a lot of options for Strength Barb Rogue The Dancing Breeze is a Glaive that you can get at the start of act 3. It has a unique 360 spin attack. But the real kicker is it has Finesse. And It's a Glaive. So you could theoretically stack (Wreckless) Sneak Attack, Great Weapon Master, and Polearm master.
I think Eagle Heart with Aspect of the Stallion might be a better pairing with the second build. Dashing as a bonus action is an incredible source of mobility, and with Stallion that gives you temporary hit points equal to twice your barbarian level. You’re going to be doing this every turn, topping off your Spores Temporary Hitpoints and making sure you have maximum upkeep on your damage bonus from it as a result while also just making you even tankier.
15:32 Sounds like he's talking about the [Deva Mace] from BG3 (of which there are many, and they're pretty easy to get), they "look" like a regular mace and are even listed as common rarity, but they deal 1d6 + [insert modifier] bludgeoning damage + 4d8 radiant damage. Dual wielding a pair of those will completely out perform any two-handed weapon in terms of DPR.
Just want to say thank-you for all your hard work and creativity! I've used quite a few of your builds and really enjoyed them as I have no idea how to do the building. I also appreciate your positivity, open kindness and honest enthusiasm. So, again, thank-you.
Just starting the video, but I can tell in advance this is exactly what I was hoping to find. I've been messing with spores (non necro) and landed on the possibility of a spores monk to be less MAD, but am SUPER interested in seeing what you found for eldrich knight and barbarian as those are my favorite classes to begin with.
You can also access the expanded spell list at EK level 8 if you pick the option to replace one of your old spells, so you could get even more AC by replacing some 1st level spell with Mirror Image or maybe get some additional mobility with something like Misty Step.
PSA: Respeccing in this game is actually free (you can steal them off WIthers and he won't complain even if you fail multiple times). Perfect sandbox to try out the builds honestly. I have like multiple save files before fairly big fights to try out the builds before going on a fresh run. Honestly love the build videos, its has helped me a lot. Finished Honor Mode as well in BG3 (deleted save on wipe, no save scumming, harder bosses with legendary actions) with one of your builds. Good luck man.
I think all spellcaster classes can make good Gishes multiclassing with 1 level in Figther to grab 2 weapon fighting and 3 levels in Rogue to get the Thief subclass. You can be casting cantrips and spells with the main action and 2 weapon attacks on the same turn, can also pick the dual weilder or the sharpshooter feats to choose between melee or ranged "Gish". Examples for some classes that i've tested: - Clerics being able to buff the attack roll with Bless and attacking twice on the same turn with sharpshooter or being able to support their teams but never cease to hit is really strong. - Enchantment Wizard that can CC enemies and get advantage also for sharpshooter. - Elemental Gishes based on Draconic Sorcerers and weapon synergies like Thermodynamic axe and the Heat passive effect. - Spores druid that can get the buff and attack twice in the same turn. - I need more testing with Warlock but making 2 attacks and 3 Eldritch Blasts on the same turn sounds nice enought.
Can't wait to try these two. I've only played pure Spores Druid so far. P.S: Any chance we'll see optimized, lore friendly builds for Minsc, Jaheira, Halsin and Minthara?
@@ethan6882 Yeah true, you definally can build Meele Rangers (the Hunter lv 11 feature is great for this) or a multiclass. Both classes work thematically however, as long as its strenght based
Man, big hugs for you. Feeling your love for builds and theorycrafting smash my heart) thanks for this wise barbarian wth spores. I ll really want to play this way, but hate my variatons of this build. Waiting for more bg3 builds ❤
Hey Colby, Thanks for the Video! I recently thought of how to build a really tanky Sorcerer in DnD (not bg3 unfortunately) who does a lot of fire damage, I came up with this: Take Hill Dwarf as a race, Draconic bloodline Sorcerer (Red or Gold), at some point take the tough feat or go with the background that grands it, and then go mostly sorcerer, 1 obligatory lvl in hexblade Warlock, and Paladin for Searing smite. The damage combo would be Green Flame blade + absorb elements (inspired by you) + searing smite. because these are 3 different sources of fire dmg it should procc elemental affinity 3 times which is basically +9 dmg for free.
Hey Colby! Thank you so much for your builds! It’s so cool to see them every week. My friends and I decided to take on Honor mode and we’re using a full squad of your builds! Specifically we’re using the Ultimate Support, The Blender, the Holy Warrior and the Tacticle Nuke. Hopefully we can make it through!
I will have to try the Barb/Spores thing out. Currently rockin along with a Open Hand/Spores. Does well just lose the temp hit points a little fast. Once I get the gauntlets of Str. and get Tavern Brawler going. I dont think that the enemies will last long enough to take down my temp hit points! Great videos my man! Awesome to find your channel. This coming from a person who's last exposure to D-n-D stuff was back when Thac0 was a thing!
Hey i really like ur videos, you make great character designs that are so much fun :) For the Flame blade, i did some testing and i think it works like this: - if you are wielding a weapon that is not light, with or without a shield, the weapon will be replaced with the flame blade. - if you are wielding a weapon that is light and nothing else, u cast flame blade in your main hand and move the other weapon to the off-hand. - if you are wielding a weapon that is light and another light weapon or shield though, you will cast flame blade in your off-hand, which ist quite nice i think
I absolutely love the idea of the Druid barbarian “Shaman” build and I cannot wait to use it in my party. But I would also love to see you make an Artificer Palladian build because it’s something I’ve been trying to build for a few weeks now but wasn’t able to get the right fit so I turn to the master
I just respecced my character into a Circle of Spores gish last night, and then you put out this video and do it so much better than me 😂 I'm doing a 7 Druid (CoS) / 5 Ranger (GS) build. With Ranger you can choose the Ranger Knight option for Favoured Enemy to get heavy armour proficiency. I've been using my bonus action for Hunter's Mark and Shillelagh and just settling on the extra attack and free Gloom Stalker attack. Since I don't use my reaction for anything else I've been fine with Halo of Spores, but it is weak. I like your Barbarian build a lot more. Definitely respeccing again Edit: Also I did test Shillelagh on dual clubs and it does not work.
Great video as always, I’ve been enjoying a lot your BG3 build videos, i find your explanation and ideas for the builds way more interesting and fun, than a step by step guide that usually relies on specific items or potions for min maxing, currently I’m testing a Oath of ancients Paladin 6 / Spore Druid 6 for Jaehira that’s kinda lore friendly for her, with dual wielding Deva Maces I’m doing pretty decent damage with my smites while still having some options with my Druid spells and fungal infestation
I’m playing this EK building for my current Durge run! So amazingly fun. It really feels like it “clicks” right around Act 1.5. Personally I’ve added 4 levels of hunter ranger on at the end for an extra ASI and the defense fight style. Pairs really well with a spellcaster with counterspell since AOE spells are about the only thing that can actually hit you and break your symbiotic entity.
This really makes me want you to have a go at a character that can't get hit. Like Fog+Blindsight and/or Devilsight/Darkness based build. But without thinking about damage too much, just maximizing not getting hit at all.
I am playing a character rn that is 1 level monk and 1 level druid so far, with the intent of going druid level 2 as a Spores druid. I took monk right away to boost my AC early on as well as weaponize my bonus action to make the most of Symbiotic Entity when I get it. This for me feels like a nice, early level path towards making lots of attacks as a Spores druid
The first build is what I did as Jaheira. Although she has a sword that uses her Wisdom and with flame blade you don't need any strength. I went 5 Fighter and 7 Druid. Not sure if that's optimal but I wanted conjure woodland
This is my current evil playthrough build. 5 Fighter/7 Druid while holding a certain spear that lets you see in magical darkness and cast it at will. Also equipping every piece of gear that adds damage to weapon attacks and running Sharpshooter of course. It's honestly too strong. Combine with arrow options like the arrow of many and/or *species* slaying and it's unstoppable. Don't use it... it's not fun. It's just powerful.
one other exploit you may not have noticed, when leveling EK on the Change/Replace a spell screen, it ignores the limitations for EK allowing you to swap out effectively nearly all your spells for any other wizard spell
yeah i came here because spores druid was one of my most hype bg3 base game classes, then my build didnt work the way i thought at all. Thank you for giving us some options
Take the 'Hunting Bow', a short bow in act 1 (buy from Dammon in the druids grove). That bow gives the 'Hunters Mark' ability. Now 'Hunters Mark' requires concentration, so when you get the Strange Conduit ring (Inquisitor's chamber, creche Y'llek) you can cast Hunters Mark (a bonus action) on an enemy to activate The Strange Conduit ring, which adds d4 psychic damage to weapon attacks when concentrating on a spell. It won't be easy for enemies to break your concentration, in this build. Hunters Mark also adds its own d6 weapon damage on a marked enemy. There are other rings and gloves that can add more damage - it all adds up.
I’d like to see you resurrect your combo builds you did for d&d but for bg3. Two builds that work really well together. Currently having a blast duo-ing the game with super tank karlach (barb/cleric heavy armor master with skinburster) and glass cannon Wyll (sorlock/fighter/thief). I bet a necromancer / spore Druid would be awesome too!
savage attacker is a great feat in bg3, but really shines if you have multiple instances of damage in your attacks, it basically gives your damage rolls advantage, so the 1d6 necrotic from symbiotic entity, plus any other die damage you stack through equipment or weapons, gets rerolled
I've played through the game a few times now and I always find myself rolling a spore druid in act 3 to take advantage of the armor that lets you drop haste spores as a bonus action without using resources if you have symbiotic entity up. Not sure if the AC 13 pairs well with these builds but I'm happy to have some more options to play with without giving up my free haste for the whole party. Thanks.
That still comes out to a 16 AC if you're rocking at least 16 dex, bump that up by 2 more from defense fighting style and dual wielding AC bonuses, possibly another +1 from Warding Bond if you're up to doing such things, +2 most of the time from haste since you'll be doing haste spores, and then spiking up another +5 from Shield when you trigger it, you can still get some respectably high AC even with light armor imo
I’ve recently been thinking of my own Spores character build. A sort of Tar Elemental character. Plasmoid Echo Knight Spores Druid. Keep the temp HP by just sending out my echo to the front lines while I “midline tank” using the protection fighting style. Thoughts?
Spore druid + monk, or to be clearer, symbiotic entity +flurry of blows can be nuts. Way of the open hand an enemy to the ground and let your summons reenact the printer scene from Office Space. Love your vids, man.
In my next evil playthrough I am probably gonna mix Spores Druid (5) with Oathbreaker Paladin (7). Unfortunately the game doesn't go till lvl 13 (might consider using a mod to change that), but Aura of Hate will help Undead that I should be getting from both Animate Dead and Control Undead (unfortunately no fungal zombies, since that's Spores Druid lvl 6), while paladin's high AC from Heavy Armor proficiency should allow the symbiotic entity THP to survive for a bit longer.
Playing something similar; make sure you take your Paladin levels first because your damage and save dc is based on the second class you spec into. I’d do 10-12 Charisma and 16/17 Wisdom if your going Shillelagh, Savage Attacker makes this awesome! Aura of hate will only help you not your zombies since they don’t have weapons.
Hey, love your content. I have spent the last 5 years watching Critical role and building characters on D and D beyond because my son doesn't sleep. I don't even play D and D! 🙂I have this build that I have been trying to perfect for 5 years, and feel like I finally have now with BG3. It's my take on a nature paladin, or a champion of a nature god/goddess. The D and D Ranger seemed like the logical choice, but I didn't like my Ranger builds. So... 5 levels Beast master Ranger (Dex build with wis and con, I tried strength based but the low initiative, crappy ranged options and low Dex save was frustrating) Ranger Knight for heavy armour. 2 levels Paladin (oath of the Ancients, mostly for divine smite, but I'm also really enjoying the dialogue options) 5 levels Circle of the land Druid (fast spell slots for divine smite, fun and powerful spells for all occasions, and basically choosing extra spells at each spell level like misty step, invisibility, and such) I love this build, it is fun to play at all levels. Just wanted to share it 🙂
i used a regular old torch instead of a staff for my shillelagh. it turns it into a d8 regardless of what you use but a torch adds an additional 1d4 fire damage to every hit
My spore druid build was a druid monk based on my DND character who in lore died while trying to achieve enlightenment after death they were brought back by the magic foliage In bg3 flurry of blows with the spores on feels great, I think around 5 druid 3 monk felt good for early
Shillelagh only lasts for one minute, but you can cast it on two staves if you switch which one is in your main hand, but youd have to be prepping and then running into the fight room and you arent always given that luxury.
One SPECIAL ITEM for such build : Vital Conduit Boots - this is the only item that actually stack/restore your temporary SporeDruid Hitpoints (and you cast for example guidance all the time to do so) so you don run out of these wildshape charges so quickly. :)
Thank you for the builds these are awesome! Also thanks for still making BG3 builds. Could you do one of a Wild Magic Barbarian or the Wild Magic Sorcerer some day?
On my current run, I'm playing a Fighter 1 / Rogue 3 (Thief) / Druid 8 (Spore) with 2 scimitars (DEX build), it gives the best gish feeling I ever get. You can use your action to cast a spell (like blind, a healing spell, etc) and still get 2 weapon attacks (thanks to Thief extra bonus action). It's so fun to play You can even be the lockpicker of your team if you want
I did this for Karlach. I went 5 in Barbarian and 3 into Eldritch knight so I could bind any spear I found for the enraged thrower build and didn't have to use the returning spear throughout the whole game. So when you reach level 8, you can switch to a spear that does more damage.
I combined the "Karlach Throw" barbarian build and the Spore Druid. Since you are at range its easier to hold on to your temporary HP, and all 3 throws benefit from the D6 bonus damage. Later you can also get haste spores for 5 throws per turn.
This was an amazing use of combining various ideas to make such, just a fun idea. Missed the opportunity for a pun on "Last of us". "Last of Barbs"? "Druid of Us" Tiny Mushroom army sounds so fun
Right now, I am playing a Monk/Druid, who I planed to do spores on. I am level 6, with 4 elemental monk, and 2 druid so far. Wood elf, and longstrider, and that momentum hat, I have 24m movement. I have heard others get 30, but I am not using speed potions (only have a few). It's not OP or anything, but it's fun to play.
I really enjoy your video's! Especially the BG3 Build guides, etc. I do have a question and not sure where to post it. It is a general D&D DM Question. Is this correct forum to post Dungeon Master and D&D Campaign questions? I have been playing D&D since 2nd edition back in 1979. I do have some Dungeon Master newbie questions because, the last time I was a Dungeon Master was 2nd edition rules, which were quite different than 5th edition rules. Please let me know the appropriate forum to ask my newbie questions? Preferably a way so that the entire community is not reading my stupidsh questions... Lol! Cheers!
If you're willing to use Light armor, the Armor of the Sporekeeper which gives you a few things when you go into you symbiotic entity, the best of which allows a free casting of haste for that turn without the drawback. Can be good if you're willing to cast it in combat
The wise Barbarian....Welp time to make a team up with the #71 build zealous bard barian; love the mods for bg3. Add an oathbreaker into the mix. -chef kiss-
Damn it, new build video. Have to put off finishing my Durge Sorc/Cleric run to make another character (Larian let us add notes to saves so we remember WTF we were doing!).
Great builds as always! I think what kinda sucks about multiclassing in BG3 is it's kinda hard to roleplay. For example, in your first build your theoretical character wouldn't be able to roleplay a druid until level 7, which is a level you get to when you're in Act 2. That's like 30-50 hours (depending on how you play) where you're basically not able to roleplay as a druid especially if you're like 'I wanna be a druid this time around.' I suppose the the way around this is to just play a pure druid until level 7 and THEN multiclass, which is fine. But yeah, kind of a difficult balance. I'm brand new to DND (BG3 was my entry into the game) so maybe that's what most people do-just pure build until the multiclassing can actually 'come online.'
Right - no reason you couldn’t, say, take a couple Druid levels to get your subclass then fighter - like I did with the Barbarian in this vid. Levels 5 and 6 will be worse for damage, but get over that jumó and you’re golden, with your integrity intact 😉
Pure EK, tavern brawler thrower is my favorite class. Big damage as a thrower, especially with the dwarven hammer. High AC with heavy armor and shield. Great utility spells.
I'm using the Psi Warrior mod and have built Laezel as a PsiW7/Spore3/Abj2 to get Abjuration Ward, shield, and level 2 Druid spells, plus being able to copy and cast level 2 wizard spells. You can of course go fighter 8 for the extra feat if you prefer it over level 2 druid spells. I just also like the whole Psi Warrior theme, not just for a Gish but also for Laezel as Githyanki are by nature Pri Warriors (thematically)
I'd love to see how you would build an all-class character. What classes you pick are obvious, but in what order, and why, in your amazingly charismatic flavor would be an amazing video. Also, what stats you would focus on since BG3 doesnt require all stats to be 13.
i built a spore druid with monk, and i had the thunder staff, the gloves damon makes and omg the damage. Its not big flashy numbers but its consistent damage which i like
If an attribute/feat choice REALLY is kinda open, like the +2 Con in this build, then something that is good for any build in BG3 is the Alert feat. True, there is gear that can reduce the benefit (eg the Shield that gives +3 Initiative and Adv on perception, or the bow you can buy early in act 3 that is similar, that specailly if your not planning on using weapon ranged atttacks is great, it fills a largely unimportant gear slot, even if your not proficient, that doesn't matter) and gives a lovely bonus). Primary spellcasters specially imho benefit, lettting them get off buffs or aoe effects before people start closing in on each other, but regardless, because initiative only uses (from what I am told) a d4 not a d20, the bonuses to that roll are much much more important than normal.
i had a very similiar build in mind where you go EK 6, Wizard 4, and Pally 2. taking advantage of the wizard being able to scribe level 4 spells of the wizard spell list.
I think flame blade says it conjures it "to your empty hand." So if you have a staff, it might go to off hand. That'd at least give you a decent attack for your bonus action.
Been loving the sound edits Coby :3 i'm sure they take some extra steps, so thanks for putting in the effort, videos are awesome with or without, so the addition of them is a very ncie touch :3
Did the EK Spore Druid build before. Duergar EK 6/Spore Druid 2/Rogue Thief 4. Same amount of feats but 4 attacks now. Still have enlarge option. Get Dual Wielder Feat plus defender flail in the off hand so the AC matches the shield.
It's hard not to go 10 levels into spore druid for the temp hp scaling, new spells and spreading spores. I wonder if off hand flameblade with thief extra bonus action could work. I also imagine monk being a good pair with the on hit necro damage
I'm playing a spores/ranger (eventual gloom stalker), I'm still early in the game but I'm loving how the symbiote effects both weapon hits with two weapon fighting. And yeah the halo of spores isn't great but it's fine when you have nothing else to do with your reaction. I'm finding I'm barely casting spells in combat so most are used for until long rest buffs.
I have found that there are enough elixirs of giant strength to last until act 3, could easily tank str. There is also a great ring, I think in act 2 that gives advantage to all attacks at the cost of disadvantage to all saves. Frequently no downside.
One of my favorite Shillelagh weapons in bg3 is a simple torch. Automatically makes it a 1d8 + 1d4fire weapon. Super nice early until you get fancy quarterstaves
You can dual wield Shullelagh Torch. Just equip both, cast Shillelagh and the One in the main hand gets the buff. The Just switch them in tour character sheet and cast shill again = 2 buffed torches.
DUDE I just burned my last bit of money on the damn +1d4 fire staff for a shillelagh build 😭 that's a sick idea that's so much more accessible
I was using the moon torch while in the moonrise towers area to do this lol
Okay this is cool
another cool thing i found with this torch is, u can then cast flameblade into your off-hand. i think it only works, if u wear a shield or nothing in the off-hand though. otherwise flameblade will be cast into your main hand. but that makes the spell much more attractive
BG3 is my first taste of this new world. Overwhelming to say the least. These builds have helped so freaking much. Appreciate you brotha. I’m here to stay 💪🏽😤
I can totally see this "Eldritch Knight" build working for Jaheria. I know that in the BG2 she was a Druid/Fighter multiclass. I've been trying to figure out how to make this work well in BG3 and I think this should be perfect!
I watched this video and have now come back cause the same thing occurred to me
My go-to Jaheira build is an Eldritch Knight dual wielder / Spores Druid. I wanted to fit her lore being a Fighter /Druid multiclass two weapon fighting with scimitars. I gave her the Helldusk Armor and the Gauntlets of Hill Giant Strength. She was untouchable and carved through enemies with her scimitars. I went 6 / 6 Fighter / Druid on her.
My preference for Jaheira is Eldritch Knight dual wielder / Circle of the Land Druid. Shield, Haste, Mirror Image, Misty Step, etc. plus ranged attack spells, and any armor of your choice (based on availability).
On an earlier video you asked for multi-class mostly rogue builds, I have played with two in BG3 and they are a ton of fun!
1) Strength thief + any class to give you two weapon fighting. Its really nice to use your action to throw someone and then stab them with your off hand.
2) Assassin + 2 levels of Barbarian, reckless attacks is nice for the free advantage. Note BG3 has 2 handed/versatile finesse weapons, the great weapon master feat on a rogue is amazing.
My Spore Druid Tav on tactician was my weakest contributor, UNTIL (act 3 spoiler)…
The Mystic Carrion quest. It was like night and day with the 4 excellent new pieces of gear.
1. Getting the Armour of the Sporekeeper and therefore Haste on everyone including your entourage of summons was massive.
2. The Staff of Cherished Necromancy gives you (as long as you keep getting KOs) an unlimited supply of upcasted Blights that don’t cost a spell slot, finally giving spore druids damage that reliably keeps up with strong act 3 builds.
3. The Crypt Lord Ring (from Thrumbo in the same quest) gives you a very strong new mummy summon. You can use it after a long rest and then swap the ring out.
4. Finally, Robe of the Weave is bought off Mystic Carrion and is one of the best spellcasting helmets.
It’s a shame that spore druids (apart from the 2 lvl dip like in Colby’s first build) aren’t great until act 3. But once the gear comes in, especially once you establish your daily routine to maximize your summon army (see below), the pure Spore Druid spellcaster finally becomes a fantastic way to overwhelm Act 3.
My daily routine: pick a fight (lol) to get 5 bodies to raise as 4 fungal zombies and your super mummy via the Crypt Lord Ring (a high-strength character can pick up bodies and keep them in your travel chest for future days). Summon a myrmidon and/or other elementals, use a cleric from camp to give them all Heroes Feast and Aid upcasted to Level 5. Making your zombies 46 HP rather than 9 HP is huge, especially with Haste Spores they become reliable contributors. I even give them all Longstrider.
Shilleilagh buffs you mainhand weapon. You can then switch your weapons and cast it again to buff both weapons. It’s as powerful as it is tedious.
From what I've experienced shillelagh can actually buff your offhand weapon instead, under the condition that your offhand is shillelaghable and your mainhand is not. I discovered this while mainhanding Phalar Aluve with Mourning Frost in my offhand and finding shillelagh was still castable and applying itself to the latter
nice to see a dex barbarian with wisdom! this is such a beast when paired with stealth and sleight of hand!
Really appreciate these videos that focus on BG3 builds. They give me ideas and teach me new things about spell, ability, class, etc. interactions that make the game even more fun. Thank you!
Just finished first run of BG3 yesterday. Your builds give me a lot of excitement about the possibilities of additional runs ❤
I've used flame blade on a paladin/spore druid multiclass and the smites were amazing. I took elemental adept to make sure i got around flame resistance, and watching those numbers go sky high with crits was fantastic.
Wildheart barbarian with the Tiger Heart feature would be amazing on the second build. It gives you cleave on all of your attacks basically for free while you're raging, which would apply your extra 1d6 spores damage on every target.
sounds like diablo 4 werewolf type shit lol I like that
I believe you've done a barbarian rogue build for BG3. But I'm not sure if you mentioned a pretty sick weapon that opens up a lot of options for Strength Barb Rogue
The Dancing Breeze is a Glaive that you can get at the start of act 3. It has a unique 360 spin attack. But the real kicker is it has Finesse. And It's a Glaive. So you could theoretically stack (Wreckless) Sneak Attack, Great Weapon Master, and Polearm master.
I think Eagle Heart with Aspect of the Stallion might be a better pairing with the second build. Dashing as a bonus action is an incredible source of mobility, and with Stallion that gives you temporary hit points equal to twice your barbarian level. You’re going to be doing this every turn, topping off your Spores Temporary Hitpoints and making sure you have maximum upkeep on your damage bonus from it as a result while also just making you even tankier.
The first build is exactly what I've been trying to piece together for Jaheira. Thank you so much 🙏
15:32 Sounds like he's talking about the [Deva Mace] from BG3 (of which there are many, and they're pretty easy to get), they "look" like a regular mace and are even listed as common rarity, but they deal 1d6 + [insert modifier] bludgeoning damage + 4d8 radiant damage. Dual wielding a pair of those will completely out perform any two-handed weapon in terms of DPR.
I always watch your videos before bed, I don't even care about the contend. Your voice is so soothing it put me to sleep.
Just want to say thank-you for all your hard work and creativity! I've used quite a few of your builds and really enjoyed them as I have no idea how to do the building. I also appreciate your positivity, open kindness and honest enthusiasm. So, again, thank-you.
I do like that the BG3 builds and Dnd builds can be interchanged with only minimal tweaks! Loved a good druid build!
Thank you for continuing to make BG3 videos!
Just starting the video, but I can tell in advance this is exactly what I was hoping to find. I've been messing with spores (non necro) and landed on the possibility of a spores monk to be less MAD, but am SUPER interested in seeing what you found for eldrich knight and barbarian as those are my favorite classes to begin with.
You can also access the expanded spell list at EK level 8 if you pick the option to replace one of your old spells, so you could get even more AC by replacing some 1st level spell with Mirror Image or maybe get some additional mobility with something like Misty Step.
Perfect timing! One of my recent characters in bg3 is a melee based spore Druid 😃 I’m stoked for this
It's pretty fun, recently finished a ranged spores druid/thief rogue. Had to bump up to Tactician.
PSA: Respeccing in this game is actually free (you can steal them off WIthers and he won't complain even if you fail multiple times). Perfect sandbox to try out the builds honestly. I have like multiple save files before fairly big fights to try out the builds before going on a fresh run. Honestly love the build videos, its has helped me a lot. Finished Honor Mode as well in BG3 (deleted save on wipe, no save scumming, harder bosses with legendary actions) with one of your builds. Good luck man.
Came for the build. Stayed for the singing. Love seeing a spore druid build. I always want the subclass to be better than it feels! 😂
I think all spellcaster classes can make good Gishes multiclassing with 1 level in Figther to grab 2 weapon fighting and 3 levels in Rogue to get the Thief subclass. You can be casting cantrips and spells with the main action and 2 weapon attacks on the same turn, can also pick the dual weilder or the sharpshooter feats to choose between melee or ranged "Gish". Examples for some classes that i've tested:
- Clerics being able to buff the attack roll with Bless and attacking twice on the same turn with sharpshooter or being able to support their teams but never cease to hit is really strong.
- Enchantment Wizard that can CC enemies and get advantage also for sharpshooter.
- Elemental Gishes based on Draconic Sorcerers and weapon synergies like Thermodynamic axe and the Heat passive effect.
- Spores druid that can get the buff and attack twice in the same turn.
- I need more testing with Warlock but making 2 attacks and 3 Eldritch Blasts on the same turn sounds nice enought.
Can't wait to try these two. I've only played pure Spores Druid so far.
P.S: Any chance we'll see optimized, lore friendly builds for Minsc, Jaheira, Halsin and Minthara?
Minsk is straight up a wildheart barbarian. Speaks to animal(s), strong.
This Eldritch Knight/Spores Druid build already seems like a perfect fit for Jaheira.
@@20storiesunderHe is a ranger with barbarian qualities more than a barbarian. Everyone in game calls him a ranger, even Sarevok
@@benross9174 Gameplay-wise though the Barbarian is much closer to how he was in the original games. They also call him a Berserker
@@ethan6882 Yeah true, you definally can build Meele Rangers (the Hunter lv 11 feature is great for this) or a multiclass. Both classes work thematically however, as long as its strenght based
Man, big hugs for you. Feeling your love for builds and theorycrafting smash my heart) thanks for this wise barbarian wth spores. I ll really want to play this way, but hate my variatons of this build. Waiting for more bg3 builds ❤
Hey Colby, Thanks for the Video!
I recently thought of how to build a really tanky Sorcerer in DnD (not bg3 unfortunately) who does a lot of fire damage, I came up with this:
Take Hill Dwarf as a race, Draconic bloodline Sorcerer (Red or Gold), at some point take the tough feat or go with the background that grands it, and then go mostly sorcerer, 1 obligatory lvl in hexblade Warlock, and Paladin for Searing smite. The damage combo would be Green Flame blade + absorb elements (inspired by you) + searing smite. because these are 3 different sources of fire dmg it should procc elemental affinity 3 times which is basically +9 dmg for free.
I really like the added sound effects
Hey Colby! Thank you so much for your builds! It’s so cool to see them every week. My friends and I decided to take on Honor mode and we’re using a full squad of your builds! Specifically we’re using the Ultimate Support, The Blender, the Holy Warrior and the Tacticle Nuke. Hopefully we can make it through!
Love the new sound effects that plays when the subtitles come up!
Love the idea. I always love that your builds make a character feel so distinct. Super fun.
I will have to try the Barb/Spores thing out. Currently rockin along with a Open Hand/Spores. Does well just lose the temp hit points a little fast. Once I get the gauntlets of Str. and get Tavern Brawler going. I dont think that the enemies will last long enough to take down my temp hit points! Great videos my man! Awesome to find your channel. This coming from a person who's last exposure to D-n-D stuff was back when Thac0 was a thing!
Hey i really like ur videos, you make great character designs that are so much fun :) For the Flame blade, i did some testing and i think it works like this:
- if you are wielding a weapon that is not light, with or without a shield, the weapon will be replaced with the flame blade.
- if you are wielding a weapon that is light and nothing else, u cast flame blade in your main hand and move the other weapon to the off-hand.
- if you are wielding a weapon that is light and another light weapon or shield though, you will cast flame blade in your off-hand, which ist quite nice i think
Filing these away for my upcoming "the companions are a coven of witches" run
Yes! Spore druid build! My favorite subclass has been so much fun to play in BG3
I absolutely love the idea of the Druid barbarian “Shaman” build and I cannot wait to use it in my party. But I would also love to see you make an Artificer Palladian build because it’s something I’ve been trying to build for a few weeks now but wasn’t able to get the right fit so I turn to the master
I just respecced my character into a Circle of Spores gish last night, and then you put out this video and do it so much better than me 😂
I'm doing a 7 Druid (CoS) / 5 Ranger (GS) build. With Ranger you can choose the Ranger Knight option for Favoured Enemy to get heavy armour proficiency. I've been using my bonus action for Hunter's Mark and Shillelagh and just settling on the extra attack and free Gloom Stalker attack. Since I don't use my reaction for anything else I've been fine with Halo of Spores, but it is weak. I like your Barbarian build a lot more. Definitely respeccing again
Edit: Also I did test Shillelagh on dual clubs and it does not work.
Great video as always, I’ve been enjoying a lot your BG3 build videos, i find your explanation and ideas for the builds way more interesting and fun, than a step by step guide that usually relies on specific items or potions for min maxing, currently I’m testing a Oath of ancients Paladin 6 / Spore Druid 6 for Jaehira that’s kinda lore friendly for her, with dual wielding Deva Maces I’m doing pretty decent damage with my smites while still having some options with my Druid spells and fungal infestation
I’m playing this EK building for my current Durge run! So amazingly fun. It really feels like it “clicks” right around Act 1.5. Personally I’ve added 4 levels of hunter ranger on at the end for an extra ASI and the defense fight style. Pairs really well with a spellcaster with counterspell since AOE spells are about the only thing that can actually hit you and break your symbiotic entity.
This really makes me want you to have a go at a character that can't get hit. Like Fog+Blindsight and/or Devilsight/Darkness based build. But without thinking about damage too much, just maximizing not getting hit at all.
I am playing a character rn that is 1 level monk and 1 level druid so far, with the intent of going druid level 2 as a Spores druid. I took monk right away to boost my AC early on as well as weaponize my bonus action to make the most of Symbiotic Entity when I get it. This for me feels like a nice, early level path towards making lots of attacks as a Spores druid
The first build is what I did as Jaheira. Although she has a sword that uses her Wisdom and with flame blade you don't need any strength. I went 5 Fighter and 7 Druid. Not sure if that's optimal but I wanted conjure woodland
I think spores work with range attacks in BG3. You could make a double crossbow Spore Ranger.
This is my current evil playthrough build. 5 Fighter/7 Druid while holding a certain spear that lets you see in magical darkness and cast it at will. Also equipping every piece of gear that adds damage to weapon attacks and running Sharpshooter of course. It's honestly too strong. Combine with arrow options like the arrow of many and/or *species* slaying and it's unstoppable.
Don't use it... it's not fun. It's just powerful.
Duel wield crossbow Ranger/ spores Druid is exactly what I did with my Durge and it was insane haha
@@ducky36F how many levels in each class?
one other exploit you may not have noticed, when leveling EK on the Change/Replace a spell screen, it ignores the limitations for EK allowing you to swap out effectively nearly all your spells for any other wizard spell
Thanks for keeping up the BG3 content! It's my favorite!
I love these builds. Great ideas. Liked & Subbed! Great job, keep up the good work!!!
yeah i came here because spores druid was one of my most hype bg3 base game classes, then my build didnt work the way i thought at all. Thank you for giving us some options
Take the 'Hunting Bow', a short bow in act 1 (buy from Dammon in the druids grove). That bow gives the 'Hunters Mark' ability. Now 'Hunters Mark' requires concentration, so when you get the Strange Conduit ring (Inquisitor's chamber, creche Y'llek) you can cast Hunters Mark (a bonus action) on an enemy to activate The Strange Conduit ring, which adds d4 psychic damage to weapon attacks when concentrating on a spell. It won't be easy for enemies to break your concentration, in this build. Hunters Mark also adds its own d6 weapon damage on a marked enemy. There are other rings and gloves that can add more damage - it all adds up.
This is the best channel for BG3 period.
As long as you have temp hp, that keeps the fungal entity active. I like up casting false life to get 32 temp hp to help prolong it.
Hm… that’s not how it’s *supposed* to work, but haven’t tested it this way. I guess Larian doesn’t differentiate between the temp hp source?
I’d like to see you resurrect your combo builds you did for d&d but for bg3. Two builds that work really well together. Currently having a blast duo-ing the game with super tank karlach (barb/cleric heavy armor master with skinburster) and glass cannon Wyll (sorlock/fighter/thief). I bet a necromancer / spore Druid would be awesome too!
Oathbreaker + either Necromancer or Spores is quite something!
savage attacker is a great feat in bg3, but really shines if you have multiple instances of damage in your attacks, it basically gives your damage rolls advantage, so the 1d6 necrotic from symbiotic entity, plus any other die damage you stack through equipment or weapons, gets rerolled
I've played through the game a few times now and I always find myself rolling a spore druid in act 3 to take advantage of the armor that lets you drop haste spores as a bonus action without using resources if you have symbiotic entity up. Not sure if the AC 13 pairs well with these builds but I'm happy to have some more options to play with without giving up my free haste for the whole party. Thanks.
That still comes out to a 16 AC if you're rocking at least 16 dex, bump that up by 2 more from defense fighting style and dual wielding AC bonuses, possibly another +1 from Warding Bond if you're up to doing such things, +2 most of the time from haste since you'll be doing haste spores, and then spiking up another +5 from Shield when you trigger it, you can still get some respectably high AC even with light armor imo
I’ve recently been thinking of my own Spores character build. A sort of Tar Elemental character. Plasmoid Echo Knight Spores Druid. Keep the temp HP by just sending out my echo to the front lines while I “midline tank” using the protection fighting style. Thoughts?
Started a similar build a week ago, loving it at level 3! Except I went with a monk Draeger synergy.
Enlarge + giants strength.
Spore druid + monk, or to be clearer, symbiotic entity +flurry of blows can be nuts. Way of the open hand an enemy to the ground and let your summons reenact the printer scene from Office Space. Love your vids, man.
In my next evil playthrough I am probably gonna mix Spores Druid (5) with Oathbreaker Paladin (7). Unfortunately the game doesn't go till lvl 13 (might consider using a mod to change that), but Aura of Hate will help Undead that I should be getting from both Animate Dead and Control Undead (unfortunately no fungal zombies, since that's Spores Druid lvl 6), while paladin's high AC from Heavy Armor proficiency should allow the symbiotic entity THP to survive for a bit longer.
Unfortunately I don't think that works, aura of hate buffs undead and fiend weapon attacks, and the dead you summon don't use weapons
Playing something similar; make sure you take your Paladin levels first because your damage and save dc is based on the second class you spec into. I’d do 10-12 Charisma and 16/17 Wisdom if your going Shillelagh, Savage Attacker makes this awesome! Aura of hate will only help you not your zombies since they don’t have weapons.
just found out torches work as shillelagh clubs, plus fire damdage in bg3, coukd help on early levels of wise barbarian
Hey, love your content. I have spent the last 5 years watching Critical role and building characters on D and D beyond because my son doesn't sleep. I don't even play D and D! 🙂I have this build that I have been trying to perfect for 5 years, and feel like I finally have now with BG3. It's my take on a nature paladin, or a champion of a nature god/goddess. The D and D Ranger seemed like the logical choice, but I didn't like my Ranger builds. So...
5 levels Beast master Ranger (Dex build with wis and con, I tried strength based but the low initiative, crappy ranged options and low Dex save was frustrating) Ranger Knight for heavy armour.
2 levels Paladin (oath of the Ancients, mostly for divine smite, but I'm also really enjoying the dialogue options)
5 levels Circle of the land Druid (fast spell slots for divine smite, fun and powerful spells for all occasions, and basically choosing extra spells at each spell level like misty step, invisibility, and such) I love this build, it is fun to play at all levels. Just wanted to share it 🙂
i used a regular old torch instead of a staff for my shillelagh. it turns it into a d8 regardless of what you use but a torch adds an additional 1d4 fire damage to every hit
Creative!
My spore druid build was a druid monk based on my DND character who in lore died while trying to achieve enlightenment after death they were brought back by the magic foliage
In bg3 flurry of blows with the spores on feels great, I think around 5 druid 3 monk felt good for early
Shillelagh only lasts for one minute, but you can cast it on two staves if you switch which one is in your main hand, but youd have to be prepping and then running into the fight room and you arent always given that luxury.
One SPECIAL ITEM for such build : Vital Conduit Boots - this is the only item that actually stack/restore your temporary SporeDruid Hitpoints (and you cast for example guidance all the time to do so)
so you don run out of these wildshape charges so quickly. :)
Thank you for the builds these are awesome! Also thanks for still making BG3 builds. Could you do one of a Wild Magic Barbarian or the Wild Magic Sorcerer some day?
On my current run, I'm playing a Fighter 1 / Rogue 3 (Thief) / Druid 8 (Spore) with 2 scimitars (DEX build), it gives the best gish feeling I ever get. You can use your action to cast a spell (like blind, a healing spell, etc) and still get 2 weapon attacks (thanks to Thief extra bonus action). It's so fun to play
You can even be the lockpicker of your team if you want
I did this for Karlach. I went 5 in Barbarian and 3 into Eldritch knight so I could bind any spear I found for the enraged thrower build and didn't have to use the returning spear throughout the whole game. So when you reach level 8, you can switch to a spear that does more damage.
The fact that you can do Berserker Barbarian, Thief Rouge as a combo & it works in BG3 I delightful...
I combined the "Karlach Throw" barbarian build and the Spore Druid. Since you are at range its easier to hold on to your temporary HP, and all 3 throws benefit from the D6 bonus damage. Later you can also get haste spores for 5 throws per turn.
I load up UA-cam and i finally see it. Eldritch Knight. Ive been a waiting on this!
This was an amazing use of combining various ideas to make such, just a fun idea.
Missed the opportunity for a pun on "Last of us". "Last of Barbs"? "Druid of Us"
Tiny Mushroom army sounds so fun
I would call this build Fun Guy
Right now, I am playing a Monk/Druid, who I planed to do spores on. I am level 6, with 4 elemental monk, and 2 druid so far. Wood elf, and longstrider, and that momentum hat, I have 24m movement. I have heard others get 30, but I am not using speed potions (only have a few).
It's not OP or anything, but it's fun to play.
I really enjoy your video's! Especially the BG3 Build guides, etc. I do have a question and not sure where to post it. It is a general D&D DM Question. Is this correct forum to post Dungeon Master and D&D Campaign questions? I have been playing D&D since 2nd edition back in 1979. I do have some Dungeon Master newbie questions because, the last time I was a Dungeon Master was 2nd edition rules, which were quite different than 5th edition rules. Please let me know the appropriate forum to ask my newbie questions? Preferably a way so that the entire community is not reading my stupidsh questions... Lol! Cheers!
If you're willing to use Light armor, the Armor of the Sporekeeper which gives you a few things when you go into you symbiotic entity, the best of which allows a free casting of haste for that turn without the drawback. Can be good if you're willing to cast it in combat
The wise Barbarian....Welp time to make a team up with the #71 build zealous bard barian; love the mods for bg3. Add an oathbreaker into the mix. -chef kiss-
Hey d4, I discovered a new D&D UA-camr who reminds me of you: The Ugly Goblin. Softly and concisely spoken
Damn it, new build video. Have to put off finishing my Durge Sorc/Cleric run to make another character (Larian let us add notes to saves so we remember WTF we were doing!).
The spores build is pretty perfect for Jaheira
Great builds as always! I think what kinda sucks about multiclassing in BG3 is it's kinda hard to roleplay. For example, in your first build your theoretical character wouldn't be able to roleplay a druid until level 7, which is a level you get to when you're in Act 2. That's like 30-50 hours (depending on how you play) where you're basically not able to roleplay as a druid especially if you're like 'I wanna be a druid this time around.' I suppose the the way around this is to just play a pure druid until level 7 and THEN multiclass, which is fine. But yeah, kind of a difficult balance. I'm brand new to DND (BG3 was my entry into the game) so maybe that's what most people do-just pure build until the multiclassing can actually 'come online.'
Right - no reason you couldn’t, say, take a couple Druid levels to get your subclass then fighter - like I did with the Barbarian in this vid. Levels 5 and 6 will be worse for damage, but get over that jumó and you’re golden, with your integrity intact 😉
33:15 Shillelagh USED to buff both staves if you dual-wielded. But they patched it out with the latest patch.
My fiance is playing a spore druid in our next campaign, but also loves her barbarian Rok Boldr, so I sent this to her the instant I saw the title.
Looks like all my namedays have come at once.
Spore Druid gish reigns supreme!
Pure EK, tavern brawler thrower is my favorite class. Big damage as a thrower, especially with the dwarven hammer. High AC with heavy armor and shield. Great utility spells.
I did the dual wield eldritch knight build in my last game using the deva maces and its ridiculous. The maces each do 1d6 + 4d8 holy damage.
My last D&D character was a spore druid/drunken monk and it was insanely fun
I'm using the Psi Warrior mod and have built Laezel as a PsiW7/Spore3/Abj2 to get Abjuration Ward, shield, and level 2 Druid spells, plus being able to copy and cast level 2 wizard spells.
You can of course go fighter 8 for the extra feat if you prefer it over level 2 druid spells. I just also like the whole Psi Warrior theme, not just for a Gish but also for Laezel as Githyanki are by nature Pri Warriors (thematically)
I'd love to see how you would build an all-class character. What classes you pick are obvious, but in what order, and why, in your amazingly charismatic flavor would be an amazing video. Also, what stats you would focus on since BG3 doesnt require all stats to be 13.
i built a spore druid with monk, and i had the thunder staff, the gloves damon makes and omg the damage. Its not big flashy numbers but its consistent damage which i like
If an attribute/feat choice REALLY is kinda open, like the +2 Con in this build, then something that is good for any build in BG3 is the Alert feat. True, there is gear that can reduce the benefit (eg the Shield that gives +3 Initiative and Adv on perception, or the bow you can buy early in act 3 that is similar, that specailly if your not planning on using weapon ranged atttacks is great, it fills a largely unimportant gear slot, even if your not proficient, that doesn't matter) and gives a lovely bonus). Primary spellcasters specially imho benefit, lettting them get off buffs or aoe effects before people start closing in on each other, but regardless, because initiative only uses (from what I am told) a d4 not a d20, the bonuses to that roll are much much more important than normal.
i had a very similiar build in mind where you go EK 6, Wizard 4, and Pally 2. taking advantage of the wizard being able to scribe level 4 spells of the wizard spell list.
I played the Smashing Pumpkins "Gish" album in the background while watching this.
I think flame blade says it conjures it "to your empty hand." So if you have a staff, it might go to off hand. That'd at least give you a decent attack for your bonus action.
Been loving the sound edits Coby :3 i'm sure they take some extra steps, so thanks for putting in the effort, videos are awesome with or without, so the addition of them is a very ncie touch :3
Monk & Spore druid is nutty.
Did the EK Spore Druid build before. Duergar EK 6/Spore Druid 2/Rogue Thief 4. Same amount of feats but 4 attacks now. Still have enlarge option. Get Dual Wielder Feat plus defender flail in the off hand so the AC matches the shield.
It's hard not to go 10 levels into spore druid for the temp hp scaling, new spells and spreading spores. I wonder if off hand flameblade with thief extra bonus action could work. I also imagine monk being a good pair with the on hit necro damage
I'm playing a spores/ranger (eventual gloom stalker), I'm still early in the game but I'm loving how the symbiote effects both weapon hits with two weapon fighting. And yeah the halo of spores isn't great but it's fine when you have nothing else to do with your reaction. I'm finding I'm barely casting spells in combat so most are used for until long rest buffs.
I have found that there are enough elixirs of giant strength to last until act 3, could easily tank str. There is also a great ring, I think in act 2 that gives advantage to all attacks at the cost of disadvantage to all saves. Frequently no downside.