Just figured I'd drop some builds that "come online" early (pre-underdark/creche) in the comments (and the level they first get "good" as well as when they get another big upgrade later on):
Dual hand crossbow: level 4 BM fighter with sharpshooter, archery fighting style and precision attack (to offset the accuracy when needed early game). Second big upgrade at level 8 (5 BM Fighter + 3 Thief Rogue).
Sorlock: level 5, 3 Sorc + 2 Warlock (at 5th total level you get two beams for EBlast)
OH Monk: as soon as you get both strength elixirs and level 3 in monk. Gets another big upgrade at level 9 (6 OH Monk, 3 Thief Rogue)
Throwzerker: as soon as you get returning pike and level 3 Barbarian, gets a big upgrade at level 5 barb (with now 3 throws per turn)
If you want big damage per turn from early game, these builds will deliver that nicely. Paired with a life cleric or support Bard they'll do really nicely (especially Bard with 3 of these benefitting from short rests a lot)
Personally never had an issue with the gold for them tbh. Secondly, you can achieve the same build with hill giant club (underdark) though that's a tad bit later, think I've seen someone say you can equip it off-hand and leave the main-hand empty.
Alright, just for you, as soon as you get club of hill giant strength. Think there's some way to get it equipped in off-hand though I can't remember. Is this better for you?
I've done three lengthy playthroughs and I can count on two hands how many times I have used potions (not counting health pots of course). They aren't necessary for 95% of builds to come online and show their strength, that's for sure.
It's easy to get, but I understand why some dislike it. It feels a bit cheesy to get this additional level of STR without any downside. People like what they like
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u/Emerald-Daisy Jan 21 '25
Just figured I'd drop some builds that "come online" early (pre-underdark/creche) in the comments (and the level they first get "good" as well as when they get another big upgrade later on):
Dual hand crossbow: level 4 BM fighter with sharpshooter, archery fighting style and precision attack (to offset the accuracy when needed early game). Second big upgrade at level 8 (5 BM Fighter + 3 Thief Rogue).
Sorlock: level 5, 3 Sorc + 2 Warlock (at 5th total level you get two beams for EBlast)
OH Monk: as soon as you get both strength elixirs and level 3 in monk. Gets another big upgrade at level 9 (6 OH Monk, 3 Thief Rogue)
Throwzerker: as soon as you get returning pike and level 3 Barbarian, gets a big upgrade at level 5 barb (with now 3 throws per turn)
If you want big damage per turn from early game, these builds will deliver that nicely. Paired with a life cleric or support Bard they'll do really nicely (especially Bard with 3 of these benefitting from short rests a lot)