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Baldur’s Gate 3 sees a change in Minsc, so you’ll want to think twice about your BG3 build for him. Minsc is a fan-favorite in the Baldur’s Gate universe. You rarely see him without his lovable hamster companion Boo. He makes a surprising return to the franchise in BG3, although he’s now human in a narrative that takes place hundreds of years later. Once you recruit Minsc, he can make for a handy companion. However, it’s important to recognize that he plays differently from previous games.
Ranger Minsc Build in BG3
(Updated on October 8, 2024 – updated links and format)
Swinging his massive sword, Minsc always dove head-on into battle. He’s prone to falling into a rage, but he still has a good heart and a desire to be a hero. If you’ve played with him before, you’ll notice that the Minsc of Baldur’s Gate 3 doesn’t behave quite the same in battle. Although he’s still a Ranger class, he only has proficiency in the start with Simple Weapons and Martial Weapons.
So, if you want a Rage Barbarian-like build for Minsc in BG3, you may have to visit Withers and respec him. Otherwise, you’ll work with his new design with the Ranger changes.
Before we decide on a build, here are Minsc’s new stats in the game:
- STR: 12
- DEX: 17
- CON: 13
- INT: 8
- WIS: 15
- CHA: 10
For those familiar with Minsc, you’ll see that the only similar stat is his low Intelligence rating. So, you’ll have to adapt to these stats to figure out a solid Minsc build in BG3. As we mentioned, if you want the “old Minsc,” you must respec. For the sake of our guide, we’ll stick to Minsc’s new Baldur’s Gate 3 design with the Gloom Stalker subclass.
Gloom Stalker Build
Out of all the subclasses for the Ranger, Gloom Stalker is a good one for Minsc. It can help bring familiarity to Minsc’s build in BG3 while respecting the changes that come with his new design. The build leans into Strength and Dexterity, two stats Minsc used often in the past.
More specifically, Gloom Stalker is all about ambushing targets. Minsc may lack Rage, but the build is still intimidating and foreboding. From Level 3 in the Ranger class, you’ll select Gloom Stalker and go through the Progression listed below:
- Level 3:
- Dread Ambusher: Gain +3 bonus to initiative. In your first turn, you get a 3m increase in movement speed, and you can attack with an additional 1d8 damage.
- Superior Darkvision: Can see in the dark within 24m.
- Dread Ambusher: Hide: Succeed Stealth checks to hide from enemies.
- Umbral Shroud: Become Invisible if you’re obscured.
- Disguise Self: Level 1 Illusion Spell.
- Level 5: Misty Step: Level 2 Conjuration Spell.
- Level 7: Iron Mind: Gain Proficiency in Intelligence and Wisdom saving throws.
- Level 9: Fear: Level 3 Illusion Spell.
- Level 11: Stalker’s Flurry: If you miss your weapon attack, you’ll make another weapon attack for free.
Primary Ranger Class Features
Your Minsc build in BG3 lets you select numerous features on the Ranger class alone. You select Favored Enemy features at Levels 1, 6, and 10. We recommend the following:
- Bounty Hunter: It gives a Disadvantage on a creature’s saving throws if you hit them with Ensnaring Strike at range or with melee.
- Ranger Knight: Gain Proficiency in Heavy Armor and History.
- Mage Breaker: Get Proficiency in Arcana and learn True Strike.
Additionally, your Minsc BG3 build will see you choosing a Natural Explorer environment feature at the same Levels of 1, 6, and 10. The ones below should work well with Minsc:
- Beast Tamer: It’s a good choice as you can cast Find Familiar and not expend a spell slot. Plus, it’s a nice callback to Minsc’s connection with Boo.
- Urban Tracker: Gain Proficiency in Sleight of Hand.
- Wasteland Wanderer: Honestly, any of the choices under this feature will help. It gives you elemental resistance. So, you can decide if you want resistance to Cold, Poison, or Fire.
Another choice you’ll get at Level 2 is Fighting Style. Select Archery to make your Minsc BG3 build closer to his usual style. It gives him a +2 bonus to ranged weapon attacks.
Best Feats for Minsc in BG3
In Baldur’s Gate 3, Minsc can select three Feats. We encourage you to use the Ability Improvements for two of these chances. You’ll want better stats for Minsc for a good BG3 build. So, feed numbers into the likes of Dexterity.
Now, whether you choose the Feat first or last, you want to go with Sharpshooter for one of your choices. Sharpshooter is a good Feat for the Ranger class since it removes the penalties from High Ground Rules. Furthermore, it gives Minsc more flexibility in battle.
