Exploring the Circle of the Stars Druid Subclass in Baldur’s Gate 3
Patch 8 of Baldur’s Gate 3 has introduced an exciting array of 12 new subclasses, among which is the Circle of the Stars Druid. This particular subclass harnesses its powers through a deep connection to celestial bodies, making it a great choice for players who enjoy spellcasting within the druid class. Much like the cleric, this subtype excels in both healing allies and inflicting serious damage on foes.
One of the main frustrations players face with the druid class is that their characters often fade into the background, as they’ll frequently find themselves transformed into creatures like an owlbear after investing a lot of time into character customization. However, the Circle of the Stars Druid counters this issue with a unique take on wildshape, allowing players to enjoy their character’s aesthetics while still reaping the benefits of druidic powers.
Understanding the Circle of the Stars Druid Subclass
Unique Wildshape Forms, Healing Spells, and Enhanced Attack Rolls
The Star Druid Class brings a fresh twist with its wildshape feature called Starry Form. There are three distinct forms available: Archer, Dragon, and Chalice. Unlike standard beast transformations, you can rotate between these starry forms once per turn without needing to dispel the current form or consume an additional wildshape slot. Although it may lack the more formidable beast forms of the Moon Druid, this flexibility positions it as a versatile choice. In Dragon form, if you roll a constitution saving throw and get a result of nine or lower, that roll is adjusted to a solid ten.
| Starry Form | Ability | Casting Conditions | Bonuses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archer | Luminous Arrow – 1d8 Radiant Damage + Wisdom Modifier | Bonus Action | +2d8 Radiant Damage at Level 10 |
| Chalice | Chalice Healing – 1d8 Healing + Wisdom Modifier | Bonus Action after using a spell slot on a healing spell | +2d8 Healing at Level 10 |
| Dragon | Dazzling Breath – 2d6 Radiant Damage + Wisdom Modifier | Bonus Action | +1d6 Radiant Damage at Level 5 and 10, Fly Spell at Level 10 |
This subclass also inherits several clerical abilities, including guidance at level one and access to the guiding bolt spell by level two. The guiding bolt can be cast using either a spell slot or a "Star Map" slot—Circle of the Stars Druids start with two of these slots and gain additional ones at levels five and nine. At level six, they acquire "Cosmic Omens," enabling them to increase or decrease attack rolls and saving throws, mimicking the Sorcerer’s "bend luck" ability. This feature can significantly amplify the effectiveness of guidance.
Optimal Build for Circle of the Stars Druids
Prioritize Wisdom Without Neglecting Constitution
When building your druid, it’s crucial to maximize your wisdom modifier, as it plays a vital role, especially in this subclass. Even in Starry Form, you can cast spells, prompting a focus on enhancing your spell slots. While the Dragon form provides a minor boost to constitution, it doesn’t offer the dual health bar feature associated with regular wildshape, making it advisable to seek additional health items.
I recommend obtaining the Amulet of Greater Health during Act 3 to enhance your survivability. The Ring of Protection awarded by Mol after stealing the druid idol is another excellent choice.
Recommended Base Stats:
- Strength: 8
- Dexterity: 13
- Constitution: 16
- Intelligence: 8
- Wisdom: 17
- Charisma: 12
A must-have item for all druids in BG3 is the Shapeshifter Hat, which grants an additional wildshape charge. This is particularly valuable as you can switch between starry forms without burning charges—having extra slots allows for extended play without necessitating a rest. You can acquire this hat from Helisk in the Devil’s Fee. Other worthy items, such as the Helmet of Grit and the Pyroquickness Hat, provide extra bonus actions, enabling you to utilize Starry Form abilities more frequently.
Multi-Classing Options
The most intuitive multi-class choice would be the cleric, given the similarities and shared reliance on wisdom modifiers. This pairing works especially well with the Life Domain, as the chalice form offers substantial healing boosts for your team. Life Domain clerics receive a healing bonus from level one, allowing you to take a single level in cleric for an extra enhancement. They also gain proficiency in heavy armor—another defensive layer while in Starry Form.
A few beneficial feats include increasing your Wisdom, selecting Resilient: Wisdom, and acquiring War Caster. Additionally, Auntie Ethel’s hair can boost any ability by one, and the Mirror of Loss adds two to any ability. Equipping Khalid’s gift amulet found in a display case in Elerrathin’s Home can elevate your wisdom to the maximum of 24, ideal for this class. Overall, the Circle of Stars is one of the most advantageous druid subclasses in Baldur’s Gate 3, rivaling even the Life Domain cleric in utility.
