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Character Creation
Shadows of Doubt

Character Creation

Learn about character creation in Shadows of Doubt, including importing characters, multiclass vs. dual class, and class rankings.

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Learn about character creation in Shadows of Doubt, including importing characters, multiclass vs. dual class, and class rankings.

If you start a new character, you will begin with 89,000XP.

Walkthrough
  1. 1
    Multiclass vs. Dual Class: A multiclass character (e.g., Fighter/Mage) combines aspects of two classes for synergistic abilities. A dual-class character (e.g., A -> B) aims to build a better secondary class (e.g., a Mage with good hit points and Grand Mastery in short bows). Both combinations can be stronger than a single class.
  2. 2
    Multiclass Advantages: No downtime during leveling.
  3. 3
    Dual Class Advantages: The first class can be a kit (e.g., Berserker -> Mage, gaining immunities from Berserk Rage), and the character levels twice as fast in their secondary class.
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    Long-Term Dual Class Disadvantage: At 4,000,000XP, a dual-class character like Berserker -> Mage plateaus, while a multiclass character like Fighter/Mage continues to grow more powerful.
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    High Level Abilities (HLAs): These kick in near the end of the game (one-fifth to one-third of total playtime). Multiclass characters can use abilities from both classes, which is twice as beneficial as a dual-class character's options. Do not let HLAs solely dictate your choice for a level 7/8 character.
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    Class Rankings (Core Rules):
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    Single Class:
    • Fighter (B): Beginner-friendly, strong with Grand Mastery. Good base for dual-classing.
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    Berserker (B): Best Fighter kit, good for dual-classing.
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    Wizard Slayer (D-): Poor choice due to inability to equip most magic items.
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    Kensai (C): Forces front-line combat with little defense. Solid dual-class base, especially to Thief.
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    Dwarven Defender (B+): Becomes significantly better than a vanilla fighter as damage reduction becomes important.
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    Barbarian (B-): Armor restrictions are hurtful, but long-term damage reduction helps.
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    Ranger (C): Upfront bonuses become less significant, with increased leveling cost for no benefit.
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    Archer (A-): Damage bonuses accrue, allowing kills from a safe distance. Specialize in short bows or slings. Preferred race: Elf.
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    Stalker (C): Armor limitations are hurtful; Fighter/Thief is a better scout, Archer is a better archer.
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    Beast Master (D-): Too much sacrificed for weak summoning spells.
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    Paladin (C+): Vanilla Paladin lacks expected bonuses; kits are better.
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    Cavalier (B+): Solid with useful immunities and resistances.
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    Undead Hunter (B+): Very strong choice with useful immunities.
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    Inquisitor (B): Better than Wizard Slayer.
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    Note on Difficulty: Legacy of Bhaal difficulty makes summoning powerful, boosting the Shaman from a C to a B+ ranking.
Tips
  • Consider importing your character if you have a strong save from previous installments to gain attribute and XP advantages.
  • For beginners, the Fighter or Berserker classes are solid choices.
  • If playing on Legacy of Bhaal difficulty, the Shaman class becomes significantly more powerful.
  • The Archer class excels at dealing damage from a distance throughout the game.
  • Dual-classing offers early advantages but can plateau later compared to multiclassing, especially concerning High Level Abilities.

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