In the immersive world of Divinity: Original Sin 2, the cleric stands as a cornerstone support class, uniquely merging the Hydrosophist and Necromancy skill trees to create a versatile battlefield presence. Players drawn to the role of healer and buffer will find this hybrid approach exhilarating, as it allows for both ally sustenance and enemy devastation. The cleric's dual nature—using healing spells offensively while shielding the team—makes every encounter feel dynamic and rewarding, especially in high-stakes battles where every move counts. Fans often describe it as "the perfect blend of life and death," offering a playstyle that's both strategic and visually stunning.

One of the cleric's most intriguing abilities is Decaying Touch, a short-range skill that deals physical damage and applies the decaying status to foes lacking physical armor. When decay sets in, any healing spell used on that enemy becomes a weapon, inflicting significant harm instead of health restoration. This mechanic is a game-changer for clerics, turning their restorative prowess into offensive power. Pairing it with Healing Ritual, for instance, can obliterate multiple decaying targets in one swift motion. Players frequently express awe at this twist, saying it "feels like outsmarting the game itself" and adds an unexpected layer of depth to support roles. the-ultimate-cleric-guide-for-divinity-original-sin-2-image-0

Moving to area control, Raining Blood is a standout skill that demands points in both Hydrosophist and Necromancy. It showers the battlefield in blood, causing bleeding damage over two turns to all enemies within range while dousing fires and creating surfaces ripe for manipulation. What makes it truly special is its early availability—just grab it in Fort Joy—and its synergy with other abilities. For example, combining it with Winter Blast freezes the blood into slippery ice, slowing enemies and amplifying water-based damage. This combo isn't just effective; it's visually spectacular, with players often raving about the "cinematic chaos" it brings to fights. The low action point cost makes it a no-brainer for any cleric build, and its utility in crowd control is unmatched.

  • Causes bleeding for 2 turns 😈

  • Freezes surfaces for added hazards

  • Early-game accessibility boosts replay value

For pure healing, Restoration is a cleric's bread and butter. This basic ability heals instantly and over time while curing ailments like poisoning and bleeding, all for a minimal action point cost. Its dual nature shines when used against undead or decaying foes, dealing damage instead of health. Many players admit it's their "go-to panic button," especially in tight spots where every point counts. As clerics advance, Healing Ritual becomes indispensable—available at level nine from Trader Bree in Driftwood, it heals multiple allies in range, including the caster. This skill elevates group dynamics, with supporters praising how it "makes you feel like a true guardian" during intense co-op sessions.

Buffing allies is another cleric forte, exemplified by Living on the Edge. Purchasable early from Kerban at Amadia's Sanctuary, this skill grants temporary immortality, preventing the target's health from dropping below one point for two turns. It's a lifesaver in combat, buying time for healers to recover, and outside battles, it dodges instant-kill threats like death fog. Players share stories of clutch moments where this ability turned near-wipes into victories, calling it "the ultimate insurance policy." Resurrection comes through Last Rites, which revives an ally at the cost of the caster's life—but clever tactics like high constitution or Living on the Edge can prevent death. The dramatic tension here is palpable; enthusiasts note how it "adds high-risk heroics" to support play.

With blood often coating the battlefield, Grasp of the Starved shines as a powerful source skill. It deals 250% physical damage to characters in blood surfaces and has a chance to cripple them, immobilizing foes for two turns. The catch is its hefty two-source-point cost, but the payoff in crowd decimation is worth it. Blood Storm, the pinnacle source ability, rains blood bolts that impale enemies for two turns, dealing 100% physical damage while applying decay and disease. This turns healing into enemy damage, and players marvel at its "apocalyptic scale," often using it to dominate late-game fights.

Skill Type Key Examples Primary Effects
Healing Restoration, Healing Ritual Heals allies, damages undead/decaying foes
Buffing Living on the Edge Grants immortality, prevents death
Damage Grasp of the Starved, Blood Storm High physical damage, status applications

For debuff removal, Arcane Stitch is a cleric's ace in the hole. Costing one source point, it fully restores an ally's magic armor and clears crippling statuses like frozen, stunned, or poisoned. In dire moments, this skill feels like a "miracle cure," rescuing teammates from the brink with elegant efficiency. Players recount how it turns hopeless situations around, highlighting the cleric's role as a reliable backbone.

Ultimately, the cleric in Divinity: Original Sin 2 embodies the essence of balanced power, weaving healing and harm into a cohesive strategy that thrills at every turn. Its versatility encourages creative play, and the sheer satisfaction of turning support into offense is unmatched. Feeling inspired to lead your team to glory? Jump into the game now, roll a cleric, and experience this masterful class firsthand—your allies will thank you, and your enemies will fear you!