2 quick questions:

-Are there any multi class options that are effective, besides a fighter/thief, in a party of 6? Everything that I've read so far seems to suggest only fighter/thieves are solid.

-For dual classing, is level 3 generally the best point for changing from fighter to the new class? This also pertains to a party of 6 as well. I know you can up to level 7 as well but that just seems it would take a while.

Thanks for the help. Planning another run here soon. Just want to get some general optimization tips.

FTR/Thief is definitely a solid choice, but there are a number of others that are good as well. Nothing wrong with a RGR/CLC or a Thief/Mage or even a FTR/Mage/Thief. FTR/Druid is a good choice as well.

Biggest issue is that (in my opinion) dual classing pretty much beats multiclasses hands down, with the exception of the above noted FTR/Thief. So dual classing from a FTR to a Druid, Mage, CLC, etc is generally better overall. Some say level 3, which gives you the third pip to put into a weapon, others will argue (to a lesser extent) level 6 for the fourth pip in a weapon, while others say level 7 for the extra 1/2 attack.

I just this evening finished an insane run with a party of 6. I had a Paladin and a 1/2 Elf FTR/Mage/Thief and all the rest were Human dual classed from FTR (and all at FTR level 9 to get Grand Mastery).

I admit I camped in the third level of Dragon's Eye to grab some levels for the new classes once I dual classed (this occurred on that level). But it took only a few minutes, since they were dinging levels like crazy (cold wights are worth 2800 XP each on Insane difficulty). I grabbed 4 or 5 levels and then just carried on. This party was an absolute juggernaut.

It was a bit challenging in some of the early areas due to no healing spells and limited magic, but overall it wasn't that bad. Great fun, actually. In the end though, it's probably best to dual class at level 3, since that means you won't be too long before you can activate your previous class (unless you don't mind camping for XPs), especially if you're playing on Normal difficulty (since the monsters and quests just give regular XP awards).

I plan on starting another Insane run (my fourth in the past 2 to 3 weeks) tomorrow. Thinking I'll try out a caster heavy party focused on summons, with a tank to take the aggro and protect the squishies. Or perhaps the 'iconic' party of a pure FTR, a pure Thief, a pure CLC, a pure Mage (maybe a specialist) and perhaps a Bard and/or Druid.

Thanks for the response bud. Man you've been playing this game like crazy! I understand why as its easily one of my favorites as well though I'm not really sure why. There's a simplicity in the game along with the atmosphere that really holds my attention time and time again. Nice job on the insane run. I'll have to give that a go myself. The bonus XP sounds like waiting till level 9 to dual is more feasible. Your party does sound like it was a walking juggernaut of destruction...wow. Just curious, what were the remaining classes of your last 4 party members? I know you said you had a Paladin and your Fighter/Mage/Thief. I'm trying to come up with an interesting party this time around and I'm always looking to see what others have done. Thanks again for the info man and I just maybe have to try insane difficulty myself...yikes!

Okay this is my party so far...

1. Jace Beleren- Male Human Ranger using Bows and Halberds. (Not sure if Halberds is good) I may dual him over to a Cleric at level 3. Not sure yet.
2. Azariel Hood- Female Elven Fighter/Thief using Large Swords and Crossbows
3. Thaddeus Graytower- Male Human Mage using missle weapons
4. Vistra Goblinkicker- Female Fighter using hammers and axes

That's what I have so far. Want to make sure they're all using different weapons if possible. I can't remember but I think for a ranger, he needs to use a one handed weapon to get the bonus to attack right?

Rangers get the extra half attack with 2-handed melee weapons too.
Halberds are a little dangerous, if you're unlucky with random drops Tiernon in Gloomfrost might be your only way to get a halberd better than +2. But starting with halberds isn't bad for a ranger, you can specialize in greatswords with the proficiency points you get at level 3 and 6.

If you want to dualclass your ranger to cleric halberds and bow specialization are a bad idea, you loose the ability to use those weapons as cleric. Mace/flail/hammer and sling are the better choice in this case.

Thanks K. Yea I just realized my error there. I can't ever seem to remember which weapons are well represented in this game. I might keep the ranger plain. Not sure yet but your right maces are much better if I decide to dual.

I dual classed my others to Cleric, Druid, Mage, and Thief. I chose to go the Thief route with one, just to see how the sneak attack would work out. Not sure it was that big a difference. If I were to do it again, I'd likely just go with the single Thief and take a Bard instead (I do love the Bard class).

As noted, Halberd can be hit or miss. I found a really nice one in my last run, but it was late in the game (Lower Dorn's Deep).

I see you're looking at Large Swords and Crossbows for your FTR/T. I might suggest greatswords. This is simply because you can't keep a shield in the shield slot when using bows or crossbows and I find it a pain to constantly switch the ranged weapon out and put the shield back in every time you need to melee. If you're going with backstab, then you may want a weapon that will allow you to do that (not sure if you have to use one of the thief weapons to backstab in IWD like you do in BG).

I highly recommend a Druid. I was never a fan of the class until I finally broke down and tried it just recently. They have the ability to heal and have a number of really nice spells tey can use as well. Casting Spike Growth onto a field of Web and Grease is a thing of beauty. Alicorn Lance is also pretty handy to lower your opponent's AC by 2. Then there are the healing spells, Sunscorch (good vs undead for a little softening up), Moonblade (good against undead), Star Metal Cudgel (great against many creatures), Static Charge, etc. You gain it back once your Cleric levels surpass the Ranger levels - or does Ranger behave differently than Fighter when dual classed?

Yea I was probably going to dual my ranger at level 3 I guess. I agree with you about druids. They're pretty cool. I had a dual class one in my last game. I may just go with a single class this time around. That still leaves one slot which I guess could be a bard. Their bard songs are fantastic and I usually take one along.

I definitely use backstab/sneak attack with my thieves. In my last game I tried out the 3rd edition sneak attack with my halfling fighter/thief and it worked out great. This turns your thief into more of melee character though so maybe a greatsword would be a good choice. You can't use a greatsword for backstabbing. Not sure about sneak attack. I'm probably going to go back to backstab for this run through I think. I'm using an elf and they get an extra THACO bonus when using longswords so that's probably what I'll go with.

Ah, apologies. I have the Tweak Pack installed and that's one of the adjustments I'd made with it. Totally forgot about that.

Hey what are the minimum stats for a ranger dualling to a cleric?

You need at least 15 in the prime stat(s) of the class you're dual classing from and 17 in the prime stats of the class you're dual classing to. I believe Rangers therefore need a minimum of 15 STR and DEX* and a 17 WIS to dual class to Cleric.

*I think DEX is one of the Ranger's prime stats as wel as STR.

I found a Giant Halberd (2d8 damage) for my ranger. Don't remember where, and I've only played the game once (and haven't finished yet). Guessing it was random that I found it?

It's random but because of the penalties it's not as good as a halberd +1.

Will a pure druid work okay or am I ultimately better with a fighter/druid? I guess that's the a dumb question but I really didn't want to go with another human. I realize dual class is superior in this game but having all humans is really boring to me and I'm pretty sure a multi class would level pretty damn slowly. I guess that's my only issue with IWD is that there seems to be clearly a set group of builds that work the best.