Baldur’s Gate 3 features D&D mechanics and combat can get a bit complicated if you are not familiar with Dungeons & Dragons. Combat in Baldur’s Gate 3 does require planning and preparation, which can seem a bit overwhelming for new players. In this Baldur’s Gate 3 combat guide, we go over some tips and tricks that will help you dominate the battlefield.
Baldur’s Gate 3 Combat Tips
The following are some useful combat tips that you should know when playing Baldur’s Gate 3:
Who Attacks First?
When combat stats, each character rolls an initiative roll which decides the sequence of turns. Dexterity is added to the roll so characters with high Dexterity typically have their turn first. Going first can be a massive advantage since it allows you to take out an enemy or two before their turn even starts.
You Can Avoid Enemy Opportunity Attacks
When you are close to enemies, you will notice red swords that point toward your character. These indicate that you will be hit by the enemy opportunity attack. Luckily you can avoid this. You can use Cunning Action: Disengage or use spells and items with the same spell. Note that for Rogues, a bonus action is used for Disengage but for other characters the regular action is used.
Melee Vs Ranged Vs Spellcaster
Ranged characters should typically have high Dexterity. This stat directly impacts ranged attacks. Melee fighters should have high Strength. Finesse weapons can take advantage of both Strength or Dexterity. Spellcasters are the most complex and should have high intelligence. Furthermore, it is also important to build into your proficiencies and build them up as you level up and progress through the game.
Hitting Enemies Successfully
When you try to land an attack you will notice a percentage that shows the change that you have of successfully landing a hit. This is not the damage that you deal but the chance of landing a hit. A lot of things affect this chance and you can improve your odds by stealth attacking or having the high ground. Simply put, the chance of hitting an enemy is your roll against their armor class. The higher the enemy’s armor class the lower your chance of landing an attack. To learn more, check out our guide on how to stop missing attacks.
Advantages And Disadvantages
Advantages and Disadvantages are very important when it comes to how your attacks hit and whether or not they hit at all. Attack rolls with advantage mean that you roll two dice instead of one giving you a higher chance of hitting your opponent since the dice with the highest roll is taken into account. Different factors give you an advantage, such as an enemy being asleep, stealth attacks, or having high ground.
Disadvantage means that you roll two dice and the game picks the dice with the lowest number. So your chances or rolling a low number are increased significantly. Wearing gear or using weapons that you are not proficient with can put you at a disadvantage.
Downed Allies
During combat, if an ally is downed, they can roll to get back up. They will need three successful roles to get back in the fight. If they fail then they will die. You can help allies get back up.
You Can Win Battles Without Fighting
Dialogues before fights can be utilized to win encounters without having to fight. A warrior for example can intimidate an goblin. Use this to your advantage to win without starting combat in Baldur’s Gate 3.
Initiating Fights
If you are close to enemies and they have not spotted you then you can prepare and plan to give you the edge. Not only can you sneak attack which increases your chances of landing hits and deals higher damage but you can also ignite a fire. Enemies that walk through the fire will take damage. Furthermore, you can disguise yourself to get close to the enemy without alarming them.
These are our recommended Baldur’s Gate 3 combat tips that you should keep in mind. If you are interested in learning more then you can check out our guide on how you can get the Helldusk armor set. You can also check out our guide on finding Thrinn’s missing boots. For more content, check out our Baldur’s Gate 3 guides hub.