Master the Perils of Baldur's Gate 3: Essential D&D 5e Tips for Survival

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Combat in Baldur’s Gate 3 follows the traditional turn-based RPG format. Characters take turns moving and declaring actions in an attempt to gain control of the battlefield. Baldur’s Gate 3 adds a tactical twist to turn-based combat by incorporating the D&D 5e ruleset. This introduces an action economy that allows characters to perform a variety of actions on their turn. For players new to the game, Baldur’s Gate 3 can seem overwhelming due to its RPG complexity.

However, those who are not familiar with the mechanics of D&D 5e may be surprised to discover that the combat system is not as complicated once they become more familiar with it. In fact, applying some D&D 5e tips can greatly enhance their ability to outsmart most enemies.

10 Combat Roles Matter

Unlike Dungeons & Dragons, in Baldur's Gate 3, players have the ability to switch quickly between melee and ranged weapon kits, allowing them to attack opponents at any range. However, it is important not to use this privilege recklessly, as a Wizard who carries a shortsword in close combat remains vulnerable due to their lower AC (Armor Class).

In Baldur's Gate 3, combat roles continue to determine the effectiveness of a party. Rangers with multi-distance capabilities and fragile spellcasters like the Wizard and Sorcerer should maintain distance from their foes and launch attacks from afar. Similarly, Rogues should maneuver around opponents to ensure successful Sneak Attacks and maximize their damage output. It is also advisable for sturdy Fighters and Paladins to take positions on the frontlines, guarding the rest of the party from enemies. With their higher AC, Fighters (especially Paladins) are more difficult for enemies to strike.

9 Optimize The Party As Needed

Players in Baldur's Gate 3 will soon find themselves with a party full of Companions. However, instead of immediately dismissing these new recruits, players have the option to keep them in Camp and continue interacting with them. When facing tough challenges, players should consider whether their party composition is optimized for success.

When it comes to choosing the main Companions, either Lae'zel or Karlach should take the lead due to their impressive physical capabilities. As for the remaining party members, players can tailor their selection based on their specific needs. Shadowheart, a Cleric, can serve as a reliable healer and sub-tank. Astarion excels in melee combat as a Rogue. Meanwhile, Wyll and Gale offer utility options as a Wizard and Warlock respectively, adding diversity to the party.

8 Respec To Adapt In Combat

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Despite Baldur’s Gate 3 gameplay showing a "preference" for each Companion's Class, players have the freedom to select their Subclass or switch to different Classes. The game offers the choice of utilizing shapeshifting healer-utility hybrid Druids, tanky-healing Paladins, Sorcerers with raw magical power, Monks with quick precision, adaptable combat-magic hybrid Rangers, and even charismatic Bards. Additionally, players shouldn't overlook the option to Multiclass, which allows them to further diversify their character's builds by leveling up in another Class. However, this comes with the risk of limiting access to the endgame options of their original Class.

7 Inspect Always Helps

Players of Baldur’s Gate 3 have access to the "Inspect" feature, allowing them to strategize solutions to problems outside of regular encounters. This feature is easily accessible by right-clicking on interactive objects on the map, revealing a window that displays the object's resistances and weaknesses to specific elements and attack types. By inspecting these objects, players can gather valuable information that would otherwise be discovered only after expending precious resources testing their enemies' resistances. This knowledge proves especially useful when it comes to attacks that do not affect Arcane Turrets and other large structures. Additionally, having an understanding of basic enemy statistics allows players to determine the likelihood of Attribute-reliant effects, like being Charmed or Frightened, being effective against them, saving them from unnecessarily depleting their limited resources.

6 Take Advantage Of Prepared Spells

In Baldur's Gate 3, players will notice that the game incorporates the Dungeons & Dragons mechanic of spellcasters having the ability to mix and match their selection of D&D Spells when they level up. Additionally, the game also incorporates D&D's Prepared Spells system which allows players to further diversify their spellcasting options. Depending on the Class, players can change their Prepared Spells by leveling up, during Long Rests, or even outside of combat (e.g., Wizard and Cleric).

Regardless of the specific circumstances, players should seize the opportunity to modify their Companions' Spells whenever possible. Aside from strategically leveling up a previous save to prepare spells for bosses and specific encounters, players can also strategically plan their Prepared Spells based on the overall environment and the character's playstyle.

5 Spam The Long Rest

Players may find that their resources are quickly diminishing as they progress through the game, leaving them with fewer combat options as each fight passes. In Baldur's Gate 3, it can be challenging to find suitable opportunities for Long Rests while deep in enemy territory. However, the game provides a solution: players can utilize the Camp feature to have Long Rests whenever necessary.

When players are not engaged in combat, they have the option to go to Camp, which is a replica of a map segment that resembles the downtime experienced in D&D 5e during Rest. In Camp, players can choose to "end the day" and have conversations with their Companions to deepen their understanding of each other. Additionally, players can also take a Full Rest, essentially a Long Rest that replenishes all expended resources. As long as players have enough Camp Supplies, they can take Full Rests between encounters without any negative consequences. This is especially important since enemies usually outnumber players, making it crucial to make use of this feature.

4 Get Enough Food

Due to Long Rests, players can quickly replenish their health and be prepared for combat in Baldur's Gate 3. However, it is important for players to be cautious as their food supplies may run out quickly. This can be especially dangerous in more difficult situations where facing multiple groups of opponents can make 40 Camp Supplies per Long Rest seem costly.

Fortunately, Baldur's Gate 3 offers a convenient solution to the ration problem through the use of food items. Unlike other RPGs where small items like food and utensils are merely decorative, these items can be used as Camp Supplies if players do not have enough Supply Packs.

3 Everyone Pack A Heal

Traditionally, healing duties in RPGs fall to support Classes like the Cleric, Druid, and Paladin. However, Baldur’s Gate 3 and the D&D 5e ruleset provide players with flexibility through mechanics that grant free access to Class-locked features. These mechanics include Magic Items, Feats (such as Magic Initiate), and even Multiclassing. As a result, it is advisable for all characters in the game to possess some means of self-healing.

It is crucial for characters to always carry Healing Potions for emergencies. Additionally, Spellcasters who possess healing spells should prioritize including them in their Prepared Spells whenever possible. Furthermore, players should aim to acquire Magic Items that grant access to basic healing abilities like Healing Word and Cure Wounds, if feasible.

2 Take Advantage Of Bonus Actions

In Baldur's Gate 3, the "big guns" mainly refer to powerful attacks and impressive spells, but it's important not to overlook the additional options provided by Bonus Actions. Aside from certain spells and features that offer Bonus Actions, all characters have access to a set of basic maneuvers in addition to their standard Movement and Action abilities: Dash, Dip, Hide, Jump, and Shove.

These additional options greatly expand players' possibilities in different situations. Furthermore, it's worth noting that according to D&D rules, players can take "an Action on top of a Bonus Action and a Reaction," but the order in which they are taken is not fixed. For example, a long-range character engaged in close combat with an enemy may choose to Shove them away in order to create distance. Similarly, a melee specialist can Dip their weapon in a substance to inflict additional damage during their attacks. Even a Rogue can attempt to Hide from sight, allowing them to reposition themselves for a powerful Sneak Attack.

1 Retreating Is A Choice

Enemies relentlessly pursuit the player's group in a dungeon, but that doesn't mean they can't choose to retreat and regroup. It's not against the rules of the game, as the Disengage Action exists specifically to allow players to escape from these situations.

Using Disengage allows characters to move away from an enemy without giving them an opportunity to attack. By using this action strategically, players can keep Disengaging until they are out of the enemy's reach. They can also use this tactic to their advantage by remaining within the spellcasting range of a healer, ensuring safer emergency heals without the risk of being attacked. Additionally, the Flee Combat option automatically ends the combat if the players are far enough away from their opponents.

Baldur’s Gate 3 is available now for PC and is slated for a September 6 release for PlayStation 5.