Mastering Your Rest: A Comprehensive Guide to Maximizing Your Potential in Baldur's Gate 3
Recharge and rejuvenate your Baldur's Gate 3 heroes! Learn the art of resting to restore hit points, abilities, and spells Explore short and long resting strategies, and discover the importance of companions at the campsite
Baldur's Gate 3 has been a significant project for Larian Studios, undergoing six years of development and almost three years in early access. Gamers are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to explore the world of Faerûn. While adapting the rules from D&D Fifth Edition to a video game presents challenges, Larian has managed to make adjustments to various systems in Baldur's Gate 3 while staying true to the original game.
One aspect of the tabletop system that required changes in Baldur's Gate 3 is Resting, as it would not have been feasible to implement it exactly as it is in a computer role-playing game (CRPG). Players still have the option to choose between Short Rests and Long Rests, like in the Fifth Edition, but Larian has introduced certain conditions to simulate the limitations that a Dungeon Master (DM) would impose. Both Long Rests and Short Rests can now be initiated by clicking on the campfire symbol button, allowing players to select their preferred Rest type and also view the number of Short Rests they have remaining.
Short Resting in Baldur's Gate 3
Lifted almost directly from the tabletop rules, performing a Short Rest in Baldur's Gate 3 requires minimal time and enables characters to partially replenish their HP and abilities. The degree of benefit derived from Short Rests varies among different classes, emphasizing the Warlock's need to frequently engage in Short Rests. Overall, Short Rests contribute to the restoration/reset of:
Class | Short Rest Benefit |
|---|---|
All | Hit points equal to half each character's maximum (rounded down) and all Weapon Actions |
Barbarian | The DC for Relentless Rage (11th Level) |
Bard | All uses of Bardic Inspiration (5th Level) |
Cleric | All Channel Divinity charges (2nd Level) |
Druid | Druids of the Land subclass recover a number of spell slots equal to half their level (rounded up). This only occurs on the first Short Rest of the day. (2nd Level) |
Fighter | Second Wind and Action Surge charges (2nd Level). Battle Master Fighters also recover their Superiority Die (3rd Level). |
Monk | All Ki Points |
Paladin | All Channel Oath charges |
Ranger | Nothing |
Rogue | Nothing |
Sorcerer | Wild Magic Sorcerers recover Tides of Chaos |
Warlock | All spell slots, subclass features, and some Eldritch Invocations |
Wizard | A number of spell slots equal to half their level (rounded up). This only occurs on the first Short Rest of the day. |
In Baldur's Gate 3, the mechanics for HP recovery during rests differ from Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition. Instead of a limited number of Hit Dice based on level, players are restricted to a maximum of two Short Rests between each Long Rest, aligning with the recommended ratio for DMs in the Fifth Edition rules. However, there is an exception to this rule if the party contains a Bard of at least second level. In such cases, the Bard can utilize their Song of Rest ability, granting an additional Short Rest per Long Rest.
Long Resting in Baldur's Gate 3
While Short Rests allow characters to regain some of their strength, a Long Rest is necessary for complete recovery. To take a Long Rest, players can either use the fast-travel system or click on the Resting button to reach the Campsite. This rest option serves as a complete reset for a character, replenishing their hit points, abilities, spells, and even certain actions related to Baldur's Gate 3 items. However, to prevent players from excessively relying on Long Rests after every fight, Baldur's Gate 3 implements specific limitations on the system.
Players need 40 Camp Supplies to perform a full Long Rest at the Campsite. If they have fewer supplies, they will only have a Partial Long Rest, restoring only half of their hit points and spell slots. Each food and drink item in the party's inventory contributes to the Camp Supplies, with different items having different values. The most valuable item is the Supply Kit, which provides 40 Camp Supplies for a single Long Rest.
Alternatively, players have the option to Long Rest at an inn later in Baldur's Gate 3's story. This doesn't require Camp Supplies but instead requires gold. It's important for players to consider that some quests and events in the game have time-sensitive elements. Resting too frequently may result in failed objectives or advancement of certain events.
Companions at the Campsite
The Campsite serves as more than just a resting spot in Baldur's Gate 3. It is a crucial location for engaging with the game's Companions. Players can interact with the NPCs who have joined their party, delving deeper into their personal stories and opinions. Furthermore, the Campsite hosts a variety of automatic events and conversations that can only be experienced there.
The Origin characters and Companions in Baldur's Gate 3 play a vital role in the game's storyline. To nurture these relationships, players are encouraged to regularly visit the Campsite. Interactions at the Campsite can lead to new quests and even romantic encounters, providing players with compelling reasons to return beyond simply restoring their HP and resources.
Baldur's Gate 3 is currently in Early Access for PC and is set to launch on August 3, 2023. The PlayStation 5 version is scheduled for release on September 6, 2023. Meanwhile, the Xbox Series X/S version is currently under development.
