Highlights
Alchemy in Baldur's Gate 3 can provide various advantages that spells and weapons can't, such as boosting critical hit chances and maintaining powerful spells.
Elixirs such as Peerless Focus and Barkskin have the potential to enhance spellcasters' abilities and defenses, enabling them to focus solely on their spells without any interruptions while also boosting their armor class.
Elixirs like Heroism and Vigilance are beneficial in combat scenarios as they provide players with temporary hit points, heightened initiative, and protection against surprises. This ensures that players have a strategic advantage during battles.
Alchemy is often overlooked in Baldur's Gate 3 gameplay, as players tend to rely on traditional methods of attacking and casting spells. However, incorporating Alchemy into gameplay can enhance the overall experience by offering unique advantages that regular spells and weapon actions cannot provide.
Elixirs, in particular, can greatly simplify combat for Dungeons & Dragons players. Furthermore, choosing the right Elixirs can prepare the party for a wide range of combat scenarios, including battles against formidable bosses, stealthy assassins, and skilled spellcasters. So, which specific Elixirs can give players the edge they need?
10 Elixir Of Viciousness
Unlocks via extracting Shadowroot Sac
Vitriol of Shadowroot Sac, Any Ashes
In Baldur's Gate 3, skilled players can achieve high damage numbers by strategically utilizing various combat moves. However, for those looking to take their damage-dealing to the next level, the Elixir of Viciousness becomes an invaluable asset. This elixir enhances the likelihood of Critical Hits, effectively doubling the damage output of attacks.
When combined with the appropriate enhancements, the Elixir of Viciousness provides an abundance of opportunities for DPS specialists like the Rogue to land Critical Hits and wreak havoc on their foes. This is particularly advantageous when utilizing features such as Improved Critical Hit, which reduces the required roll value by one (typically 20), or taking advantage of rerolls to attain higher results.
9 Elixir Of Peerless Focus
Unlocks via extracting Belladona
Sublimate of Belladona, Any Ashes
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In Baldur's Gate 3, many of the most powerful spells require Concentration, a D&D mechanic that ensures the spell's effectiveness as long as the caster remains focused. Similar to the tabletop role-playing game, casters in Baldur's Gate lose Concentration if they attempt to cast another spell requiring Concentration or if they are hit. However, spellcasters can overcome this issue with the Elixir of Peerless Focus, which allows them to maintain potent spells without wasting spell slots.
When consumed, the Elixir of Peerless Focus grants casters advantages when making Concentration Saves. Additionally, it offers immunity to Sleep and provides an advantage against Charm effects. While not necessary for every battle, this elixir is particularly useful in boss battles, where a Bard or other caster could become disoriented by a powerful attack.
8 Elixir Of Barkskin
Unlocks via extracting Wood Bark
Salts of Tree Bark, Any Suspension
In Baldur's Gate 3 combat, spellcasters are limited in their ability to cast spells when wearing armor, leaving them vulnerable. However, they can enhance their defenses by utilizing spell slots for protective measures like Mage Armor or the Armor of Agathys. A convenient solution for wizards is the Elixir of Barkskin, which, when consumed, instantly improves their Armor Class to 16. This effect remains in place until a Long Rest, granting spellcasters much-needed flexibility in any combat scenario. Even from a distance, a wizard can benefit from the increased AC provided by the elixir, ensuring that attacks against them are more likely to miss, particularly when facing multiple opponents within long range.
7 Elixir Of Heroism
Unlocks via extracting Pegasus Feather
Sublimate of Pegasus Feather, Any Ashes
In order to ensure their survival in Baldur's Gate 3, players must focus on acquiring high Armor Class and ample healing resources such as spells, potions, and Illithid Powers. Additionally, spells can provide Temporary HP, acting as a protective barrier before actual HP is affected.
Fortunately, the Elixir of Heroism eliminates the need for players to constantly expend precious spell slots to renew Temporary HP for the entire party. This elixir grants the drinker 10 Temporary HP and bestows the Blessed status, which adds a +1d4 bonus to their Ability Checks.
6 Elixir Of Guileful Movement
Unlocks via extracting Ochre Jelly Slime
Suspension of Ochre Jelly, Any Sublimate
Movement plays a crucial role in the gameplay of Baldur’s Gate 3, as it determines the strategic positioning of characters in the RPG. Since each turn allows only a limited movement range, being even just a few meters away from a target or spell range can render attacks ineffective. However, with the Elixir of Guileful Movement, players can ensure smooth movement despite any obstacles.
When consumed, the Elixir of Guileful Movement grants immunity to Paralysed and Restrained effects, making it easier for ranged weapon users to relocate to advantageous positions. Furthermore, users will not suffer any penalties to their Movement Speed, regardless of whether it is caused by a spell or Difficult Terrain.
5 Elixir Of Vigilance
Unlocks via extracting Shadowroot Sac
Vitriol of Shadowroot Sac, Any Ashes
In the realm of Baldur's Gate 3, where the gameplay draws inspiration from D&D mechanics, engaging in combat requires players to adhere to the Initiative concept of the TTRPG. This vital system determines the order in which characters act during battles, thereby dictating the overall pace. During surprise rounds, those launching an ambush hold the advantage of acting first. However, with the assistance of the Elixir of Vigilance, essential members of the party are likely to gain an early advantage.
When ingested, the Elixir of Vigilance grants the user not only immunity to surprises but also a significant +5 boost to their Initiative score. Although its effects may seem straightforward, this bonus can prove invaluable. Melee experts can seize the opportunity to strike first and gain an early advantage, while fragile spellcasters can unleash devastating attacks before adversaries have a chance to scatter.
4 Elixir Of Hill Giant Strength
Unlocks via extracting Hill Giant Finger
Salts of Hill Giant Fingernails, Any Suspension
Frontline tanks and melee specialists, like Fighters and Barbarians, heavily rely on Strength for successful attack rolls in Baldur’s Gate 3. It is crucial for them to have a high Strength Ability Score in order to excel in combat. Fortunately, the Elixir of Hill Giant Strength can make this possible. This potion temporarily enhances the user’s Strength to 21 until they take a Long Rest.
With Ability Scores determining Ability Modifiers, having a Strength of 21 grants a +5 bonus to all Strength-related checks. Furthermore, a base Strength of 21 gives players an immediate +5 on their Attack Rolls in addition to Proficiency Bonuses and other buffs. This significantly amplifies their capability to deal powerful hits in combat.
3 Elixir Of The Colossus
Unlocks via extracting Chasm Creeper
Salts of Chasm Creeper, Any Suspension
In an RPG like Baldur’s Gate 3, where even an enemy with 1 HP can perform as effectively as their full-health counterparts, every ounce of damage becomes crucial. Thanks to the Elixir of the Colossus, players can gain an advantage with a continuous damage boost to their attacks. When ingested, this elixir produces a sensation of the user growing larger, which also translates into improved performance.
Upon consuming the elixir, users experience the benefit of Advantage on Strength Checks and Strength Saves. Additionally, their weapons now inflict an additional 1d4 Damage. While this may appear to be a modest increase in damage output, the potion proves most effective when combined with effects that enable multiple attacks, such as Extra Attacks, Bonus Actions, and Extra Actions.
2 Elixir Of Arcane Cultivation
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Contents:
- Unlock by extracting Weavemoss, Laculite (Greater), and Night Orchid (Superior).
- Includes Vitriol of Weavemoss, Suspension of Laculite (Greater), Suspension of Solution of Night Orchid (Superior), and Any Substrate.
Spell slots are essential for spellcasters in Baldur's Gate 3 gameplay, as they can only be replenished through Short Rests and Long Rests. However, players can regain additional spell slots by consuming an Elixir of Arcane Cultivation. The quality of the elixir determines the level of the regained spell slot, with basic, greater, and superior elixirs corresponding to 1st-Level, 2nd-Level, and 3rd-Level spell slots respectively. This is especially useful for Multiclass spellcasters like Wizards who need more power to combat enemies.
1 Elixir Of Bloodlust
Unlocks via extracting Worg Fang
Ashes of Worg Fang, Any Salt
With the right momentum, a Fighter or Barbarian specializing in close combat can significantly increase their impact in Baldur's Gate 3. By using the Elixir of Bloodlust, players can unleash a relentless barrage of strikes and enhance the abilities of their tanks and melee DPS.
The Elixir of Bloodlust grants Bloodlust to the user until they take a Long Rest. When an opponent is defeated, the user gains 5 Temporary Hit Points and an additional Action. This means that with a well-executed killing blow while Bloodlusted, players can have an extra Action in addition to a potential Extra Attack and Bonus Action. Depending on their class, players may also be able to access additional bonuses such as an Extra Bonus Attack for Thief Rogues or another Action through abilities like the Fighter's Action Surge or Haste.
Baldur's Gate 3 is currently available on PC with a MacOS and PS5 release slated for September 6, 2023.