Highlights
Skill proficiencies in Baldur's Gate 3 significantly impact gameplay choices and outcomes, so choosing the right ones is crucial.
Charisma skills, such as Deception, Intimidation, Persuasion, and Performance, play a crucial role in dialogue interactions and building relationships within the game.
Although Performance offers versatility, it may not be advantageous unless one possesses the skills of a Bard or has an extra skill to spare. While Intimidation holds significant power, it can also result in unfavorable outcomes. Deception grants the freedom to lie, but it is essential to exercise caution when utilizing this skill. On the other hand, Persuasion proves highly effective and serves as a valuable asset in social encounters.
In Baldur's Gate 3, the choices players make truly matter, and one of the most crucial decisions involves choosing which Skills to be proficient in. Skills are specific talents that determine a character's proficiency in certain areas. By being proficient in a Skill, players increase their chances of success when using it and unlock extra opportunities related to that Skill. Therefore, the Skill proficiencies players select have a significant impact.
Baldur's Gate 3 offers numerous chances for players to showcase their Skill proficiencies, with Charisma Skills being particularly valuable due to the game's heavy emphasis on dialogue. By utilizing the Skills of Deception, Intimidation, Persuasion, and Performance, players can form and strengthen relationships, gather information, showcase their abilities, and find alternatives to combat. Understanding the importance of each Charisma Skill and how it contributes to the game is essential for players who want to maximize the benefits of their Skill proficiencies.
4 Performance
How To Gain Proficiency
Classes | Backgrounds | Feats |
---|---|---|
Bard, Rogue | Entertainer | Actor, Skilled |
Performance is the ability to excel in various talents such as acting, playing instruments, and entertaining others. This Skill also provides advantages in trading and negotiating with merchants, as well as offering unique dialogue options to express emotions or initiate scenes. Its versatility and appeal set it apart from other Charisma Skills.
Although Performance is a flexible and enjoyable Skill, it may not be worth pursuing unless one is a Bard or has expertise in playing instruments. The discounted prices offered are useful, but not exceptionally impressive, and compared to Deception, Intimidation, and Persuasion, the additional dialogue options are limited. Unless players have a strong desire to be a performer or have extra Skill points to spare, it is advisable to avoid investing in Performance.
3 Intimidation
How To Gain Proficiency
Classes | Backgrounds | Feats |
---|---|---|
Barbarian, Bard, Fighter, Paladin, Rogue, Sorcerer, Warlock | Soldier | Skilled |
Intimidation is the act of instilling fear and using threats to manipulate others in everyday conversations. It allows one to forcefully extract information, discourage potential attackers, and coerce others into turning a blind eye. When deception and diplomacy fail, Intimidation becomes the preferred skill for those seeking to exert control through hostility.
While Intimidation is an effective means of establishing dominance, its long-term consequences should not be overlooked. Displays or threats of violence do not foster positive relationships, and it is likely that players may damage connections or unintentionally create vengeful adversaries instead of powerful allies. Despite its strength, Intimidation has the potential to taint relationships, which is generally undesirable.
2 Deception
How To Gain Proficiency
Classes | Backgrounds | Feats |
---|---|---|
Bard, Rogue, Sorcerer, Warlock | Charlatan, Criminal | Actor, Skilled |
Deception is the ability to conceal, manipulate, or distort the truth through words and actions, taking advantage of others' trust or inability to verify one's statements. This skill empowers individuals to deceive convincingly, exploit others' uncertainty, assume false identities, and execute even the most transparent scams. Deception grants the freedom to navigate truth and fabrication, enabling one to shape reality merely by speaking it.
Deception is a versatile skill, allowing individuals to lie effectively with or without accurate information in most circumstances. However, the repercussions can be dire if caught in a lie, which remains a possibility despite a successful deception attempt. Lies have a tendency to unravel and lead to conflicts, whether immediately or over time. While deception is an exceptional skill, players should exercise caution to preserve the trust of others.
1 Persuasion
How To Gain Proficiency
Classes | Backgrounds | Feats |
---|---|---|
Bard, Cleric, Paladin, Rogue, Sorcerer | Guild Artisan, Noble | Skilled |
Persuasion is the art of diplomatically and respectfully convincing others by appealing to their emotions or reason. It involves building and strengthening relationships, finding common ground, and negotiating. Unlike Deception and Intimidation, Persuasion has no negative consequences and is the most frequently used option in social interactions. It relies on genuine eloquence and the power to win over the hearts and minds of others, making it suitable for dealing with friends, foes, and those who are undecided. Persuasion is a crucial skill for any character with high charisma.
Baldur's Gate 3 is available now on PC, with a PS5 release on September 6 and an Xbox launch to follow.