Unleashing the Ultimate Power: The Definitive Ranking of Baldur's Gate 3's Battle Master Fighter Maneuvers
Battle Master Fighters in Baldur's Gate 3 gain powerful abilities using Superiority Die However, not all Battle Maneuvers are equally valuable Here's a ranking of the top 5 Battle Master Fighter Maneuvers: Pushing Attack, Menacing Attack, Maneuvering Attack, Riposte, and Rally
In Baldur's Gate 3, certain classes postpone making a subclass choice until reaching Level 3. However, once these classes acquire their subclass, it significantly enhances their abilities, particularly for Fighters who opt for the Battle Master subclass. By selecting this subclass, Fighters gain access to a range of Battle Maneuvers, which employ a unique resource and grant the Fighter greater command over melee combat.
BG3 offers a considerable selection of 14 Battle Maneuvers to choose from when opting for the Battle Master subclass. Players cannot access all of these maneuvers simultaneously, as they must be picked from a list at Levels 3, 7, and 10, totaling seven maneuvers. Among the available options, the following five Battle Maneuvers are the ones that Fighters should prioritize mastering first.
After selecting these five Battle Maneuvers, there are two additional ones to choose from once you reach Level 10. While the remaining Maneuvers can still prove useful in many situations, they should not be given priority.
5 Rally
Action Type
Choose between melee or ranged combat and take action. The Rally Battle Maneuver is not meant to be used by Fighters against their foes. Instead, it allows Fighters to provide temporary HP to their allies as a form of support. Using this skill, the Fighter can grant an ally 8 temporary HP if they are within a range of 18m. Since Rally is a Bonus Action, players can still make an attack (or two, starting at level 5) and utilize the ability to assist a teammate.
4 Riposte
is more effective at lower levels as the amount of temporary HP bestowed upon allies remains constant. Regardless of the circumstances, the designated recipient will receive 8 temporary HP. Hence, it is advisable to opt for this Battle Maneuver among the initial three choices when reaching Level 3, as its efficacy diminishes by Level 5 and beyond.
Action Type
Melee Response
Unlike other Battle Maneuvers available to BG3 Fighters, Riposte is not an Action that players are required to take. Instead, it is a Reaction that players can easily toggle on and off according to their preference. However, it is generally advisable to keep it activated for better outcomes.
When the player successfully dodges an enemy's attack, they have the option to expend a Superiority Die for a counterattack. This counterattack inflicts the normal weapon damage augmented by 1d8, potentially altering the outcome dramatically if the die roll is favorable. Furthermore, performing this counterattack does not require the expenditure of an action.
3 Maneuvering Attack
Action Type
Melee or Ranged, Action
Maneuvering Attack stands as an immensely advantageous Battle Maneuver for a Battle Master to opt for, serving to complement their party. Upon successfully striking, this maneuver grants the Fighter the ability to designate a single ally as a friendly target and replenishes half of their total Movement Speed. As a result, the chosen ally can move without provoking Opportunity Attacks for the duration of their turn.
This ability can also be applied to the Fighter themselves, enabling them to effortlessly escape a challenging situation. However, it is most effective when utilized to remove weaker allies from the reach of enemies in close combat. For instance, spellcasters are at a disadvantage when they are in close proximity to enemies, and their relatively low HP makes them particularly susceptible to Opportunity Attacks. Ensure the safety of these companions by strategically keeping them at a safe distance from enemies through this maneuver.
2 Menacing Attack
Action Type
Menacing Attack is a highly aggressive Battle Maneuver compared to Rally, Riposte, and Maneuvering Attack, which do not directly impose any status effects on enemies. In contrast, Menacing Attack has the capability to cause the Frightened effect.
Frightened is an extremely impactful effect in Baldur's Gate 3 because it effectively renders an opponent helpless, particularly if they are a close combatant who cannot reach their target. When under the Frightened condition, enemies are unable to move and suffer Disadvantage on ability checks and Attack Rolls. While players may choose to prioritize learning abilities like Rally and Riposte, it is advisable to also acquire Menacing Attack as it remains a potent Battle Maneuver throughout the entirety of the game.
1 Pushing Attack
Action Type
Pushing Attack combines elements of the Shove action and a powerful attack from the Fighter. While it lacks the ability to inflict status effects like Menacing Attack or support allies like Maneuvering Attack or Rally, Pushing Attack is highly effective as it has the unique capability to outright eliminate enemies it successfully hits, given the appropriate conditions.
Rearranging enemy placements on the battlefield is an incredibly effective strategy in Baldur's Gate 3. With numerous cliffs, tall walls, and treacherous chasms, the Pushing Attack maneuver transforms from a relatively feeble option in tabletop D&D into the ultimate battle tactic in BG3. Acquire this maneuver early on and employ it frequently to forcefully push enemies off ledges and keep them at a distance from your party, minimizing the risk of Opportunity Attacks.
Baldur's Gate 3 can be enjoyed on PC and PlayStation 5, with an upcoming release for Xbox Series X|S.
