Unlock the Power of Creature Sizes in Baldur's Gate 3: Master Your Skills!

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Tiny Creatures in BG3

Small Creatures in BG3

Medium Creatures in BG3

Large Creatures in BG3

Huge, Gargantuan, & Beyond

Creature sizes in Baldur's Gate 3 are categorized as Tiny, Small, Medium, Large, Huge, Colossal, and potentially beyond. The size of a creature in BG3 not only affects various stats and combat abilities like Shoving or picking up another creature, but also provides advantages and disadvantages outside of combat.

It is worth noting that appearances can be deceiving, as an enemy that appears to be Medium in size might actually be classified as Small, while a seemingly Shoveable enemy could be so large that it is practically immovable without significant buffs. Therefore, it is crucial to consider this information prior to engaging in combat. Larger creatures often possess higher HP, AC, and other bonuses compared to their smaller targets, but there are tactics available to potentially tip the odds in a David and Goliath-like manner.

How To See Enemy Sizes in BG3

To determine the size of an enemy in Baldur's Gate 3, simply right-click on their icon during combat or their model in the game world, and choose the "Examine" option. This will bring up a sub-menu revealing all the target's attributes, resistances, and other statistics, including the creature's size. In Baldur's Gate 3, creature size does not impose as many limitations as in the tabletop Dungeons and Dragons. Players who are familiar with optimizing a Strength-based build can effectively pick up and throw enemies. Medium creatures have the advantage of increased movement, higher success rates for Strength checks and saving throws, and even the ability to pick up Small and Tiny creatures. Essentially, any creature larger than its target will possess these advantages. For instance, a Medium creature can be grappled by a Large creature, and so on for larger creatures like Huge creatures.

There are strategies to overcome this drawback when facing formidable adversaries. One approach involves employing the renowned Balduran's Giantslayer, which provides a distinct advantage when confronting larger foes. Additionally, the Enlarge spell presents the opportunity to directly alter the sizes of allies and adversaries, either increasing or decreasing them. Surprisingly, with a sufficient amount of strength, even a Halfling Barbarian can manage to lift and hurl targets of medium size.

Tiny Creatures in BG3

The Tiny creature size is designated for the tiniest inhabitants of Faerun. This classification predominantly encompasses creatures such as rats, frogs, Pixies, and other minuscule beings that might prove challenging to locate without the aid of highlighting NPC outlines – including Familiars.

Tiny creatures excel at stealth, but their small size comes with drawbacks such as low AC, Strength, and movement distance. However, they have a unique advantage in Baldur's Gate 3 as they are the only creatures capable of squeezing through the tiniest entrances, such as burrows, cracks in walls, and hidden paths that would usually require a successful Perception check to discover. To gain access to these hidden areas, Druids can utilize their Wild Shape skill to transform into a Tiny creature. So, don't forget to try out the Wild Shape skill if you want to explore these secret paths in Baldur's Gate 3 as a Tiny creature.

Small Creatures in BG3

The Small creature size is one of two options offered to players and is usually associated with beings such as Halflings, Gnomes, Dwarves, Goblins, and similar creatures. Small creatures are more noticeable on the map compared to Tiny creatures but share similar advantages and disadvantages.

Small creatures excel in Stealth (depending on player choices during Character Creation) and have the unique advantage of being able to navigate through hidden or blocked entrances in the game. While they cannot fit into burrows, they can easily squeeze through small openings like the one found in the Druid Grove that larger creatures cannot access.

However, small creatures have a slightly lower movement speed compared to most races, starting at a base of 7.5m for Dwarves, Gnomes, and Halflings, compared to the common 9m of other races. Additionally, they are more susceptible to being physically manipulated by medium-sized creatures. Due to the difference in size, it is easier for a medium creature to Shove or pick up and Enraged Throw a small creature.

Medium Creatures in BG3

Medium creatures constitute the majority of characters in Baldur's Gate 3 and encompass almost all initial Race choices. These creatures typically have a movement distance of 9m but are unable to fit through narrow passages. To access hidden areas that Small and Tiny creatures can reach, Medium creatures must employ Spells or employ cunning methods to reduce their size.

Given that Medium size is the standard for characters and creatures in Baldur's Gate 3, there are no specific advantages or disadvantages associated with it.

Large Creatures in BG3

Large creatures in Dungeons and Dragons refer to enemies that occupy more than just a single square on the map. Although Baldur's Gate 3 doesn't follow a strict square-based system, these Large creatures still noticeably occupy more space than their counterparts. However, there are exceptions to this general rule. Some enemies who have a significant weight or a wider body shape may still fall under the category of Large enemies.

Large creatures generally possess more hit points, higher armor class, and significantly greater movement speed compared to other enemies. Since they are often unique creature types, they typically have access to multiple actions during each turn and can cover a much larger distance. It is worth noting that without any external assistance such as buffs or special effects, attempting to push or grapple Large creatures is virtually impossible.

Large creatures in Baldur's Gate 3 possess the capability to effortlessly lift, hurl, and handle creatures belonging to the Medium and Small categories. Nonetheless, it is important to note that they do not represent the largest creature size type in BG3.

Huge, Gargantuan, & Beyond

In Baldur's Gate 3, finding colossal and titanic creatures is an extremely uncommon occurrence. These massive beings, such as giants, dragons, specific constructs, and other formidable foes, are only encountered sporadically throughout the entire game. Their sheer size devours a significant portion of the battlefield, making their presence truly impactful.

Huge, Gargantuan, and larger creatures possess enormous HP pools, typically have high AC and defenses, and dominate the battlefield with their overwhelming presence, even without support. Players cannot increase their size to become Huge or larger in Baldur's Gate 3, but abilities like the powerful enhancement granted by Balduran's Giantslayer can help level the playing field when facing these formidable adversaries - just remember to keep the quick save and quick load buttons (F5 and F8 by default) handy for a swift response.

Baldur's Gate 3 is currently available on PC and will be released for PlayStation 5 on September 6, 2023.