Baldur’s Gate 3 is finally here – and its complexity can quickly overwhelm newcomers to the DND universe. However, there are a few tips and tricks that will make your entry into the world of the role-playing game a lot easier.
What’s going on? Baldur’s Gate 3 is bursting with content and possibilities. But if you’re new to the game, you’ll quickly feel overwhelmed by this freedom. We have therefore compiled the most important tips that beginners should know.
#1: A Higher Damage Value Does not Necessarily Improve your Weapon
If you find a weapon in a game that has a higher damage value than your current weapon, you’ll probably be happy. After all, in most cases, it means that your new weapon is stronger than your old one. In Baldur’s Gate 3, however, this is not necessarily the case.
Because besides the fact that the game dices the damage of your weapon (indicated by the formula “x d x + x” under the damage value), several other factors play an important role in determining the damage: each enemy type has resistances and weaknesses to the different damage types.
So before starting a fight, you should take a closer look at your opponents (right-click and then “Examine”) to find out what resistances and weaknesses they have. Then you can adjust your battle strategy accordingly to exploit their weaknesses and deal additional damage.
#2: Take Advantage of the Synergies of Spells
Similar to Divinity Original Sin (2), in Baldur’s Gate 3 you can combine different spells to cause additional damage. For example, create a puddle of water under your enemy and then electrify it with lightning. Or let enemies slip on lubricating oil, which you then set on fire with a fireball.
The following applies: Area damage has disastrous effects on groups of enemies. So use synergy effects cleverly to be able to safely master even a supposed superiority.
#3: Take Regular Breaks
Even though the number of short breaks you can take in Baldur’s Gate 3 is limited, you should still allow your party to rest as often as possible. Because when resting, your characters not only restore their health, but also get action points back. You can read more details about this in our detailed guide to resting in Baldur’s Gate 3.
#4: Take Everything you can Find with you
Loot is literally around every corner in Baldur’s Gate 3 – and you should definitely take everything you can get your hands on. However, refrain from stealing things, unless you can go unnoticed or talk your way out of it if you get caught.
In order not to miss anything, you should regularly use the ALT key to highlight useful things in the game world. Additionally, you can download the “Highlight Everything” mod on Nexusmods. The latter will highlight all items and components of the game world that you can interact with, if you wish.
#5: Charisma, Charisma, Charisma
Charisma is the secret star in many pen&paper role-playing games – and Baldur’s Gate 3 is no exception. Because this skill allows you to get around difficult situations by unlocking special dialogue options. Special rewards are also reserved for characters with Charisma.
Thus, you should make sure that at least one character in your party has a high Charisma value. In principle, you can even complete Baldur’s Gate 3 without a single battle if you have the appropriate charisma.
#6: Manually Activate the Turn-Based Battle Mode
In Baldur’s Gate 3 you’ll always encounter enemies that patrol a certain area. You can gain an advantage against these enemies by manually activating turn-based combat mode by pressing SHIFT + Spacebar.
When an enemy patrols along a given route, you approach him as far as possible without him spotting you. As soon as his back is turned, you switch to turn-based combat mode. This will now give you the opportunity to carry out a surprise attack and get an advantage in the upcoming battle.
#7: Make your Party as Diverse as Possible
Diversity is key: The more different classes with different skills you have in your party, the better your chances in battle (see tip #2, Synergy Effects). Essential for a functioning party are:
- a melee fighter with high survivability (barbarian, paladin, fighter)
- a support character with strong buffs/debuffs and healing capabilities (cleric, bard)
- a magic gifted class with high damage output (wizard, mage)
#8: Position Yourself Correctly in Battle and Take Advantage of the Environment
Depending on the location from which you attack in Baldur’s Gate 3, you can gain certain advantages in combat. Ranged fighters, for example, play out their strength mainly from elevated positions that are farther away from the enemy. Melee fighters with high armor, on the other hand, are best placed directly in front of the enemy, while rogues prefer to attack from ambush.
#9: Remember to Level up
Because every time you level up in Baldur’s Gate 3 you’ll unlock new abilities and spells, you’ll have to trigger the leveling up manually. So don’t forget to go to the character menu of your heroes as soon as you see a yellow icon next to the character’s portrait.
#10: Don’t Leave Anyone Behind
No matter if you like a character or not: Recruit him directly for your group. Especially at the beginning of the game, you will regularly meet new characters who want to join you. To create a diverse group (see tip #7) and to remain flexible later in the game, you should not leave any character behind.
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