Summary
Encounters inBaldur’s Gate 3describe combat scenarios where the game’s exploration transitions into turn-based combat. Taken as a concept fromDungeons & Dragons, these battles can look like that of a typical turn-based RPG. However,D&D 5e’s unique action economy gives players a lot of things to do during each character’s turn.
Before players get overwhelmed, they should remember that their characters also possess skills that can prove especially useful. Knowing when to use particular skills and spells can dictate how combat usually ends inBaldur’s Gate 3. That said, how can newcomers use the game’s combat system to secure their advantage in any fight?
Updated on July 20, 2025, by Rhenn Taguiam:With Hotfix #20 providing a slate of updates and adjustments to Baldur’s Gate 3 gameplay, fans of the D&D 5e adaptation may be curious as to how these changes can impact their overall playthroughs. This is especially the case for fans who love the game’s tactical combat system, especially once gamers get in the flow with their party members taking on certain roles. However, fans who want to maximize their characters' potential may want to consider using advanced combat tips such as timing ambushes, shaping characters for specific roles, choosing the right Feats, and securing special movement options.
15Replace Team Members If Needed
Take Advantage Of The Camp’s Many Companions
Players may soon realize in theirBaldur’s Gate 3playthroughs that, while they can only have 4 characters in a party at a time, the game offers as many as10 potential Companionsto choose from. And while most of them have “thematic” builds built around their personalities, they’re technically free for the gamers to customize based on their wishes. In turn, there’s no reason to just “keep” a favorite set of Companions, especially when players can simply tailor-fit all characters to accommodate specific roles.
For instance, if players keep Companions in their starting Classes, here are some things to consider:
14Take Advantage Of Initiative
When Boosting DEX, Boost It As Much As Possible
Just like howa traditionalD&D 5eRoguerelies on Initiative and ambushes to secure high-powered Sneak Attacks, so too do characters inBaldur’s Gate 3need the element of surprise to maximize their damage numbers. After all, opponents don’t get fewer actions when they’re weaker, which means a 1 HP opponent can still land a lethal blow. In this regard, players ofBaldur’s Gate 3may want to eliminate enemies as soon as the battle begins.
To do this, players should strive to get as high an Initiative value as possible, which is determined by a character’s DEX stat. This is what makes Rogues, Rangers, and Monks viable DPS Classes, as their DEX likely puts them as some of the first characters to take their turns anyway. With this in mind, players should strive to get their DEX as high as possible, especially since DEX Mods not only dictate Initiative but also potentially one’s AC (with Light and Medium Armour) and damage.
13Choose The Right Feats For The Right Moments
Use Feats That Pave The Way For Cheese Builds
When players reach certain levels in their Classes, they can secure a Feat. In traditionalD&D, this can come as a Trait, a special property, or even an Ability Score Increase for a base stat boost. Given how Feats can add to a character’s overall flair, this is the more popular option for character growth. However, one of the best uses of Feats inBaldur’s Gate 3’s tactical gameplay is its room for cheesing builds.
Choosing the right Feats and combining them with the right Spells, Traits,or even Subclassescan pave the way for powerful characters. Examples include:
12Get Disabling Abilities Ready
Wasting An Enemy’s Turn Can Allow Bouncing Back
Sometimes, players ofBaldur’s Gate 3end up facing opponents who are just too tough to kill in a few strikes. In these instances, running can seem like the best course of action. However, a more efficient alternative in this case is to delay the enemy’s advance at all costs. On top of luring enemies elsewhere, sometimes using effects and Spells to restrain their movements can give players much-needed breathing room to regroup, recuperate, and even plan a comeback.
Restraining movement in this situation means everything that delays an opponent’s movement. For instance, a Spell such asWall of Stone (5th-Level Evocation)isn’t as potent in the damage area, but the blockage it causes can significantly alter the battlefield. Other useful Spells include:
11Always Have Movement Options Ready
Get Primed To Get Out Of Harm’s Way
Ambushes and Surprise Rounds are just as common inBaldur’s Gate 3as they are in a typicalDungeons & Dragonscampaign. And unlike the latter, where a Dungeon Master can surprise an exhausted party out of nowhere, players ofBaldur’s Gate 3can reload a save or have the option to flee - at least, if the enemies let them. In instances where characters have to retreat, simply moving out of harm’s way can give the enemies a free Attack of Opportunity. Sometimes this can get lethal, especially if it’s the enemy’s turn as soon as the player finishes their movement.
In this regard, it’s better for players to always have movement options ready so their characters can leave at a moment’s notice. Here are options andUtility Spells for playersto consider:
10Fight Only When Fully Rested
Get Rested Before Pursuing Encounters
Sincea battle inBaldur’s Gate 3can happen at any time (even during conversations), it’s ideal for players to visit Camp after the encounter to ensure all their spent resources are replenished. That way, characters can dish out powerful attacks on the get-go or reposition without worrying about their immediate resource count.
A fully rested party can motivate players to get more creative with their approaches in combat, as there’s no need to keep an injured party member close or waste unnecessary Spell Slots and Health Potions before fighting an enemy.
9Inspect The Enemy
Inspect Whenever Possible To Abuse Weaknesses
It’s true that playersenjoying theirBaldur’s Gate 3experiencewill almost always get into fights blind, at least for the first time. However, players actually have the means to check what sort of basic stats and even Resistances that enemies, and everything else in the world, possess. To do this, gamers must right-click the interactive object they’re interested in and select “Inspect.”
This option reveals a window with the 3D portrait of the object they selected, much like the character examination screen. The “Inspect” feature allows players to identify what elements and attack types have Advantage (Weakness) or Disadvantage (Resistance) towards enemies and even objects.
8Consider The Action Economy
Keep Options Open By Having Different Ways To Consume Actions
Unlike other RPGs, where a character’s “turn” can be spent by either attacking or unleashing a spell,Baldur’s Gate 3followsD&D’s Action Economy, where a character can pull off an Action, a Bonus Action, andeven a Reactionin a single round of combat. Players should build characters to always have an option for any of these action types to maximize their presence in battle.
For example, players can maximize a Cleric like Shadowheart by using Healing Word and Cure Wounds, potent healing Spells. However, while Cure Wounds heals more HP, it takes up an Action to cast, while Healing Word takes a Bonus Action. Shadowheart becomes more combat-efficient if she uses her Bonus Action for Healing Word, so she still has an Action open for another maneuver.
7Establish Momentum With Actions
Set Up Actions In Advance
ManySpells and FeaturesfromD&DgiveBaldur’s Gate 3players a lot of room to deal more damage to enemies when used in the correct sequence. For instance, an Arcane Trickster Rogue can use True Strike (Divination Cantrip) to gain Advantage on their next Attack, practically giving them a free pass to insert a Sneak Attack in their next turn.
However, Rogues like Astarion don’t necessarily have to wait for the rest of the round to get that Sneak Attack. For instance, Shadowheart can cast Guiding Bolt (Level 1 Evocation) to deal 4d6 Radiant Damage on an enemy alongside granting Advantage to the next Attack Roll against them, making it a neat setup for Astarion.
6Recovery Is Always A Priority
Always Keep A Method Of Healing In Case Of Emergencies
Thanks to Multiclassing, Magic Items, and certain Feats,Baldur’s Gate 3charactershave opportunities to access Spells and other skills otherwise unavailable to their build. In turn, there’s no reason for characters not to have some means of recovery during combat.
On top of basic Health Potions, players should look for Magic Items and Feats (i.e. Magic Initiate) that provide access to healing Spells such as Healing Word and Cure Wounds. This way, all characters can survive combat without relying on the designated healer. Moreover, this gives the healer more creative leeway to support the rest of the team, such as using buffs or casting more damaging spells.
