Kate Mills 
Nov 16, 2023
In the beginning, entering the world of Baldur's Gate 3 might feel daunting, especially if you're unfamiliar with Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition rules. But don’t worry. Whether you're new to the game or seeking a better grasp of its mechanics, here's an insightful beginner's guide to Baldur's Gate 3, covering everything from character creation to combat mechanics.
Crafting a character in Baldur’s Gate 3
Your initial task is crafting your character. While opting for an Origin Character with suggested specs might be a straightforward choice, creating a custom character, especially for The Dark Urge Origin Character, could be more compelling.
Class: Choosing your class stands as a pivotal decision in character building. It dictates abilities, combat styles, weapon proficiencies, spells, and other features. Baldur's Gate 3 presents 12 Classes and 46 Subclasses, all viable options.
Race: Unlike traditional D&D 5e, Race in BG3 doesn't affect your general stats but offers unique racial attributes and appearance. Dialogue options may vary based on your Race.
Ability scores: These stats influence every action in the game, determining your success rate.
Background: Adds flavour, altering dialogue and granting "Inspiration" that allows a retry if you fail. Twelve Backgrounds also provide skill proficiencies.
Skills: Proficiency in various skills offers bonuses to your dice rolls, increasing your success likelihood. BG3 offers 18 Skills, influenced by Class, Background, and sometimes Race or Feats choices.
Respec in BG3 and crucial tips
Unhappy with your character? Don't fret. Respec is possible except for Race and Background.
Forming your party by discovering potential Companions is vital. Ensure characters are proficient with equipped items, maximising their efficiency. The same applies to Spells, such as Intelligence-based Firebolt for Shadowheart, considering her low INT score.
How Baldur's Gate 3 combat works
Combat in Baldur's Gate 3 might feel intricate at first. Various actions per turn, elevation, and surface types affect attacks.
While Baldur's Gate 3 combat guide is a detailed topic, in essence, this is what you need to know:
- The initiative relies on a 20-sided dice roll and Dexterity Modifier.
- Actions, limited to one per turn, encompass weapon attacks, spells, and general abilities.
- Bonus Actions include smaller abilities, while Reactions occur based on triggers.
- Movement distance is determined by Race and bonuses.
- Combat operates on six-second rounds, reflecting D&D's rulebook timeline.
