Baldur's Gate 3
Baldur's Gate 3

Weapons Guide

Master Baldur's Gate 3's extensive weapon catalog. Learn about damage dice, proficiencies, and which melee.

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Weapons Guide

Weapons are the primary means by which characters deal damage in Baldur's Gate 3. The game features a wide variety of weapon types, each with distinct properties, damage dice, and associated proficiencies, making weapon choice a critical aspect of character building and combat strategy.

Weapons are categorized into several types, each with its own strengths and weaknesses:

  • Melee Weapons: Used for close-quarters combat. These include:
    • Simple Weapons: Daggers, clubs, quarterstaffs, light crossbows, etc. Generally less powerful but often easier to wield.
    • Martial Weapons: Swords (longswords, greatswords, rapiers), axes (handaxes, battleaxes, greataxes), maces, warhammers, spears, etc. These typically deal more damage and have special properties.
  • Ranged Weapons: Used for attacking from a distance. These include:
    • Bows: Shortbows and longbows.
    • Crossbows: Light crossbows and heavy crossbows.
    • Thrown Weapons: Daggers, handaxes, javelins, etc., that can be thrown.

Each weapon has a specific damage die (e.g., 1d4, 1d8, 1d12), which determines the range of damage it can inflict. The higher the die, the potentially higher the damage output. Weapons also have properties such as:

  • Versatile: Can be used one-handed or two-handed. If used two-handed, it deals extra damage.
  • Light: Can be wielded in off-hand for dual-wielding.
  • Thrown: Can be thrown as a ranged attack.
  • Finesse: Allows you to use Dexterity instead of Strength for attack and damage rolls.
  • Reach: Increases the range of melee attacks.
  • Heavy: Imposes disadvantage on attack rolls if the wielder is Small.

Proficiency is key. Characters can only effectively wield weapons they are proficient with. Using a weapon without proficiency results in disadvantage on attack rolls. Classes typically come with proficiencies in specific weapon types.

Magical weapons often have additional bonuses, such as increased attack or damage rolls, elemental damage, or special activated abilities. These are crucial for overcoming tougher enemies and bosses. Always check item descriptions for unique effects.

When choosing weapons, consider your character's primary ability score (Strength or Dexterity), their class, and the combat role you want them to fill. A Strength-based fighter might favor greatswords or warhammers, while a Dexterity-based rogue would excel with rapiers or shortbows.