Advantage and Disadvantage Explained in Baldur's Gate 3

Confused by Advantage and Disadvantage in Baldur's Gate 3? This guide breaks down exactly what they do, how they affect your rolls, and when you'll encounter them. Get the edge!

Alright, let's talk about a core mechanic in Baldur's Gate 3 that might seem a little confusing at first: Advantage and Disadvantage. Think of it like this: in older D&D games, you'd get all sorts of specific bonuses for different situations. But in 5th Edition, and thus in BG3, they've simplified it. Most of these little buffs and debuffs now fall under either 'Advantage' or 'Disadvantage'. It's a much cleaner system, and once you get it, you'll be using it to your benefit all the time.

Basically, instead of memorizing a bunch of different bonus numbers, you just need to know if you have Advantage or Disadvantage. It makes things way simpler, especially when you're just starting out.

What Does Advantage Do in Baldur’s Gate 3?

When you have Advantage on a roll – whether it's an attack, a skill check, or a saving throw – you get to roll two twenty-sided dice (d20s) and pick the higher result. All your usual bonuses, like your ability score modifiers and proficiency bonuses, still apply to both dice, but you completely ignore the lower roll. It's a straight-up better chance to succeed!

For example, imagine your Fighter is attacking a blinded enemy. Normally, you might have gotten a bonus in older games. Now, you just have Advantage. So, you roll two d20s. Let's say one lands on a 6 and the other on a 14. You'd add your Strength modifier and proficiency bonus to both, but you'd ignore that 6 and use the 14 for your attack roll. Much better odds, right?

Here are some common situations where you'll get Advantage:

• Dwarves and Strongheart Halflings get Advantage on Saving Throws against poison.
• Elves and Half-Elves get Advantage on Saving Throws against Charm effects.
• You have Advantage on Attack Rolls against enemies who are blinded, paralyzed, petrified, prone, stunned, unconscious, or otherwise restrained.
• Attack Rolls made by a character who is hidden (meaning they successfully used the Sneak skill) or Invisible have Advantage.
• If you cast 'Charm Person' on an NPC, you'll have Advantage on Ability Checks during dialogue with them.

What Does Disadvantage Do in Baldur’s Gate 3?

Disadvantage is the flip side of the coin. When you have Disadvantage, you roll two d20s but you must take the lower result. Again, all your normal modifiers are applied to both dice, but the higher roll is tossed aside. This makes succeeding much harder.

Let's use that same Fighter example, but this time, the Fighter is the one who's blind. They'd roll two d20s, say a 6 and a 14. After applying their Strength modifier and proficiency bonus to both, they have to use the result from the 6, not the 14. Ouch. That's a significant hit to your chances.

Here are some common situations where you'll face Disadvantage:

• Wearing armor you aren't proficient with means you'll suffer Disadvantage on all Ability Checks, Saving Throws, and Attack Rolls that rely on Strength and Dexterity.
• If you're trying to be sneaky, wearing Padded Armor, Scale Mail, Half Plate, or any heavy armor will give you Disadvantage on Stealth Checks.
• When a melee combatant is threatening you, you'll have Disadvantage on Attack Rolls with ranged weapons. So, watch your positioning!
• Attack Rolls made by blinded or prone characters suffer Disadvantage. Also, Attack Rolls made against invisible characters suffer Disadvantage.
• Characters who are Exhausted might suffer Disadvantage on Ability Checks, Attack Rolls, and Saving Throws.

So, remember: two dice, higher roll for Advantage, lower roll for Disadvantage. Keep an eye out for these conditions, and you'll be a much more effective adventurer!