Best Starter Tips for Baldur's Gate 3

Get the best starter tips for baldurs gate 3 character creation and combat, including stat specialization and using jump as a bonus action.

Character Creation Tips:

1. Ability Scores: Most ability scores influence combat aptitude. Warriors typically rely on Strength or Dexterity, while spellcasters use Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma based on their class. Focus on one primary ability score for damage. Dexterity and Constitution are useful for most classes, boosting Armor Class, ranged attack/damage (Dexterity), and Hit Points gained per level (Constitution). Never use these as dump stats; boost them if you have spare points. Avoid maxing out a single stat due to the point-buy system; a balanced build with a 14 Strength, 14 Dexterity, and 12 Constitution might outperform a 17 Strength, 10 Dexterity, 10 Constitution build.
2. Skills: You will frequently encounter opportunities for Deception, Insight, Intimidation, Perception, Persuasion, and Sleight of Hand checks. Prioritize investing in these skills.
3. Specialization: Don't try to make a character a jack-of-all-trades. Delegate responsibilities to your four companions, as switching them out is relatively easy. For example, let Astarion pick locks instead of your Paladin.
4. Racial Bonuses: Wood Elves and Wood Half-Elves gain increased movement speed (1.5m more), which is useful for melee characters.

Combat Tips:

1. Concentration Spells: Many spells require Concentration. You cannot cast another concentration spell without losing the existing one. Taking damage or becoming debilitated may also cause you to lose concentration. Keep buffers out of combat when possible to avoid concentration checks.
2. Spellbuffs: Use spellbuffs often, ideally before combat begins, to avoid wasting turns applying them during a fight.
3. Enemy Tactics: Enemies fight aggressively, using consumable items, class abilities, weapon abilities, and spells with abandon. You may need to do the same to win. Camping supplies are plentiful, so use your abilities.
4. Jump: Jump is a bonus action that can be used every turn to move further, change elevation, or bypass hazardous or rough terrain. Higher Strength increases jump distance (16 Strength allows an 8m jump, consuming 3m for a net gain of 5m). High Strength Warriors should utilize jump to maximize movement range.
5. Attacks of Opportunity: Moving away, using ranged weapons, or casting spells while Threatened (within melee range of an enemy) can provoke an Attack of Opportunity. Avoid this by not taking provoking actions when threatened, or by using the Shove ability. Enemies can also provoke Attacks of Opportunity, and some may try to run past your warriors.
6. Hiding: You can attempt to hide as a bonus action at any time, even in combat. If you are not in an enemy's line of sight (indicated by red cones), the attempt is easier. While hidden, you may gain advantage on attacks, and Rogues may be eligible for Sneak Attacks.
7. Area of Effect (AoE) Spells: Enemies rarely walk into AoEs like Grease or Web. Use these spells to target enemies directly or for area denial.
8. High Ground: Seek out high ground, especially with ranged attackers, as it offers significant combat bonuses. Enemy archers will also seek high ground; Shoving them off is a good way to dislodge them.
9. Spell Combos: Some effects combo with each other. Grease and Web spells inhibit movement, and fire spells/attacks will set the ground aflame, dealing extra damage. Drenching enemies with water using spells like Control Water will cause subsequent electrical attacks like Shocking Grasp to deal extra damage.