A Beginner’s Guide to Baldur’s Gate III: 5th Edition D&D – Abilities & The D20

At E3, the announcement of Baldur’s Gate III, developed by Larian Studios, revealed that it would be based on the 5th Edition of Dungeons & Dragons. This edition, implemented in 2014, has never been used in video games before. Understanding some core concepts of the 5th Edition will help you make better characters in Baldur’s Gate III. In this guide, we will cover the basics of Abilities and the D20 system.

Dungeons & Dragons is known for using a twenty-sided die called a D20. The game resolves encounters and scenarios by rolling the D20. In Baldur’s Gate III, these rolls are carried out in the in-game software, but players will still see the results. One of the major advantages of playing these games on consoles or computers is that the game does all the math for you. However, understanding Abilities is still essential to maximizing your character’s potential. Let’s dive into how Abilities and the D20 work in 5th Edition D&D.

In Dungeons & Dragons, Attributes are referred to as “Abilities.” These Abilities include Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma. Your character’s Abilities and their corresponding Ability Modifiers play a significant role in determining how successful your character is in various situations.

Your Ability Modifier is crucial because the D20 is typically rolled in three different instances: Ability Checks, Attack Rolls, and Saving Throws. Ability Modifiers come into play for each of these situations, and understanding how they’re calculated is vital to optimizing your character’s potential.

Ability Checks are used when performing in-game actions, and they often appear in-dialogue. Difficulty Class (DC) is a critical aspect of these checks, as it determines the number you need to roll with the D20 to pass the Ability Check. Your character’s Ability Modifiers play a central role in achieving success in these checks.

Attack Rolls use your character’s Ability Modifier when determining whether an attack connects with a target. Melee attacks typically use Strength Modifier, while Ranged attacks use Dexterity Modifier. After connecting an attack, your Ability Modifier is added to your Damage Roll, which determines how much damage your character deals with their weapon.

saving Throws are rolls made to defend or resist effects and spells. These rolls target one of the six character Abilities, and the corresponding Ability Modifier is used when rolling. Successful Saving Throws help protect your character from dangerous effects and enhance your spellcasting effectiveness.

Understanding Abilities and the D20 system will help you make more informed decisions when character building in Baldur’s Gate III. This guide is the first in a series covering the basics of 5th Edition D&D, preparing you for the game’s release. Stay tuned for more guides, including Proficiency, Skills, and Advantage/Disadvantage that factor into the calculations we’ve discussed here.