Baldur’s Gate III: An In-Depth Look at Feats, Weapons, and Armor in 5th Edition D&D

In anticipation of Baldur’s Gate III, which is based on the 5th Edition of Dungeons & Dragons, we dive into the essentials of Feats, Weapons, and Armor that will be relevant to the game. Knowing these fundamentals will help you create and optimize your characters for success.

Feats:

Feats function like talents or perks in other role-playing games, giving characters specific bonuses. They are technically an optional mechanic in D&D 5th Edition, but will be included in Baldur’s Gate III.

Each character has a maximum of five Feats they can gain, usually by exchanging their Ability Score Improvements for Feats at certain levels. Some Feats also grant Ability Points, making them quite impactful. Keep in mind that not all Feats can be used by everyone; some have prerequisites, like an Ability Score of at least 13 in a specific Ability or other specific requirements.

Weapons:

Weapons are critical to D&D combat. Understanding how Proficiency influences weapons, how damage is calculated, and Weapon Properties is essential to succeed in battle.

Weapon Proficiency is determined by a character’s Race and Class. In 5th Edition D&D, you can use any weapon with any character, but you won’t gain your Proficiency Bonus when attacking if you lack Proficiency with that weapon. Using weapons you are proficient in is highly recommended.

Damage calculation, damage types (bludgeoning, piercing, or slashing), and Weapon Properties (such as Thrown, Two-Handed, or Finesse) are all essential aspects to consider when selecting your weapons, making sure you can deal damage effectively.

Armor:

Armor Class (AC) in D&D determines how much protection your character gets from attacks that use an Attack Roll, even including spells. The amount of AC protection you gain depends on the type of armor you’re wearing.

Armor Proficiency is a must-have; wearing armor you aren’t proficient in will impose serious penalties. The type of armor you choose should align with your character’s Dexterity and Strength, ensuring you can maintain Stealth and Movement ability as needed.

Understanding the interplay between Feats, Weapons, and Armor will greatly enhance your ability to create powerful characters for Baldur’s Gate III. As Early Access approaches, we will continue to explore 5th Edition D&D basics to prepare you for the challenges ahead.