In Baldur’s Gate 3, players are not locked into their initial difficulty choice; they can easily adjust the challenge level at any point during their adventure. Whether you’re finding the combat too punishing or breezy, simply pressing the escape key opens a menu where you can switch between the three available settings: Explorer, Balanced, and Tactician. This flexibility allows both newcomers and seasoned veterans to tailor their experience, ensuring that every player can engage with the rich narrative and tactical gameplay on their own terms.
How to choose a different difficulty level?
To choose a different difficulty level in Baldur’s Gate 3, you can easily adjust your settings mid-game. Simply press the ESC key to access the pause menu, where you’ll find the option to change the difficulty. The game features three preset levels: Explorer, which prioritizes story over combat; Balanced, offering a fair challenge; and Tactician, which provides a significantly tougher experience with smarter enemies. You can switch between these levels at any time without restarting your game, allowing you to tailor the challenge to your preference or skill level as you progress through the campaign.
- In the Early Access version of Baldurs Gate 3, an option to change difficulty levels wasn’t available, but the premiere day version offers this option. You choose the difficulty level when starting a new game, but fortunately, you can also adjust it freely during the course of the campaign without the need to restart your progress.
- Changing the difficulty level is very easy – simply press ESC and choose the difficulty level button (screenshot above). You’ll be taken to the difficulty level choice screen, same one you’ve encountered when starting a new game.
We describe all 3 difficulty levels in detail on a dedicated page (Difficulty levels from Basics section). On that page we explain, among others, the main differences between them.
How to increase your chances of winning more difficult battles?
To increase your chances of winning more difficult battles in Baldur’s Gate 3, consider several strategic approaches. First, explore non-combat solutions; many encounters can be resolved through dialogue or skill checks, avoiding conflict altogether. Second, ensure your party is complete with four members, as this enhances your tactical options and action frequency in battles. Third, take advantage of the enemy inspection feature to identify weaknesses and resistances, allowing you to tailor your attacks effectively. Fourth, utilize stealth to bypass stronger foes or seek alternative routes to your objectives. Finally, don’t hesitate to postpone challenging fights; returning later with a more developed team can significantly improve your odds of success.
The world of BG3 is full of difficult encounters and you may have problems defeating a given opponent even after lowering the difficulty level. There are a few ways of handling such a situation.
- Start with attempting to solve the quest peacefully. Combat isn’t always required to handle a problem. For example, you can choose different dialogue options or complete an Intimidation Skill Check that prevents combat.
- Have a full party of 4 as soon as possible. Fighting as a 4-man team is much easier – your side can perform actions and moves more often, and your repertoire will be much more diverse (melee combat, ranged combat, magic etc.). You can find a complete list of recruitable companions on a dedicated page (All companions).
- Make sure to inspect opponents’ cards as often as possible. You can display these by highlighting an enemy with mouse, pressing RMB and choosing Inspect. Thanks to cards, you can view opponent’s weaknesses and resistances to certain types of attacks, spells, or elements.
- Avoid more powerful opponents. Employ stealth (watch out for red fields – they show the range of the opponent’s sight) or look for alternative paths to your destination.
- Return to tougher battles with more developed characters. There is no need of fighting a difficult battle right there and then. Load a save before the confrontation with the particular opponent and focus on other quests or explore other locations. You can return later on as a more powerful team with better equipment and spells.
What are the main differences between the Explorer, Balanced, and Tactician difficulty levels
In Baldur’s Gate 3, players can choose from three distinct difficulty levels: Explorer, Balanced, and Tactician. Each offers a different gameplay experience tailored to various player preferences.
Difficulty Level Overview
| Difficulty Level | Description | Enemy HP | Attack Rolls | Tactical Complexity | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer | Easy mode focusing on narrative over combat. Ideal for players who want to enjoy the story with minimal challenge. | Reduced by 30% | Increased chance to hit by 5% | Low; combat is simplified. | +2 bonus to ability checks, better merchant prices, no multiclassing allowed. |
| Balanced | Default mode providing a fair challenge for most players. A mix of story and tactical gameplay. | Standard HP | Normal chance to hit | Moderate; requires strategic thinking without being overly punishing. | Allows multiclassing, average shop prices. |
| Tactician | Hard mode designed for experienced players seeking a significant challenge. Enemies are more intelligent and aggressive. | Increased by 30% | Enemies have a +2 bonus on rolls, making them harder to hit. | High; requires careful planning and execution in battles. | More environmental hazards, requires 80 camp supplies for long rests, enemies use advanced tactics. |
Key Differences
- Explorer Mode: This setting is perfect for those who prioritize story over combat mechanics. Players will find enemies easier to defeat, allowing them to focus on the narrative without the stress of challenging encounters. However, they cannot multiclass while in this mode.
- Balanced Mode: Serving as the game’s standard difficulty, it strikes a balance between challenge and accessibility. Players can expect regular enemy health and tactics, making it suitable for both newcomers and veterans alike. This mode allows for multiclassing, enhancing character development options.
- Tactician Mode: This is the ultimate test for seasoned players, where enemies not only have higher health but also employ smarter strategies during combat. Players must be prepared for tougher battles that require tactical planning and resource management, such as needing more camp supplies for long rests.
By understanding these differences, players can select the difficulty that best suits their playstyle and desired gaming experience in Baldur’s Gate 3.
Which difficulty level is best for new players to Baldur’s Gate 3
For new players diving into Baldur’s Gate 3, the Explorer difficulty level is often the best choice. This setting is designed to provide a more relaxed experience, allowing players to focus primarily on the rich narrative and exploration without the stress of challenging combat mechanics.
Key Features of Explorer Difficulty:
- Simplified Combat: Enemies have significantly reduced health and deal less damage, making encounters easier to manage.
- Enhanced Story Focus: Players can engage with the story and character interactions without worrying too much about tactical gameplay.
- Bonus Advantages: Players receive a +2 proficiency bonus at level one and better prices from merchants, facilitating easier progression.
While the Balanced difficulty is also a viable option, it requires more attention to character development and strategy, which might be overwhelming for those unfamiliar with RPG mechanics. Therefore, starting on Explorer allows newcomers to acclimate to the game’s systems before potentially shifting to Balanced as they gain confidence and experience.
