Baldurs Gate 3: Skills

In the vast and treacherous realms of Baldur’s Gate 3, mastering your character’s skills is not just a matter of choice—it’s a pathway to survival and success. With a diverse array of abilities ranging from Arcana to Stealth, each skill shapes how you navigate the intricate web of challenges, enemies, and alliances that define your adventure. Whether you’re deciphering ancient runes, charming your way out of danger, or sneaking past foes, understanding the nuances of these skills can mean the difference between glory and defeat. Dive into our comprehensive guide to discover how to optimize your character’s potential and make every roll count in this epic journey.

The skills in Baldurs Gate 3 are not active skills, as with many other games, but passive talents that determine how well your character will handle certain tasks. It is also worth noting that some skills are not available for selected classes. The characters’ skills are tested by throwing a 20-sided dice (D20), and the attempt does not always have to be a successful one.

All skills and their features

In Baldur’s Gate 3, skills play a crucial role in shaping a character’s abilities and interactions within the game world. Each skill is linked to one of the six core abilities—Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma—and can be categorized into active and passive types. Active skills are utilized during exploration and combat, allowing players to execute specific actions like climbing or persuading NPCs, while passive skills provide bonuses or enhancements to various character attributes. Skills such as Perception and Stealth are vital for detecting hidden threats and avoiding combat, whereas others like Arcana and History enrich the narrative by offering insights into the lore of Faerûn. The diverse range of skills not only influences gameplay mechanics but also contributes to character customization and storytelling, making each player’s experience unique.

In the table below, we list and describe all of the skills from Baldurs Gate 3 and suggest what abilities they are associated with and to which character classes they have been assigned.

Automatic skillchecks

Automatic skill checks in Baldur’s Gate 3 streamline gameplay by allowing players to engage with various challenges without the need for manual input during certain scenarios. When a character attempts an action linked to a skill, the game automatically rolls a twenty-sided die (D20) and adds relevant modifiers, such as ability scores and proficiency bonuses, to determine success or failure. This system enhances the flow of the narrative, ensuring that players can focus on story development and character interactions while still experiencing the consequences of their skills in real-time. Automatic skill checks are particularly useful in situations where quick decisions are necessary, allowing for a more immersive and dynamic gaming experience.

Your hero’s skills can be automatically put to the test when you take some action, such as trying to hide in the shadows, stealing, remembering historical information, or trying to discover a trap, a hidden passage, etc.

In the image above you can see a situation in which the protagonist tries to sneak past the Owlbear unnoticed. The character hides in the shadow and moves towards the creature and successfully passes the hiding test. The hero rolled 16 during his skill test, thanks to the fact that he received 2 proficiency points in this skill.

Interview – skillchecks

In Baldur’s Gate 3, skill checks play a critical role in determining the outcomes of various actions throughout the game. Each skill is associated with one of the six ability scores, influencing how effectively a character can perform tasks such as persuading an NPC, sneaking past guards, or deciphering ancient texts. When a player attempts a skill check, they roll a twenty-sided die (D20) and add their relevant ability modifier, along with any proficiency bonuses if they are skilled in that area. This mechanic not only enhances gameplay by introducing an element of chance but also encourages players to strategically choose skills that complement their character builds and party dynamics, ensuring a well-rounded approach to challenges encountered in the rich narrative of the game.

Your character’s skills can also be tested during the conversation by selecting the right dialog option. Dialog options associated with a character’s proficiency in a given skill have a much higher chance of success.

Which skills are most crucial for a beginner in Baldur’s Gate 3

For beginners in Baldur’s Gate 3, selecting the right skills can significantly enhance gameplay and ensure a smoother experience in this complex RPG. Here are the most crucial skills to consider:

Essential Skills for Beginners

1. Persuasion
   • Importance: This skill is vital for navigating conversations and resolving conflicts without resorting to violence. It allows players to charm NPCs, broker deals, and gain valuable information.
   • Utility: Many interactions rely on dialogue checks, making Persuasion a powerful tool for peaceful resolutions and advantageous negotiations.
2. Perception
   • Importance: Perception is critical for detecting hidden traps, treasures, and understanding NPC intentions. It enhances exploration by revealing secrets that might otherwise go unnoticed.
   • Utility: A high Perception score can prevent ambushes and help avoid environmental hazards, making it indispensable for survival in the game.
3. Stealth
   • Importance: Proficiency in Stealth allows characters to move unseen, enabling ambush tactics or avoiding confrontations altogether. This skill is especially useful for characters who prefer a more tactical approach.
   • Utility: Initiating combat from a hidden position can provide a significant advantage, allowing players to control engagements more effectively.
4. Athletics
   • Importance: Athletics is essential for physical challenges, allowing characters to push enemies off ledges or perform other strength-based maneuvers. It also helps resist being shoved by opponents.
   • Utility: This skill is useful in both combat scenarios and exploration, as it enables characters to navigate the environment more effectively.
5. Insight
   • Importance: Insight helps players discern the true intentions of NPCs, making it easier to detect lies during conversations. This skill enhances decision-making and can lead to better outcomes in dialogue.
   • Utility: It provides a strategic advantage by allowing players to gauge situations accurately, which is crucial for roleplaying and negotiation.

By focusing on these skills, beginners can create a well-rounded character capable of handling various challenges in Baldur’s Gate 3, from combat encounters to intricate social interactions.

How do I choose the right skills for my character’s class

Choosing the right skills for your character in Baldur’s Gate 3 is crucial for maximizing your effectiveness in both combat and social interactions. Here are some key considerations to guide your selection based on your character’s class and playstyle:

Key Considerations for Skill Selection

1. Class Synergy
   • Each class has strengths that can be complemented by specific skills. For example, Rogues benefit greatly from Stealth and Sleight of Hand, allowing them to excel in ambush tactics and thievery, while Bards should focus on Persuasion to leverage their charisma in social encounters.
2. Role in the Party
   • Assess what roles your party needs. If your group lacks a healer or a face for social interactions, consider skills like Medicine or Persuasion to fill those gaps. Conversely, if you have strong combat capabilities, you might prioritize skills that enhance exploration, such as Perception to detect traps and secrets.
3. Common Skill Checks
   • Certain skills are frequently used across various scenarios. For instance:
     • Perception: Essential for spotting hidden objects and threats.
     • Insight: Helps discern the true intentions of NPCs during dialogues.
     • Persuasion/Deception: Vital for negotiating outcomes and influencing others.
4. Character Background
   • Your character’s background can provide additional proficiencies that enhance specific skills. For example, a character with a background in criminal activities might start with proficiency in Stealth or Sleight of Hand, making them more effective in those areas from the outset.
5. Personal Playstyle
   • Consider how you enjoy playing the game. If you prefer a diplomatic approach, focusing on charisma-based skills like Persuasion or Intimidation will be beneficial. If you lean towards tactical combat, skills like Acrobatics and Athletics can provide advantages during encounters.

Recommended Skills by Class

• Fighter/Barbarian: Focus on Athletics and Intimidation for physical prowess and combat presence.
• Rogue: Prioritize Stealth, Sleight of Hand, and possibly Acrobatics for mobility.
• Wizard/Sorcerer: Invest in Arcana, along with a social skill like Persuasion, to navigate both magical and conversational challenges.
• Cleric/Druid: Skills like Medicine and Nature will enhance their healing capabilities and knowledge of the environment.

By carefully considering these factors, you can choose skills that not only align with your class but also enhance your overall gameplay experience in Baldur’s Gate 3.