In Baldur’s Gate 3, the art of weapon dipping is a game-changer, allowing players to coat their weapons with elemental effects and enhance their damage output. This unique mechanic, available from the start, transforms ordinary encounters into strategic battles as players experiment with various surfaces—be it fire, poison, or even blood—to create devastating combinations. Whether you’re igniting your foes with flaming swords or ensnaring them in toxic traps, mastering the dip action can turn the tide of combat and unlock new layers of gameplay. Discover how to wield this powerful technique effectively and elevate your adventure in the Forgotten Realms.
Dipping is one of the bonus actions. This means that the action is always on the protagonist’s action bar. It is available from the very beginning of the game and applies to all party members, not just the main character.
Dipping can be used at any point in the game, even when you are exploring the world in real-time. Since this is a bonus action, using dipping during combat will not affect either the character’s ability to move or to activate one of the main actions in the same turn (e.g. attack with a weapon or cast a spell).
As the name suggests, you can dip your currently selected weapon in something – this action is available for both melee and ranged weapons.
The dipping action can have many different variations, with the most common one being the dipping a weapon in flames – an example of this action is shown in the image above. You can dip a weapon in flames, for example, by interacting with a torch, candelabra, or simply into something that is burning. After that, your weapon will be able to inflict fire damage or shoot fire projectiles (that can detonate poisonous fumes).
Weapons can also be dipped in other places, such as blood or oily substances. It is highly recommended to experiment with elements of the environment to see if you can use dipping on them.
What are the best surfaces to dip weapons into for maximum damage
In Baldur’s Gate 3, weapon dipping is a powerful mechanic that allows players to coat their weapons with various elemental effects for enhanced damage. Here are the best surfaces to dip your weapons into for maximum damage:
Top Surfaces for Weapon Dipping
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Fire Sources:
- Description: Dip your weapon in flames from torches, candelabras, or burning objects.
- Effect: Inflicts an additional 1d4 fire damage for up to 3 turns. This can also ignite flammable objects and enemies, creating explosive opportunities in combat.
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Poison Pools:
- Description: Use toxins that create a poison pool on the ground.
- Effect: Dipping into this pool grants an additional 1d4 poison damage. The poison effect can last until the next long rest, making it a strategic choice for prolonged encounters26.
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Purple Worm Toxin:
- Description: Found in specific locations, this toxin can be thrown to create a lasting poison surface.
- Effect: Weapons dipped in this toxin gain a potent poison effect that can last for 10 turns, dealing consistent damage and imposing disadvantage on Dexterity saving throws for affected targets.
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Oily Substances (e.g., Arsonist’s Oil):
- Description: Dipping into oils can create a slippery surface that enhances fire damage.
- Effect: Weapons coated with oil can deal extra fire damage if the target is subsequently hit by fire attacks, amplifying overall damage potential in combination with area-of-effect spells like Fireball.
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Blood:
- Description: Dipping weapons into blood can be effective during combat.
- Effect: While not as common, this method can provide unique interactions depending on the scenario and may enhance certain abilities or effects based on character classes or skills.
Summary
Experimenting with these surfaces not only boosts your weapon’s damage but also opens up tactical options during battles. Whether igniting foes with fire or poisoning them with toxins, mastering the dip mechanic can significantly enhance your combat effectiveness in Baldur’s Gate 3.
What are the most effective poison coatings for weapons
In Baldur’s Gate 3, utilizing effective poison coatings on weapons can significantly enhance your combat capabilities. Here are the most powerful and effective poison coatings to consider for maximum damage:
Most Effective Poison Coatings
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Crawler Mucus:
- Effect: Inflicts paralysis on a failed Constitution saving throw, making it one of the most debilitating poisons available. Paralyzed enemies cannot take actions, and all attacks against them are critical hits within a certain range.
- Rarity: Very Rare
- Source: Can be obtained from Malus Thorm after defeating him in Chapter Two.
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Purple Worm Toxin:
- Effect: Deals an additional 1d10 poison damage when attacking. If thrown, it can create a puddle that lasts for 10 turns, allowing multiple characters to benefit from its effects.
- Rarity: Very Rare
- Source: Found in late-game areas and can be obtained from specific NPCs like Sister Lidwin or Derryth Bonecloak.
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Wyvern Toxin:
- Effect: Grants an extra 1d8 poison damage on successful attacks without requiring a saving throw, making it straightforward and effective for consistent damage output.
- Rarity: Rare
- Source: Can be acquired early in Chapter One from Nettie at Emerald Grove; further doses require finding Wyvern Stingers.
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Thisobald’s Brewed-Up Bellyglummer:
- Effect: Forces enemies to make a DC 17 Constitution saving throw or take 1d6 poison damage at the end of their turns, alongside applying the poisoned condition which gives disadvantage on attack rolls.
- Rarity: Very Rare
- Source: Found in Thisobald Thorm’s alchemy workshop during Act Two.
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Drow Poison:
- Effect: Causes the poisoned condition, which imposes disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks, making it useful for debuffing enemies.
- Rarity: Rare
- Source: Can be found in various locations throughout the game, often dropped by Drow enemies.
Summary
These coatings not only enhance damage but also provide strategic advantages by inflicting debilitating status effects on opponents. By selecting the right poison for your character’s playstyle, you can turn the tide of battle in your favor in Baldur’s Gate 3.
