THE BEST Weapons & Armor Beginners Guide | Baldur's Gate 3

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In this Beginners Guide for Weapons & Armor, I'll help you answer "How Does AC Work?" "What are Weapon Proficiencies?" "How do Armor Profiencies work?" and plenty of other questions to to help you in Baldur's Gate 3
0:00 Intro & Summary
1:56 How Does AC Work?
3:29 Armor Types Explained
8:18 Melee Weapons Explained
20:15 Weapon Damage Types
22:25 Ranged Weapons
23:29 Fighting Styles
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#baldursgate3 #guide #beginners #bg3

[@italianspartacus]

Thanks so much for watching today my bros! Let me know if you have any other questions! Follow me on Twitch! ► www.twitch.tv/italianspartacus Multi-classing Rules ►5thsrd.org/rules/multiclassing/ Baldur's Gate 3 Wiki ► bg3.wiki/wiki/Main_Page Beginners Guide to Terms ► kzbin.info/www/bejne/ioLVe42GqdOkeLc Become Part of the Community ► discord.gg/sparty

[@Sevy0815]

Wow thank you so much! Jumped into Baldurs Gate at release with 0 prior experience, tons of fun but a lot to learn haha. This helped me so much!

[@londonrhodes2429]

I'm in the same boat. This dude has the best videos.

[@Kenjiro732]

It is important to note that heavy armor ignores all dex modifiers, positive or NEGATIVE. So my 8 dexterity cleric loses that penalty to his AC when wearing heavy armor

[@M0rmagil]

Just get used to having the lowest initiative! 😜

[@Amzrev]

I looked through so many videos trying to find a good guide and you were the only one that really laid things out clearly! Thanks

[@timrogers8709]

I love how you open your videos in front load the main points… Subscribed and liked the video, keep up with this format. It’s very helpful and it actually makes me want to watch them as opposed to skipping around trying to find the information elsewhere.

[@italianspartacus]

Thanks so much brother! :)

[@kingslaphappy1533]

You are an excellent teacher, just purchased the game this morning and would be lost without these.

[@viktorkovacs5873]

I found and bought a 5k worth medium armor which doesn’t limit the dex AC bonus. I was heading to Withers so fast to reconfig Astarion to get medium armor proficency as wind

[@LIF3nOOb]

Even tough I already had 75h in early access I learned some stuff from your vids. Love it!

[@latenightcynic3582]

@italianspartacus Archery Fighting Style increases the ranged attack roll by +2 which is the "to hit" bonus, it does NOT increase the damage of the ranged weapon. Just a little text note on the video would fix it. Great info though.

[@brianclarkson5300]

I was yelling this at my screen 😅 Rest of the video is very good and informative though

[@michaelkyed3325]

just got BG 3 and must admit im finding your vids, extremly helpful for somebody who doesnt havent the most knowledge in the game, learned a ton from these vids :) plz keep up the great work :)

[@cosminjebe]

Thank you for the very informative video! It helped a lot since i am a total noob in BG3 and DnD.

[@TheDemidem0n]

What a goat. Wasted no time telling you everything in the video. PERFECT Intro to a video (essay) more people should take notes from this guy!! No fat no bullshit no word from a sponsor! Good stuff

[@leogaming6703]

You are the Rick Kackis/ Azcertros/ Houndish of BG3. I love all the content you make in the not yet saturated topic of BG3. I started a Ranger based solely on your beast master video. Keep it up and keep rolling 20s

[@PauZakArtist]

amazing work. best explanation vid I've found so far. gj!

[@Red_since_87]

What a resreshing way to start a video/guide. Thanks man, subbed 👌🏻

[@Wombola]

thanks for getting this weapon guide up Sparacus

[@merciocabrera3546]

Great content man really helpful

[@Xariann]

Thanks, new to D&D and Baldur's Gate series, this was very helpful.

[@italianspartacus]

Glad I could help! :D

[@Eiriki]

This was a great video. Super informative and helpful.

[@terryandjoe]

Loving the content. Thanks for this.

[@ProvokeMe64]

Well done... very informative. Helped me a great deal.

Thanks for this excellent guide bro its detailed and clear

[@markbell5033]

Great video mate

[@JaredPlotts]

Keep up the good work Sparty

[@ChronicLaughter]

Fantastic video with easy to understand content

[@gustavr2618]

super useful, thank you!

[@mad_delirious4073]

Thank you. It took my like 30 minutes to find something that explains the armor system

[@justinmoseley6440]

Great video, so much knowledge.

[@numenorean6408]

Such a great guide!

[@zachmortimer]

Love your videos brother. I always get happy when you're covering a game I'm interested in!

[@ThePaintingCoach]

Doing the Lords work as ever my friend! I am hovering over that buy button!

[@Swede4Trump]

Greetings from Sweden! You,Sir, just got yourself a new subscriber 🎉

[@GaryHost-qs9pg]

I subbed because of how considerately and intelligently this video is made. Thank you for not being just another clown who makes a video with click bait titles and never gets to the point.

[@michelletoni3067]

Thank you for game info, its kinda tricky to figure upgrades & downgrades out, & people want to play this game, but it is definitely different then most games.

[@12463trf]

Trying to prep my understanding before starting lol. God dang there is so much information 😅

[@stuarthatter5584]

I’ve got about 35 hours up in the game and this vid has taught me things, fundamental things, that I have been doing wrong. Thanks for this and all your awesome content mate.

[@italianspartacus]

Glad I could help!!

[@jdyacaman]

Other than that - i really enjoy your videos. You are very talented

[@gameoverinsertcointocontin8102]

Thank you for the video. I would like to know if there are more versatile/finesse weapons like Phalar Aluve later in the game or if the weapon can be improved for a Drow/half-Drow build?

[@gregoryshinn9805]

Thanks for the video

[@joshuamcleod3442]

I respect the front loading of the info.

[@karlotto940]

I didn't need to watch this video but I just wanted to say that your videos are excellent. Thank you for your content

[@MichaelThomas-do9ys]

Well done sir

[@lufasumafalu5069]

u need more sub and view, excellent presentation and narration and detailed yet easy to undrsrand

[@waveTV_]

thanks for the video! maybe you can help clear something up for me? I made a warlock with 2 levels of fighter.. I wanted to be a kind of dual weilding death knight.. anyway I took pact of the blade and two weapon fighting and I have most of my points into DEX/CHA. My main hand I am currently using a short sword ( until I find a good long sword) and in my off hand just a green versatile warhammer that I found. Using pact, my main hand will use my CHA modifier for the attack, but my off hand wont I understand this. But how would I be able to use a long sword in my off hand while still getting a bonus from my dex or charisma? Or would I be forced to using a finesse weapon in my off hand to make use of DEX bonus?

[@ivanvega169]

3:08 100 hours in and I never knew this 😂😂 is so useful

[@lordsalad-hands2564]

I have a glave that says the damage is uigher then the Great sword i have but when i equip it my damage is lower then whats dosplayed on the actual weapon? Im proficient in bothe weapons so im a little lost

[@Ytinasniiable]

Iirc an easy way to categorize armor class is: armor bonus(from armor or natural armor sources like unarmored defense), dex bonus, and shield bonus Sources that fall under the same category dont stack, so the con armor bonus from being a barbarian doesn't stack with armor or mage armor Edit: I should also note that there are "uncategorized" bonuses from rings and such, these do appear to stack properly in game

[@radrielsaphriem8334]

This was a great video. So if I’m understanding this right, a long sword won’t receive the bonus from dueling fighting style when used with a shield in the off hand since it’s a versatile weapon?

[@frankyquilavafireblast895]

Bro, that’s amazing. There’s no strength requirement for heavy armor. I’m a little upset because I made sure to put exactly the strength needed normally in table top for plate. Normally you need 13 strength for chainmale and 15 strength for plate. Currently playing a life domain cleric; might need to go visit Withers to respect my character then. If I can get more constitution, that would be great.

[@nrrdpanda]

Where does quarterstaff fall under? When i had to choose fighting style i chose great weapon fighting but i don't think it does anything for my quarterstaff, because i know i can use quarterstaff in one or two hand but it's considered a versatile weapon so i don't know if the reroll bonus applies.

[@DanJouas]

I want to make a dual wielding character of some kind, and was thinking of dual wielding finesse weapons so that I could lean into dexterity and also use a bow. Fighter class seems cool, so leaning towards that. Got any general tips or advice for what I have in mind? Thanks for all the great content!

[@consolescrub4031]

Fighters, rangers and rogues can all be good for what you have in mind. I believe the first two are capable of getting the 'two weapon fighting' style which is very good for the build (although rogues can take a later level in fighter or ranger to get it if you want to be really sneaky). Without the dual wielding feat the best finesse weapons would be two short swords although you may wish to swap one or both out for a dagger if you have a nice magic one or you enjoy the special weapon abilities more (if you have the feat, two rapiers would be the most damage). Other than that just make sure to keep your dexterity high and maybe wear some light armour to make the most of that dex bonus. You won't hit as hard per swing as a great weapon fighter (there are exceptions like with rogue sneak attack) but you will excel at mopping up weakened targets and dealing consistent damage to low ac enemies like spellcasters allowing you to disrupt their spells more often. You may still wish to use your bonus action going into fights to dip your weapon first if there's something on hand like fire (torches, candles and flaming characters all count). This will improve your damage over later hits. You'll also just look really cool charging enemies with flaming swords. If you do decide to play a rogue I would generally have the automatically use both weapons option on so your higher attack roll will be your attack with sneak attack which will deal significantly more damage. It's less important for the other classes but still useful as your main hand will probably be your better weapon.

[@philgrazi]

Nice video

[@jonathansalazar6921]

Haven't played yet, waiting for PS5 release but, wanted to know if natural armor is a thing in this game?

[@adamjustus3766]

I’d of loved to see some abilities on the weapon proficiency abilities you get

[@Salaundre]

You can toggle the double swing off under your portrait.

[@tomwi5438]

But will the armor pieces be visually modified depending what class i chose?

[@Trenjeska]

wasn't that composite bows that had the heavy modifier or strength requirement at least? (most of what I know is 2nd or 2.5 though ... )

[@filipesilveira5360]

If I'm using a versatile weapon with two hands does it benefits from the great weapon fighting style?

[@formdusktilldeath]

"Now let's take at a Longbow real quick-" I guess that part got cut?

[@ryan3730]

Is there a maximum AC? I’m currently 20. As a attack roll of 20 always hits. I dont need any more armour… right? lol

[@egghook]

Thanks a ton this really helped me out!

[@jonathanpuccetti9258]

Archery fighting style gives +2 to hit, not to damage.

[@Darkseh]

I think I am confused, but I don't think you have shown the longbow, even tho you refer to it later down the video.

[@nickg8100]

What is the special feat bc I want to do that

[@eXampLeFPS]

Quick question - I chose Fighter, and for the other option, I chose Dueling for a +2 to all roles when using a one handed weapon with a free hand. I have a versatile Longsword that can be wielded one handed, or 2 handed. I can’t find an option to wield it one-handed, it is 2 handed. I have seen that you can use a shield in the off-hand and it will then count as one-handed, but I was wondering if there was a way to simply use it one-handed with an empty open hand.

[@acekiing112]

there should be an option under the melee weapon on your bottom left

[@eXampLeFPS]

@@acekiing112 there is not. I have “Use Melee/Ranged Set”, “Toggle Dual Wielding” (which is grayed out and does nothing when pressed), and “Toggle Light Source”

[@eXampLeFPS]

@@acekiing112I re-read the Dueling tooltip, and it says while wielding a melee weapon that is not 2 handed or versatile in one hand, and the other is empty, you do more damage. So Nevermind anyways. Still would like to know if there is a way to wield it in one hand though, just for like… immersion. Anytime I think of a character I think is cool fighting with a sword, it’s always like a Longsword that they are using single handed with no shield in the other. Like in movies and other games.

[@davidcrawford5324]

@@eXampLeFPS versatile weapons have to be forced to the 1h option by keeping a shield in your off hand, otherwise it will always default to 2h. The only 1h weapons you can use with Dueling are either martial or finesse 1h weapons. AFAIK versatile weapons also can't be made to be 1h by putting another weapon in the off hand either.

[@Asari547]

is there a reason why a mage shouldnt wear heavy armour and shield? i dont find anything about heavy armour. and shields... well, they reduce the dmg of melee weapons. but if i only use magic does it still reduce dmg? for exemple a storm cleric or nature cleric as magic range. they both can wear heavy armour or gale can wear light armour and a shield, why shoudlnt he?

[@ClippyChop]

Because of the mage armor spell, it boosts your AC if you’re not wearing armor or a shield. You just have to math out which is going to give you more

[@Yell0wWave]

Is there any advantage or difference to using a weapon that has 2d6 vs 1d12? I don’t see why it would matter

[@MrNopeDope]

Hi there, so it depends and ultimately comes down to a probability array. Yes both 2d6 and 1d12 are capable of getting a 12 but their consistency with min, avg, and max damage will vary. For example 2d6 min roll will be a 2 because there are two die that can each roll a 1. But the d12 min is a 1. The d12 may has an "easier" chance of maxing because it's relying on one roll to get to 12 instead of the chance of two die having to hit six (think of that as more room to miss a 12). However, 2d6 tends to average better over time than 1d12. I think I read 2d6 avgs 7 vs the d12 avg at 6.5. Ultimately, it comes down to what you enjoy (even if what you love is optimization).

[@EverythingWasGreat]

Yes

[@okamiv5]

hated finding a pair of boots that had great concentration buffs that would be great for gale, but them being medium armor, blah.

[@Epockite]

just a note, the wrong armor class does affect spell casting, are you on explorer difficulty? I think that may be why.

[@italianspartacus]

I said it does :) if you don't have the proficiency, then you can't cast spells in that armor

[@davidcrawford5324]

He was referring to an older D&D rule that states that any sort of metallic armor will prevent magic from being used. It discouraged caster classes from trying to wear it for balance reasons. Like it was part of the lore basically. Now they've updated the rules and said that no longer applies, and instead you receive a disadvantage on rolls when trying to use armor you aren't proficient with across the board whether you are a magic user or not. Man I'm old because I distinctly remember that in the player's manual during 3rd edition era or so back when I was in highschool haha. That was back when we were using THAC0 rules too. THAC0 was so convoluted though it's no wonder D&D put a lot of people off in the early days

[@eloquentsarcasm]

​@davidcrawford5324 To Hit Armor Class Zero, man that brings back memories, lol. Still have my Chainmail rules.

[@Asari547]

whats the difference between simple and martial? spear and trident for exemple... they seem to be exactly the same. other than one being a martial weapon. the same dmg, both veratile, both for throwing, both piercing

[@italianspartacus]

You can throw tridents I believe? Other than that, there isn't a difference! :)

[@Asari547]

​@@italianspartacus you can throw both of them xD thanks^^

[@davidcrawford5324]

Spears are the more simple form of the trident. Being a martial weapon means that any class that doesn't have access to that proficiency can't use them effectively, thus the trident is reserved for fighters/barbarians or any other similar class archetype. Although the damage might be the same, check to see what added abilities that weapon grants vs the spear...therein lies the difference. Spears only grant Rush Attack. Tridents grant that along with both Piercing Strike and Crippling Strike

[@BigFresh37]

It seems the Ranged section was cut short. It says "Let's take a look at the Longbow" and then dives off the topic, haha. Specifically, I need to know more about how Ammunition & Loading works.

[@italianspartacus]

Ugh that's so annoying dude I wasn't aware I did that. It isnt in the game like it is in 5e, so it's not something you need to worry about :D

[@davidcrawford5324]

Yeah there is no ammo you have to buy, they just work as though you had infinite arrows or bolts in your quiver, which also doesn't exist lol

[@BigFresh37]

@@italianspartacus Oh good. I know nothing about D&D, but I was deep diving on the BG3 wiki and it mentioned Ammo, but had no other information. I guess that’s why! That’s good news.

[@Gil_Vale]

So if you're going Dex as your main stat would two weapons be better than great weapons? And is it like Elden Ring where there are Strength weapons and Dex weapons? eg. Daggers are Dex so using them with Str is useless.

[@dubiousdevil9572]

Two handed heavy weapons are for STR. If you're using DEX your best bet is ranged weapons or weapons with the 'finesse' property like rapiers. It's nothing like Elden Ring, it's all based on 5e. I suggest reading 5e rules. In 5e, duel wielding isn't that good at all. Idk if that translates exactly the same in BG3 but in actual dnd it sucks.

[@Gil_Vale]

@@dubiousdevil9572 Gotcha, thanks. I want to use sword, shield and a bow and be a Ranger. So I was wondering if I need to spec much into strength, but from what you're saying unless I want to use two handers I don't really need strength.

[@Gil_Vale]

@@dubiousdevil9572 Sorry one more thing how do you find out what weapons use what stat? Is it in the 5e rules?

[@dubiousdevil9572]

@Vermillion969 the only weapons that can use DEX are ranged weapons and weapons with the finesse property. If you're going to be a ranger, your main stats to focus on would be DEX, CON, and WIS. DEX being your highest of course. Tbh I'd dump STR, keep it an 8 or a 10. INT would be pretty useless for a ranger as well I'd use a longbow for range and a rapier for your melee.

[@Gil_Vale]

@@dubiousdevil9572 Okay thanks 👍

[@user-ti5rb1mx5x]

So thats what AC means. Only 180 hours in, figured i should learn this

[@456hanover]

Is there a way to use a versatile weapon one handed with an empty off hand?

[@davidcrawford5324]

No and that is why the Dueling feat specifically states that versatile weapons can't be used with it

[@lexolus1308]

Your wood elf looks like the rock, or the wook

[@alexanderkesterson6338]

Thank you heavy armor wizard is just weird right

[@davidcrawford5324]

Exactly, which is why they are denied the heavy armor proficiency feat. They would be too OP

[@leonard9624]

man DnD is confusing lol. still cant get how to check how much damage a weapon does aside from the bonus from proficiencies

[@clarkyh2014]

Does Heavy armour affect movement? I think I need to respec my Paladin

[@dubiousdevil9572]

In 5e you need to meet a certain STR requirement to wear heavy armor or you recoeve a movement penalty. The 3 main stats you need to focus on as a Paladin are STR, CON, and CHA. I'd make STR your highest stat and probably CON your second highest, but try to have a +2 in CHA at least.

[@davidcrawford5324]

Only for purposes of stealth like sneaking and hiding. You have penalties on rolls for those actions with heavy armor. Movement is affected by your STR stat. The higher your STR the farther you can move and jump per turn

[@kroanosm617]

What about arrows?

[@geniuswastaken]

Sad to see you didn't include the Squeaky Toy Destroyer build that your dog was using in the background.

[@italianspartacus]

He's very quiet about his builds won't tell me a damn thing ;) hahahha

[@thomasw9587]

Pressing T is so clunky. I wish they used a focus lock timer like CK3

[@mobgoblin7016]

Dexadin try it

[@airyshark324]

This game just makes my head turn to gooo

[@Voice_of_a_dragon]

So the higher your AC the more damage you can take?

[@thezeke8510]

Your armour class is basically a skill check. Their dice needs to beat your armour's check

[@Vaako1337]

Everburn Blade from the Tiefling Commander? Oof... Poor Tieflings even getting discriminated against in the real world. Tsk tsk tsk lumping Tieflings in with demons and devils.

[@ecargfosreya]

Just gonna put this out there, if anyone is going to play the dark urge character, you get access to some thing that makes still play very fun

[@DIEGhostfish]

At the absurdly high levels in old editions if you didn't have a class ability to let you ignore the max dex bonus armor became kinda bad as it went up.

[@ElGarlando]

comment for algorithm, :)

[@VelcroKittie]

01:13 That's racist Just kidding. Totally new to this game and winging my first play through. I'm having so much fun but I haven't a clue what I am doing or why I'm wearing what. It's hilarious, hence I'm here. I'm just putting stuff on because it says it's rare and sounds dangerous.

[@2138Dude]

So basically there is no point in heavy armor

[@italianspartacus]

So if I'm a fighter, I might not have the best dexterity. Heavy armor allows me to shore up the lack of dexterity modifier from. My non existent dexterity so I can still compete in later levels. Same goes for someone who can't wear heavy :) it's top end ac is usually pretty chunky! At the beginning of the game, it's lesss that way

[@difanxu8295]

It benefits some classes e.g. paladin usually needs to have high strength, charisma and consititution, for opitmization dex usually is a dump ability and sitting at 8, which is -1 AC if wearing medium and light armor, but since paladin has heavy armor prophecy dex doesnt affect AC if wearing heavy armor

[@2138Dude]

@@difanxu8295 I prefer charisma as a dump stat. I rerolled laezel and she is 18-14-16-10-10-8. I think this is the best stat distribution for a melee. +2 str comes from feat at lvl 4. My main char is a bard so he handles all conversations

[@difanxu8295]

@@2138Dude But laezel is a fighter, not paladin so she doesnt need charisma, what I said was for classes like paladin, which is pretty MAD (Multiple Ability Dependent), they'll have to dump dex so heavy armor is useful in that case

[@dubiousdevil9572]

There's a lot of point to heavy armor

[@WI-FI_GOD]

😰

[@TheGubmint]

"If I were to give her really good heavy armor". Keep dreaming. How many weeks do you have to play this game before you get anything better than ring? Big miss on the complete lack of heavy armor in this game.

[@markhurley3714]

Random comment for KZbin algorithm

[@gtamike_TSGK]

Beginner video that shows special spoilers straight away 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@italianspartacus]

a 5 year old trailer 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@theg0z0n]

Calls it a beginner guide... Uses b-roll with tons of spoilers

[@italianspartacus]

They're the trailers that have been out for 3+ years. You know, like a movie trailer brother :)

[@theg0z0n]

@@italianspartacus makes content for beginners, thinks we've watched the three year old trailers Ok fine, you win this round. I just didn't know there were mimics, lol.

[@italianspartacus]

I actually haven't even watched them hahaha sorry man I wasn't even aware of that

[@jdyacaman]

Its annoying that you say in every video, stop if you are not interested in the rest - everyone does that, buts its annoying that every single fk video you say that then explain. Stop 🛑 doing this

[@LeoBoobi]

I just dont get the limited to +2 thing. In what sence, at what situation? Does it make light weapons less effective? Its the only thing i really dont understand. Whats the downgrade to just up the Armor Class as much as possible on my monk?

[@sauromatae9728]

Isn't archery fighting style a +2 to chance to hit rather than damage? While dueling is just plain +2 to damage

[@natcal4979]

Yeah

[@Choronzon666]

Has anyone ever told you you sou d like binging with babbish?

[@italianspartacus]

Andrew Rea and I also look alike too only I don't wear glasses and I lift lots of weights :D

[@Choronzon666]

😂😂😂