Baldur's Gate 3's turn-based combat system is based on Dungeons and Dragons' ruleset. Despite the isometric view and turn-based mechanics, combat in Baldur's Gate 3 is surprisingly dynamic and offers players virtually limitless options. There are many different types of damage characters can deal to enemies, with damage over time and status effects needing to be mitigated either by other party members or themselves.
Some damage types can inflict Conditions, which can inflict damage at the start of every turn, give Disadvantage to Saving Throws, force them to miss their turn, or force them to miss their Action or Bonus Action. Building a strategy around these damage types so that other party members can take advantage of these Conditions can be a viable strategy in Baldur's Gate 3, and there are a number of items, actions, and spells that can facilitate them.
Baldur's Gate 3: The Best Two-Handed Weapons
For a heavier offense, here's which two-handed weapons are the strongest in Baldur's Gate 3.
The Effect of the Bleeding Condition in Baldur's Gate 3
One type of damage that can be overlooked because of the small amount of damage it inflicts is Bleeding damage. Bleeding is a Condition that is applied to an enemy or ally in combat. While active, it deals 2 Slashing damage to the affected character at the start of each turn, and gives them Disadvantage on Constitution Saving Throws. This is an underrated Condition that has the potential to turn the tide of mob and boss battles.
While 2 Slashing damage isn't a lot, it does stack over sustained battles and is especially useful against mob enemies such as goblins or gnolls. Getting Disadvantage on Constitution Saving Throws is the bigger win, as many spells and potions rely on beating a Constitution Saving Throw to succeed. This effect could make all the difference in difficult battles, particularly boss battles where applying Conditions is somewhat tricky, and where the enemy could be shrugging off or dodging damage. Some of the toughest bosses in Baldur's Gate 3, such as Malus Thorm and Orin, use Bleeding as a core part of their offensive set.
Strategies to Apply Bleeding in Baldur's Gate 3
Not only is applying Bleeding useful in helping poisons and spells succeed, but Bleeding can also be applied in many different ways in Baldur's Gate 3. Some of these include:
- Scrap and Shrapnel Grenade
- Spiked Bulb
- Lacerate (Weapon)
- Spiritual Weapon (Greatsword, Greataxe, Halberd) attacks
- Rupturing Blade
- Amulet of Bhaal (Acquired in Act 3)
The Barbarian subclass Wildheart: Tiger Heart allows the Barbarian to apply Bleeding to multiple enemies at once, although with the caveat that it only applies half the normal damage. With multiple enemies Bleeding, the chances of magical items and spells succeeding against them are far greater, applying their effects en masse. Add the 2 Slashing damage to each enemy with the Bleeding Condition at the start of each of their turns, and the effects are potentially devastating. The Slayer form is also designed around inflicting Bleeding, where it simultaneously heals from the blood of those it injures.
While this can be a useful strategy, it can be annoying to have the Bleeding Condition applied to the player's party in combat, especially when there are multiple enemies who are capable of applying it. The Bleeding Condition can only be removed in combat with healing, either with a potion or a spell. Enemies that apply the Bleeding Condition include the Underdark's Kuo-toa, Redcaps, and Bhaalists, who become particularly dangerous when combining Bleeding with spellwork.
Baldur's Gate 3
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 96 /100 Critics Rec: 97%
- Released
- August 3, 2023
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Larian Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Larian Studios
- Engine
- Divinity 4.0
- Multiplayer
- Online Co-Op, Local Co-Op
- Cross-Platform Play
- Full cross-platform play.
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- RPG
