Is Dual Wielding Good in BG3?
When it comes to dual wielding in Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3), it’s important to consider the mechanics and whether it is actually worth it for your character. Dual wielding refers to the act of wielding a weapon in each hand, and it can be quite tempting to engage in this playstyle for the added flair and damage potential. However, in BG3, the system works a bit differently compared to other games, and the effectiveness of dual wielding is questionable.
To start, let’s discuss the basic mechanics of dual wielding in BG3. By default, without any specific class features or feats, dual wielding allows you to attack with both weapons during your turn. However, the damage of your off-hand attack is significantly reduced, and you do not add your ability modifier to its damage. This means that your off-hand attacks will deal less damage overall, making them less impactful in combat.
To overcome this limitation and make dual wielding more viable, you need the Two-Weapon Fighting style, which is available to Fighters and Rangers. This style allows you to add your ability modifier to the damage of your off-hand attacks. Without this style, your off-hand attacks will feel lackluster and may not be worth the investment.
Additionally, to further enhance your dual wielding capabilities, you will need the Dual Wielding feat. This feat allows you to wield weapons that are not light and provides a +1 bonus to your Armor Class (AC) while dual wielding. It is important to note that in BG3, the feat selection is limited, and you may have to sacrifice other potentially more impactful feats to take Dual Wielding.
Now, let’s consider the drawbacks of dual wielding in BG3. Firstly, dual wielding requires you to have two weapons equipped, which means you may not have a free hand for other actions, such as using items or casting spells with somatic components. This limitation can hinder your versatility in combat, as you may need to constantly switch between dual wielding and using other abilities.
Furthermore, dual wielding may not be the most efficient use of your character’s actions. In BG3, the action economy is crucial, and using your bonus action to make an off-hand attack may not always be the optimal choice. There are often other, more impactful ways to utilize your bonus action, such as using class features or spells that can significantly impact the outcome of a battle.
It is also worth mentioning that the damage output of dual wielding may not be as significant as it seems. While the potential for two attacks per turn can seem appealing, the reduced damage of the off-hand attack and the need for specific class features and feats to make it more viable can make dual wielding less effective compared to other combat styles.
In my personal experience, I have found that focusing on a single weapon and maximizing its damage output tends to be more efficient and reliable in BG3. By focusing on one weapon, you can take advantage of features and feats that enhance its damage, such as the Great Weapon Fighting style or the Sharpshooter feat. This allows you to deal more consistent and impactful damage, rather than relying on dual wielding.
While dual wielding may seem appealing in BG3, it is generally not considered to be the most optimal choice for most characters. The reduced damage of the off-hand attack and the need for specific class features and feats make dual wielding less effective compared to other combat styles. However, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and playstyle, so if you enjoy the flair and theme of dual wielding, you can still make it work with the right combination of class features and feats.