Summary
Baldur’s Gate 3has a pretty intricate weapon system, with over twenty different weapon types divided into different Proficiency categories that can be wielded among twelve classes. Add to that the various feats, Fighting Styles, and magical items that grant weapon proficiency, and players can fine-tune each party member’s arsenal for maximum damage.
But with so many different types to choose from, it’s not always apparent at first glance who should wield what. After all, just because someonecanwield a sword doesn’t mean theyshould. Here are some of the best weapon types inBaldur’s Gate 3and which classes they’re best suited for.
8Maces
Club Foes To Death With These Bone-Breaking Weapons
Maces are underrated classics. Most players overlook them in favor of other Bludgeoning weapons, like battle hammers or flails. But while it’s true that there aren’tmany powerful maces, this weapon type is still home to one of the most overpowered weapons in the game:The Blood of Lathander.
The best part is almost every class can wield maces, though they’re best paired with shields on a Cleric.
6Rapiers
A Dashingly Sharp One-Handed Weapon
Rapiers are a duellist’s best friend. The Duelling Fighting Style was practically designed with rapiers in mind. However, just because a classcanuse a rapier doesn’t mean theyshould. They’retheFinesse weapon, meaning their attack rolls are determined by Dexterity rather than Strength.
This means that Dexterity-based classes like Rangers or Bards get much more mileage from rapiers than, say, Barbs or Paladins. Heck, there are evena few choice rapiersfor a Pact of the Blade Warlock.
4Shortswords
A Dominating Sharp & Small Weapon
Out of the three main types of swords, shortswords sound like they’d be the weakest. Nothing says “runt of the litter” like having “short” in your name, right? However, most players would agree that longswords are the oft-forgotten middle child of the family. After all, greatswords are the two-handed powerhouses, andshortswords dominatewith quick burst damage.
A shortsword in the right hand is dangerous. A shortsword in both hands is lethal. Dual-wielder classes like Fighters and Rangers can wipe the floor with these little guys, though the Assassin Rogue is a personal favorite.
3Longbows
A Solid Choice For Those With Precise Aim
Anyone proficient in Martial Weapons who doesn’t have a heavy crossbow should absolutely wield a longbow. They’re stronger than shortbows and, with a good Dexterity modifier, can perform even better than heavy crossbows.
In fact, even classes that don’t come pre-packaged with longbow proficiency should consider longbows. Rogues especially can become excellent snipers, if they take the Weapon Master feat.
2Quarterstaves
A Weapon Of Choice For Monks
Quarterstaves are gifts from the Faerun gods for two reasons. The first is that they aretheweapon of choice for Monks, boosting their Unarmed Attacks. The second and arguably more important reason is that they’re not just staves; they’remagicstaves. The best quarterstaves come packed with a free spell or two and will give spellcasters a bonus to their saving throws and Spell DC.
So, while classes that primarily use quarterstaves are few and far between, the ones that do use them arelethal.
1Greatswords
Perfect For Barbarians & Paladins
Greatswords are, without doubt, the heaviest-hitting weapons in the game. As two-handed weapons with massive damage output, they are a tank’s most trusted ally. Give them to any class with the Great Weapon Fighting style, and watch the carnage unfurl.
There are alsoplenty of greatswordsto find throughout the game, which means there are plenty to go around. No need for Lae’zel, Karlach, and Minthara to fight each other over who gets what.Everyonecan be a killing machine together!
