Mastering the Melee: Which Classes Get a Second Attack in Baldur’s Gate 3?
The thrill of combat in Baldur’s Gate 3 often hinges on the number of attacks you can unleash per turn. A second attack can be the difference between victory and a swift trip to the afterlife. So, which classes get this powerful advantage, and how does it all work? Let’s dive in!
In Baldur’s Gate 3, several classes gain the ability to make a second attack in a single turn through the Extra Attack feature, typically acquired at level 5. These classes include Fighters, Paladins, Rangers, Barbarians, and Monks. Furthermore, Warlocks utilizing the Thirsting Blade invocation also benefit from an additional attack. Bards following the College of Valor subclass gain this ability at level 6. Additionally, any character can dual wield weapons with the ‘Light’ characteristic. Doing so allows you to make an additional attack as a bonus action, opening up offensive opportunities for all classes, though at the cost of that bonus action being used for other things.
Understanding Extra Attack and Dual Wielding
It’s crucial to understand the distinction between Extra Attack and Dual Wielding. Extra Attack is a class feature that allows you to make multiple attacks with your action. Dual wielding, on the other hand, allows any class to make an additional attack as a bonus action, provided they are wielding two light weapons. This allows even classes without the Extra Attack feature, like Rogues or Clerics, to make multiple attacks per turn, though usually at the cost of a bonus action.
The Power of Action Economy
Effective combat in Baldur’s Gate 3 isn’t just about raw damage; it’s about managing your action economy. Every action, bonus action, and reaction counts. While dual wielding grants an extra attack, it consumes your bonus action, which could otherwise be used for abilities like Hiding (for Rogues), Healing Word (for Clerics), or applying status effects. Classes with Extra Attack can still use their bonus action for other strategic options.
FAQs: All About Extra Attacks in Baldur’s Gate 3
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the intricacies of additional attacks in Baldur’s Gate 3:
1. Do Rogues get Extra Attack in BG3?
No, Rogues do not receive the Extra Attack feature. Their strength lies in dealing substantial damage with a single attack, particularly through Sneak Attack, and utilizing their bonus action for tactical maneuvers like Dash, Disengage, or Hide. They can, however, dual wield light weapons.
2. Can you get Extra Attack from two classes by Multiclassing?
No, the Extra Attack feature does not stack. If you multiclass two classes that grant Extra Attack, you will only gain one instance of the feature. Therefore, maximizing the Extra Attack ability is generally not a viable multiclassing strategy.
3. At what level do classes get a second attack?
Most martial classes (Fighter, Paladin, Ranger, Barbarian, Monk) gain Extra Attack at level 5. The College of Valor Bard gets it at level 6, and Warlocks get it at level 5 by taking the Thirsting Blade invocation.
4. Does dual wielding give you two attacks?
Dual Wielding allows you to attack once with your main hand weapon during your action, and then make one additional attack with your off-hand weapon as a bonus action. This differs from Extra Attack, which allows you to attack multiple times with your main hand weapon during your action, freeing up your bonus action for other maneuvers.
5. Do Clerics get multi attack?
No, Clerics do not naturally gain the Extra Attack feature. Only War Clerics get the ability to make two attacks under specific conditions. While they can dual wield light weapons, they must sacrifice their bonus action to do so.
6. What are the best two-handed weapons for maximizing damage with extra attacks?
Some of the best two-handed weapons in Baldur’s Gate 3 include:
- Balduran’s Giantslayer: Excellent damage and effects against large foes.
- Nyrulna: A powerful trident that deals lightning damage and provides utility.
- Silver Sword of the Astral Plane: Strong against githyanki and deals radiant damage.
7. Can you dual wield longswords in BG3?
No, you cannot dual wield longswords unless you take the Dual Wielder feat. Longswords are not classified as “light” weapons, which is a requirement for dual wielding without the feat. Without the feat, you must use light weapons, such as daggers, shortswords, scimitars, handaxes, or light hammers.
8. Do any feats give you extra attack?
The Dual Wielder feat itself doesn’t grant Extra Attack. It allows you to dual wield weapons that aren’t normally eligible (like non-light weapons), and increases your AC while dual wielding, but it doesn’t give you the Extra Attack feature. Classes get the Extra Attack feature through leveling up.
9. How does Action Surge interact with Extra Attack?
The Fighter’s Action Surge ability grants you an additional action on your turn. This means a level 5 Fighter with Extra Attack can use their first action to attack twice, and then use their Action Surge to gain another action and attack twice more, resulting in four attacks in a single turn.
10. What’s the difference between Extra Attack and an extra action?
Extra Attack allows you to make multiple attack rolls when you take the Attack action. An extra action, granted by abilities like Action Surge, gives you an entirely separate action to use. This action can be used for anything, including another Attack action (benefiting from Extra Attack if you have it), casting a spell, or taking other strategic actions.
11. Is dual wielding good in BG3?
Dual Wielding can be effective, especially early in the game, for classes lacking the Extra Attack feature. However, it comes at the cost of your bonus action, and the damage output might be lower compared to using a two-handed weapon or a weapon and shield combination, especially if you’re not optimized for it.
12. Do Bards get extra attack?
Yes, Bards of the College of Valor subclass gain Extra Attack at level 6. This significantly enhances their combat capabilities, making them more effective melee combatants alongside their spellcasting.
13. What is the best subclass for the Ranger in BG3 for maximizing attacks?
While the Beast Master subclass is powerful, especially for its companion, the Hunter subclass can be argued as being slightly better for maximizing attacks due to features like Hunter’s Mark and Colossus Slayer, which add extra damage to your attacks and stack well with Extra Attack.
14. If I dual wield, do I need a feat to reduce the penalty?
There is no accuracy penalty in Baldur’s Gate 3 for dual wielding light weapons, but you do not add your ability modifier to the damage of the off-hand attack, unless you take the Two-Weapon Fighting style (available to Fighters, Rangers, and some other classes/subclasses). The Dual Wielder feat simply unlocks the ability to dual wield non-light weapons.
15. Can Monks make an additional attack?
Monks do not gain extra attack through dual wielding, as their bonus action will almost always be reserved for their Martial Arts attacks. Instead, they use Extra Attack and flurry of blows for additional attacks.
Mastering Your Attack Strategy
Understanding how to maximize your attacks is key to success in Baldur’s Gate 3. Whether you rely on the Extra Attack feature, dual wielding, or a combination of both, optimizing your strategy and action economy will make you a formidable force on the battlefield. Remember to consider your class, subclass, feats, and equipment choices to create a character that can dish out the most damage efficiently.
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That’s it! You are now equipped with the knowledge to dominate the combat encounters of Baldur’s Gate 3, and you’re now more than ready to venture forth and forge your destiny!