Strength is one of the six core ability scores in Baldur’s Gate 3, a role-playing game developed by Larian Studios. It is a crucial attribute for certain classes, particularly those that engage in close-quarters combat. The Strength ability score directly influences a character’s physical power, muscle, and bodily prowess.
How Strength Works In Baldur’s Gate 3
- Attack and Damage Rolls: Strength is primarily used for attack and damage rolls when using a melee weapon such as a sword or an axe. A higher Strength score can increase the chances of successfully hitting an enemy and also increase the amount of damage inflicted.
- Carrying Capacity: Your Strength score also affects your encumbrance, giving you the ability to carry 15lbs of items per point of Strength. This is the maximum amount of weight you can carry, and you’ll start suffering penalties when your carry weight is at ⅔ your maximum load. When the weight you’re carrying surpasses five times your Strength score, you become encumbered, resulting in a decrease in your speed by 10 feet. However, if the weight you’re carrying exceeds ten times your Strength score, up to your maximum carrying capacity, you become heavily encumbered. This state not only reduces your speed by 20 feet but also puts you at a disadvantage during ability checks, attack rolls, and saving throws that involve Strength, Dexterity, or Constitution.
- Strength Checks: Strength checks come into play when a character is climbing, trying to hold onto objects or surfaces, jumping, swimming, pushing, pulling, lifting objects, forcing open doors, or breaking free from bonds or restraints. These checks are influenced by your Strength Ability Score modifier.
- Strength Saving Throws: Strength is also used for saving throws against effects that require physical power to resist, such as being pushed or knocked down.
Impact Of Strength On Character Classes In Baldur’s Gate 3
Certain classes in Baldur’s Gate 3 benefit more from a high Strength score than others:
- Fighter: As a class that often relies on melee combat, Fighters greatly benefit from a high Strength score. It increases their effectiveness in combat by improving their attack and damage rolls.
- Barbarian: Barbarians, known for their raw power and rage, also benefit from a high Strength score. It enhances their combat abilities and increases their carrying capacity.
- Paladin: Paladins, who are often front-line fighters, can also benefit from a high Strength score. It can improve their combat effectiveness and their ability to resist physical effects.
- Ranger: While Rangers can focus on Dexterity for ranged attacks, those who prefer melee combat can also benefit from a high Strength score.
Tips for Managing Strength
- Prioritize for Melee Classes: If you’re playing a class that relies on melee combat, prioritize increasing your Strength score during character creation and leveling up.
- Use Items: Certain items and equipment can temporarily boost your Strength score or provide bonuses to Strength-based checks.
- Balance with Other Abilities: While Strength is important, don’t neglect other ability scores. Balance your Strength with other relevant abilities for your class.
Strength Score and Strength Modifier
The Strength Score and its corresponding modifier range from 1 (-5 modifier) to 30 (+10 modifier). The higher the score, the higher the modifier, and the more significant the impact on the game’s various aspects.
STR Score | STR Modifier |
---|---|
1 | -5 |
2-3 | -4 |
4-5 | -3 |
6-7 | -2 |
8-9 | -1 |
10-11 | 0 |
12-13 | +1 |
14-15 | +2 |
16-17 | +3 |
18-19 | +4 |
20-21 | +5 |
22-23 | +6 |
24-25 | +7 |
26-27 | +8 |
28-29 | +9 |
30 | +10 |
That’s all you need to know about strength ability in Baldur’s Gate 3.