Heading 3: Proficiency in Baldur’s Gate 3
Baldur’s Gate 3, developed by Larian Studios, is a CRPG adaptation of the Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition system. While the game makes some changes to the tabletop system, one feature that remains largely untouched is proficiency.
Proficiency in Baldur’s Gate 3 determines whether a character is trained or experienced in a particular skill, weapon, armor, or saving throw. It can grant bonuses or remove penalties when using these abilities. As players progress through the game and make choices regarding their race, class, subclass, and feats, they will gain a range of proficiencies.
Weapon Proficiency is divided into Simple and Martial categories. Most classes in the game grant proficiency in one or both of these categories. However, it is also possible to gain proficiency in individual weapons through race, class, or subclass choices. Using a proficient weapon allows characters to add their Proficiency Bonus to Attack Rolls, and it unlocks a unique Weapon Action for that weapon in Baldur’s Gate 3.
In terms of Armor Proficiency, there are three types: Light Armor, Medium Armor, and Heavy Armor. Each type has its own proficiency requirements. Wearing armor that a character isn’t proficient in will impose disadvantages on Ability Checks, Saving Throws, Attack Rolls, and spellcasting. Proficiency in armor is mostly determined by the character’s class, but additional proficiencies can be gained from subclasses, races, or feats.
Shield Proficiency works similarly to Armor Proficiency. Using a shield without proficiency will impose disadvantages on Ability Checks, Saving Throws, Attack Rolls, and spellcasting. Characters can gain Shield Proficiency through their race, class, subclass, or the Moderately Armored Feat.
Spellcasting Proficiency rarely comes up in Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition, as all spellcasting classes gain proficiency automatically. However, in Baldur’s Gate 3, non-spellcasters can also use scrolls to cast magic. They will not benefit from their Proficiency Bonus when using scrolls, though.
Saving Throw Proficiency is determined by the character’s class and grants bonuses for two specific Saving Throws. Multiclassing does not grant additional Saving Throw Proficiencies, but the Resilient Feat can provide a new Saving Throw Proficiency.
Skill Proficiency allows characters to gain bonuses on Ability Checks for specific skills. Each class grants between two and four Skill Proficiencies of the player’s choice, and backgrounds add another two. Additional Skill Proficiencies can be unlocked through races, feats, and subclasses.
In summary, proficiency plays a crucial role in Baldur’s Gate 3 as it determines a character’s training and experience in various aspects of the game, such as skills, weapons, armor, and saving throws. Players can gain proficiencies through their class, subclass, race, and feats, allowing them to enhance their abilities and make more effective choices in combat and gameplay. Baldur’s Gate 3 is currently available in Early Access on PC, with a release date for PlayStation 5 set for August 3rd, 2023, and an Xbox Series X/S version in development.
