How do I build a Fighter for two-handed weapons in Baldur's Gate 3?
Building a Fighter for two-handed weapons in Baldur's Gate 3 involves focusing on maximizing damage output, survivability, and versatility in combat. The Fighter class is inherently strong in melee combat, and when optimized for two-handed weapons, it can become a powerhouse on the battlefield. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to achieve this build, covering mechanics, strategies, tips, and common mistakes to avoid.
First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics involved. Fighters in Baldur's Gate 3 use Strength as their primary ability score for melee attacks, which directly affects their attack rolls and damage with two-handed weapons like greatswords, greataxes, and mauls. Dexterity is less important for this build, as two-handed weapons rely on Strength. Constitution is crucial for increasing your hit points, making you more durable in combat. Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma are secondary stats, but you may want to invest a little in Wisdom for better saving throws against certain spells.
When creating your character, choose a race that complements the FighterÔÇÖs strengths. Races like Half-Orc, Githyanki, or Human are excellent choices. Half-Orcs gain bonuses to Strength and Constitution, along with the Savage Attacks feature, which increases critical hit damage. Githyanki have innate proficiency with greatswords and gain a bonus to Strength, making them ideal for this build. Humans gain an extra skill proficiency and a bonus to all ability scores, providing flexibility.
For ability scores, prioritize Strength, followed by Constitution. A good starting spread might be 16 Strength, 14 Constitution, and 12 Dexterity, with the remaining points distributed as you see fit. If youÔÇÖre using the point-buy system, you can adjust these values slightly, but always ensure Strength is your highest stat.
Next, select the Fighting Style at level 1. The Great Weapon Fighting style is the best choice for a two-handed weapon build. This style allows you to reroll 1s and 2s on damage dice, increasing your average damage output. At level 2, you gain Action Surge, which lets you take an additional action on your turn, allowing for devastating bursts of damage. Use this ability strategically, such as when you need to finish off a tough enemy or when you have advantage on attacks.
At level 3, choose a Martial Archetype. The Champion subclass is a straightforward choice for a two-handed weapon build, as it increases your critical hit range, making your attacks more likely to deal massive damage. Alternatively, the Battle Master subclass offers more tactical options with maneuvers like Trip Attack, Precision Attack, and Riposte, which can control the battlefield and enhance your damage output.
As you level up, focus on increasing your Strength and Constitution through Ability Score Improvements (ASIs). At level 4, consider taking the Great Weapon Master feat. This feat allows you to take a -5 penalty to your attack roll in exchange for a +10 bonus to damage, which is incredibly powerful when combined with the FighterÔÇÖs multiple attacks. Additionally, if you score a critical hit or reduce an enemy to 0 hit points, you can make an additional attack as a bonus action.
In combat, position yourself to take advantage of your reach and damage potential. Use your high Strength to shove enemies prone, giving you advantage on attack rolls. Combine this with Great Weapon Master for devastating results. Be mindful of your positioning to avoid being surrounded, as Fighters lack the mobility of some other classes. Use your Second Wind ability to heal yourself in a pinch, and donÔÇÖt hesitate to use Action Surge when the situation calls for it.
Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting Constitution, which can leave you too fragile in combat, and over-relying on Great Weapon Master without ensuring you have advantage or a high enough attack bonus to offset the penalty. Additionally, donÔÇÖt forget to use your FighterÔÇÖs versatility. While two-handed weapons are your primary focus, having a backup weapon like a longsword and shield can be useful in situations where you need more defense.
Advanced techniques include multiclassing. For example, dipping into Barbarian for Rage can increase your damage and survivability, while a level in Cleric can provide utility spells and healing. However, multiclassing requires careful planning to avoid weakening your core Fighter abilities.
In summary, building a Fighter for two-handed weapons in Baldur's Gate 3 involves maximizing Strength and Constitution, choosing the right Fighting Style and Martial Archetype, and leveraging feats like Great Weapon Master. Position yourself strategically in combat, use your abilities wisely, and avoid common pitfalls to become a formidable force on the battlefield.
First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics involved. Fighters in Baldur's Gate 3 use Strength as their primary ability score for melee attacks, which directly affects their attack rolls and damage with two-handed weapons like greatswords, greataxes, and mauls. Dexterity is less important for this build, as two-handed weapons rely on Strength. Constitution is crucial for increasing your hit points, making you more durable in combat. Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma are secondary stats, but you may want to invest a little in Wisdom for better saving throws against certain spells.
When creating your character, choose a race that complements the FighterÔÇÖs strengths. Races like Half-Orc, Githyanki, or Human are excellent choices. Half-Orcs gain bonuses to Strength and Constitution, along with the Savage Attacks feature, which increases critical hit damage. Githyanki have innate proficiency with greatswords and gain a bonus to Strength, making them ideal for this build. Humans gain an extra skill proficiency and a bonus to all ability scores, providing flexibility.
For ability scores, prioritize Strength, followed by Constitution. A good starting spread might be 16 Strength, 14 Constitution, and 12 Dexterity, with the remaining points distributed as you see fit. If youÔÇÖre using the point-buy system, you can adjust these values slightly, but always ensure Strength is your highest stat.
Next, select the Fighting Style at level 1. The Great Weapon Fighting style is the best choice for a two-handed weapon build. This style allows you to reroll 1s and 2s on damage dice, increasing your average damage output. At level 2, you gain Action Surge, which lets you take an additional action on your turn, allowing for devastating bursts of damage. Use this ability strategically, such as when you need to finish off a tough enemy or when you have advantage on attacks.
At level 3, choose a Martial Archetype. The Champion subclass is a straightforward choice for a two-handed weapon build, as it increases your critical hit range, making your attacks more likely to deal massive damage. Alternatively, the Battle Master subclass offers more tactical options with maneuvers like Trip Attack, Precision Attack, and Riposte, which can control the battlefield and enhance your damage output.
As you level up, focus on increasing your Strength and Constitution through Ability Score Improvements (ASIs). At level 4, consider taking the Great Weapon Master feat. This feat allows you to take a -5 penalty to your attack roll in exchange for a +10 bonus to damage, which is incredibly powerful when combined with the FighterÔÇÖs multiple attacks. Additionally, if you score a critical hit or reduce an enemy to 0 hit points, you can make an additional attack as a bonus action.
In combat, position yourself to take advantage of your reach and damage potential. Use your high Strength to shove enemies prone, giving you advantage on attack rolls. Combine this with Great Weapon Master for devastating results. Be mindful of your positioning to avoid being surrounded, as Fighters lack the mobility of some other classes. Use your Second Wind ability to heal yourself in a pinch, and donÔÇÖt hesitate to use Action Surge when the situation calls for it.
Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting Constitution, which can leave you too fragile in combat, and over-relying on Great Weapon Master without ensuring you have advantage or a high enough attack bonus to offset the penalty. Additionally, donÔÇÖt forget to use your FighterÔÇÖs versatility. While two-handed weapons are your primary focus, having a backup weapon like a longsword and shield can be useful in situations where you need more defense.
Advanced techniques include multiclassing. For example, dipping into Barbarian for Rage can increase your damage and survivability, while a level in Cleric can provide utility spells and healing. However, multiclassing requires careful planning to avoid weakening your core Fighter abilities.
In summary, building a Fighter for two-handed weapons in Baldur's Gate 3 involves maximizing Strength and Constitution, choosing the right Fighting Style and Martial Archetype, and leveraging feats like Great Weapon Master. Position yourself strategically in combat, use your abilities wisely, and avoid common pitfalls to become a formidable force on the battlefield.