What are the best strategies for fighting enemies with high armor class and spell resistance in Baldur's Gate 3?

Fighting enemies with high armor class (AC) and spell resistance in Baldur's Gate 3 can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can overcome these obstacles. High AC means the enemy is difficult to hit with physical attacks, while spell resistance reduces the effectiveness of magical attacks. To deal with these enemies, you need to employ a combination of tactics that target their weaknesses and maximize your party's strengths.

First, let's discuss the mechanics. Armor class is a measure of how hard it is to land a successful attack on an enemy. The higher the AC, the more difficult it is to hit them. Spell resistance, on the other hand, reduces the damage or effectiveness of spells. Some enemies may have resistance to certain types of damage, such as fire or cold, while others may have immunity to specific conditions like being charmed or frightened.

To deal with high AC enemies, you need to increase your chances of hitting them. One way to do this is by using abilities or spells that grant advantage on attack rolls. Advantage means you roll two d20s and take the higher result, which significantly increases your chances of hitting. Abilities like Faerie Fire, which grants advantage on attacks against affected creatures, or spells like Guiding Bolt, which also grants advantage on the next attack against the target, can be very useful. Additionally, using abilities that lower the enemy's AC, such as the Battle Master Fighter's Menacing Attack, can make them easier to hit.

For enemies with spell resistance, you need to use spells that bypass or mitigate their resistance. Spells that deal damage types the enemy is not resistant to are a good choice. For example, if an enemy is resistant to fire, using cold or lightning damage spells can be more effective. Additionally, spells that impose conditions rather than dealing damage, such as Hold Person or Slow, can be useful because they don't rely on dealing damage to be effective.

Now, let's go through a step-by-step strategy. First, assess the enemy's strengths and weaknesses. Use the Examine feature to see their AC, resistances, and immunities. This will help you decide which attacks and spells to use. Next, position your party strategically. Use high ground for ranged attacks, as this grants a bonus to hit. Use cover to protect your party from enemy attacks. Then, use abilities and spells that grant advantage or lower the enemy's AC. Follow up with attacks that target the enemy's weaknesses. For example, if the enemy is resistant to fire, use cold or lightning damage spells. Finally, use crowd control spells to limit the enemy's actions. Spells like Web or Entangle can restrict their movement, making it easier for your party to focus on them.

Important tips and considerations include managing your resources. Abilities and spells that grant advantage or lower AC are often limited, so use them wisely. Also, consider the action economy. Make sure each character is using their actions, bonus actions, and movement effectively. For example, a rogue can use their bonus action to hide, granting advantage on their next attack. Additionally, consider the environment. Use environmental hazards like explosive barrels or chasms to your advantage.

Common mistakes to avoid include using spells or attacks that the enemy is resistant to without considering alternatives. Also, avoid clustering your party together, as this makes them vulnerable to area-of-effect spells. Another mistake is not using all available actions. Make sure each character is using their full potential each turn.

Advanced techniques include combining spells and abilities for maximum effectiveness. For example, use a spell like Grease to make the enemy prone, then follow up with melee attacks that have advantage against prone targets. Another technique is using spells that create difficult terrain, such as Spike Growth, to control the battlefield and limit enemy movement.

Related D&D rules and mechanics include the rules for advantage and disadvantage, which are core to increasing your chances of hitting high AC enemies. Additionally, the rules for resistance and immunity are important for understanding how to deal with spell-resistant enemies.

Specific examples and scenarios include fighting a heavily armored knight with high AC. Use spells like Faerie Fire to grant advantage on attacks, then follow up with melee attacks. For a spell-resistant enemy like a demon, use spells that deal radiant damage, which they are often not resistant to, and use crowd control spells to limit their actions.

In conclusion, fighting enemies with high AC and spell resistance requires careful planning and strategic use of abilities and spells. By understanding the mechanics, positioning your party effectively, and using the right combination of attacks and spells, you can overcome these challenging foes.