What are the best strategies for fighting enemies with high resistance to both physical and magical damage in Baldur's Gate 3?

Fighting enemies with high resistance to both physical and magical damage in Baldur's Gate 3 can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can overcome these tough opponents. The key is to understand the mechanics of resistances, exploit weaknesses, and optimize your party's actions to maximize damage output while minimizing risk. Here's a detailed guide to help you tackle these encounters effectively.

First, it's important to understand how resistances work in Baldur's Gate 3. Resistance reduces the damage taken from a specific type of damage by half. For example, if an enemy has resistance to slashing damage, a sword attack that would normally deal 20 damage will only deal 10. Similarly, if an enemy has resistance to fire damage, a Fireball spell that deals 30 damage will only deal 15. Some enemies may have multiple resistances, making them particularly tough to defeat. To counter this, you need to identify the types of damage they are not resistant to and focus on those.

One effective strategy is to use abilities or spells that bypass resistances. For example, the Magic Missile spell always hits and deals force damage, which is rarely resisted. Similarly, the Eldritch Blast cantrip, when used by a Warlock, deals force damage and can be a reliable source of damage against resistant enemies. Another option is to use spells or abilities that deal psychic damage, such as Mind Flayer abilities or the Phantasmal Killer spell, as psychic resistance is uncommon among enemies.

Another approach is to use debuffs and crowd control to weaken the enemy and make them more vulnerable. Spells like Hold Person or Tasha's Hideous Laughter can incapacitate an enemy, making them unable to act and giving your party more time to deal damage. Additionally, spells like Bane or Bestow Curse can reduce the enemy's effectiveness in combat, making it easier for your party to survive and deal damage.

Positioning and terrain are also crucial in these fights. Use high ground to gain advantage on ranged attacks, and try to funnel enemies into chokepoints where you can focus your attacks. Environmental hazards, such as explosive barrels or cliffs, can also be used to deal significant damage to resistant enemies. For example, you can lure an enemy near a cliff and use a spell like Thunderwave to push them off, dealing fall damage that bypasses their resistances.

Action economy is another important factor. Make sure to use your actions, bonus actions, and movement efficiently. For example, a Rogue can use their Cunning Action to hide and gain advantage on their next attack, while a Fighter can use Action Surge to take an additional action in a turn. Combining these abilities with spells or attacks that bypass resistances can significantly increase your damage output.

Common mistakes to avoid include focusing too much on a single type of damage. If an enemy is resistant to both physical and magical damage, it's important to diversify your attacks and use a mix of damage types. Additionally, avoid wasting spells or abilities that the enemy is resistant to. Always check the enemy's resistances before engaging in combat and plan your strategy accordingly.

Advanced techniques include using multiclassing to gain access to a wider variety of abilities. For example, a Fighter/Warlock multiclass can combine the Fighter's Action Surge with the Warlock's Eldritch Blast to deal significant force damage in a single turn. Another option is to use items or equipment that grant additional damage types or bypass resistances. For example, certain weapons may deal additional radiant or necrotic damage, which can be effective against resistant enemies.

In terms of D&D rules, Baldur's Gate 3 closely follows the 5th Edition ruleset. This means that resistances, damage types, and combat mechanics are based on the same principles. Understanding the core rules of D&D 5E can help you better strategize in Baldur's Gate 3. For example, knowing that force damage is rarely resisted can help you prioritize spells like Magic Missile or Eldritch Blast.

Specific examples of resistant enemies include certain types of demons or constructs, which may have resistance to both physical and magical damage. In these cases, using force damage or psychic damage can be particularly effective. Another example is fighting a dragon, which may have resistance to a wide variety of damage types. In this scenario, using spells like Disintegrate or Power Word Kill, which deal massive damage and bypass resistances, can be key to victory.

In conclusion, fighting enemies with high resistance to both physical and magical damage in Baldur's Gate 3 requires a combination of understanding resistances, using abilities that bypass them, and optimizing your party's actions. By diversifying your damage types, using debuffs and crowd control, and taking advantage of positioning and terrain, you can overcome even the toughest opponents. Avoiding common mistakes and using advanced techniques like multiclassing and item optimization can further enhance your effectiveness in combat. With these strategies, you'll be well-equipped to handle any resistant enemy the game throws at you.