What are the best strategies for fighting enemies with high evasion in Baldur's Gate 3?

Fighting enemies with high evasion in Baldur's Gate 3 can be challenging, but with the right strategies and understanding of the game's mechanics, you can overcome these foes effectively. High evasion typically means the enemy has a high Armor Class (AC) or abilities that make them harder to hit, such as the Dodge action, Uncanny Dodge, or spells like Blur or Mirror Image. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to handle such enemies.

First, itÔÇÖs important to understand the mechanics behind evasion. In Baldur's Gate 3, as in D&D 5E, Armor Class represents how difficult it is to land a successful attack on a target. High AC means you need to roll a higher number on your attack roll to hit. Additionally, some enemies have abilities that impose disadvantage on your attack rolls, making it even harder to hit them. For example, the Dodge action forces attackers to roll with disadvantage, while spells like Blur make the caster harder to hit unless the attacker has a special ability like Truesight.

To counter high evasion, you need to employ strategies that either reduce the enemyÔÇÖs AC, bypass their evasion abilities, or increase your chances of hitting them. One effective method is to use spells or abilities that impose conditions like Prone, Restrained, or Blinded. These conditions often remove the enemyÔÇÖs ability to use Dodge or impose disadvantage on their defenses. For example, the spell Grease can knock enemies prone, making them easier to hit. Similarly, the spell Hold Person can paralyze humanoid enemies, rendering them unable to use evasion abilities.

Another strategy is to use spells or abilities that force saving throws instead of attack rolls. Many high-evasion enemies have high AC but may have weaker saving throws. Spells like Fireball, Hypnotic Pattern, or Command target saving throws and can be very effective. For example, a Fireball forces a Dexterity saving throw, and even if the enemy succeeds, they still take half damage. This bypasses their high AC entirely.

Positioning and terrain also play a crucial role. Use high ground to gain advantage on ranged attacks, which can offset the disadvantage imposed by evasion abilities. Additionally, flanking enemies can provide advantage on melee attacks, making it easier to hit high-evasion targets. Be mindful of cover, as enemies behind partial cover gain a bonus to their AC. Destroying or moving around cover can make your attacks more effective.

Action economy is another key factor. Use your actions, bonus actions, and movement efficiently. For example, a Rogue can use Cunning Action to hide and then attack with advantage, increasing their chances of hitting a high-evasion enemy. Similarly, a Fighter can use Action Surge to make multiple attacks in a single turn, increasing the likelihood of landing at least one hit.

Common mistakes to avoid include focusing all your attacks on a single high-evasion enemy without considering other targets. Sometimes itÔÇÖs better to deal with weaker enemies first to reduce the overall threat. Also, avoid using spells or abilities that rely on attack rolls if the enemy has a very high AC or evasion abilities. Instead, opt for spells that target saving throws or impose conditions.

Advanced techniques include using multiclassing or specific feats to optimize your character for dealing with high-evasion enemies. For example, a Paladin with the Sentinel feat can lock down an evasive enemy, preventing them from using their mobility to avoid attacks. A Wizard with the Spell Sniper feat can cast spells from a greater distance, reducing the risk of being countered.

In terms of D&D 5E rules, Baldur's Gate 3 closely follows the mechanics, so understanding the core rules can give you an edge. For example, knowing that advantage cancels out disadvantage can help you plan your attacks. If an enemy has Blur, which imposes disadvantage, you can use abilities like Faerie Fire to grant advantage, effectively neutralizing the disadvantage.

Specific examples include fighting enemies like the Phase Spider Matriarch, who has high mobility and evasion. Using area control spells like Web to limit her movement and then focusing on ranged attacks from high ground can make the fight more manageable. Another example is dealing with enemies like the Githyanki, who have high AC and abilities like Misty Step. Using spells like Hold Person or Command to restrict their movement and then focusing fire can turn the tide in your favor.

In conclusion, fighting high-evasion enemies in Baldur's Gate 3 requires a combination of understanding the mechanics, strategic use of spells and abilities, and efficient action economy. By employing these strategies, you can effectively counter high-evasion foes and emerge victorious in your battles.